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Adu-Berchie K, Liu Y, Zhang DKY, Freedman BR, Brockman JM, Vining KH, Nerger BA, Garmilla A, Mooney DJ. Generation of functionally distinct T-cell populations by altering the viscoelasticity of their extracellular matrix. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1374-1391. [PMID: 37365267 PMCID: PMC10749992 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapies largely depends on the generation of T-cell populations that provide rapid effector function and long-term protective immunity. Yet it is becoming clearer that the phenotypes and functions of T cells are inherently linked to their localization in tissues. Here we show that functionally distinct T-cell populations can be generated from T cells that received the same stimulation by altering the viscoelasticity of their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). By using a model ECM based on a norbornene-modified collagen type I whose viscoelasticity can be adjusted independently from its bulk stiffness by varying the degree of covalent crosslinking via a bioorthogonal click reaction with tetrazine moieties, we show that ECM viscoelasticity regulates T-cell phenotype and function via the activator-protein-1 signalling pathway, a critical regulator of T-cell activation and fate. Our observations are consistent with the tissue-dependent gene-expression profiles of T cells isolated from mechanically distinct tissues from patients with cancer or fibrosis, and suggest that matrix viscoelasticity could be leveraged when generating T-cell products for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwasi Adu-Berchie
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yutong Liu
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David K Y Zhang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin R Freedman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua M Brockman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle H Vining
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Preventative and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bryan A Nerger
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Li J, Zhou W, Li D, Huang Y, Yang X, Jiang L, Hu X, Yang J, Fu M, Zhang M, Wang F, Li J, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Yan F, Gao H, Wang W. Co-infusion of CAR T cells with aAPCs expressing chemokines and costimulatory ligands enhances the anti-tumor efficacy in mice. Cancer Lett 2023:216287. [PMID: 37392990 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown curable efficacy for treating hematological malignancies, while in solid tumors, the immunosuppressive microenvironment causes poor activation, expansion and survival of CAR-T cells, accounting mainly for the unsatisfactory efficacy. The artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) have been used for ex vivo expansion and manufacturing of CAR-T cells. Here, we constructed a K562 cell-based aAPCs expressing human epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), chemokines (CCL19 and CCL21) and co-stimulatory molecular ligands (CD80 and 4-1BBL). Our data demonstrated that the novel aAPCs enhanced the expansion, and increased the immune memory phenotype and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells recognizing EpCAM, in vitro. Of note, co-infusion CAR-T and aAPC enhances the infiltration of CAR-T cells in solid tumors, which has certain potential for the treatment of solid tumors Moreover, IL-2-9-21, a cytokine cocktail, prevents CAR-T cells from entering the state of exhaustion prematurely following continuous antigen engagement and boosts the anti-tumor activity of CAR-T cells co-infused with aAPCs. These data provide a new strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiaoyi Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Department of Hematology, Hematology Research Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Maorong Fu
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Mengxi Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Jiaqian Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yalan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yuening Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Feiyang Yan
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Haozhan Gao
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.
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3
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Abstract
Gene therapy has started in the late 1980s as novel, clinically applicable therapeutic option. It revolutionized the treatment of genetic diseases with the initial intent to repair or replace defective genes. Gene therapy has been adapted for treatment of malignant diseases to improve the outcome of cancer patients. In fact, cancer gene therapy has rapidly gained great interest and evolved into a research field with highest proportion of research activities in gene therapy. In this context, cancer gene therapy has long entered translation into clinical trials and therefore more than two-thirds of all gene therapy trials worldwide are aiming at the treatment of cancer disease using different therapeutic strategies. During the decades in cancer gene therapy, tremendous knowledge has accumulated. This led to significant improvements in vector design, transgene repertoire, more targeted interventions, use of novel gene therapeutic technologies such as CRISPR/Cas, sleeping beauty vectors, and development of effective cancer immunogene therapies. In this chapter, a brief overview of current key developments in cancer gene therapy is provided to gain insights into the recent directions in research as well as in clinical application of cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Kobelt
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Deutsches Krebsforschungzentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica Pahle
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Walther
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Deutsches Krebsforschungzentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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4
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Autologous antigen-presenting cells efficiently expand piggyBac transposon CAR-T cells with predominant memory phenotype. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:315-324. [PMID: 33898630 PMCID: PMC8047430 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The quality of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell products, including the expression of memory and exhaustion markers, has been shown to influence their long-term functionality. The manufacturing process of CAR-T cells should be optimized to prevent early T cell exhaustion during expansion. Activation of T cells by monoclonal antibodies is a critical step for T cell expansion, which may sometimes induce excess stimulation and exhaustion of T cells. Given that piggyBac transposon (PB)-based gene transfer could circumvent the conventional pre-activation of T cells, we established a manufacturing method of PB-mediated HER2-specific CAR-T cells (PB-HER2-CAR-T cells) that maintains their memory phenotype without early T cell exhaustion. Through stimulation of CAR-transduced T cells with autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived feeder cells expressing both truncated HER2, CD80, and 4-1BBL proteins, we could effectively propagate memory-rich, PD-1-negative PB-HER2-CAR-T cells. PB-HER2-CAR-T cells demonstrated sustained antitumor efficacy in vitro and debulked the HER2-positive tumors in vivo. Mice treated with PB-HER2-CAR-T cells rejected the second tumor establishment owing to the in vivo expansion of PB-HER2-CAR-T cells. Our simple and effective manufacturing process using PB system and genetically modified donor-derived feeder cells is a promising strategy for the use of PB-CAR-T cell therapy.
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5
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Abstract
Genetically engineered T cell immunotherapies have provided remarkable clinical success to treat B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by harnessing a patient's own T cells to kill cancer, and these approaches have the potential to provide therapeutic benefit for numerous other cancers, infectious diseases and autoimmunity. By introduction of either a transgenic T cell receptor or a chimeric antigen receptor, T cells can be programmed to target cancer cells. However, initial studies have made it clear that the field will need to implement more complex levels of genetic regulation of engineered T cells to ensure both safety and efficacy. Here, we review the principles by which our knowledge of genetics and genome engineering will drive the next generation of adoptive T cell therapies.
