1
|
Kos FJ, Frankel P, Cristea M, Eng M, Tinsley R, Dempsey S, Ruel N, Stewart D, Dellinger TH, Diamond DJ. Immunologic Signatures of Peripheral Blood T Cells Reveal the Outcome of p53MVA Vaccine and Pembrolizumab Treatment in Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2585-2595. [PMID: 38032111 PMCID: PMC10732002 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous studies indicated that p53-reactive T cells were associated with clinical benefit in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who were treated with p53-expressing modified vaccinia Ankara (p53MVA) vaccine and gemcitabine chemotherapy. To replace chemotherapy with an approach that will enhance vaccine efficacy and antitumor immunity, we treated patients with p53MVA in combination with PD-1 checkpoint blocker, pembrolizumab. We also attempted to further characterize the activation status of T cells prior to vaccination and during treatment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients received up to three triweekly vaccinations concurrent with pembrolizumab, followed by pembrolizumab monotherapy at 3-week intervals. Correlative studies analyzed peripheral blood T-cell phenotypes and profiles of immune function gene expression. RESULTS We observed 6/28 (21%) patients with a clinical benefit to therapy, including 3 partial responses (PR) and 3 patients with stable disease (SD) for 6+ months. The median progression-free survival was 1.8 months (95% confidence interval: 1.7-3.8) and median overall survival was 15.1 months (9.4-30.4). Two patients remain progression-free at 28 and 33 months. Of the 18 patients evaluable in correlative studies, 6 were immunologic responders of whom 5 had clinical benefit (3 PR, 2 SD). Immunologic non-responders expressed in pretreatment peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples high levels of mRNA for multiple molecules associated with terminally differentiated T cells. CONCLUSIONS p53MVA/pembrolizumab immunotherapy showed promising antitumor activity in patients who demonstrated functionally competent peripheral blood T cells. Detection of markers of terminally differentiated T cells before treatment may identify patients unlikely to respond to p53MVA/pembrolizumab. SIGNIFICANCE The activity of a combination immunotherapy of p53 vaccine and PD-1 checkpoint blockade in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer was evaluated in a phase II trial. Clinical benefit was correlated with the responsive immune status of patients before and during the treatment, defining potential predictive markers for immune therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferdynand J. Kos
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Paul Frankel
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California
| | - Mihaela Cristea
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Melissa Eng
- Clinical Trials Office, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Raechelle Tinsley
- Clinical Trials Office, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Shannon Dempsey
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Nora Ruel
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California
| | - Daphne Stewart
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Thanh H. Dellinger
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Don J. Diamond
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Atay C, Medina-Echeverz J, Hochrein H, Suter M, Hinterberger M. Armored modified vaccinia Ankara in cancer immunotherapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:87-142. [PMID: 37541728 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy relies on unleashing the patient´s immune system against tumor cells. Cancer vaccines aim to stimulate both the innate and adaptive arms of immunity to achieve durable clinical responses. Some roadblocks for a successful cancer vaccine in the clinic include the tumor antigen of choice, the adjuvants employed to strengthen antitumor-specific immune responses, and the risks associated with enhancing immune-related adverse effects in patients. Modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) belongs to the family of poxviruses and is a versatile vaccine platform that combines several attributes crucial for cancer therapy. First, MVA is an excellent inducer of innate immune responses leading to type I interferon secretion and induction of T helper cell type 1 (Th1) immune responses. Second, it elicits robust and durable humoral and cellular immunity against vector-encoded heterologous antigens. Third, MVA has enormous genomic flexibility, which allows for the expression of multiple antigenic and costimulatory entities. And fourth, its replication deficit in human cells ensures a excellent safety profile. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how MVA induces innate and adaptive immune responses. Furthermore, we will give an overview of the tumor-associated antigens and immunomodulatory molecules that have been used to armor MVA and describe their clinical use. Finally, the route of MVA immunization and its impact on therapeutic efficacy depending on the immunomodulatory molecules expressed will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Atay
- Bavarian Nordic GmbH, Fraunhoferstr.13, Planegg, Germany
| | | | | | - Mark Suter
