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Bar O, Porgador A, Cooks T. Exploring the potential of the convergence between extracellular vesicles and CAR technology as a novel immunotherapy approach. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 3:e70011. [PMID: 39328262 PMCID: PMC11424882 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.70011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer therapy is a dynamically evolving field, witnessing the emergence of innovative approaches that offer a promising outlook for patients grappling with persistent disease. Within the realm of therapeutic exploration, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells as well as CAR NK cells, have surfaced as novel approaches, each possessing unique attributes and transformative potential. Immune cells engineered to express CARs recognizing tumour-specific antigens, have shown remarkable promise in treating terminal cancers by combining the precision of antibody specificity with the potent cytotoxic function of T cells. However, their application in solid tumours is still in its nascent stages, presenting unique major challenges. On the same note, CAR NK cells offer a distinct immunotherapeutic approach, utilizing CARs on NK cells, providing advantages in safety, manufacturing simplicity, and a broader scope for cancer treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents due to their ability to carry crucial biomarkers and biologically active molecules, serving as vital messengers in the intercellular communication network. In the context of cancer, the therapeutic potential of EVs lies in delivering tumour-suppressing proteins, nucleic acid components, or targeting drugs with precision, thereby redefining the paradigm of precision medicine. The fusion of CAR technology with the capabilities of EVs has given rise to a new therapeutic frontier. CAR T EVs and CAR NK EVs, leveraging the power of EVs, have the potential to alleviate challenges associated with live-cell therapies. EVs are suggested to reduce the side effects linked to CAR T cell therapy and hold the potential to revolutionize the penetrance in solid tumours. EVs act as carriers of pro-apoptotic molecules and RNA components, enhancing immune responses and thereby expanding their therapeutic potential. In this review article, we navigate dynamic landscapes, with our objective being to evaluate comparative efficacy, safety profiles, manufacturing complexities, and clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofir Bar
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion University Beer-Sheva Israel
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion University Beer-Sheva Israel
| | - Tomer Cooks
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion University Beer-Sheva Israel
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2
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Taylor CA, Glover M, Maher J. CAR-T cell technologies that interact with the tumour microenvironment in solid tumours. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:849-871. [PMID: 39021098 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2380894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have emerged as a ground-breaking therapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies due to their capacity for rapid tumor-specific killing and long-lasting tumor immunity. However, the same success has not been observed in patients with solid tumors. Largely, this is due to the additional challenges imposed by safe and uniform target selection, inefficient CAR T-cell access to sites of disease and the presence of a hostile immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. AREAS COVERED Literature was reviewed on the PubMed database from the first description of a CAR by Kuwana, Kurosawa and colleagues in December 1987 through to the present day. This literature indicates that in order to tackle solid tumors, CAR T-cells can be further engineered with additional armoring strategies that facilitate trafficking to and infiltration of malignant lesions together with reversal of suppressive immune checkpoints that operate within solid tumor lesions. EXPERT OPINION In this review, we describe a number of recent advances in CAR T-cell technology that set out to combat the problems imposed by solid tumors including tumor recruitment, infiltration, immunosuppression, metabolic compromise, and hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Maher
- Leucid Bio Ltd, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK
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3
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Kundu M, Butti R, Panda VK, Malhotra D, Das S, Mitra T, Kapse P, Gosavi SW, Kundu GC. Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and mechanism of immunotherapy-based drug resistance in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:92. [PMID: 38715072 PMCID: PMC11075356 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01990-4] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, the most frequent female malignancy, is often curable when detected at an early stage. The treatment of metastatic breast cancer is more challenging and may be unresponsive to conventional therapy. Immunotherapy is crucial for treating metastatic breast cancer, but its resistance is a major limitation. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is vital in modulating the immunotherapy response. Various tumor microenvironmental components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are involved in TME modulation to cause immunotherapy resistance. This review highlights the role of stromal cells in modulating the breast tumor microenvironment, including the involvement of CAF-TAM interaction, alteration of tumor metabolism leading to immunotherapy failure, and other latest strategies, including high throughput genomic screening, single-cell and spatial omics techniques for identifying tumor immune genes regulating immunotherapy response. This review emphasizes the therapeutic approach to overcome breast cancer immune resistance through CAF reprogramming, modulation of TAM polarization, tumor metabolism, and genomic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Brainware University, West Bengal, 700125, India
| | - Ramesh Butti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Venketesh K Panda
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Diksha Malhotra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Sumit Das
- National Centre for Cell Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Tandrima Mitra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Prachi Kapse