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6
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Abstract
Advances in the use of lentiviral vectors for gene therapy applications have created a need for large-scale manufacture of clinical-grade viral vectors for transfer of genetic materials. Lentiviral vectors can transduce a wide range of cell types and integrate into the host genome of dividing and nondividing cells, resulting in long-term expression of the transgene both in vitro and in vivo. In this chapter, we present a method to transfect human cells, creating an easy platform to produce lentiviral vectors for CAR-T cell application.
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Nath SC, Harper L, Rancourt DE. Cell-Based Therapy Manufacturing in Stirred Suspension Bioreactor: Thoughts for cGMP Compliance. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:599674. [PMID: 33324625 PMCID: PMC7726241 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.599674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based therapy (CBT) is attracting much attention to treat incurable diseases. In recent years, several clinical trials have been conducted using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), and other potential therapeutic cells. Various private- and government-funded organizations are investing in finding permanent cures for diseases that are difficult or expensive to treat over a lifespan, such as age-related macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, or diabetes, etc. Clinical-grade cell manufacturing requiring current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) has therefore become an important issue to make safe and effective CBT products. Current cell production practices are adopted from conventional antibody or protein production in the pharmaceutical industry, wherein cells are used as a vector to produce the desired products. With CBT, however, the “cells are the final products” and sensitive to physico- chemical parameters and storage conditions anywhere between isolation and patient administration. In addition, the manufacturing of cellular products involves multi-stage processing, including cell isolation, genetic modification, PSC derivation, expansion, differentiation, purification, characterization, cryopreservation, etc. Posing a high risk of product contamination, these can be time- and cost- prohibitive due to maintenance of cGMP. The growing demand of CBT needs integrated manufacturing systems that can provide a more simple and cost-effective platform. Here, we discuss the current methods and limitations of CBT, based upon experience with biologics production. We review current cell manufacturing integration, automation and provide an overview of some important considerations and best cGMP practices. Finally, we propose how multi-stage cell processing can be integrated into a single bioreactor, in order to develop streamlined cGMP-compliant cell processing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman C Nath
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lane Harper
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Derrick E Rancourt
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Magnani CF, Tettamanti S, Alberti G, Pisani I, Biondi A, Serafini M, Gaipa G. Transposon-Based CAR T Cells in Acute Leukemias: Where are We Going? Cells 2020; 9:cells9061337. [PMID: 32471151 PMCID: PMC7349235 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has become a new therapeutic reality for refractory and relapsed leukemia patients and is also emerging as a potential therapeutic option in solid tumors. Viral vector-based CAR T-cells initially drove these successful efforts; however, high costs and cumbersome manufacturing processes have limited the widespread clinical implementation of CAR T-cell therapy. Here we will discuss the state of the art of the transposon-based gene transfer and its application in CAR T immunotherapy, specifically focusing on the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system, as a valid cost-effective and safe option as compared to the viral vector-based systems. A general overview of SB transposon system applications will be provided, with an update of major developments, current clinical trials achievements and future perspectives exploiting SB for CAR T-cell engineering. After the first clinical successes achieved in the context of B-cell neoplasms, we are now facing a new era and it is paramount to advance gene transfer technology to fully exploit the potential of CAR T-cells towards next-generation immunotherapy.
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9
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Abstract
The genetic modification of human T lymphocytes with established non-viral methods is inefficient. Linear polyethylenimine (l-PEI), one of the most popular non-viral transfection agents for mammalian cells in general, only achieves transfection rates in the single digit percentage range for these cells. Here, a well-defined 24-armed poly(2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA) nanostar (number average of the molecular weight: 755 kDa, polydispersity: <1.21) synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from a silsesquioxane initiator core is proposed as alternative. The agent is used to prepare polyplexes with plasmid DNA (pDNA). Under optimal conditions these polyplexes reproducibly transfect >80% of the cells from a human T-cell leukemia cell line (Jurkat cells) at viabilities close to 90%. The agent also promotes pDNA uptake when simply added to a mixture of cells and pDNA. This constitutes a particular promising approach for efficient transient transfection at large scale. Finally, preliminary experiments were carried out with primary T cells from two different donors. Results were again significantly better than for l-PEI, although further research into the response of individual T cells to the transfection agent will be necessary, before either method can be used to routinely transfect primary T lymphocytes.
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10
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Hu Y, Tian ZG, Zhang C. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-transduced natural killer cells in tumor immunotherapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:167-176. [PMID: 28880014 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2017.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are potential effector cells in cell-based cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the control of hematological malignancies. The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is an artificially modified fusion protein that consists of an extracellular antigen recognition domain fused to an intracellular signaling domain. T cells genetically modified with a CAR have demonstrated remarkable success in the treatment of hematological cancers. Compared to T cells, CAR-transduced NK cells (CAR-NK) exhibit several advantages, such as safety in clinical use, the mechanisms by which they recognize cancer cells, and their abundance in clinical samples. Human primary NK cells and the NK-92 cell line have been successfully transduced to express CARs against both hematological cancers and solid tumors in pre-clinical and clinical trials. However, many challenges and obstacles remain, such as the ex vivo expansion of CAR-modified primary NK cells and the low transduction efficiency of NK cells. Many strategies and technologies have been developed to improve the safety and therapeutic efficacy in CAR-based immunotherapy. Moreover, NK cells express a variety of activating receptors (NKRs), such as CD16, NKG2D, CD226 and NKp30, which might specifically recognize the ligands expressed on tumor cells. Based on the principle of NKR recognition, a strategy that targets NKRs is rapidly emerging. Given the promising clinical progress described in this review, CAR- and NKR-NK cell-based immunotherapy are likely promising new strategies for cancer therapy.