- Prof. em. University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Y, Zhu Y, Kramer A, Fang Y, Wilson M, Li YR, Yang L. Genetic engineering strategies to enhance antitumor reactivity and reduce alloreactivity for allogeneic cell-based cancer therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1135468. [PMID: 37064017 PMCID: PMC10090359 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1135468] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The realm of cell-based immunotherapy holds untapped potential for the development of next-generation cancer treatment through genetic engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cell therapies for targeted eradication of cancerous malignancies. Such allogeneic "off-the-shelf" cell products can be advantageously manufactured in large quantities, stored for extended periods, and easily distributed to treat an exponential number of cancer patients. At current, patient risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and host-versus-graft (HvG) allorejection severely restrict the development of allogeneic CAR-T cell products. To address these limitations, a variety of genetic engineering strategies have been implemented to enhance antitumor efficacy, reduce GvHD and HvG onset, and improve the overall safety profile of T-cell based immunotherapies. In this review, we summarize these genetic engineering strategies and discuss the challenges and prospects these approaches provide to expedite progression of translational and clinical studies for adoption of a universal cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Adam Kramer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Slingluff CL, Zarour HM, Tawbi HAH, Kirkwood JM, Postow MA, Friedlander P, Devoe CE, Gaughan EM, Mauldin IS, Olson WC, Smith KT, Macri MJ, Ricciardi T, Ryan A, Venhaus R, Wolchok JD. A phase 1 study of NY-ESO-1 vaccine + anti-CTLA4 antibody Ipilimumab (IPI) in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1898105. [PMID: 33796406 PMCID: PMC8007150 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1898105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ipilimumab (IPI) can enhance immunity to the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1. A clinical trial was designed to assess safety, immunogenicity, and clinical responses with IPI + NY-ESO-1 vaccines and effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Patients with measurable NY-ESO-1+ tumors were enrolled among three arms: A) IPI + NY-ESO-1 protein + poly-ICLC (pICLC) + incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA); B) IPI + NY-ESO-1 overlapping long peptides (OLP) + pICLC + IFA; and C) IPI + NY-ESO-1 OLP + pICLC. Clinical responses were assessed by irRC. T cell and Ab responses were assessed by ex vivo IFN-gamma ELIspot and ELISA. Tumor biopsies pre- and post-treatment were evaluated for immune infiltrates. Eight patients were enrolled: 5, 2, and 1 in Arms A-C, respectively. There were no DLTs. Best clinical responses were SD (4) and PD (4). T-cell and antibody (Ab) responses to NY-ESO-1 were detected in 6 (75%) and 7 (88%) patients, respectively, and were associated with SD. The breadth of Ab responses was greater for patients with SD than PD (p = .036). For five patients evaluable in the TME, treatment was associated with increases in proliferating (Ki67+) CD8+ T cells and decreases in RORγt+ CD4+ T cells. T cell densities increased for those with SD. Detection of T cell responses to NY-ESO-1 ex vivo in most patients suggests that IPI may have enhanced those responses. Proliferating intratumoral CD8+ T cells increased after vaccination plus IPI suggesting favorable impact of IPI plus NY-ESO-1 vaccines on the TME. List of Abbreviations: Ab = antibody; CTCAE = NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events; DHFR/DHRP = dihydrofolate reductase; DLT = Dose-limiting toxicity; ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IFA = incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (Montanide ISA-51); IFNγ = Interferon gamma; IPI = Ipilimumab; irRC = immune-related response criteria; mIFH = multispectral immunofluorescence histology; OLP = NY-ESO-1 overlapping long peptides; PBMC = peripheral blood mononuclear cells; PD = Progressive disease; pICLC = poly-ICLC (Hiltonol), a TLR3/MDA-5 agonist; RLT = Regimen-limiting Toxicity; ROI = regions of interest; RT = room temperature; SAE = serious adverse event; SD = stable disease; TEAE = treatment-emergent adverse events; TLR = toll-like receptor; TME = tumor microenvironment; TRAE = treatment-related adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig L Slingluff
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hassane M Zarour
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dept of Medicine and Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hussein Abdul-Hassan Tawbi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dept of Medicine and Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - John M Kirkwood
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dept of Medicine and Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael A Postow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip Friedlander
- Department of Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Craig E Devoe
- Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Lake Success, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Gaughan
- Department of Medicine/Division of Hematology Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ileana S Mauldin
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Walter C Olson
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kelly T Smith
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mary J Macri
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Aileen Ryan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralph Venhaus
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Quetglas JI, John LB, Kershaw MH, Alvarez-Vallina L, Melero I, Darcy PK, Smerdou C. Virotherapy, gene transfer and immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:1344-1354. [PMID: 23243597 PMCID: PMC3518506 DOI: 10.4161/onci.21679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells are susceptible to viral infection and consequent cell death. Virus-induced cell death is endowed with features that are known to stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus danger signals emitted by cells succumbing to viral infection as well as viral nucleic acids are detected by specific receptors, and tumor cell antigens can be routed to professional antigen-presenting cells. The anticancer immune response triggered by viral infection is frequently insufficient to eradicate malignancy but may be further amplified. For this purpose, transgenes encoding cytokines as co-stimulatory molecules can be genetically engineered into viral vectors. Alternatively, or in addition, it is possible to use monoclonal antibodies that either block inhibitory receptors of immune effector cells, or act as agonists for co-stimulatory receptors. Combined strategies are based on the ignition of a local immune response at the malignant site plus systemic immune boosting. We have recently reported examples of this approach involving the Vaccinia virus or Semliki Forest virus, interleukin-12 and anti-CD137 monoclonal antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José I Quetglas
