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Tsiverioti CA, Gottschlich A, Trefny M, Theurich S, Anders HJ, Kroiss M, Kobold S. Beyond CAR T cells: exploring alternative cell sources for CAR-like cellular therapies. Biol Chem 2024; 405:485-515. [PMID: 38766710 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0317] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has led to remarkable clinical outcomes in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, challenges remain, such as limited infiltration into solid tumors, inadequate persistence, systemic toxicities, and manufacturing insufficiencies. The use of alternative cell sources for CAR-based therapies, such as natural killer cells (NK), macrophages (MΦ), invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells, γδT cells, neutrophils, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), has emerged as a promising avenue. By harnessing these cells' inherent cytotoxic mechanisms and incorporating CAR technology, common CAR-T cell-related limitations can be effectively mitigated. We herein present an overview of the tumoricidal mechanisms, CAR designs, and manufacturing processes of CAR-NK cells, CAR-MΦ, CAR-iNKT cells, CAR-γδT cells, CAR-neutrophils, and iPSC-derived CAR-cells, outlining the advantages, limitations, and potential solutions of these therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian Gottschlich
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Trefny
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Theurich
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- 74939 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital of the LMU , Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Cancer and Immunometabolism Research Group, 74939 Gene Center LMU , Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str, 9780 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 6, 9780 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- 74939 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital of the LMU , Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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2
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Taheri MM, Javan F, Poudineh M, Athari SS. CAR-NKT Cells in Asthma: Use of NKT as a Promising Cell for CAR Therapy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2024:10.1007/s12016-024-08998-0. [PMID: 38995478 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-024-08998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
NKT cells, unique lymphocytes bridging innate and adaptive immunity, offer significant potential for managing inflammatory disorders like asthma. Activating iNKT induces increasing IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-2, and IL-10 potentially suppressing allergic asthma. However, their immunomodulatory effects, including granzyme-perforin-mediated cytotoxicity, and expression of TIM-3 and TRAIL warrant careful consideration and targeted approaches. Although CAR-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in treating certain cancers, its limitations necessitate exploring alternative approaches. In this context, CAR-NKT cells emerge as a promising approach for overcoming these challenges, potentially achieving safer and more effective immunotherapies. Strategies involve targeting distinct IgE-receptors and their interactions with CAR-NKT cells, potentially disrupting allergen-mast cell/basophil interactions and preventing inflammatory cytokine release. Additionally, targeting immune checkpoints like PDL-2, inducible ICOS, FASL, CTLA-4, and CD137 or dectin-1 for fungal asthma could further modulate immune responses. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning hold immense promise for revolutionizing NKT cell-based asthma therapy. AI can optimize CAR-NKT cell functionalities, design personalized treatment strategies, and unlock a future of precise and effective care. This review discusses various approaches to enhancing CAR-NKT cell efficacy and longevity, along with the challenges and opportunities they present in the treatment of allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Javan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Poudineh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyyed Shamsadin Athari
- Cancer Gene therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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3
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Garcia A, Mathew SO. Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Immunotherapeutic Advances in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2446. [PMID: 39001508 PMCID: PMC11240753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132446] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the leading causes of death among many associated liver diseases. Various conventional strategies have been utilized for treatment, ranging from invasive surgeries and liver transplants to radiation therapy, but fail due to advanced disease progression, late screening/staging, and the various etiologies of HCC. This is especially evident within racially distinct populations, where incidence rates are higher and treatment outcomes are worse for racial/ethnic minorities than their Caucasian counterparts. However, with the rapid development of genetic engineering and molecular and synthetic biology, many novel strategies have presented promising results and have provided potential treatment options. In this review, we summarize past treatments, how they have shaped current treatments, and potential treatment strategies for HCC that may prove more effective in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexsis Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Stephen O Mathew
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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4
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Minina EP, Dianov DV, Sheetikov SA, Bogolyubova AV. CAR Cells beyond Classical CAR T Cells: Functional Properties and Prospects of Application. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:765-783. [PMID: 38880641 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924050018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are genetically engineered receptors that recognize antigens and activate signaling cascades in a cell. Signal recognition and transmission are mediated by the CAR domains derived from different proteins. T cells carrying CARs against tumor-associated antigens have been used in the development of the CAR T cell therapy, a new approach to fighting malignant neoplasms. Despite its high efficacy in the treatment of oncohematological diseases, CAR T cell therapy has a number of disadvantages that could be avoided by using other types of leukocytes as effector cells. CARs can be expressed in a wide range of cells of adaptive and innate immunity with the emergence or improvement of cytotoxic properties. This review discusses the features of CAR function in different types of immune cells, with a particular focus on the results of preclinical and clinical efficacy studies and the safety of potential CAR cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizaveta P Minina
- National Medical Research Centre for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Dianov
- National Medical Research Centre for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Saveliy A Sheetikov
- National Medical Research Centre for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Apollinariya V Bogolyubova
- National Medical Research Centre for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia.
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5
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Huang J, Yang Q, Wang W, Huang J. CAR products from novel sources: a new avenue for the breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378739. [PMID: 38665921 PMCID: PMC11044028 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378739] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed cancer immunotherapy. However, significant challenges limit its application beyond B cell-driven malignancies, including limited clinical efficacy, high toxicity, and complex autologous cell product manufacturing. Despite efforts to improve CAR T cell therapy outcomes, there is a growing interest in utilizing alternative immune cells to develop CAR cells. These immune cells offer several advantages, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent function, tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation, and increased tissue infiltration capabilities. Currently, CAR products from various T cell subtypes, innate immune cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and even exosomes are being explored. These CAR products often show enhanced antitumor efficacy, diminished toxicity, and superior tumor penetration. With these benefits in mind, numerous clinical trials are underway to access the potential of these innovative CAR cells. This review aims to thoroughly examine the advantages, challenges, and existing insights on these new CAR products in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wen Wang
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Zhang T, Tai Z, Miao F, Zhang X, Li J, Zhu Q, Wei H, Chen Z. Adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors beyond CAR-T: Current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. J Control Release 2024; 368:372-396. [PMID: 38408567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.033] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a highly specific anti-tumor immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there has been a slow progress toward the treatment of solid tumors owing to the complex tumor microenvironment that affects the localization and killing ability of the CAR cells. Solid tumors with a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and complex vascular system are unaffected by CAR cell infiltration and attack. To improve their efficacy toward solid tumors, CAR cells have been modified and upgraded by "decorating" and "pruning". This review focuses on the structure and function of CARs, the immune cells that can be engineered by CARs and the transformation strategies to overcome solid tumors, with a view to broadening ideas for the better application of CAR cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China.