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Imaging of Sleeping Beauty-Modified CD19-Specific T Cells Expressing HSV1-Thymidine Kinase by Positron Emission Tomography. Mol Imaging Biol 2017; 18:838-848. [PMID: 27246312 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-016-0971-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have incorporated a positron emission tomography (PET) functionality in T cells expressing a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to non-invasively monitor the adoptively transferred cells. PROCEDURES We engineered T cells to express CD19-specific CAR, firefly luciferase (ffLuc), and herpes simplex virus type-1 thymidine kinase (TK) using the non-viral-based Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon/transposase system adapted for human application. Electroporated primary T cells were propagated on CD19+ artificial antigen-presenting cells. RESULTS After 4 weeks, 90 % of cultured cells exhibited specific killing of CD19+ targets in vitro, could be ablated by ganciclovir, and were detected in vivo by bioluminescent imaging and PET following injection of 2'-deoxy-2'-[18F]fluoro-5-ethyl-1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-uracil ([18F]FEAU). CONCLUSION This is the first report demonstrating the use of SB transposition to generate T cells which may be detected using PET laying the foundation for imaging the distribution and trafficking of T cells in patients treated for B cell malignancies.
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12
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Mehta RS, Dave H, Bollard CM, Shpall EJ. Engineering cord blood to improve engraftment after cord blood transplant. Stem Cell Investig 2017; 4:41. [PMID: 28607915 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2017.05.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood transplant (CBT) has traditionally been associated with slower engraftment of neutrophils, delayed immune reconstitution and consequently higher risk of infections as compared with peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) or bone marrow (BM) transplants. This is primarily due to low numbers of total nucleated cells (TNCs) and the naive nature of CB immune cells. The use of double unit CB transplant (DCBT) increases the total cell dose in the graft, but it still does not produce as rapid engraftment as seen with PBPC or even BM transplants. Herein, we discuss strategies to improve engraftment after CBT. We describe methods of (I) expansion of CB graft ex vivo to increase the total cell dose; and (II) enhancement of BM homing capability of CB progenitor cells; (III) ex vivo expansion of CB derived T cells for improving T cell function against viruses, tumors and protection from graft versus host disease (GVHD). With these novel approaches, engraftment after CBT is now reaching levels comparable to that of other graft types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohtesh S Mehta
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hema Dave
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington DC, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington DC, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Qin L, Lai Y, Zhao R, Wei X, Weng J, Lai P, Li B, Lin S, Wang S, Wu Q, Liang Q, Li Y, Zhang X, Wu Y, Liu P, Yao Y, Pei D, Du X, Li P. Incorporation of a hinge domain improves the expansion of chimeric antigen receptor T cells. J Hematol Oncol 2017; 10:68. [PMID: 28288656 PMCID: PMC5347831 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-017-0437-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple iterations of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been developed, mainly focusing on intracellular signaling modules. However, the effect of non-signaling extracellular modules on the expansion and therapeutic efficacy of CARs remains largely undefined. Methods We generated two versions of CAR vectors, with or without a hinge domain, targeting CD19, mesothelin, PSCA, MUC1, and HER2, respectively. Then, we systematically compared the effect of the hinge domains on the growth kinetics, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity of CAR T cells in vitro and in vivo. Results During in vitro culture period, the percentages and absolute numbers of T cells expressing the CARs containing a hinge domain continuously increased, mainly through the promotion of CD4+ CAR T cell expansion, regardless of the single-chain variable fragment (scFv). In vitro migration assay showed that the hinges enhanced CAR T cells migratory capacity. The T cells expressing anti-CD19 CARs with or without a hinge had similar antitumor capacities in vivo, whereas the T cells expressing anti-mesothelin CARs containing a hinge domain showed enhanced antitumor activities. Conclusions Hence, our results demonstrate that a hinge contributes to CAR T cell expansion and is capable of increasing the antitumor efficacy of some specific CAR T cells. Our results suggest potential novel strategies in CAR vector design. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-017-0437-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Qin
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yunxin Lai
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Ruocong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Xinru Wei
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Jianyu Weng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Peilong Lai
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Baiheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Simiao Lin
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Suna Wang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Qiting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Qiubin Liang
- InVivo Biomedicine Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Institute of Hematology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xuchao Zhang
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilong Wu
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pentao Liu
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1HH, England, UK
| | - Yao Yao
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Duanqing Pei
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Li
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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14
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Global Manufacturing of CAR T Cell Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 4:92-101. [PMID: 28344995 PMCID: PMC5363291 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 421] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells has demonstrated high response rates in patients with B cell malignancies, and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy is now being investigated in several hematologic and solid tumor types. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells are generated by removing T cells from a patient’s blood and engineering the cells to express the chimeric antigen receptor, which reprograms the T cells to target tumor cells. As chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy moves into later-phase clinical trials and becomes an option for more patients, compliance of the chimeric antigen receptor T cell manufacturing process with global regulatory requirements becomes a topic for extensive discussion. Additionally, the challenges of taking a chimeric antigen receptor T cell manufacturing process from a single institution to a large-scale multi-site manufacturing center must be addressed. We have anticipated such concerns in our experience with the CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy CTL019. In this review, we discuss steps involved in the cell processing of the technology, including the use of an optimal vector for consistent cell processing, along with addressing the challenges of expanding chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy to a global patient population.