- Division of Hepatology and Gene Therapy; Center for Applied Medical Research; University of Navarra; Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The importance of cancer-cell-autonomous functions of the tumour suppressor p53 (encoded by TP53) has been established in many studies, but it is now clear that the p53 status of the cancer cell also has a profound impact on the immune response. Loss or mutation of p53 in cancers can affect the recruitment and activity of myeloid and T cells, allowing immune evasion and promoting cancer progression. p53 can also function in immune cells, resulting in various outcomes that can impede or support tumour development. Understanding the role of p53 in tumour and immune cells will help in the development of therapeutic approaches that can harness the differential p53 status of cancers compared with most normal tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Blagih
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michael D Buck
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Karen H Vousden
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhao J, Chen Y, Ding ZY, Liu JY. Safety and Efficacy of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines Alone or in Combination With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1184. [PMID: 31680963 PMCID: PMC6798079 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic cancer vaccines have proven to seldom induce dramatic clinical response when used alone, and therefore, they are being studied in combination with additional treatment modalities to achieve optimal treatment activities. Growing preclinical data show that combining vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can prime intensified immunogenicity and modulate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Herein, we focus on the safety and efficacy of approved and promising cancer vaccines alone or combined with ICIs in the treatment of several malignancies. Generally, the majority of clinical trials support the concept of synergy that combination therapy of vaccines and ICIs holds maximized potential to improve clinical outcomes. Importantly, the combination has acceptable safety and minimal additional toxicity compared with single-agent vaccines or ICIs. Additionally, the potential strategies of combining personalized tumor vaccines with ICIs will become priority option and future direction of vaccine development and application and the urgent need to develop effective biomarkers to screen appropriate patient populations and predict response to combination therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Ding
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ji-Yan Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chung V, Kos FJ, Hardwick N, Yuan Y, Chao J, Li D, Waisman J, Li M, Zurcher K, Frankel P, Diamond DJ. Evaluation of safety and efficacy of p53MVA vaccine combined with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid cancers. Clin Transl Oncol 2019; 21:363-372. [PMID: 30094792 PMCID: PMC8802616 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-018-1932-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination of cancer patients with p53-expressing modified vaccinia Ankara virus (p53MVA) has shown in our previous studies to activate p53-reactive T cells in peripheral blood but without immediate clinical benefit. We hypothesized that the immunological responses to p53MVA vaccine may require additional immune checkpoint blockade to achieve clinically beneficial levels. We therefore conducted a phase I trial evaluating the combination of p53MVA and pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) in patients with advanced solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eleven patients with advanced breast, pancreatic, hepatocellular, or head and neck cancer received up to 3 triweekly vaccines in combination with pembrolizumab given concurrently and thereafter, alone at 3-week intervals until disease progression. The patients were assessed for toxicity and clinical response. Correlative studies analyzed p53-reactive T cells and profile of immune function gene expression. RESULTS We observed clinical responses in 3/11 patients who remained with stable disease for 30, 32, and 49 weeks. Two of these patients showed increased frequencies and persistence of p53-reactive CD8+ T cells and elevation of expression of multiple immune response genes. Borderline or undetectable p53-specific T cell responses in 7/11 patients were related to no immediate clinical benefit. The first study patient had a grade 5 fatal myocarditis. After the study was amended for enhanced cardiac monitoring, no additional cardiac toxicities were noted. CONCLUSION We have shown that the combination of p53MVA vaccine with pembrolizumab is feasible, safe, and may offer clinical benefit in select group of patients that should be identified through further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Chung
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - F J Kos
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - N Hardwick
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Y Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - J Chao
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - D Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - J Waisman
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - M Li
- Clinical Trials Office, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - K Zurcher
- Department of Clinical Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - P Frankel
- Division of Biostatistics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - D J Diamond