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7
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Cui G, Abe S, Kato R, Ikuta K. Insights into the heterogeneity of iNKT cells: tissue-resident and circulating subsets shaped by local microenvironmental cues. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1349184. [PMID: 38440725 PMCID: PMC10910067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349184] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a distinct subpopulation of innate-like T lymphocytes. They are characterized by semi-invariant T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize both self and foreign lipid antigens presented by CD1d, a non-polymorphic MHC class I-like molecule. iNKT cells play a critical role in stimulating innate and adaptive immune responses, providing an effective defense against infections and cancers, while also contributing to chronic inflammation. The functions of iNKT cells are specific to their location, ranging from lymphoid to non-lymphoid tissues, such as the thymus, lung, liver, intestine, and adipose tissue. This review aims to provide insights into the heterogeneity of development and function in iNKT cells. First, we will review the expression of master transcription factors that define subsets of iNKT cells and their production of effector molecules such as cytokines and granzymes. In this article, we describe the gene expression profiles contributing to the kinetics, distribution, and cytotoxicity of iNKT cells across different tissue types. We also review the impact of cytokine production in distinct immune microenvironments on iNKT cell heterogeneity, highlighting a recently identified circulating iNKT cell subset. Additionally, we explore the potential of exploiting iNKT cell heterogeneity to create potent immunotherapies for human cancers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwei Cui
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinya Abe
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryoma Kato
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Ikuta
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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8
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Liu Y, Dang Y, Zhang C, Liu L, Cai W, Li L, Fang L, Wang M, Xu S, Wang G, Zheng J, Li H. IL-21-armored B7H3 CAR-iNKT cells exert potent antitumor effects. iScience 2024; 27:108597. [PMID: 38179061 PMCID: PMC10765065 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108597] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
CD1d-restricted invariant NKT (iNKT) cells play a critical role in tumor immunity. However, the scarcity and limited persistence restricts their development and clinical application. Here, we demonstrated that iNKT cells could be efficiently expanded using modified cytokines combination from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Introduction of IL-21 significantly increased the frequency of CD62L-positive memory-like iNKT cells. iNKT cells armoring with B7H3-targeting second generation CAR and IL-21 showed potent tumor cell killing activity. Moreover, co-expression of IL-21 promoted the activation of Stat3 signaling and reduced the expression of exhaustion markers in CAR-iNKT cells in vitro. Most importantly, IL-21-arming significantly prolonged B7H3 CAR-iNKT cell proliferation and survival in vivo, thus improving their therapeutic efficacy in mouse renal cancer xerograph models without observed cytokine-related adverse events. In summary, these results suggest that B7H3 CAR-iNKT armored with IL-21 is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yuanyuan Dang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Chuhan Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Wenhui Cai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Liantao Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Med-ical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Lin Fang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Med-ical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Med-ical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Shunzhe Xu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Med-ical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Med-ical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Huizhong Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Med-ical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
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9
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Zhao W, Li M, Song S, Zhi Y, Huan C, Lv G. The role of natural killer T cells in liver transplantation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1274361. [PMID: 38250325 PMCID: PMC10796773 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274361] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T cells (NKTs) are innate-like lymphocytes that are abundant in the liver and participate in liver immunity. NKT cells express both NK cell and T cell markers, modulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Type I and Type II NKT cells are classified according to the TCR usage, while they recognize lipid antigen in a non-classical major histocompatibility (MHC) molecule CD1d-restricted manner. Once activated, NKT cells can quickly produce cytokines and chemokines to negatively or positively regulate the immune responses, depending on the different NKT subsets. In liver transplantation (LTx), the immune reactions in a series of processes determine the recipients' long-term survival, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, alloresponse, and post-transplant infection. This review provides insight into the research on NKT cells subpopulations in LTx immunity during different processes, and discusses the shortcomings of the current research on NKT cells. Additionally, the CD56-expressing T cells are recognized as a NK-like T cell population, they were also discussed during these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mingqian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shifei Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yao Zhi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chen Huan
- Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of The Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guoyue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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10
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Rahimi A, Malakoutikhah Z, Rahimmanesh I, Ferns GA, Nedaeinia R, Ishaghi SMM, Dana N, Haghjooy Javanmard S. The nexus of natural killer cells and melanoma tumor microenvironment: crosstalk, chemotherapeutic potential, and innovative NK cell-based therapeutic strategies. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:312. [PMID: 38057843 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03134-y] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The metastasis of melanoma cells to regional lymph nodes and distant sites is an important contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality among patients with melanoma. This intricate process entails dynamic interactions involving tumor cells, cellular constituents, and non-cellular elements within the microenvironment. Moreover, both microenvironmental and systemic factors regulate the metastatic progression. Central to immunosurveillance for tumor cells are natural killer (NK) cells, prominent effectors of the innate immune system with potent antitumor and antimetastatic capabilities. Recognizing their pivotal role, contemporary immunotherapeutic strategies are actively integrating NK cells to combat metastatic tumors. Thus, a meticulous exploration of the interplay between metastatic melanoma and NK cells along the metastatic cascade is important. Given the critical involvement of NK cells within the melanoma tumor microenvironment, this comprehensive review illuminates the intricate relationship between components of the melanoma tumor microenvironment and NK cells, delineating their multifaceted roles. By shedding light on these critical aspects, this review advocates for a deeper understanding of NK cell dynamics within the melanoma context, driving forward transformative strategies to combat this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Rahimi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Malakoutikhah
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ilnaz Rahimmanesh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Reza Nedaeinia
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Nasim Dana
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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11
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Mei Q, Zhao B, Chu Q, Dai Z, Wu K. Exploiting innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 38008741 PMCID: PMC10680233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment paradigms of various types of cancers. However, most of these immunomodulatory strategies focus on harnessing adaptive immunity, mainly by inhibiting immunosuppressive signaling with immune checkpoint blockade, or enhancing immunostimulatory signaling with bispecific T cell engager and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell. Although these agents have already achieved great success, only a tiny percentage of patients could benefit from immunotherapies. Actually, immunotherapy efficacy is determined by multiple components in the tumor microenvironment beyond adaptive immunity. Cells from the innate arm of the immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and unconventional T cells, also participate in cancer immune evasion and surveillance. Considering that the innate arm is the cornerstone of the antitumor immune response, utilizing innate immunity provides potential therapeutic options for cancer control. Up to now, strategies exploiting innate immunity, such as agonists of stimulator of interferon genes, CAR-macrophage or -natural killer cell therapies, metabolic regulators, and novel immune checkpoint blockade, have exhibited potent antitumor activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the potential roles of innate cells in antitumor immunity and discuss the advances in innate arm-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Calvillo-Rodríguez KM, Lorenzo-Anota HY, Rodríguez-Padilla C, Martínez-Torres AC, Scott-Algara D. Immunotherapies inducing immunogenic cell death in cancer: insight of the innate immune system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1294434. [PMID: 38077402 PMCID: PMC10701401 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1294434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies include monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, oncolytic viruses, cellular therapies, and other biological and synthetic immunomodulators. These are traditionally studied for their effect on the immune system's role in eliminating cancer cells. However, some of these therapies have the unique ability to directly induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD). Unlike general immune stimulation, ICD triggers specific therapy-induced cell death pathways, based on the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying tumour cells. These activate innate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and subsequent adaptive immune responses, offering the promise of sustained anticancer drug efficacy and durable antitumour immune memory. Exploring how onco-immunotherapies can trigger ICD, enhances our understanding of their mechanisms and potential for combination strategies. This review explores the complexities of these immunotherapeutic approaches that induce ICD, highlighting their implications for the innate immune system, addressing challenges in cancer treatment, and emphasising the pivotal role of ICD in contemporary cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Misael Calvillo-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL, Mexico
| | - Helen Yarimet Lorenzo-Anota
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL, Mexico
- The Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Padilla
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL, Mexico
| | - Ana Carolina Martínez-Torres
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL, Mexico
| | - Daniel Scott-Algara
- Département d'Immunologie, Unité de Biologie Cellulaire des Lymphocytes, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
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13
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Jiang W, Gu G, Zhang Y, Song Y, Shi M, Wang G, Li H, Tao T, Qin J, Li X, Jia H, Jiao F, Xu W, Huang X. Novel mesothelin-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-modified UNKT cells are highly effective in inhibiting tumor progression. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106942. [PMID: 37775021 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The design of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) significantly enhances the antitumor efficacy of T cells. Although some CAR-T products have been approved by FDA in treating hematological tumors, adoptive immune therapy still faces many difficulties and challenges in the treatment of solid tumors. In this study, we reported a new strategy to treat solid tumors using a natural killer-like T (NKT) cell line which showed strong cytotoxicity to lyse 15 cancer cell lines, safe to normal cells and had low or no Graft-versus-host activity. We thus named it as universal NKT (UNKT). In both direct and indirect 3D tumor-like organ model, UNKT showed efficient tumor-killing properties, indicating that it could penetrate the microenvironment of solid tumors. In mesothelin (MSLN)-positive tumor cells (SKOV-3 and MCF-7), MSLN targeting CAR modified-UNKT cells had enhanced killing potential against MSLN positive ovarian cancer compared with the wild type UNKT, as well as MSLN-CAR-T cells. Compared with CAR-T, Single-cell microarray 32-plex proteomics revealed CAR-UNKT cells express more effector cytokines, such as perforin and granzyme B, and less interleukin-6 after activation. Moreover, our CAR-UNKT cells featured in more multifunctionality than CAR-T cells. CAR-UNKT cells also demonstrated strong antitumor activity in mouse models of ovarian cancer, with the ability to migrate and infiltrate the tumor without inducing immune memory. The fast-in and -out, enhanced and prolonged tumor killing properties of CAR-UNKT suggested a novel cure option of cellular immunotherapy in the treatment of MSLN-positive solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Guosheng Gu
- Abelow Pharmaceuticals Inc., 10 Xinghuo Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Yumin Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yushuai Song
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Huizhong Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Tingting Tao
- CAS Key Laboratory of SSAC, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of SSAC, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; Beijing Institute For Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China; Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xianliang Li
- Department of HBP Surgery,Beijing Chao Yang Hospital,The Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Hongtao Jia
- Abelow Pharmaceuticals Inc., 10 Xinghuo Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Feng Jiao
- Abelow Pharmaceuticals Inc., 10 Xinghuo Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Weidong Xu
- Abelow Pharmaceuticals Inc., 10 Xinghuo Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China.