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15
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Thokala R, Olivares S, Mi T, Maiti S, Deniger D, Huls H, Torikai H, Singh H, Champlin RE, Laskowski T, McNamara G, Cooper LJN. Redirecting Specificity of T cells Using the Sleeping Beauty System to Express Chimeric Antigen Receptors by Mix-and-Matching of VL and VH Domains Targeting CD123+ Tumors. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159477. [PMID: 27548616 PMCID: PMC4993583 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy infusing T cells with engineered specificity for CD19 expressed on B- cell malignancies is generating enthusiasm to extend this approach to other hematological malignancies, such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). CD123, or interleukin 3 receptor alpha, is overexpressed on most AML and some lymphoid malignancies, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and has been an effective target for T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The prototypical CAR encodes a VH and VL from one monoclonal antibody (mAb), coupled to a transmembrane domain and one or more cytoplasmic signaling domains. Previous studies showed that treatment of an experimental AML model with CD123-specific CAR T cells was therapeutic, but at the cost of impaired myelopoiesis, highlighting the need for systems to define the antigen threshold for CAR recognition. Here, we show that CARs can be engineered using VH and VL chains derived from different CD123-specific mAbs to generate a panel of CAR+ T cells. While all CARs exhibited specificity to CD123, one VH and VL combination had reduced lysis of normal hematopoietic stem cells. This CAR’s in vivo anti-tumor activity was similar whether signaling occurred via chimeric CD28 or CD137, prolonging survival in both AML and ALL models. Co-expression of inducible caspase 9 eliminated CAR+ T cells. These data help support the use of CD123-specific CARs for treatment of CD123+ hematologic malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/pathology
- CD28 Antigens/genetics
- CD28 Antigens/immunology
- Caspase 9/genetics
- Caspase 9/immunology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Expression
- Genetic Engineering/methods
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/immunology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit/genetics
- Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Plasmids
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/immunology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Single-Domain Antibodies/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Transfection
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Thokala
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Simon Olivares
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tiejuan Mi
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sourindra Maiti
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Drew Deniger
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Helen Huls
- Intrexon Corporation, Germantown, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hiroki Torikai
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Harjeet Singh
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Richard E. Champlin
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tamara Laskowski
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - George McNamara
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Laurence J. N. Cooper
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Ziopharm Oncology Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Kebriaei P, Singh H, Huls MH, Figliola MJ, Bassett R, Olivares S, Jena B, Dawson MJ, Kumaresan PR, Su S, Maiti S, Dai J, Moriarity B, Forget MA, Senyukov V, Orozco A, Liu T, McCarty J, Jackson RN, Moyes JS, Rondon G, Qazilbash M, Ciurea S, Alousi A, Nieto Y, Rezvani K, Marin D, Popat U, Hosing C, Shpall EJ, Kantarjian H, Keating M, Wierda W, Do KA, Largaespada DA, Lee DA, Hackett PB, Champlin RE, Cooper LJN. Phase I trials using Sleeping Beauty to generate CD19-specific CAR T cells. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:3363-76. [PMID: 27482888 DOI: 10.1172/jci86721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 349] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cells expressing antigen-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) improve outcomes for CD19-expressing B cell malignancies. We evaluated a human application of T cells that were genetically modified using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon/transposase system to express a CD19-specific CAR. METHODS T cells were genetically modified using DNA plasmids from the SB platform to stably express a second-generation CD19-specific CAR and selectively propagated ex vivo with activating and propagating cells (AaPCs) and cytokines. Twenty-six patients with advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia safely underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and infusion of CAR T cells as adjuvant therapy in the autologous (n = 7) or allogeneic settings (n = 19). RESULTS SB-mediated genetic transposition and stimulation resulted in 2,200- to 2,500-fold ex vivo expansion of genetically modified T cells, with 84% CAR expression, and without integration hotspots. Following autologous HSCT, the 30-month progression-free and overall survivals were 83% and 100%, respectively. After allogeneic HSCT, the respective 12-month rates were 53% and 63%. No acute or late toxicities and no exacerbation of graft-versus-host disease were observed. Despite a low antigen burden and unsupportive recipient cytokine environment, CAR T cells persisted for an average of 201 days for autologous recipients and 51 days for allogeneic recipients. CONCLUSIONS CD19-specific CAR T cells generated with SB and AaPC platforms were safe, and may provide additional cancer control as planned infusions after HSCT. These results support further clinical development of this nonviral gene therapy approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION Autologous, NCT00968760; allogeneic, NCT01497184; long-term follow-up, NCT01492036. FUNDING National Cancer Institute, private foundations, and institutional funds. Please see Acknowledgments for details.