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chang LS, Barroso-Sousa R, Tolaney SM, Hodi FS, Kaiser UB, Min L. Endocrine Toxicity of Cancer Immunotherapy Targeting Immune Checkpoints. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:17-65. [PMID: 30184160 PMCID: PMC6270990 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints are small molecules expressed by immune cells that play critical roles in maintaining immune homeostasis. Targeting the immune checkpoints cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) with inhibitory antibodies has demonstrated effective and durable antitumor activity in subgroups of patients with cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved several immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) for the treatment of a broad spectrum of malignancies. Endocrinopathies have emerged as one of the most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of ICPi therapy. Hypophysitis, thyroid dysfunction, insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus, and primary adrenal insufficiency have been reported as irAEs due to ICPi therapy. Hypophysitis is particularly associated with anti-CTLA-4 therapy, whereas thyroid dysfunction is particularly associated with anti-PD-1 therapy. Diabetes mellitus and primary adrenal insufficiency are rare endocrine toxicities associated with ICPi therapy but can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated. Notably, combination anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 therapy is associated with the highest incidence of ICPi-related endocrinopathies. The precise mechanisms underlying these endocrine irAEs remain to be elucidated. Most ICPi-related endocrinopathies occur within 12 weeks after the initiation of ICPi therapy, but several have been reported to develop several months to years after ICPi initiation. Some ICPi-related endocrinopathies may resolve spontaneously, but others, such as central adrenal insufficiency and primary hypothyroidism, appear to be persistent in most cases. The mainstay of management of ICPi-related endocrinopathies is hormone replacement and symptom control. Further studies are needed to determine (i) whether high-dose corticosteroids in the treatment of ICPi-related endocrinopathies preserves endocrine function (especially in hypophysitis), and (ii) whether the development of ICPi-related endocrinopathies correlates with tumor response to ICPi therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Shing Chang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Romualdo Barroso-Sousa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara M Tolaney
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - F Stephen Hodi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Le Min
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The recent development of effective immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), first demonstrated in melanoma, has revolutionized cancer treatment. Monoclonal antibodies blocking the immune checkpoints cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) have shown substantial clinical benefit in a subset of patients across tumor types and in both the metastatic and adjuvant settings. In this article, we review the interaction between the immune system and solid tumors, and describe modes of immune response failure and the physiologic role of immune checkpoints. We also review the known mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors, focusing on US FDA-approved agents targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1. Within this framework, we classify hypothesized tumor intrinsic and extrinsic predictive markers for response and resistance to ICI, and map them to their putative underlying biological mechanism. Finally, we outline future directions in ICI, including the development of new therapeutic targets, rational combination therapies, integrated predictive models for individual patients to optimize therapy, and expansion into different disease types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Liu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Yawkey 7E, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Russell W Jenkins
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Yawkey 7E, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Yawkey 7E, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Improved Anti-Treg Vaccination Targeting Foxp3 Efficiently Decreases Regulatory T Cells in Mice. J Immunother 2017; 39:269-75. [PMID: 27404943 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The critical role of regulatory T (Treg) cells in dampening immune responses against tumor cells is apparent. Therefore, several methods have been introduced for eliminating Treg. Among them, inducing immune responses against Treg cells expressing Foxp3 transcription factor is a hopeful approach to decrease the frequency of Tregs. In current study, we used the chimeric FoxP3-Fc(IgG) fusion construct/protein to effectively stimulate the immune responses against Treg cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Previously constructed FoxP3-Fc(IgG) DNA vaccine and its protein counterpart were injected into C57BL/6 mice in a prime/boost regimen. After 2 weeks, the mice were killed to measure the frequency of Tregs in their spleens, as well as analyze their specific cytokine production, T-cell proliferation, and CD8 T-cell cytotoxicity against FoxP3 protein. RESULTS FACS analysis of FoxP3 CD4 cells in splenocytes revealed the efficiency of FoxP3 DNA-prime protein-boost strategy to decrease the Treg cells and further showed considerable superiority of Fc(IgG) fusion strategy. This significant reduction in Treg frequency was also concomitant with higher FoxP3-specific CTL and Th1 responses in FoxP3-Fc vaccinated animals. CONCLUSIONS Prime/boost vaccination against FoxP3 in addition to enhanced antigen presentation by means of Fc fusion strategy could be successfully considered for Treg depletion studies. Validity of this approach should be experimentally tested in preclinical tumor models.