| | - Xiaoyi Huang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150001, China.
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14
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Zhang P, Zhang G, Wan X. Challenges and new technologies in adoptive cell therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:97. [PMID: 37596653 PMCID: PMC10439661 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapies (ACTs) have existed for decades. From the initial infusion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to the subsequent specific enhanced T cell receptor (TCR)-T and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies, many novel strategies for cancer treatment have been developed. Owing to its promising outcomes, CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized the field of ACTs, particularly for hematologic malignancies. Despite these advances, CAR-T cell therapy still has limitations in both autologous and allogeneic settings, including practicality and toxicity issues. To overcome these challenges, researchers have focused on the application of CAR engineering technology to other types of immune cell engineering. Consequently, several new cell therapies based on CAR technology have been developed, including CAR-NK, CAR-macrophage, CAR-γδT, and CAR-NKT. In this review, we describe the development, advantages, and possible challenges of the aforementioned ACTs and discuss current strategies aimed at maximizing the therapeutic potential of ACTs. We also provide an overview of the various gene transduction strategies employed in immunotherapy given their importance in immune cell engineering. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility that strategies capable of creating a positive feedback immune circuit, as healthy immune systems do, could address the flaw of a single type of ACT, and thus serve as key players in future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Guizhong Zhang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Hadiloo K, Tahmasebi S, Esmaeilzadeh A. CAR-NKT cell therapy: a new promising paradigm of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:86. [PMID: 37158883 PMCID: PMC10165596 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02923-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, cancer treatment is one of the fundamental problems facing clinicians and researchers worldwide. Efforts to find an excellent way to treat this illness continue, and new therapeutic strategies are developed quickly. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is a practical approach that has been emerged to improve clinical outcomes in cancer patients. In the ACT, one of the best ways to arm the immune cells against tumors is by employing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) via genetic engineering. CAR equips cells to target specific antigens on tumor cells and selectively eradicate them. Researchers have achieved promising preclinical and clinical outcomes with different cells by using CARs. One of the potent immune cells that seems to be a good candidate for CAR-immune cell therapy is the Natural Killer-T (NKT) cell. NKT cells have multiple features that make them potent cells against tumors and would be a powerful replacement for T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. NKT cells are cytotoxic immune cells with various capabilities and no notable side effects on normal cells. The current study aimed to comprehensively provide the latest advances in CAR-NKT cell therapy for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, Department of immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Student Research Committee, Department of immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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16
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Mazinani M, Rahbarizadeh F. New cell sources for CAR-based immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2023; 11:49. [PMID: 37147740 PMCID: PMC10163725 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00482-9] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, in which a patient's own T lymphocytes are engineered to recognize and kill cancer cells, has achieved striking success in some hematological malignancies in preclinical and clinical trials, resulting in six FDA-approved CAR-T products currently available in the market. Despite impressive clinical outcomes, concerns about treatment failure associated with low efficacy or high cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells remain. While the main focus has been on improving CAR-T cells, exploring alternative cellular sources for CAR generation has garnered growing interest. In the current review, we comprehensively evaluated other cell sources rather than conventional T cells for CAR generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Mazinani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran.
- Research and Development Center of Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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17
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Prendergast CM, Capaccione KM, Lopci E, Das JP, Shoushtari AN, Yeh R, Amin D, Dercle L, De Jong D. More than Just Skin-Deep: A Review of Imaging's Role in Guiding CAR T-Cell Therapy for Advanced Melanoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:992. [PMID: 36900136 PMCID: PMC10000712 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma is one of the deadliest cancers, owing to its invasiveness and its propensity to develop resistance to therapy. Surgery remains the first-line treatment for early-stage tumors but is often not an option for advanced-stage melanoma. Chemotherapy carries a poor prognosis, and despite advances in targeted therapy, the cancer can develop resistance. CAR T-cell therapy has demonstrated great success against hematological cancers, and clinical trials are deploying it against advanced melanoma. Though melanoma remains a challenging disease to treat, radiology will play an increasing role in monitoring both the CAR T-cells and response to therapy. We review the current imaging techniques for advanced melanoma, as well as novel PET tracers and radiomics, in order to guide CAR T-cell therapy and manage potential adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor M. Prendergast
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Capaccione
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Egesta Lopci
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCSS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Jeeban P. Das
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Randy Yeh
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daniel Amin
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Laurent Dercle
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dorine De Jong
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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18
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Li YR, Zhou K, Wilson M, Kramer A, Zhu Y, Dawson N, Yang L. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:631-646. [PMID: 36463401 PMCID: PMC10014234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are characterized by their expression of an invariant TCR α chain Vα7.2-Jα33/Jα20/Jα12 paired with a restricted TCR β chain. MAIT cells recognize microbial peptides presented by the highly conserved MHC class I-like molecule MR1 and bridge the innate and acquired immune systems to mediate augmented immune responses. Upon activation, MAIT cells rapidly proliferate, produce a variety of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules, and trigger efficient antitumor immunity. Administration of a representative MAIT cell ligand 5-OP-RU effectively activates MAIT cells and enhances their antitumor capacity. In this review, we introduce MAIT cell biology and their importance in antitumor immunity, summarize the current development of peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived and stem cell-derived MAIT cell products for cancer treatment, and discuss the potential of genetic engineering of MAIT cells for off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kuangyi Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adam Kramer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Niels Dawson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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19
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Courtney AN, Tian G, Metelitsa LS. Natural killer T cells and other innate-like T lymphocytes as emerging platforms for allogeneic cancer cell therapy. Blood 2023; 141:869-876. [PMID: 36347021 PMCID: PMC10023720 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have achieved major clinical success in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, these treatments remain largely ineffective for solid cancers and require significant time and resources to be manufactured in an autologous setting. Developing alternative immune effector cells as cancer immunotherapy agents that can be employed in allogeneic settings is crucial for the advancement of cell therapy. Unlike T cells, Vα24-invariant natural killer T cells (NKTs) are not alloreactive and can therefore be generated from allogeneic donors for rapid infusion into numerous patients without the risk of graft-versus-host disease. Additionally, NKT cells demonstrate inherent advantages over T-cell products, including the ability to traffic to tumor tissues, target tumor-associated macrophages, transactivate NK cells, and cross-prime tumor-specific CD8 T cells. Both unmodified NKTs, which specifically recognize CD1d-bound glycolipid antigens expressed by certain types of tumors, and CAR-redirected NKTs are being developed as the next generation of allogeneic cell therapy products. In this review, we describe studies on the biology of NKTs and other types of innate-like T cells and summarize the clinical experiences of unmodified and CAR-redirected NKTs, including recent interim reports on allogeneic NKTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N. Courtney
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Gengwen Tian
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Leonid S. Metelitsa
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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20
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Kratzmeier C, Singh S, Asiedu EB, Webb TJ. Current Developments in the Preclinical and Clinical use of Natural Killer T cells. BioDrugs 2023; 37:57-71. [PMID: 36525216 PMCID: PMC9756707 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00572-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells play a pivotal role as a bridge between the innate and the adaptive immune response and are instrumental in the regulation of homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the potential for NKT cells to serve as biodrugs in viral infections and in cancer. NKT cells are being investigated for their use as a prognostic biomarker, an immune adjuvant, and as a form of cellular therapy. Historically, the clinical utility of NKT cells was hampered by their low frequency in the blood, discrepancies in nomenclature, and challenges with ex vivo expansion. However, recent advances in the field have permitted the development of several NKT cell-based preclinical and clinical strategies. These new developments pave the way for the successful implementation of NKT cell-based approaches for the treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kratzmeier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Sasha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Emmanuel B Asiedu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Tonya J Webb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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21