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Suresh W Gosavi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
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4
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Fan C, Xiong F, Zhang S, Gong Z, Liao Q, Li G, Guo C, Xiong W, Huang H, Zeng Z. Role of adhesion molecules in cancer and targeted therapy. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:940-957. [PMID: 38212458 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2417-3] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Adhesion molecules mediate cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions and transmit mechanical and chemical signals among them. Various mechanisms deregulate adhesion molecules in cancer, enabling tumor cells to proliferate without restraint, invade through tissue boundaries, escape from immune surveillance, and survive in the tumor microenvironment. Recent studies have revealed that adhesion molecules also drive angiogenesis, reshape metabolism, and are involved in stem cell self-renewal. In this review, we summarize the functions and mechanisms of adhesion molecules in cancer and the tumor microenvironment, as well as the therapeutic strategies targeting adhesion molecules. These studies have implications for furthering our understanding of adhesion molecules in cancer and providing a paradigm for exploring novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Fang Xiong
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Zhaojian Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Can Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
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Niu Z, Wu J, Zhao Q, Zhang J, Zhang P, Yang Y. CAR-based immunotherapy for breast cancer: peculiarities, ongoing investigations, and future strategies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385571. [PMID: 38680498 PMCID: PMC11045891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385571] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Surgery, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy have improved the overall survival and postoperative recurrence rates of Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-positive breast cancers but treatment modalities for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with poor prognosis remain limited. The effective application of the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in hematological tumors provides new ideas for the treatment of breast cancer. Choosing suitable and specific targets is crucial for applying CAR-T therapy for breast cancer treatment. In this paper, we summarize CAR-T therapy's effective targets and potential targets in different subtypes based on the existing research progress, especially for TNBC. CAR-based immunotherapy has resulted in advancements in the treatment of breast cancer. CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be more effective and safer for treating solid tumors, such as breast cancer. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast tumors and the side effects of CAR-T therapy pose challenges to CAR-based immunotherapy. CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells-derived exosomes are advantageous in tumor therapy. Exosomes carrying CAR for breast cancer immunotherapy are of immense research value and may provide a treatment modality with good treatment effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the development and challenges of CAR-based immunotherapy in treating different subtypes of breast cancer and discuss the progress of CAR-expressing exosomes for breast cancer treatment. We elaborate on the development of CAR-T cells in TNBC therapy and the prospects of using CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-MSCs for treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipu Niu
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyuan Wu
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiancheng Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengyu Zhang
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiming Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Page A, Chuvin N, Valladeau-Guilemond J, Depil S. Development of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies through receptor engineering. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:315-331. [PMID: 38443448 PMCID: PMC10978891 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies are attracting increasing interest in the field of cancer treatment. Early clinical trials have shown promising outcomes, alongside satisfactory product efficacy and safety. Recent developments have greatly increased the therapeutic potential of NK cells by endowing them with enhanced recognition and cytotoxic capacities. This review focuses on surface receptor engineering in NK cell therapy and discusses its impact, challenges, and future directions.Most approaches are based on engineering with chimeric antigen receptors to allow NK cells to target specific tumor antigens independent of human leukocyte antigen restriction. This approach has increased the precision and potency of NK-mediated recognition and elimination of cancer cells. In addition, engineering NK cells with T-cell receptors also mediates the recognition of intracellular epitopes, which broadens the range of target peptides. Indirect tumor peptide recognition by NK cells has also been improved by optimizing immunoglobulin constant fragment receptor expression and signaling. Indeed, engineered NK cells have an improved ability to recognize and destroy target cells coated with specific antibodies, thereby increasing their antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The ability of NK cell receptor engineering to promote the expansion, persistence, and infiltration of transferred cells in the tumor microenvironment has also been explored. Receptor-based strategies for sustained NK cell functionality within the tumor environment have also been discussed, and these strategies providing perspectives to counteract tumor-induced immunosuppression.Overall, receptor engineering has led to significant advances in NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies. As technical challenges are addressed, these innovative treatments will likely reshape cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Page
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
| | | | - Jenny Valladeau-Guilemond
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Depil
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
- ErVimmune, Lyon, France.