Collapse
|
12
|
Shi L, Meng T, Zhao Z, Han J, Zhang W, Gao F, Cai J. CRISPR knock out CTLA-4 enhances the anti-tumor activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Gene 2017; 636:36-41. [PMID: 28888577 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity plays a pivotal role in cancer immune surveillance. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) is a protein receptor mainly expressed in activated T cells and regulatory T cells. CTLA-4 competes with CD28 for ligand binding and generates inhibitory signals to attenuate T cell activation. The blockade of CTLA-4 mediated immune inhibitory checkpoint has been associated with enhanced anti-tumor immunity. In this study, we use CRISPR-Cas9 system to knock out (KO) CTLA-4 from cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and evaluate its effect on the anti-tumor activity of the CTLs. CTLA-4 KO CTLs robustly enhanced tumor cell death by 40% compared to the control and facilitated apoptosis and caspase activities in tumor cells. The knockout of CTLA-4 also increased TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion of the CTLs by approximately 2-fold. The effectiveness of CTLA-4 KO in enhancing anti-tumor activity of the CTLs was verified in vivo using mouse xenograft model. The xenografted mice treated with CTLA-4 KO CTLs demonstrated repressed tumor growth and prolonged survival compared to the control group. Our data suggest that CRISPR targeting CTLA-4 immune checkpoint could significantly improve the anti-tumor activity of CTLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Shi
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Tongyu Meng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The First Hospital of SJZ, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Zhilong Zhao
- Department of Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, China
| | - Jinsheng Han
- Department of Surgery, Cangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hebei, Cangzhou, Hebei 601000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Surgery, HanDan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056001, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Surgery & Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Jianhui Cai
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China; Department of Surgery & Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hu-Lieskovan S, Ribas A. New Combination Strategies Using Programmed Cell Death 1/Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Checkpoint Inhibitors as a Backbone. Cancer J 2017; 23:10-22. [PMID: 28114250 PMCID: PMC5844278 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints and subsequent clinical development of checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the field of oncology. The durability of the antitumor immune responses has raised the hope for long-term patient survival and potential cure; however, currently, only a minority of patients respond. Combination strategies to help increase antigen release and T-cell priming, promote T-cell activation and homing, and improve the tumor immune microenvironment, all guided by predictive biomarkers, can help overcome the tumor immune-evasive mechanisms and maximize efficacy to ultimately benefit the majority of patients. Great challenges remain because of the complex underlying biology, unpredictable toxicity, and accurate assessment of response. Carefully designed clinical trials guided by translational studies of paired biopsies will be key to develop reliable predictive biomarkers to choose which patients would most likely benefit from each strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- From the Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kyi C, Postow MA. Immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations in solid tumors: opportunities and challenges. Immunotherapy 2017; 8:821-37. [PMID: 27349981 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immune 'checkpoint inhibitors' such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) has revolutionized treatment of solid tumors including melanoma, lung cancer, among many others. The goal of checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy is to improve clinical response and minimize toxicities. Rational design of checkpoint combinations considers immune-mediated mechanisms of antitumor activity: immunogenic cell death, antigen release and presentation, activation of T-cell responses, lymphocytic infiltration into tumors and depletion of immunosuppression. Potential synergistic combinations include checkpoint blockade with conventional (radiation, chemotherapy and targeted therapies) and newer immunotherapies (cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses, among others). Reliable biomarkers are necessary to define patients who will achieve best clinical benefit with minimal toxicity in combination therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrisann Kyi
- Tisch Cancer Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1079, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michael A Postow
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 E 68th Street, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Is There Still Room for Cancer Vaccines at the Era of Checkpoint Inhibitors. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:vaccines4040037. [PMID: 27827885 PMCID: PMC5192357 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4040037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) blockade is considered to be a revolution in cancer therapy, although most patients (70%–80%) remain resistant to this therapy. It has been hypothesized that only tumors with high mutation rates generate a natural antitumor T cell response, which could be revigorated by this therapy. In patients with no pre-existing antitumor T cells, a vaccine-induced T cell response is a rational option to counteract clinical resistance. This hypothesis has been validated in preclinical models using various cancer vaccines combined with inhibitory pathway blockade (PD-1-PDL1-2, CTLA-4-CD80-CD86). Enhanced T cell infiltration of various tumors has been demonstrated following this combination therapy. The timing of this combination appears to be critical to the success of this therapy and multiple combinations of immunomodulating antibodies (CPI antagonists or costimulatory pathway agonists) have reinforced the synergy with cancer vaccines. Only limited results are available in humans and this combined approach has yet to be validated. Comprehensive monitoring of the regulation of CPI and costimulatory molecules after administration of immunomodulatory antibodies (anti-PD1/PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4, anti-OX40, etc.) and cancer vaccines should help to guide the selection of the best combination and timing of this therapy.