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Qin Y, Xu G. Enhancing CAR T-cell therapies against solid tumors: Mechanisms and reversion of resistance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1053120. [PMID: 36569859 PMCID: PMC9773088 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1053120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, belonging to adoptive immune cells therapy, utilizes engineered immunoreceptors to enhance tumor-specific killing. By now new generations of CAR T-cell therapies dramatically promote the effectiveness and robustness in leukemia cases. However, only a few CAR T-cell therapies gain FDA approval till now, which are applied to hematologic cancers. Targeting solid tumors through CAR T-cell therapies still faces many problems, such as tumor heterogeneity, antigen loss, infiltration inability and immunosuppressive micro-environment. Recent advances provide new insights about the mechanisms of CAR T-cell therapy resistance and give rise to potential reversal therapies. In this review, we mainly introduce existing barriers when treating solid tumors with CAR T-cells and discuss the methods to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qin
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China,Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guotai Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China,Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Guotai Xu,
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22
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Wang L, Chen X, Zhang L, Niu B, Li L, Sun Y, Yuan X. CAR cell design strategies in solid tumors. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109345. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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23
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Qu C, Zhang H, Cao H, Tang L, Mo H, Liu F, Zhang L, Yi Z, Long L, Yan L, Wang Z, Zhang N, Luo P, Zhang J, Liu Z, Ye W, Liu Z, Cheng Q. Tumor buster - where will the CAR-T cell therapy 'missile' go? Mol Cancer 2022; 21:201. [PMID: 36261831 PMCID: PMC9580202 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01669-8] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy based on gene editing technology represents a significant breakthrough in personalized immunotherapy for human cancer. This strategy uses genetic modification to enable T cells to target tumor-specific antigens, attack specific cancer cells, and bypass tumor cell apoptosis avoidance mechanisms to some extent. This method has been extensively used to treat hematologic diseases, but the therapeutic effect in solid tumors is not ideal. Tumor antigen escape, treatment-related toxicity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) limit their use of it. Target selection is the most critical aspect in determining the prognosis of patients receiving this treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of all therapeutic targets used in the clinic or shown promising potential. We summarize CAR-T cell therapies’ clinical trials, applications, research frontiers, and limitations in treating different cancers. We also explore coping strategies when encountering sub-optimal tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or TAA loss. Moreover, the importance of CAR-T cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunrun Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, The Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lanhua Tang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoyang Mo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fangkun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenjie Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lifu Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luzhe Yan
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,One-third Lab, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Ye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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24
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Dogan M, Karhan E, Kozhaya L, Placek L, Chen X, Yigit M, Unutmaz D. Engineering Human MAIT Cells with Chimeric Antigen Receptors for Cancer Immunotherapy. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1523-1531. [PMID: 36165183 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Engineering immune cells with chimeric Ag receptors (CARs) is a promising technology in cancer immunotherapy. Besides classical cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, innate cell types such as NK cells have also been used to generate CAR-T or CAR-NK cells. In this study, we devised an approach to program a nonclassical cytotoxic T cell subset called mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells into effective CAR-T cells against B cell lymphoma and breast cancer cells. Accordingly, we expressed anti-CD19 and anti-Her2 CARs in activated primary human MAIT cells and CD8+ T cells, expanded them in vitro, and compared their cytotoxicity against tumor cell targets. We show upon activation through CARs that CAR-MAIT cells exhibit high levels of cytotoxicity toward target cells, comparable to CD8+ CAR-T cells, but interestingly expressed lower levels of IFN-γ than conventional CAR CD8+ T cells. Additionally, in the presence of vitamin B2 metabolite 5-ARU (5-amino-4-d-ribitylaminouracil dihydrochloride), which is a conserved compound that activates MAIT cells through MHC class I-related (MR1) protein, MAIT cells killed MR1-expressing target breast cancer and B cell lymphoma cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, MAIT cells can be genetically edited as CAR-T cells or mobilized and expanded by MR1 ligands as an off-the-shelf novel approach to cell-based cancer immunotherapy strategies while being comparable to conventional methods in effectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikail Dogan
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT; and
| | - Ece Karhan
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT; and
| | - Lina Kozhaya
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT; and
| | - Lindsey Placek
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT; and
| | - Xin Chen
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT; and
| | - Mesut Yigit
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT; and
| | - Derya Unutmaz
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT; and .,Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT
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25
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Li YR, Wilson M, Yang L. Target tumor microenvironment by innate T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:999549. [PMID: 36275727 PMCID: PMC9582148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.999549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remains one of the most prevailing barriers obstructing the implementation of effective immunotherapy against solid-state cancers. Eminently composed of immunosuppressive tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) among others, the TME attenuates the effects of immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell therapies, mandating a novel therapy capable of TME remediation. In this review we explore the potential of three innate-like T cell subsets, invariant natural killer T (iNKT), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and gamma delta T (γδT) cells, that display an intrinsic anti-TAM/MDSC capacity. Exhibiting both innate and adaptive properties, innate-like T cell types express a subset-specific TCR with distinct recombination, morphology, and target cell recognition, further supplemented by a variety of NK activating receptors. Both NK activating receptor and TCR activation result in effector cell cytotoxicity against targeted immunosuppressive cells for TME remediation. In addition, innate-like T cells showcase moderate levels of tumor cell killing, providing dual antitumor and anti-TAM/MDSC function. This latent antitumor capacity can be further bolstered by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering for recognition of tumor specific antigens to enhance antitumor targeting. In contrast with established CAR-T cell therapies, adoption of these innate-like cell types provides an enhanced safety profile without the risk of graft versus host disease (GvHD), due to their non-recognition of mismatched major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, for use as widely accessible, allogeneic “off-the-shelf” cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lili Yang,
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26
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Huang B, Miao L, Liu J, Zhang J, Li Y. A promising antitumor method: Targeting CSC with immune cells modified with CAR. Front Immunol 2022; 13:937327. [PMID: 36032145 PMCID: PMC9403009 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.937327] [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: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors pose a great threat to human health; as a subgroup of tumor cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to the genesis, development, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors because of their enhanced proliferation and multidirectional differentiation. Thus, a critical step in tumor treatment is to inhibit CSCs. Researchers have proposed many methods to inhibit or reduce CSCs, including monoclonal antibodies targeting specific surface molecules of CSCs, signal pathway inhibitors, and energy metabolic enzyme inhibitors and inducing differentiation therapy. Additionally, immunotherapy with immune cells engineered with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) showed favorable results. However, there are few comprehensive reviews in this area. In this review, we summarize the recent CSC targets used for CSC inhibition and the different immune effector cells (T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages) which are engineered with CAR used for CSC therapy. Finally, we list the main challenges and options in targeting CSC with CAR-based immunotherapy. The design targeting two tumor antigens (one CSC antigen and one mature common tumor antigen) should be more reasonable and practical; meanwhile, we highlight the potential of CAR-NK in tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lele Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yumin Li,