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17
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Gamrad L, Rehbock C, Westendorf AM, Buer J, Barcikowski S, Hansen W. Efficient nucleic acid delivery to murine regulatory T cells by gold nanoparticle conjugates. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28709. [PMID: 27381215 PMCID: PMC4933883 DOI: 10.1038/srep28709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune responses have to be tightly controlled to guarantee maintenance of immunological tolerance and efficient clearance of pathogens and tumorigenic cells without induction of unspecific side effects. CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in these processes due to their immunosuppressive function. Genetic modification of Tregs would be helpful to understand which molecules and pathways are involved in their function, but currently available methods are limited by time, costs or efficacy. Here, we made use of biofunctionalized gold nanoparticles as non-viral carriers to transport genetic information into murine Tregs. Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed an efficient uptake of the bioconjugates by Tregs. Most importantly, coupling eGFP-siRNA to those particles resulted in a dose and time dependent reduction of up to 50% of eGFP expression in Tregs isolated from Foxp3eGFP reporter mice. Thus, gold particles represent a suitable carrier for efficient import of nucleic acids into murine CD4+ CD25+ Tregs, superior to electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gamrad
- Technical Chemistry I and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 7, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Rehbock
- Technical Chemistry I and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 7, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid M Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Stephan Barcikowski
- Technical Chemistry I and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 7, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hansen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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18
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Zhu X, Prasad S, Gaedicke S, Hettich M, Firat E, Niedermann G. Patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells are killed by CD133-specific CAR T cells but induce the T cell aging marker CD57. Oncotarget 2015; 6:171-84. [PMID: 25426558 PMCID: PMC4381586 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The AC133 epitope of CD133 is a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker for many tumor entities, including the highly malignant glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We have developed an AC133-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and show that AC133-CAR T cells kill AC133+ GBM stem cells (GBM-SCs) both in vitro and in an orthotopic tumor model in vivo. Direct contact with patient-derived GBM-SCs caused rapid upregulation of CD57 on the CAR T cells, a molecule known to mark terminally or near-terminally differentiated T cells. However, other changes associated with terminal T cell differentiation could not be readily detected. CD57 is also expressed on tumor cells of neural crest origin and has been preferentially found on highly aggressive, undifferentiated, multipotent CSC-like cells. We found that CD57 was upregulated on activated T cells only upon contact with CD57+ patient-derived GBM-SCs, but not with conventional CD57-negative glioma lines. However, CD57 was not downregulated on the GBM-SCs upon their differentiation, indicating that this molecule is not a bona fide CSC marker for GBM. Differentiated GBM cells still induced CD57 on CAR T cells and other activated T cells. Therefore, CD57 can apparently be upregulated on activated human T cells by mere contact with CD57+ target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuekai Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shruthi Prasad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simone Gaedicke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hettich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elke Firat
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Kranz LM, Birtel M, Krienke C, Grunwitz C, Petschenka J, Reuter KC, van de Roemer N, Vascotto F, Vormehr M, Kreiter S, Diken M. CIMT 2015: The right patient for the right therapy - Report on the 13th annual meeting of the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 12:213-21. [PMID: 26186022 PMCID: PMC4962731 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1068485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lena M Kranz
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI); University Medical Center; Johannes Gutenberg University; Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Birtel
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
| | - Christina Krienke
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI); University Medical Center; Johannes Gutenberg University; Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Grunwitz
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH; Mainz, Germany
| | - Jutta Petschenka
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Niels van de Roemer
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI); University Medical Center; Johannes Gutenberg University; Mainz, Germany
| | - Fulvia Vascotto
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
| | - Mathias Vormehr
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH; Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
| | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH; Mainz, Germany
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20
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Optimization of methods for the genetic modification of human T cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2015; 93:896-908. [PMID: 26027856 PMCID: PMC4659746 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2015.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are critical in the fight against parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections, but are also involved in many autoimmune and pathological disorders. Studies of protein function in human T cells are confined to techniques such as RNAi due to ethical reasons and relative simplicity of these methods. However, introduction of RNAi or genes into primary human T cells is often hampered by toxic effects from transfection or transduction methods that yield cell numbers inadequate for downstream assays. Additionally, the efficiency of recombinant DNA expression is frequently low due to multiple factors including efficacy of the method and strength of the targeting RNAs. Here, we describe detailed protocols that will aid in the study of primary human CD4+ T cells. First, we describe a method for development of effective microRNA/shRNAs using available online algorithms. Second, we illustrate an optimized protocol for high efficacy retroviral or lentiviral transduction of human T cell lines. Importantly, we demonstrate that activated primary human CD4+ T cells can be transduced efficiently with lentiviruses, with a highly activated population of T cells receiving the largest number of copies of integrated DNA. We also illustrate a method for efficient lentiviral transduction of hard-to-transduce un-activated primary human CD4+ T cells. These protocols will significantly assist in understanding the activation and function of human T cells and will ultimately aid in the development or improvement of current drugs that target human CD4+ T cells.
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21
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Sleeping Beauty Transposition of Chimeric Antigen Receptors Targeting Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Like Orphan Receptor-1 (ROR1) into Diverse Memory T-Cell Populations. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128151. [PMID: 26030772 PMCID: PMC4451012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting CD19 demonstrated clinical activity against some B-cell malignancies. However, this is often accompanied by a loss of normal CD19+ B cells and humoral immunity. Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor-1 (ROR1) is expressed on sub-populations of B-cell malignancies and solid tumors, but not by healthy B cells or normal post-partum tissues. Thus, adoptive transfer of T cells specific for ROR1 has potential to eliminate tumor cells and spare healthy tissues. To test this hypothesis, we developed CARs targeting ROR1 in order to generate T cells specific for malignant cells. Two Sleeping Beauty transposons were constructed with 2nd generation ROR1-specific CARs signaling through CD3ζ and either CD28 (designated ROR1RCD28) or CD137 (designated ROR1RCD137) and were introduced into T cells. We selected for T cells expressing CAR through co-culture with γ-irradiated activating and propagating cells (AaPC), which co-expressed ROR1 and co-stimulatory molecules. Numeric expansion over one month of co-culture on AaPC in presence of soluble interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-21 occurred and resulted in a diverse memory phenotype of CAR+ T cells as measured by non-enzymatic digital array (NanoString) and multi-panel flow cytometry. Such T cells produced interferon-γ and had specific cytotoxic activity against ROR1+ tumors. Moreover, such cells could eliminate ROR1+ tumor xenografts, especially T cells expressing ROR1RCD137. Clinical trials will investigate the ability of ROR1-specific CAR+ T cells to specifically eliminate tumor cells while maintaining normal B-cell repertoire.