Collapse
|
16
|
Pistamaltzian NF, Perez SA, Baxevanis CN. Reinstating endogenous antitumor immunity: The concept of therapeutic management of cancer. FORUM OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/fco-2016-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Strong evidence points to the role of cancer immunoediting and tumor immune infiltrates in regulating cancer progression. By understanding the immune tumor microenvironment, we can now target key pathways that suppress endogenous antitumor responses, thereby re-instating such immune responses and identifying novel targets for immune therapies. Therapies targeting oncogenic pathways and checkpoint blockades turn on a new paradigm shift in immune-therapy for cancer with remarkable clinical efficacy seen in various malignancies. However, a lot of cancer patients will fail to respond and therefore, it becomes crucial to identify biomarkers to predict who of the patients will most likely benefit from these therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos F. Pistamaltzian
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, Athens, Greece
- MITERA Hospital, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Sonia A. Perez
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Menderes G, Hicks C, Black JD, Schwab CL, Santin AD. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in gynecologic cancers with lessons learned from non-gynecologic cancers. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 16:989-1004. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2016.1177018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
18
|
Poxvirus-based active immunotherapy synergizes with CTLA-4 blockade to increase survival in a murine tumor model by improving the magnitude and quality of cytotoxic T cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:537-49. [PMID: 26961085 PMCID: PMC4840227 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1816-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The dramatic clinical benefit of immune checkpoint blockade for a fraction of cancer patients suggests the potential for further clinical benefit in a broader cancer patient population by combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with active immunotherapies. The anti-tumor efficacy of MVA-BN-HER2 poxvirus-based active immunotherapy alone or in combination with CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade was investigated in a therapeutic CT26-HER-2 lung metastasis mouse model. MVA-BN-HER2 immunotherapy significantly improved the median overall survival compared to untreated controls or CTLA-4 blockade alone (p < 0.001). Robust synergistic efficacy was achieved with the combination therapy (p < 0.01). Improved survival following MVA-BN-HER2 administration was accompanied by increased tumor infiltration by HER-2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). These tumor-specific CTL had characteristics similar to antiviral CTL, including strong expression of activation markers and co-expression of IFNγ and TNFα. Combination with CTLA-4 blockade significantly increased the magnitude of HER-2-specific T cell responses, with a higher proportion co-expressing TNFα and/or IL-2 with IFNγ. Furthermore, in mice treated with MVA-BN-HER2 (alone or in combination with CTLA-4 blockade), the inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) protein was expressed predominantly on CD4 and CD8 effector T cells but not on regulatory T cells (T(reg)). In contrast, mice left untreated or treated solely with CTLA-4 blockade harbored elevated ICOS(+) Treg, a phenotype associated with highly suppressive activity. In conclusion, poxvirus-based active immunotherapy induced robust tumor infiltration by highly efficient effector T cells. Combination with CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade amplified this response resulting in synergistically improved efficacy. These hypothesis-generating data may help elucidate evidence of enhanced clinical benefit from combining CTLA-4 blockade with poxvirus-based active immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
19
|
Morse MA, Lyerly HK. Checkpoint blockade in combination with cancer vaccines. Vaccine 2015; 33:7377-7385. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
20
|
Shin DS, Ribas A. The evolution of checkpoint blockade as a cancer therapy: what's here, what's next? Curr Opin Immunol 2015; 33:23-35. [PMID: 25621841 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Unleashing the immune system to fight cancer has become one of the main treatment modalities since the anti-CTLA-4 antibody, ipilimumab was approved for patients with advanced melanoma in 2011. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab, two anti-PD-1 antibodies recently approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma, are being actively investigated for the treatment of multiple caners including lung, breast, bladder and renal cancers along with other anti-PD-1/L1 antibodies. Early results of combining of anti-CTLA-4 antibody and anti-PD-1 antibody treatment for advanced melanoma patients are showing impressive response rates with manageable toxicity profiles. There are several other checkpoint molecules that are likely potential inhibitory targets. The outcome of blocking some of these negative immune regulators, such as LAG-3 or TIM-3, is being pursued in the clinic or about to enter clinical development. Blockade of these molecules is demonstrating promising preclinical activity alone or when combined with anti-PD-1/L1. Future studies will define bio-markers of these therapies and how to target them alone or in combination with other immunotherapies, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and small molecule inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical-Oncology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1782, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Immune checkpoint modulation: rational design of combination strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 150:23-32. [PMID: 25583297 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immune recognition and elimination of malignant cells require a series of steps orchestrated by the innate and the adaptive arms of the immune system. The majority of tumors have evolved mechanisms that allow for successful evasion of these immune responses. Recognition of these evasive processes led to the development of immunotherapeutic antibodies targeting the co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors on T cells, with the goal of enhancement of T cell activation or reversal of tumor-induced T cell inhibition. Several of these agents, such as antibodies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) have already demonstrated significant promise in clinical trials. Clinical benefit of these antibodies as single agents, however, has been limited to a subset of patients and has not been observed in all tumor types. These limitations call for the development of rational combination strategies aiming to extend therapeutic benefit to a broader range of patients. These include: 1) modalities that enhance antigen presentation, such as radiation, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted agents, vaccines, toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, type I interferon, and oncolytic viruses; 2) additional agents aiming to reverse T cell dysfunction, such as other immune checkpoint inhibitors; and 3) agents targeting other immune inhibitory mechanisms, such as inhibitors of indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO), regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). It is becoming increasingly evident that the efficacy of specific combinations will likely not be universal and that the choice of a treatment modality may need to be tailored to fit the needs of each individual patient.