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Gómez-Aguado I, Rodríguez-Castejón J, Beraza-Millor M, Rodríguez-Gascón A, Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Solinís MÁ. mRNA delivery technologies: Toward clinical translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 372:207-293. [PMID: 36064265 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.010] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-therapies have recently taken a huge step toward clinic thanks to the first mRNA-based medicinal products marketed. mRNA features for clinical purposes are improved by chemical modifications, but the inclusion in a delivery system is a regular requirement. mRNA nanomedicines must be designed for the specific therapeutic purpose, protecting the nucleic acid and facilitating the overcoming of biological barriers. Polymers, polypeptides, and cationic lipids are the main used materials to design mRNA delivery systems. Among them, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most advanced ones, and currently they are at the forefront of preclinical and clinical evaluation in several fields, including immunotherapy (against infectious diseases and cancer), protein replacement, gene editing and regenerative medicine. This chapter includes an overview on mRNA delivery technologies, with special interest in LNPs, and the most recent advances in their clinical application. Liposomes are the mRNA delivery technology with the highest clinical translation among LNPs, whereas the first clinical trial of a therapeutic mRNA formulated in exosomes has been recently approved for protein replacement therapy. The first mRNA products approved by the regulatory agencies worldwide are LNP-based mRNA vaccines against viral infections, specifically against the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The clinical translation of mRNA-therapies for cancer is mainly focused on three strategies: anti-cancer vaccination by means of delivering cancer antigens or acting as an adjuvant, mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs), and expression of antibodies and immunomodulators. Cancer immunotherapy and, more recently, COVID-19 vaccines spearhead the advance of mRNA clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Gómez-Aguado
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Julen Rodríguez-Castejón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marina Beraza-Millor
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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28
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Delfanti G, Dellabona P, Casorati G, Fedeli M. Adoptive Immunotherapy With Engineered iNKT Cells to Target Cancer Cells and the Suppressive Microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:897750. [PMID: 35615083 PMCID: PMC9125179 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.897750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are T lymphocytes expressing a conserved semi-invariant TCR specific for lipid antigens (Ags) restricted for the monomorphic MHC class I-related molecule CD1d. iNKT cells infiltrate mouse and human tumors and play an important role in the immune surveillance against solid and hematological malignancies. Because of unique functional features, they are attractive platforms for adoptive cells immunotherapy of cancer compared to conventional T cells. iNKT cells can directly kill CD1d-expressing cancer cells, but also restrict immunosuppressive myelomonocytic populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) via CD1d-cognate recognition, promoting anti-tumor responses irrespective of the CD1d expression by cancer cells. Moreover, iNKT cells can be adoptively transferred across MHC barriers without risk of alloreaction because CD1d molecules are identical in all individuals, in addition to their ability to suppress graft vs. host disease (GvHD) without impairing the anti-tumor responses. Within this functional framework, iNKT cells are successfully engineered to acquire a second antigen-specificity by expressing recombinant TCRs or Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) specific for tumor-associated antigens, enabling the direct targeting of antigen-expressing cancer cells, while maintaining their CD1d-dependent functions. These new evidences support the exploitation of iNKT cells for donor unrestricted, and possibly off the shelf, adoptive cell therapies enabling the concurrent targeting of cancer cells and suppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Delfanti
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gloria Delfanti
| | - Paolo Dellabona
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Giulia Casorati
| | - Maya Fedeli
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Maya Fedeli
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29
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Liu Y, Wang G, Chai D, Dang Y, Zheng J, Li H. iNKT: A new avenue for CAR-based cancer immunotherapy. Transl Oncol 2022; 17:101342. [PMID: 35063813 PMCID: PMC8784340 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell is a T lymphocyte-based immunotherapy, which achieves great successes in treating blood malignancies and provides new hope to cue advanced cancer patients. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a kind of special T lymphocytes characterized by expressing invariant TCR of Vα24Vβ11 to recognize CD1d-presented glycolipid antigens, which bridge innate and adaptive immune responses. iNKT cells themselves show strong anti-tumor effect in tumor models via CD1d-mediated killing of CD1d-positive tumor cells and immunosuppressive TAMs and MDSCs, and are closely related to the prognosis of cancer patients. iNKT cells are not restricted to polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and can prevent Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD), which makes it to be an ideal CAR vector for allogeneic therapy. Although CAR-iNKT was developed and verified by several different teams and attracts more and more attentions, many obstacles are still needed to be resolved before obtaining CAR-iNKT therapeutics. In this review, we summarized the current status of clinical application of iNKT cells and the latest achievements of CAR-iNKT cells, which provides new insight in CAR-iNKT development and usages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Gang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Dafei Chai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Dang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
| | - Huizhong Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
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30
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Ye Z, Chen J, Zhao X, Li Y, Harmon J, Huang C, Chen J, Xu Q. In Vitro Engineering Chimeric Antigen Receptor Macrophages and T Cells by Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated mRNA Delivery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:722-733. [PMID: 35104103 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered adoptive cell therapy marks a revolution in cancer treatment based on the highly successful responses to CAR T cell therapy in the treatment of blood cancers. Due to the versatile structure of CARs, this technology can be easily adapted to other immune cell types, including macrophages and NKs, and applied in the treatment of many other cancers. However, high costs and fatal adverse effects represent significant concerns for future development. In vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA therapeutics, which possess a high safety profile and straightforward production methods, could provide a useful alternative for CAR cell construction. However, the low stability and transfection efficiency of IVT-mRNA in immune cells limit further applications. In this work, we successfully engineered CAR macrophages (CAR-Ms) and CAR T cells with CAR mRNA using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Both the LNP formulations and mRNA modifications were optimized for in vitro mRNA transfection. More importantly, the CAR macrophages and CAR T cells both demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects on B lymphoma in vitro, underscoring the great potential of mRNA-engineered adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfeng Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Xuewei Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Joseph Harmon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Changfeng Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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31
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Ning X, Li R, Zhang B, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Ji Z, Lyu X, Chen Z. Immune Score Indicator for the Survival of Melanoma Patients Based on Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:10397-10416. [PMID: 35002296 PMCID: PMC8724722 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s336105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchao Ning
- Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renzhi Li
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Office of Family Planning, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziyi Zhou
- Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zanzan Ji
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiajie Lyu
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Chen
- Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266072, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zhenyu Chen Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266072, People’s Republic of China Email
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32
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Zhao C, Liu Y, Ju S, Wang X. Pan-Cancer Analysis of the N6-Methyladenosine Eraser FTO as a Potential Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:7411-7422. [PMID: 34744452 PMCID: PMC8565892 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s331752] [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: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is a critical N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase that participates in tumorigenesis and is associated with the prognosis of patients in some cancers. However, the key roles of FTO in pan-cancer are still largely obscure. Methods FTO expression levels in pan-cancer were estimated via the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Univariate survival analysis was used to estimate the effects of FTO on prognosis. In addition, we used the Tumor Immune Evaluation Resource (TIMER) to assess the immune cell infiltration of FTO gene across cancers. The association of FTO expression with immune checkpoint genes expression, DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutation, DNA methyltransferases, microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) was investigated using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Moreover, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was utilized to identify critical pathways in cancers. The STRING website was used to reveal the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of FTO. Results FTO was aberrantly expressed across cancers and survival analysis demonstrated that its expression was associated with clinical prognosis of many cancer patients. Specifically, FTO expression was significantly associated with immune infiltrating cells in colon adenocarcinoma, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, and liver hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, FTO expression was significantly associated with immune checkpoint genes expression, MMR, DNA methyltransferases levels, TMB, and MSI in multiple cancers. Moreover, the GSEA unveiled that FTO was involved in the regulation of tumors and immune-related signaling pathways. In addition, several m6A related genes were implicated in the PPI network of FTO. Conclusion FTO was related to patients’ prognosis and tumor immune infiltrates in various cancers, and may serve as a novel and potential prognostic and immune biomarker in human pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwen Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghui Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoqing Ju