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22
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WANG YULIANG, WANG YINLONG, MU HONG, LIU TAO, CHEN XIAOBO, SHEN ZHONGYANG. Enhanced specific antitumor immunity of dendritic cells transduced with the glypican 3 gene and co-cultured with cytokine-induced killer cells against hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2015; 11:3361-7. [PMID: 25625609 PMCID: PMC4368068 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)‑based cancer immunotherapy requires an immunogenic tumor‑associated antigen and an effective therapeutic strategy. Glypican 3 (GPC3) is a valuable diagnostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study investigated whether DCs transduced with the GPC3 gene (DCs‑GPC3) and co‑cultured with autologous cytokine‑induced killer cells (CIKs) may induce a marked specific immune response against GPC3‑expressing HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Human DCs were transfected with a green fluorescent protein plasmid with GPC3 by nucleofection and then co‑cultured with autologous CIKs. Flow cytometry was used to measure the phenotypes of DCs and CIKs. The co‑cultured cells were harvested and incubated with HCC cells and the cytotoxicity of the CIKs was assessed by nonradioactive cytotoxicity assay. The anti-tumor activity of these effector cells was further evaluated using a nude mouse tumor model. The results demonstrated that DCs‑GPC3 significantly promoted the autologous CIKs differentiation, as well as anti‑tumor cytokine interferon‑γ secretion. In addition, DCs‑GPC3‑CIKs significantly enhanced the cytotoxic activity against GPC3‑expressing HepG2 cells, indicating a GPC3‑specific marked immune response against HCC cells. The in vivo data indicated that DCs‑GPC3‑CIKs exhibited significant HepG2 cell‑induced tumor growth inhibition in nude mice. The results of the present study provided a new insight into the design of personalizing adoptive immunotherapy for GPC3‑expressing HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- YULIANG WANG
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| | - YINLONG WANG
- Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Union Medicine Center, Tianjin 300121, P.R. China
| | - HONG MU
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| | - TAO LIU
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| | - XIAOBO CHEN
- Union Stem and Gene Engineering Co., Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - ZHONGYANG SHEN
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
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23
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Wang X, Rivière I. Manufacture of tumor- and virus-specific T lymphocytes for adoptive cell therapies. Cancer Gene Ther 2015; 22:85-94. [PMID: 25721207 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2014.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and genetically engineered T lymphocytes expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or conventional alpha/beta T-cell receptors (TCRs), collectively termed adoptive cell therapy (ACT), is an emerging novel strategy to treat cancer patients. Application of ACT has been constrained by the ability to isolate and expand functional tumor-reactive T cells. The transition of ACT from a promising experimental regimen to an established standard of care treatment relies largely on the establishment of safe, efficient, robust and cost-effective cell manufacturing protocols. The manufacture of cellular products under current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) has a critical role in the process. Herein, we review current manufacturing methods for the large-scale production of clinical-grade TILs, virus-specific and genetically modified CAR or TCR transduced T cells in the context of phase I/II clinical trials as well as the regulatory pathway to get these complex personalized cellular products to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- 1] Cell Therapy and Cell Engineering Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA [2] Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - I Rivière
- 1] Cell Therapy and Cell Engineering Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA [2] Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA [3] Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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24
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Manufacture of T cells using the Sleeping Beauty system to enforce expression of a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor. Cancer Gene Ther 2015; 22:95-100. [PMID: 25591810 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2014.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
T cells can be reprogrammed to redirect specificity to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) through the enforced expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The prototypical CAR is a single-chain molecule that docks with TAA expressed on the cell surface and, in contrast to the T-cell receptor complex, recognizes target cells independent of human leukocyte antigen. The bioprocessing to generate CAR(+) T cells has been reduced to clinical practice based on two common steps that are accomplished in compliance with current good manufacturing practice. These are (1) gene transfer to stably integrate the CAR using viral and nonviral approaches and (2) activating the T cells for proliferation by crosslinking CD3 or antigen-driven numeric expansion using activating and propagating cells (AaPCs). Here, we outline our approach to nonviral gene transfer using the Sleeping Beauty system and the selective propagation of CD19-specific CAR(+) T cells on AaPCs.
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Deniger DC, Moyes JS, Cooper LJN. Clinical applications of gamma delta T cells with multivalent immunity. Front Immunol 2014; 5:636. [PMID: 25566249 PMCID: PMC4263175 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells hold promise for adoptive immunotherapy because of their reactivity to bacteria, viruses, and tumors. However, these cells represent a small fraction (1–5%) of the peripheral T-cell pool and require activation and propagation to achieve clinical benefit. Aminobisphosphonates specifically expand the Vγ9Vδ2 subset of γδ T cells and have been used in clinical trials of cancer where objective responses were detected. The Vγ9Vδ2 T cell receptor (TCR) heterodimer binds multiple ligands and results in a multivalent attack by a monoclonal T cell population. Alternatively, populations of γδ T cells with oligoclonal or polyclonal TCR repertoire could be infused for broad-range specificity. However, this goal has been restricted by a lack of applicable expansion protocols for non-Vγ9Vδ2 cells. Recent advances using immobilized antigens, agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), tumor-derived artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPC), or combinations of activating mAbs and aAPC have been successful in expanding gamma delta T cells with oligoclonal or polyclonal TCR repertoires. Immobilized major histocompatibility complex Class-I chain-related A was a stimulus for γδ T cells expressing TCRδ1 isotypes, and plate-bound activating antibodies have expanded Vδ1 and Vδ2 cells ex vivo. Clinically sufficient quantities of TCRδ1, TCRδ2, and TCRδ1negTCRδ2neg have been produced following co-culture on aAPC, and these subsets displayed differences in memory phenotype and reactivity to tumors in vitro and in vivo. Gamma delta T cells are also amenable to genetic modification as evidenced by introduction of αβ TCRs, chimeric antigen receptors, and drug-resistance genes. This represents a promising future for the clinical application of oligoclonal or polyclonal γδ T cells in autologous and allogeneic settings that builds on current trials testing the safety and efficacy of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew C Deniger
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Judy S Moyes
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Laurence J N Cooper
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA ; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA
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Universal artificial antigen presenting cells to selectively propagate T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptor independent of specificity. J Immunother 2014; 37:204-13. [PMID: 24714354 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
T cells genetically modified to stably express immunoreceptors are being assessed for therapeutic potential in clinical trials. T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) are endowed with a new specificity to target tumor-associated antigen (TAA) independent of major histocompatibility complex. Our approach to nonviral gene transfer in T cells uses ex vivo numeric expansion of CAR T cells on irradiated artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPC) bearing the targeted TAA. The requirement for aAPC to express a desired TAA limits the human application of CARs with multiple specificities when selective expansion through coculture with feeder cells is sought. As an alternative to expressing individual TAAs on aAPC, we expressed 1 ligand that could activate CAR T cells for sustained proliferation independent of specificity. We expressed a CAR ligand (designated CARL) that binds the conserved IgG4 extracellular domain of CAR and demonstrated that CARL aAPC propagate CAR T cells of multiple specificities. CARL avoids technical issues and costs associated with deploying clinical-grade aAPC for each TAA targeted by a given CAR. Using CARL enables 1 aAPC to numerically expand all CAR T cells containing the IgG4 domain, and simplifies expansion, testing, and clinical translation of CAR T cells of any specificity.