Collapse
|
22
|
Zamarin D, Wolchok JD. Potentiation of immunomodulatory antibody therapy with oncolytic viruses for treatment of cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2014; 1:14004. [PMID: 27119094 PMCID: PMC4782939 DOI: 10.1038/mto.2014.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Identification of the immune suppressive mechanisms active within the tumor microenvironment led to development of immunotherapeutic strategies aiming to reverse the immunosuppression and to enhance the function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Of those, cancer therapy with antibodies targeting the immune costimulatory and coinhibitory receptors has demonstrated significant promise in the recent years, with multiple antibodies entering clinical testing. The responses to these agents, however, have not been universal and have not been observed in all cancer types, calling for identification of appropriate predictive biomarkers and development of combinatorial strategies. Pre-existing immune infiltration in tumors has been demonstrated to have a strong association with response to immunotherapies, with the type I interferon (IFN) pathway emerging as a key player in tumor innate immune recognition and activation of adaptive immunity. These findings provide a rationale for evaluation of strategies targeting the type I IFN pathway as a means to enhance tumor immune recognition and infiltration, which could potentially make them susceptible to therapeutics targeting the cosignaling receptors. To this end in particular, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been demonstrated to enhance tumor recognition by the immune system through multiple mechanisms, which include upregulation of major histocompatibility complex and costimulatory molecules on cancer cells, immunogenic cell death and antigen release, and activation of the type I IFN pathway. Evidence is now emerging that combination therapies using OVs and agents targeting immune cosignaling receptors such as 4-1BB, PD-1, and CTLA-4 may work in concert to enhance antitumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy. Our evolving understanding of the interplay between OVs and the immune system demonstrates that the virus-induced antitumor immune responses can be harnessed to drive the efficacy of the agents targeting cosignaling receptors and provides a strong rationale for integration of such therapies in clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy Zamarin
- Swim Across America Laboratory, Immunology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA; Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Swim Across America Laboratory, Immunology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, Melanoma and Immunotherapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA; Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hardwick NR, Carroll M, Kaltcheva T, Qian D, Lim D, Leong L, Chu P, Kim J, Chao J, Fakih M, Yen Y, Espenschied J, Ellenhorn JDI, Diamond DJ, Chung V. p53MVA therapy in patients with refractory gastrointestinal malignancies elevates p53-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:4459-70. [PMID: 24987057 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-3361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct a phase I trial of a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine delivering wild-type human p53 (p53MVA) in patients with refractory gastrointestinal cancers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Three patients were vaccinated with 1.0×10(8) plaque-forming unit (pfu) p53MVA followed by nine patients at 5.6×10(8) pfu. Toxicity was classified using the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria and clinical responses were assessed by CT scan. Peripheral blood samples were collected pre- and post-immunization for immunophenotyping, monitoring of p53MVA-induced immune response, and examination of PD1 checkpoint inhibition in vitro. RESULTS p53MVA immunization was well tolerated at both doses, with no adverse events above grade 2. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells showing enhanced recognition of a p53 overlapping peptide library were detectable after the first immunization, particularly in the CD8+ T-cell compartment (P=0.03). However, in most patients, this did not expand further with the second and third immunization. The frequency of PD1+ T cells detectable in patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was significantly higher than in healthy controls. Furthermore, the frequency of PD1+ CD8+ T cells showed an inverse correlation with the peak CD8+ p53 response (P=0.02) and antibody blockade of PD1 in vitro increased the p53 immune responses detected after the second or third immunizations. Induction of strong T-cell and antibody responses to the MVA backbone were also apparent. CONCLUSION p53MVA was well tolerated and induced robust CD8+ T-cell responses. Combination of p53MVA with immune checkpoint inhibition could help sustain immune responses and lead to enhanced clinical benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola R Hardwick
- Division of Translational Vaccine Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Mary Carroll
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Teodora Kaltcheva
- Division of Translational Vaccine Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Dajun Qian
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Dean Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Lucille Leong
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Peiguo Chu
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Joseph Kim
- Department of Surgical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Joseph Chao
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Marwan Fakih
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Yun Yen
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Jonathan Espenschied
- Division of Cancer Etiology and Outcomes Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | | | - Don J Diamond
- Division of Translational Vaccine Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California.
