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Moaveni AK, Amiri M, Shademan B, Farhadi A, Behroozi J, Nourazarian A. Advances and challenges in gene therapy strategies for pediatric cancer: a comprehensive update. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1382190. [PMID: 38836106 PMCID: PMC11149429 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1382190] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers represent a tragic but also promising area for gene therapy. Although conventional treatments have improved survival rates, there is still a need for targeted and less toxic interventions. This article critically analyzes recent advances in gene therapy for pediatric malignancies and discusses the challenges that remain. We explore the innovative vectors and delivery systems that have emerged, such as adeno-associated viruses and non-viral platforms, which show promise in addressing the unique pathophysiology of pediatric tumors. Specifically, we examine the field of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and their adaptation for solid tumors, which historically have been more challenging to treat than hematologic malignancies. We also discuss the genetic and epigenetic complexities inherent to pediatric cancers, such as tumor heterogeneity and the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which pose significant hurdles for gene therapy. Ethical considerations specific to pediatric populations, including consent and long-term follow-up, are also analyzed. Additionally, we scrutinize the translation of research from preclinical models that often fail to mimic pediatric cancer biology to the regulatory landscapes that can either support or hinder innovation. In summary, this article provides an up-to-date overview of gene therapy in pediatric oncology, highlighting both the rapid scientific progress and the substantial obstacles that need to be addressed. Through this lens, we propose a roadmap for future research that prioritizes the safety, efficacy, and complex ethical considerations involved in treating pediatric patients. Our ultimate goal is to move from incremental advancements to transformative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Kian Moaveni
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Amiri
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrouz Shademan
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arezoo Farhadi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Javad Behroozi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
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Dougé A, Caux C, Bay JO. [Cell therapy in all its forms]. Bull Cancer 2024; 111:213-221. [PMID: 38242769 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2024.01.001] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies have revolutionized the management of a significant number of patients in recent years, whether they are undergoing treatment for hematologic malignancies or solid tumors. This therapeutic class is extensive, ranging from antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules to adoptive cell therapy strategies, including bispecific antibodies and anticancer vaccines. All these strategies are currently in active development. Adoptive cell therapy involves the infusion of normal or genetically modified immune cells into a patient with the aim of restoring strong antitumor immunity, primarily associated with the cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes. Currently, there are three major adoptive cell therapy strategies: allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy, and TCR-T cell therapy. The objective of this article is to describe the mechanisms of action of these three strategies as well as their current advantages, limitations and constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Dougé
- Service d'oncologie médicale, centre hospitalier universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France; EA(UR)7453 CHELTER, université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Christophe Caux
- CNRS 5286, centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Inserm U1052, université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Jacques-Olivier Bay
- Service d'oncologie médicale, centre hospitalier universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France; EA(UR)7453 CHELTER, université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Dougé A, Vituret C, Carraro V, Parry L, Coudy-Gandilhon C, Lemal R, Combaret L, Maurin AC, Averous J, Jousse C, Bay JO, Verrelle P, Fafournoux P, Bruhat A, Rouzaire P. Temporal regulation of transgene expression controlled by amino acid availability in human T cells. HLA 2024; 103:e15252. [PMID: 37848366 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
T cell therapy strategies, from allogeneic stem cell transplantation toward genetically-modified T cells infusion, develop powerful anti-tumor effects but are often accompanied by side effects and their efficacy remains sometimes to be improved. It therefore appears important to provide a flexible and easily reversible gene expression regulation system to control T cells activity. We developed a gene expression regulation technology that exploits the physiological GCN2-ATF4 pathway's ability to induce gene expression in T cells in response to one essential amino acid deficiency. We first demonstrated the functionality of NUTRIREG in human T cells by transient expression of reporter genes. We then validated that NUTRIREG can be used in human T cells to transiently express a therapeutic gene such as IL-10. Overall, our results represent a solid basis for the promising use of NUTRIREG to regulate transgene expression in human T cells in a reversible way, and more generally for numerous preventive or curative therapeutic possibilities in cellular immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Dougé
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cyrielle Vituret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Valérie Carraro
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Parry
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Richard Lemal
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Lydie Combaret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Julien Averous
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Jousse
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jacques-Olivier Bay
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Verrelle
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Radiation Oncology Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Institut-Curie Recherche, U1196/UMR9187, Orsay, France