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
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7
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Franzén AS, Boulifa A, Radecke C, Stintzing S, Raftery MJ, Pecher G. Next-Generation CEA-CAR-NK-92 Cells against Solid Tumors: Overcoming Tumor Microenvironment Challenges in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:388. [PMID: 38254876 PMCID: PMC10814835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) presents a formidable medical challenge, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative to CAR T-cell therapy for cancer. A suitable tumor antigen target on CRC is carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), given its widespread expression and role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. CEA is known to be prolifically shed from tumor cells in a soluble form, thus hindering CAR recognition of tumors and migration through the TME. We have developed a next-generation CAR construct exclusively targeting cell-associated CEA, incorporating a PD1-checkpoint inhibitor and a CCR4 chemokine receptor to enhance homing and infiltration of the CAR-NK-92 cell line through the TME, and which does not induce fratricidal killing of CAR-NK-92-cells. To evaluate this therapeutic approach, we harnessed intricate 3D multicellular tumor spheroid models (MCTS), which emulate key elements of the TME. Our results demonstrate the effective cytotoxicity of CEA-CAR-NK-92 cells against CRC in colorectal cell lines and MCTS models. Importantly, minimal off-target activity against non-cancerous cell lines underscores the precision of this therapy. Furthermore, the integration of the CCR4 migration receptor augments homing by recognizing target ligands, CCL17 and CCL22. Notably, our CAR design results in no significant trogocytosis-induced fratricide. In summary, the proposed CEA-targeting CAR-NK cell therapy could offer a promising solution for CRC treatment, combining precision and efficacy in a tailored approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sebastian Franzén
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdelhadi Boulifa
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Clarissa Radecke
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Stintzing
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin J. Raftery
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pecher
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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8
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Ciulean IS, Fischer J, Quaiser A, Bach C, Abken H, Tretbar US, Fricke S, Koehl U, Schmiedel D, Grunwald T. CD44v6 specific CAR-NK cells for targeted immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1290488. [PMID: 38022580 PMCID: PMC10667728 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1290488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major challenge for current therapies. CAR-T cells have shown promising results in blood cancers, however, their effectiveness against solid tumors remains a hurdle. Recently, CD44v6-directed CAR-T cells demonstrated efficacy in controlling tumor growth in multiple myeloma and solid tumors such as HNSCC, lung and ovarian adenocarcinomas. Apart from CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells offer a safe and allogenic alternative to autologous CAR-T cell therapy. In this paper, we investigated the capacity of CAR-NK cells redirected against CD44v6 to execute cytotoxicity against HNSCC. Anti-CD44v6 CAR-NK cells were generated from healthy donor peripheral blood-derived NK cells using gamma retroviral vectors (gRVs). The NK cell transduction was optimized by exploring virus envelope proteins derived from the baboon endogenous virus envelope (BaEV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV, termed RD114-TR) and gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV), respectively. BaEV pseudotyped gRVs induced the highest transduction rate compared to RD114-TR and GaLV envelopes as measured by EGFP and surface CAR expression of transduced NK cells. CAR-NK cells showed a two- to threefold increase in killing efficacy against various HNSCC cell lines compared to unmodified, cytokine-expanded primary NK cells. Anti-CD44v6 CAR-NK cells were effective in eliminating tumor cell lines with high and low CD44v6 expression levels. Overall, the improved cytotoxicity of CAR-NK cells holds promise for a therapeutic option for the treatment of HNSCC. However, further preclinical trials are necessary to test in vivo efficacy and safety, as well to optimize the treatment regimen of anti-CD44v6 CAR-NK cells against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Sonya Ciulean
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joe Fischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Quaiser
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Bach
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Uta Sandy Tretbar
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmiedel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Grunwald