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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33
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Lin H, Cheng J, Mu W, Zhou J, Zhu L. Advances in Universal CAR-T Cell Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:744823. [PMID: 34691052 PMCID: PMC8526896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.744823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy achieved extraordinary achievements results in antitumor treatments, especially against hematological malignancies, where it leads to remarkable, long-term antineoplastic effects with higher target specificity. Nevertheless, some limitations persist in autologous CAR-T cell therapy, such as high costs, long manufacturing periods, and restricted cell sources. The development of a universal CAR-T (UCAR-T) cell therapy is an attractive breakthrough point that may overcome most of these drawbacks. Here, we review the progress and challenges in CAR-T cell therapy, especially focusing on comprehensive comparison in UCAR-T cell therapy to original CAR-T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the developments and concerns about the safety and efficiency of UCAR-T cell therapy. Finally, we address other immune cells, which might be promising candidates as a complement for UCAR-T cells. Through a detailed overview, we describe the current landscape and explore the prospect of UCAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolong Lin
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiali Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Mu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Nelson A, Lukacs JD, Johnston B. The Current Landscape of NKT Cell Immunotherapy and the Hills Ahead. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205174. [PMID: 34680322 PMCID: PMC8533824 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of lipid-reactive T cells that enhance anti-tumor immunity. While preclinical studies have shown NKT cell immunotherapy to be safe and effective, clinical studies lack predictable therapeutic efficacy and no approved treatments exist. In this review, we outline the current strategies, challenges, and outlook for NKT cell immunotherapy. Abstract NKT cells are a specialized subset of lipid-reactive T lymphocytes that play direct and indirect roles in immunosurveillance and anti-tumor immunity. Preclinical studies have shown that NKT cell activation via delivery of exogenous glycolipids elicits a significant anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, infiltration of NKT cells is associated with a good prognosis in several cancers. In this review, we aim to summarize the role of NKT cells in cancer as well as the current strategies and status of NKT cell immunotherapy. This review also examines challenges and future directions for improving the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Nelson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (A.N.); (J.D.L.)
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jordan D. Lukacs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (A.N.); (J.D.L.)
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Brent Johnston
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (A.N.); (J.D.L.)
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Adoptive NK Cell Therapy: A Promising Treatment Prospect for Metastatic Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184722. [PMID: 34572949 PMCID: PMC8471577 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The incidence of metastatic melanoma has been increasing over the past years with current therapies showing limited efficacy to cure the disease. Therefore, other options are being investigated, such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) where activated immune cells are infused into a patient to attack melanoma. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and extremely suitable for this kind of therapy since they show minimal toxicities in the clinical setting. In this review, we focus on current strategies for NK cell therapy and the development of new approaches that hold great promise for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Abstract Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) represents a promising alternative approach for patients with treatment-resistant metastatic melanoma. Lately, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy have shown improved clinical outcome, compared to conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Nevertheless, they are limited by immune escape of the tumor, cytokine release syndrome, and manufacturing challenges of autologous therapies. Conversely, the clinical use of Natural Killer (NK) cells has demonstrated a favorable clinical safety profile with minimal toxicities, providing an encouraging treatment alternative. Unlike T cells, NK cells are activated, amongst other mechanisms, by the downregulation of HLA class I molecules, thereby overcoming the hurdle of tumor immune escape. However, impairment of NK cell function has been observed in melanoma patients, resulting in deteriorated natural defense. To overcome this limitation, “activated” autologous or allogeneic NK cells have been infused into melanoma patients in early clinical trials, showing encouraging clinical benefit. Furthermore, as several NK cell-based therapeutics are being developed for different cancers, an emerging variety of approaches to increase migration and infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells towards solid tumors is under preclinical investigation. These developments point to adoptive NK cell therapy as a highly promising treatment for metastatic melanoma in the future.
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CAR-NK Cells in the Treatment of Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115899. [PMID: 34072732 PMCID: PMC8197981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T) cells have emerged as a milestone in the treatment of patients with refractory B-cell neoplasms. However, despite having unprecedented efficacy against hematological malignancies, the treatment is far from flawless. Its greatest drawbacks arise from a challenging and expensive production process, strict patient eligibility criteria and serious toxicity profile. One possible solution, supported by robust research, is the replacement of T lymphocytes with NK cells for CAR expression. NK cells seem to be an attractive vehicle for CAR expression as they can be derived from multiple sources and safely infused regardless of donor-patient matching, which greatly reduces the cost of the treatment. CAR-NK cells are known to be effective against hematological malignancies, and a growing number of preclinical findings indicate that they have activity against non-hematological neoplasms. Here, we present a thorough overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the use of CAR-NK cells in treating various solid tumors.
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Beck JD, Reidenbach D, Salomon N, Sahin U, Türeci Ö, Vormehr M, Kranz LM. mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:69. [PMID: 33858437 PMCID: PMC8047518 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA provides a template for the synthesis of any given protein, protein fragment or peptide and lends itself to a broad range of pharmaceutical applications, including different modalities of cancer immunotherapy. With the ease of rapid, large scale Good Manufacturing Practice-grade mRNA production, mRNA is ideally poised not only for off-the shelf cancer vaccines but also for personalized neoantigen vaccination. The ability to stimulate pattern recognition receptors and thus an anti-viral type of innate immune response equips mRNA-based vaccines with inherent adjuvanticity. Nucleoside modification and elimination of double-stranded RNA can reduce the immunomodulatory activity of mRNA and increase and prolong protein production. In combination with nanoparticle-based formulations that increase transfection efficiency and facilitate lymphatic system targeting, nucleoside-modified mRNA enables efficient delivery of cytokines, costimulatory receptors, or therapeutic antibodies. Steady but transient production of the encoded bioactive molecule from the mRNA template can improve the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety properties as compared to the respective recombinant proteins. This may be harnessed for applications that benefit from a higher level of expression control, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified adoptive T-cell therapies. This review highlights the advancements in the field of mRNA-based cancer therapeutics, providing insights into key preclinical developments and the evolving clinical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Beck
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Reidenbach
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Lena M Kranz
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Success from checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell therapy has brought a new hope in cancer immunotherapy. Adoptive cell therapy involves the isolation of immune cells, ex vivo activation and/or expansion, and reinfusion into the patients, and their effect can be dramatically increased by the incorporation of chimeric antigen receptors specific to molecules expressed on tumor cells. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells have shown exciting results in the treatment of liquid malignancies; nevertheless, they suffer from limitations including severe adverse effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity seen in patients as well as a potential for causing graft-versus-host disease in an allogeneic setting. It is thus imperial to explore innate immune cells including natural killer cells, macrophages, natural killer T cells, and γδ T cells. Here, we provide a broad overview of the major innate immune cells and their potential for adoptive cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor engineering.