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Singh H, Huls H, Kebriaei P, Cooper LJN. A new approach to gene therapy using Sleeping Beauty to genetically modify clinical-grade T cells to target CD19. Immunol Rev 2014; 257:181-90. [PMID: 24329797 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advent of efficient approaches to the genetic modification of T cells has provided investigators with clinically appealing methods to improve the potency of tumor-specific clinical grade T cells. For example, gene therapy has been successfully used to enforce expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that provide T cells with ability to directly recognize tumor-associated antigens without the need for presentation by human leukocyte antigen. Gene transfer of CARs can be undertaken using viral-based and non-viral approaches. We have advanced DNA vectors derived from the Sleeping Beauty (SB) system to avoid the expense and manufacturing difficulty associated with transducing T cells with recombinant viral vectors. After electroporation, the transposon/transposase improves the efficiency of integration of plasmids used to express CAR and other transgenes in T cells. The SB system combined with artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPC) can selectively propagate and thus retrieve CAR(+) T cells suitable for human application. This review describes the translation of the SB system and aAPC for use in clinical trials and highlights how a nimble and cost-effective approach to developing genetically modified T cells can be used to implement clinical trials infusing next-generation T cells with improved therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harjeet Singh
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Butler MO, Hirano N. Human cell-based artificial antigen-presenting cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2014; 257:191-209. [PMID: 24329798 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell therapy, where anti-tumor T cells are first prepared in vitro, is attractive since it facilitates the delivery of essential signals to selected subsets of anti-tumor T cells without unfavorable immunoregulatory issues that exist in tumor-bearing hosts. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that anti-tumor adoptive T-cell therapy, i.e. infusion of tumor-specific T cells, can induce clinically relevant and sustained responses in patients with advanced cancer. The goal of adoptive cell therapy is to establish anti-tumor immunologic memory, which can result in life-long rejection of tumor cells in patients. To achieve this goal, during the process of in vitro expansion, T-cell grafts used in adoptive T-cell therapy must be appropriately educated and equipped with the capacity to accomplish multiple, essential tasks. Adoptively transferred T cells must be endowed, prior to infusion, with the ability to efficiently engraft, expand, persist, and traffic to tumor in vivo. As a strategy to consistently generate T-cell grafts with these capabilities, artificial antigen-presenting cells have been developed to deliver the proper signals necessary to T cells to enable optimal adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus O Butler
- Immune Therapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Bioengineering T cells to target carbohydrate to treat opportunistic fungal infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:10660-5. [PMID: 25002471 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1312789111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical-grade T cells are genetically modified ex vivo to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to redirect their specificity to target tumor-associated antigens in vivo. We now have developed this molecular strategy to render cytotoxic T cells specific for fungi. We adapted the pattern-recognition receptor Dectin-1 to activate T cells via chimeric CD28 and CD3-ζ (designated "D-CAR") upon binding with carbohydrate in the cell wall of Aspergillus germlings. T cells genetically modified with the Sleeping Beauty system to express D-CAR stably were propagated selectively on artificial activating and propagating cells using an approach similar to that approved by the Food and Drug Administration for manufacturing CD19-specific CAR(+) T cells for clinical trials. The D-CAR(+) T cells exhibited specificity for β-glucan which led to damage and inhibition of hyphal growth of Aspergillus in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of D-CAR(+) T cells with steroids did not compromise antifungal activity significantly. These data support the targeting of carbohydrate antigens by CAR(+) T cells and provide a clinically appealing strategy to enhance immunity for opportunistic fungal infections using T-cell gene therapy.
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Bire S, Ley D, Casteret S, Mermod N, Bigot Y, Rouleux-Bonnin F. Optimization of the piggyBac transposon using mRNA and insulators: toward a more reliable gene delivery system. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82559. [PMID: 24312663 PMCID: PMC3849487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrating and expressing stably a transgene into the cellular genome remain major challenges for gene-based therapies and for bioproduction purposes. While transposon vectors mediate efficient transgene integration, expression may be limited by epigenetic silencing, and persistent transposase expression may mediate multiple transposition cycles. Here, we evaluated the delivery of the piggyBac transposase messenger RNA combined with genetically insulated transposons to isolate the transgene from neighboring regulatory elements and stabilize expression. A comparison of piggyBac transposase expression from messenger RNA and DNA vectors was carried out in terms of expression levels, transposition efficiency, transgene expression and genotoxic effects, in order to calibrate and secure the transposition-based delivery system. Messenger RNA reduced the persistence of the transposase to a narrow window, thus decreasing side effects such as superfluous genomic DNA cleavage. Both the CTF/NF1 and the D4Z4 insulators were found to mediate more efficient expression from a few transposition events. We conclude that the use of engineered piggyBac transposase mRNA and insulated transposons offer promising ways of improving the quality of the integration process and sustaining the expression of transposon vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solenne Bire
- GICC, UMR CNRS 7292, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, and Center for Biotechnology UNIL-EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- PRC, UMR INRA-CNRS 7247, Centre INRA Val de Loire, Nouzilly, France
| | - Déborah Ley
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, and Center for Biotechnology UNIL-EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Casteret
- PRC, UMR INRA-CNRS 7247, Centre INRA Val de Loire, Nouzilly, France
| | - Nicolas Mermod
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, and Center for Biotechnology UNIL-EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yves Bigot
- PRC, UMR INRA-CNRS 7247, Centre INRA Val de Loire, Nouzilly, France