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
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9
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Li Y, Rezvani K, Rafei H. Next-generation chimeric antigen receptors for T- and natural killer-cell therapies against cancer. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:217-235. [PMID: 37548050 PMCID: PMC10841677 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. However, the broad application of this approach for myeloid malignancies and solid cancers has been limited by the paucity and heterogeneity of target antigen expression, and lack of bona fide tumor-specific antigens that can be targeted without cross-reactivity against normal tissues. This may lead to unwanted on-target off-tumor toxicities that could undermine the desired antitumor effect. Recent advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering have enabled reprogramming of immune effector cells to enhance their selectivity toward tumors, thus mitigating on-target off-tumor adverse effects. In this review, we outline the current strategies being explored to improve CAR selectivity toward tumor cells with a focus on natural killer (NK) cells, and the progress made in translating these strategies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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10
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Kayser C, Brauer A, Susanne S, Wandmacher AM. The challenge of making the right choice: patient avatars in the era of cancer immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1237565. [PMID: 37638045 PMCID: PMC10449253 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1237565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are a key therapeutic strategy to fight cancer. Diverse approaches are used to activate tumor-directed immunity and to overcome tumor immune escape. The dynamic interplay between tumor cells and their tumor(immune)microenvironment (T(I)ME) poses a major challenge to create appropriate model systems. However, those model systems are needed to gain novel insights into tumor (immune) biology and a prerequisite to accurately develop and test immunotherapeutic approaches which can be successfully translated into clinical application. Several model systems have been established and advanced into so-called patient avatars to mimic the patient´s tumor biology. All models have their advantages but also disadvantages underscoring the necessity to pay attention in defining the rationale and requirements for which the patient avatar will be used. Here, we briefly outline the current state of tumor model systems used for tumor (immune)biological analysis as well as evaluation of immunotherapeutic agents. Finally, we provide a recommendation for further development to make patient avatars a complementary tool for testing and predicting immunotherapeutic strategies for personalization of tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Kayser
- Group of Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Annika Brauer
- Group of Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sebens Susanne
- Group of Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anna Maxi Wandmacher
- Group of Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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11
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Koelsch N, Manjili MH. From Reductionistic Approach to Systems Immunology Approach for the Understanding of Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12086. [PMID: 37569461 PMCID: PMC10419122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that includes a variety of immune cells mutually interacting with tumor cells, structural/stromal cells, and each other. The immune cells in the TME can have dual functions as pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic. To understand such paradoxical functions, the reductionistic approach classifies the immune cells into pro- and anti-tumor cells and suggests the therapeutic blockade of the pro-tumor and induction of the anti-tumor immune cells. This strategy has proven to be partially effective in prolonging patients' survival only in a fraction of patients without offering a cancer cure. Recent advances in multi-omics allow taking systems immunology approach. This essay discusses how a systems immunology approach could revolutionize our understanding of the TME by suggesting that internetwork interactions of the immune cell types create distinct collective functions independent of the function of each cellular constituent. Such collective function can be understood by the discovery of the immunological patterns in the TME and may be modulated as a therapeutic means for immunotherapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Koelsch
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Masoud H. Manjili
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, 401 College Street, Boc 980035, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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