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Donini C, Rotolo R, Proment A, Aglietta M, Sangiolo D, Leuci V. Cellular Immunotherapy Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Preclinical Evidence and Clinical Perspective. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030543. [PMID: 33806296 PMCID: PMC8001974 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The term “cancer stem cells” (CSCs) commonly refers to a subset of tumor cells endowed with stemness features, potentially involved in chemo-resistance and disease relapses. CSCs may present peculiar immunogenic features influencing their homeostasis within the tumor microenvironment. The susceptibility of CSCs to recognition and targeting by the immune system is a relevant issue and matter of investigation, especially considering the multiple emerging immunotherapy strategies. Adoptive cellular immunotherapies, especially those strategies encompassing the genetic redirection with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), hold relevant promise in several tumor settings and might in theory provide opportunities for selective elimination of CSC subsets. Initial dedicated preclinical studies are supporting the potential targeting of CSCs by cellular immunotherapies, indirect evidence from clinical studies may be derived and new studies are ongoing. Here we review the main issues related to the putative immunogenicity of CSCs, focusing on and highlighting the existing evidence and opportunities for cellular immunotherapy approaches with T and non-T antitumor lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Donini
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (C.D.); (A.P.); (M.A.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
| | - Ramona Rotolo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
| | - Alessia Proment
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (C.D.); (A.P.); (M.A.)
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (C.D.); (A.P.); (M.A.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (C.D.); (A.P.); (M.A.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-993-3503; Fax: +39-011-993-3522
| | - Valeria Leuci
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS, Str. Prov. 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy; (R.R.); (V.L.)
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Overexpressed CXCR4 and CCR7 on the surface of NK92 cell have improved migration and anti-tumor activity in human colon tumor model. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 31:333-344. [PMID: 31815761 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Successive infusion of natural killer cells is increasingly being explored as a treatment for cancer patients. The inadequate homing of natural killer cells into the tumor site resulted in the poor efficacy of natural killer cells on solid tumors. For the adoptive transfer of tumor-directed natural killer cell has been proved effective, it is hypothesized that there must be more association between the tumor-produced chemokines and the natural killer cells-expressed chemokine receptors. Increased CXCL12 and CCL21 could ameliorated colorectal cancer via generating an anti-tumor environment by preferentially attracting natural killer cells which expressed the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and CCR7. This study demonstrated that overexpressed CXCR4 and CCR7 on the surface of NK92 cell enhanced their migration to human colon cells. Moreover, the administration of such natural killer cells resulted in tumor shrinkage and a significantly increased survival of experimental mice when compared to ones undergoing the treatment of xenografts with natural killer cells expressing only the mock control. These suggested that chemokine receptor engineered natural killer cells could be a promising tool to improve adoptive tumor immunotherapy.
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41
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Schmidt P, Raftery MJ, Pecher G. Engineering NK Cells for CAR Therapy-Recent Advances in Gene Transfer Methodology. Front Immunol 2021; 11:611163. [PMID: 33488617 PMCID: PMC7817882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.611163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has introduced a new and effective strategy to guide and promote the immune response against tumors in the clinic. More recently, in an attempt to enhance its utility, this method has been expanded to novel cell types. One of the more successful variants has proven to be the expression of CARs in Natural Killer (NK) cells (CAR-NK). Gene engineering NK cells to express an exogenous CAR receptor allows the innate anti-tumor ability of NK cells to be harnessed and directed against a target tumor antigen. In addition, the biology of NK cells allows the development of an allogeneic cell therapeutic product useable with most or all patient haplotypes. NK cells cause little or no graft versus host disease (GvHD) and are therefore suitable for development of an "off the shelf" therapeutic product. Initial trials have also shown that CAR-NK cells rarely cause cytokine release syndrome. However, despite their potential NK cells have proven to be difficult to engineer, with high sensitivity to apoptosis and low levels of gene expression. The creation of optimized methods to introduce genes into NK cells will promote the widespread application of CAR-NK in research laboratories and the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriele Pecher
- Medical Clinic of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Sawaisorn P, Atjanasuppat K, Anurathapan U, Chutipongtanate S, Hongeng S. Strategies to Improve Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapies for Neuroblastoma. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040753. [PMID: 33322408 PMCID: PMC7768386 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are among the curative immunotherapeutic approaches that exploit the antigen specificity and cytotoxicity function of potent immune cells against cancers. Neuroblastomas, the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumors with diverse characteristics, could be a promising candidate for using CAR therapies. Several methods harness CAR-modified cells in neuroblastoma to increase therapeutic efficiency, although the assessment has been less successful. Regarding the improvement of CARs, various trials have been launched to overcome insufficient capacity. However, the reasons behind the inadequate response against neuroblastoma of CAR-modified cells are still not well understood. It is essential to update the present state of comprehension of CARs to improve the efficiency of CAR therapies. This review summarizes the crucial features of CARs and their design for neuroblastoma, discusses challenges that impact the outcomes of the immunotherapeutic competence, and focuses on devising strategies currently being investigated to improve the efficacy of CARs for neuroblastoma immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piamsiri Sawaisorn
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (K.A.); (U.A.)
| | - Korakot Atjanasuppat
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (K.A.); (U.A.)
| | - Usanarat Anurathapan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (K.A.); (U.A.)
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.S.); (K.A.); (U.A.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.H.)
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43
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Cortés-Selva D, Dasgupta B, Singh S, Grewal IS. Innate and Innate-Like Cells: The Future of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Cell Therapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 42:45-59. [PMID: 33250273 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Conventional αβ CAR-T cell-based approaches have revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy, but hurdles remain, especially for solid tumors. Novel strategies in conjunction with alternative cell types are therefore required for effective CAR-based therapies. In this respect, innate and innate-like cells with unique immune properties, such as natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, γδ T cells, and macrophages, are promising alternatives to αβ CAR-T adoptive therapy. We review the applicability of these cells in the context of CAR therapy, focusing on therapies under development, the advantages of these approaches relative to conventional CAR-T cells, and their potential in allogeneic therapies. We also discuss the inherent limitations of these cell types and approaches, and outline numerous strategies to overcome the associated obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cortés-Selva
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Bidisha Dasgupta
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Sanjaya Singh
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Iqbal S Grewal
- Janssen Biotherapeutics, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA.