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Field AC, Vink C, Gabriel R, Al-Subki R, Schmidt M, Goulden N, Stauss H, Thrasher A, Morris E, Qasim W. Comparison of lentiviral and sleeping beauty mediated αβ T cell receptor gene transfer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68201. [PMID: 23840834 PMCID: PMC3695921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer of tumour antigen-specific receptors to T cells requires efficient delivery and integration of transgenes, and currently most clinical studies are using gamma retroviral or lentiviral systems. Whilst important proof-of-principle data has been generated for both chimeric antigen receptors and αβ T cell receptors, the current platforms are costly, time-consuming and relatively inflexible. Alternative, more cost-effective, Sleeping Beauty transposon-based plasmid systems could offer a pathway to accelerated clinical testing of a more diverse repertoire of recombinant high affinity T cell receptors. Nucleofection of hyperactive SB100X transposase-mediated stable transposition of an optimised murine-human chimeric T cell receptor specific for Wilm’s tumour antigen from a Sleeping Beauty transposon plasmid. Whilst transfer efficiency was lower than that mediated by lentiviral transduction, cells could be readily enriched and expanded, and mediated effective target cells lysis in vitro and in vivo. Integration sites of transposed TCR genes in primary T cells were almost randomly distributed, contrasting the predilection of lentiviral vectors for transcriptionally active sites. The results support exploitation of the Sleeping Beauty plasmid based system as a flexible and adaptable platform for accelerated, early-phase assessment of T cell receptor gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Christine Field
- Molecular immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Conrad Vink
- Molecular immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Gabriel
- Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roua Al-Subki
- Molecular immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred Schmidt
- Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicholas Goulden
- Molecular immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Stauss
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Royal Free Campus University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Thrasher
- Molecular immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Morris
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Royal Free Campus University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waseem Qasim
- Molecular immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Manufacture of clinical-grade CD19-specific T cells stably expressing chimeric antigen receptor using Sleeping Beauty system and artificial antigen presenting cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64138. [PMID: 23741305 PMCID: PMC3669363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is being evaluated in multiple clinical trials. Our current approach to adoptive immunotherapy is based on a second generation CAR (designated CD19RCD28) that signals through a CD28 and CD3-ζ endodomain. T cells are electroporated with DNA plasmids from the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon/transposase system to express this CAR. Stable integrants of genetically modified T cells can then be retrieved when co-cultured with designer artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPC) in the presence of interleukin (IL)-2 and 21. Here, we reveal how the platform technologies of SB-mediated transposition and CAR-dependent propagation on aAPC were adapted for human application. Indeed, we have initiated clinical trials in patients with high-risk B-lineage malignancies undergoing autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). We describe the process to manufacture clinical grade CD19-specific T cells derived from healthy donors. Three validation runs were completed in compliance with current good manufacturing practice for Phase I/II trials demonstrating that by 28 days of co-culture on γ-irradiated aAPC ∼10(10) T cells were produced of which >95% expressed CAR. These genetically modified and propagated T cells met all quality control testing and release criteria in support of infusion.
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Chicaybam L, Sodre AL, Curzio BA, Bonamino MH. An efficient low cost method for gene transfer to T lymphocytes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60298. [PMID: 23555950 PMCID: PMC3608570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Gene transfer to T lymphocytes has historically relied on retro and lentivirus, but recently transposon-based gene transfer is rising as a simpler and straight forward approach to achieve stable transgene expression. Transfer of expression cassettes to T lymphocytes remains challenging, being based mainly on commercial kits. AIMS We herein report a convenient and affordable method based on in house made buffers, generic cuvettes and utilization of the widely available Lonza nucleofector II device to promote efficient gene transfer to T lymphocytes. RESULTS This approach renders high transgene expression levels in primary human T lymphocytes (mean 45%, 41-59%), the hard to transfect murine T cells (mean 38%, 36-42% for C57/BL6 strain) and human Jurkat T cell line. Cell viability levels after electroporation allowed further manipulations such as in vitro expansion and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) mediated gain of function for target cell lysis. CONCLUSIONS We describe here an efficient general protocol for electroporation based modification of T lymphocytes. By opening access to this protocol, we expect that efficient gene transfer to T lymphocytes, for transient or stable expression, may be achieved by an increased number of laboratories at lower and affordable costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Chicaybam
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa (CPQ), Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas (IPEC), Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andressa Laino Sodre
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa (CPQ), Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bianca Azevedo Curzio
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa (CPQ), Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martin Hernan Bonamino
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa (CPQ), Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-specific monoclonal antibody to detect CD19-specific T cells in clinical trials. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57838. [PMID: 23469246 PMCID: PMC3585808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials targeting CD19 on B-cell malignancies are underway with encouraging anti-tumor responses. Most infuse T cells genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) with specificity derived from the scFv region of a CD19-specific mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb, clone FMC63). We describe a novel anti-idiotype monoclonal antibody (mAb) to detect CD19-specific CAR+ T cells before and after their adoptive transfer. This mouse mAb was generated by immunizing with a cellular vaccine expressing the antigen-recognition domain of FMC63. The specificity of the mAb (clone no. 136.20.1) was confined to the scFv region of the CAR as validated by inhibiting CAR-dependent lysis of CD19+ tumor targets. This clone can be used to detect CD19-specific CAR+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells at a sensitivity of 1∶1,000. In clinical settings the mAb is used to inform on the immunophenotype and persistence of administered CD19-specific T cells. Thus, our CD19-specific CAR mAb (clone no. 136.20.1) will be useful to investigators implementing CD19-specific CAR+ T cells to treat B-lineage malignancies. The methodology described to develop a CAR-specific anti-idiotypic mAb could be extended to other gene therapy trials targeting different tumor associated antigens in the context of CAR-based adoptive T-cell therapy.
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