| | - Pierre Fafournoux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Alain Bruhat
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Paul Rouzaire
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Keshavarz S, Wall JR, Keshavarz S, Vojoudi E, Jafari-Shakib R. Breast cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4431-4447. [PMID: 37658246 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains a major health problem despite numerous new medical interventions that have been introduced in recent years. One of the major choices for cancer therapy is so-called adoptive cell therapy (ACT). ACT can be performed using both innate immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and γδ T cells and acquired immune T cells. It has become possible to utilize these cells in both their native and modified states in clinical studies. Because of considerable success in cancer treatment, ACT now plays a role in advanced therapy protocols. Genetic engineering of autologous and allogeneic immune cells (T lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages, etc.) with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is a powerful new tool to target specific antigens on cancer cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved certain CAR-T cells for hematologic malignancies and it is hoped that their use can be extended to incorporate a variety of cells, in particular NK cells. However, the ACT method has some limitations, such as the risk of rejection in allogeneic engrafts. Accordingly, numerous efforts are being made to eliminate or minimize this and other complications. In the present review, we have developed a guide to breast cancer (BC) therapy from conventional therapy, through to cell-based approaches, in particular novel technologies including CAR with emphasis on NK cells as a new and safer candidate in this field as well as the more recent aptamer technology, which can play a major role in BC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Jack R Wall
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Somayeh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Elham Vojoudi
- Regenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multidisciplinary Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Reza Jafari-Shakib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Zhao K, Ren C, Tang D, Zhao L, Chen X, Wang Y, Xu K. The altering cellular components and function in tumor microenvironment during remissive and relapsed stages of anti-CD19 CAR T-cell treated lymphoma mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1101769. [PMID: 36761733 PMCID: PMC9905118 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1101769] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells represent a highly promising strategy for B-cell malignancies. Despite the inspiring initial achievement, remission in a notable fraction of subjects is short-lived, and relapse remains a major challenge. Tumor microenvironment (TME) was proved to be aroused by CAR T cells; however, little is known about the dynamic characteristics of cellular components in TME especially during the different phases of disease after anti-CD19 CAR T-cell treatment. We took advantage of an immunocompetent model receiving syngeneic A20 lymphoma cells to dissect the changes in TME with or without CAR T-cell injection. We found that anti-CD19 CAR T-cell treatment attenuated the symptoms of lymphoma and significantly prolonged mice survival through eradicating systemic CD19+ cells. Increased myeloid subsets, including CD11c+ DCs and F4/80+ macrophages with higher MHC II and CD80 expression in bone marrow, spleen, and liver, were detected when mice reached remission after anti-CD19 CAR T treatment. Compared to mice without anti-CD19 CAR T administration, intrinsic T cells were triggered to produce more IFN-γ and TNF-α. However, some lymphoma mice relapsed by day 42 after therapy, which coincided with CAR T-cell recession, decreased myeloid cell activation and increased Treg cells. Elevated intrinsic T cells with high PD-1 and TIGIT exhaust signatures and attenuated cytotoxicity in TME were associated with the late-stage relapse of CAR T-cell treatment. In summary, the cellular compositions of TME as allies of CAR T cells may contribute to the anti-tumor efficacy at the initial stage, whereas anti-CD19 CAR T-cell disappearance and host response immunosuppression may work together to cause lymphoma relapse after an initial, near-complete elimination phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,The Key Lab of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunxiao Ren
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Donghai Tang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xianxian Chen
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,The Key Lab of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Lv M, Liu Y, Liu W, Xing Y, Zhang S. Immunotherapy for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921894. [PMID: 35769486 PMCID: PMC9234114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common subtype of childhood leukemia, which is characterized by the abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature lymphoid cell in the bone marrow. Although the long-term survival rate for pediatric ALL has made significant progress over years with the development of contemporary therapeutic regimens, patients are still suffered from relapse, leading to an unsatisfactory outcome. Since the immune system played an important role in the progression and relapse of ALL, immunotherapy including bispecific T-cell engagers and chimeric antigen receptor T cells has been demonstrated to be capable of enhancing the immune response in pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed B-cell ALL, and improving the cure rate of the disease and patients’ quality of life, thus receiving the authorization for market. Nevertheless, the resistance and toxicities associated with the current immunotherapy remains a huge challenge. Novel therapeutic options to overcome the above disadvantages should be further explored. In this review, we will thoroughly discuss the emerging immunotherapeutics for the treatment of pediatric ALL, as well as side-effects and new development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yabing Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yabing Xing, ; Shengnan Zhang,
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yabing Xing, ; Shengnan Zhang,
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