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44
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Perez C, Gruber I, Arber C. Off-the-Shelf Allogeneic T Cell Therapies for Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges Using Naturally Occurring "Universal" Donor T Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:583716. [PMID: 33262761 PMCID: PMC7685996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cell therapies individually prepared for each patient with autologous T cells have recently changed clinical practice in the management of B cell malignancies. Even though CARs used to redirect polyclonal T cells to the tumor are not HLA restricted, CAR T cells are also characterized by their endogenous T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. Tumor-antigen targeted TCR-based T cell therapies in clinical trials are thus far using “conventional” αβ-TCRs that recognize antigens presented as peptides in the context of the major histocompatibility complex. Thus, both CAR- and TCR-based adoptive T cell therapies (ACTs) are dictated by compatibility of the highly polymorphic HLA molecules between donors and recipients in order to avoid graft-versus-host disease and rejection. The development of third-party healthy donor derived well-characterized off-the-shelf cell therapy products that are readily available and broadly applicable is an intensive area of research. While genome engineering provides the tools to generate “universal” donor cells that can be redirected to cancers, we will focus our attention on third-party off-the-shelf strategies with T cells that are characterized by unique natural features and do not require genome editing for safe administration. Specifically, we will discuss the use of virus-specific T cells, lipid-restricted (CD1) T cells, MR1-restricted T cells, and γδ-TCR T cells. CD1- and MR1-restricted T cells are not HLA-restricted and have the potential to serve as a unique source of universal TCR sequences to be broadly applicable in TCR-based ACT as their targets are presented by the monomorphic CD1 or MR1 molecules on a wide variety of tumor types. For each cell type, we will summarize the stage of preclinical and clinical development and discuss opportunities and challenges to deliver off-the-shelf targeted cellular therapies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Perez
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Gruber
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Arber
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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45
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In Vitro-Transcribed mRNA Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (IVT mRNA CAR T) Therapy in Hematologic and Solid Tumor Management: A Preclinical Update. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186514. [PMID: 32899932 PMCID: PMC7556036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapy has received considerable interest in the treatment of cancer. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy has emerged as a promising therapy in cancer treatment. In CAR T therapy, T cells from the patients are collected, reprogrammed genetically against tumor antigens, and reintroduced into the patients to trigger an immense immune response against cancer cells. CAR T therapy is successful in hematologic malignancies; however, in solid tumors, CAR T therapy faces multiple challenges, including the on-target off-tumor phenomenon, as most of the tumor-associated antigens are expressed in normal cells as well. Consequently, a transient in vitro-transcribed anti-mRNA-based CAR T cell (IVT mRNA CAR T) approach has been investigated to produce controlled cytotoxicity for a limited duration to avoid any undesirable effects in patients. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the therapeutic ability of mRNA-engineered T cells in solid tumors, including melanoma, neuroblastoma and ovarian cancer; however, very few clinical trials are registered. In the present review, we discuss the effect of IVT mRNA CAR T therapy in preclinical studies related to hematologic malignancies and solid tumor management. In addition, we discuss the clinical trial studies based on IVT mRNA CAR T therapy in cancer.
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46
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Simon B, Uslu U. Fasten the seat belt: Increasing safety of CAR T-cell therapy. Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:1039-1045. [PMID: 32627228 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
After the recent success and approvals of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in haematological malignancies, its efficacy is currently evaluated in a broad spectrum of tumor entities including melanoma. However, severe and potentially life-threatening side effects like cytokine release syndrome, neurologic toxicities, and the competing risk of morbidity and mortality from the treatment itself are still a major limiting factor in the current CAR T-cell landscape. In addition, especially in solid tumors, the lack of ideal target antigens to avoid on-target/off-tumor toxicities also restricts its use. While various groups are working on strategies to boost CAR T-cell efficacy, mechanisms to increase engineered T-cell safety should not move out of focus. Thus, the aim of this article is to summarize and to discuss current and potential future strategies and mechanisms to increase CAR T-cell safety in order to enable the wide use of this promising approach in melanoma and other tumor entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Simon
- Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen- European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany.,Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ugur Uslu
- Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen- European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
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47
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Chronic Viral Liver Diseases: Approaching the Liver Using T Cell Receptor-Mediated Gene Technologies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061471. [PMID: 32560123 PMCID: PMC7349849 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with viral hepatitis is a major risk factor for liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). One major contributing factor to the chronicity is the dysfunction of virus-specific T cell immunity. T cells engineered to express virus-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) may be a therapeutic option to improve host antiviral responses and have demonstrated clinical success against virus-associated tumours. This review aims to give an overview of TCRs identified from viral hepatitis research and discuss how translational lessons learned from cancer immunotherapy can be applied to the field. TCR isolation pipelines, liver homing signals, cell type options, as well as safety considerations will be discussed herein.
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48
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Mardiana S, Gill S. CAR T Cells for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: State of the Art and Future Directions. Front Oncol 2020; 10:697. [PMID: 32435621 PMCID: PMC7218049 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse after conventional chemotherapy remains a major problem in patients with myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and the major cause of death after diagnosis of AML is from relapsed disease. The only potentially curative treatment option currently available is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), which through its graft-vs.-leukemia effects has the ability to eliminate residual leukemia cells. Despite its long history of success however, relapse following allo-HSCT is still a major challenge and is associated with poor prognosis. In the field of adoptive therapy, CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have yielded remarkable clinical success in certain types of B-cell malignancies, and substantial efforts aimed at translating this success to myeloid malignancies are currently underway. While complete ablation of CD19-expressing B cells, both cancerous and healthy, is clinically tolerated, the primary challenge limiting the use of CAR T cells in myeloid malignancies is the absence of a dispensable antigen, as myeloid antigens are often co-expressed on normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), depletion of which would lead to intolerable myeloablation. This review provides a discussion on the current state of CAR T cell therapy in myeloid malignancies, limitations for clinical translation, as well as the most recent approaches to overcome these barriers, through various genetic modification and combinatorial strategies in an attempt to make CAR T cell therapy a safe and viable option for patients with myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherly Mardiana
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, PA, United States
| | - Saar Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, PA, United States
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Abstract
Advances in academic and clinical studies during the last several years have resulted in practical outcomes in adoptive immune therapy of cancer. Immune cells can be programmed with molecular modules that increase their therapeutic potency and specificity. It has become obvious that successful immunotherapy must take into account the full complexity of the immune system and, when possible, include the use of multifactor cell reprogramming that allows fast adjustment during the treatment. Today, practically all immune cells can be stably or transiently reprogrammed against cancer. Here, we review works related to T cell reprogramming, as the most developed field in immunotherapy. We discuss factors that determine the specific roles of αβ and γδ T cells in the immune system and the structure and function of T cell receptors in relation to other structures involved in T cell target recognition and immune response. We also discuss the aspects of T cell engineering, specifically the construction of synthetic T cell receptors (synTCRs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and the use of engineered T cells in integrative multifactor therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Katz
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Simon B, Uslu U. CAR-T cell therapy in melanoma: A future success story? Exp Dermatol 2019; 27:1315-1321. [PMID: 30288790 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are one of the impressive recent success stories of anti-cancer immunotherapy. Especially in haematological malignancies, this treatment strategy has shown promising results leading to the recent approval of two CAR-T cell constructs targeting CD19 in the United States and the European Union. After the huge success in haematological cancers, the next step will be the evaluation of its efficacy in different solid tumors, which is currently investigated in preclinical as well as clinical settings. A commonly examined tumor model in the context of immunotherapy is melanoma, since it is known for its immunogenic features. However, the first results of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors did not reveal the same impressive outcomes that were observed in haematological malignancies, as engineered cells need to cope with several challenges. Obstacles include the lack of migration of CAR-T cells from blood vessels to the tumor site as well as the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment within solid tumors. Another hurdle is posed by the identification of an ideal target antigen to avoid on-target/off-tumor toxicities. Regarding immune escape mechanisms, which can be developed by tumor cells to bypass immune recognition, the observation of antigen loss should also be considered. This article gives an overview of the challenges displayed in CAR-T cell therapy for the use in solid tumors and discusses different new strategies and approaches that deal with these problems in order to improve CAR-T cell therapy, particularly for its use in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Simon
- Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ugur Uslu
- Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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