| | - Vincent Chung
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yan Q, Chen P, Lu A, Zhao P, Gu A. Association between CTLA-4 60G/A and -1661A/G polymorphisms and the risk of cancers: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83710. [PMID: 24376736 PMCID: PMC3871533 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE CTLA-4 is one of the most fundamental immunosuppressive cotykines which belongs to the immunoglobulin super-family, and is expressed mainly on activated T cells. Previous studies have reported the existence of CTLA4 60G/A and CTLA4 -1661A/G polymorphism in cancers. However, the effects remain conflicting. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between these polymorphisms and cancer risk. METHODS We searched the Pubmed and Web of Science databases until October 24, 2013 to obtain relevant published studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationship between CTLA4 gene polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility were calculated by stata 11 software. Heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were also performed in our meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 22 articles comprising 31 case-control studies concerning the CTLA-4 60G/A and CTLA-4 -1661A/G polymorphisms were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results suggested the CTLA-4 60G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased skin cancer risk (AA vs. GG: OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.09-1.59; AA vs. GA+GG: OR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.07-1.48). For CTLA-4 -1661 A/G polymorphism, the results showed that the CTLA-4 -1661A/G polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased cancer risk (GA vs. AA: OR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.13-1.82; GA+GG vs. AA: OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.07-1.69; G vs. A: OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.01-1.47), especially in gastric cancer, breast cancer, other cancers and in Asians population subgroups. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis suggests that the CTLA-4 -1661A/G polymorphism is a potential factor for the susceptibility of cancer, especially in gastric cancer, breast cancer and other cancers, and the CTLA-4 60G/A polymorphism is significantly associated with increased skin cancer risk. The effect of the CTLA-4 -1661A/G polymorphism on cancer susceptibility especially exists in Asians and population based subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yan
- Department of neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pin Chen
- Department of neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ailin Lu
- Department of neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aihua Gu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gogas H, Polyzos A, Kirkwood J. Immunotherapy for advanced melanoma: Fulfilling the promise. Cancer Treat Rev 2013; 39:879-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
26
|
Chen M, Chang Y, Tang F, Xie QH, Li J, Yang H, He XX, Lin JS. Influence of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 polymorphisms on the outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection. Mol Med Rep 2013; 9:645-52. [PMID: 24270470 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) regulates T-cell activation and Th1/Th2 cytokine production and is involved in the immune response against Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To detect the association of the CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to HBV infection a hospital-based case-control study was conducted. A total of 1,119 unrelated individuals were recruited. The CTLA-4 variants rs5742909, rs231775 and rs3087243 were genotyped via the TaqMan method in this cohort. A comparison with a chronic active hepatitis B group revealed that the SNP rs231775 exhibited significant susceptibility to HBV progression, with the highest odds ratio (OR) reaching 1.659 and P=0.009-0.049. Although an HBV clearance group was used as a control, results of the present study demonstrated an association of rs5742909 with viral persistence [OR=1.694, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=1.124-2.553 and P=0.012]. Subsequent analyses revealed risk haplotypes (C-A-A and T-A-G, for which the highest OR reached 1.865) compared with the protective haplotype C-G-G. Therefore, SNPs in the CTLA-4 gene may be associated with HBV progression and viral persistence which is consistent with its emerging role in the T regulatory cells in the pathogenesis of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ying Chang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Feng Tang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Qiong-Hui Xie
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jin Li
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Hong Yang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Xing He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ju-Sheng Lin
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Early Treg suppression by a listeriolysin-O-expressing E. coli vaccine in heterologous prime–boost vaccination against cancer. Vaccine 2012; 30:6903-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
28
|
Wang F, Feng X, Zheng Q, Hou H, Cao R, Zhou B, Liu Q, Liu X, Pang R, Zhao J, Deng W, Chen P. Multiple linear epitopes (B-cell, CTL and Th) of JEV expressed in recombinant MVA as multiple epitope vaccine induces a protective immune response. Virol J 2012; 9:204. [PMID: 22985466 PMCID: PMC3511265 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-9-204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epitope-based vaccination might play an important role in the protective immunity against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the immune characteristics of recombinant MVA carrying multi-epitope gene of JEV (rMVA-mep). The synthetic gene containing critical epitopes (B-cell, CTL and Th) of JEV was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pGEM-K1L, and the rMVA-mep was prepared. BALB/c mice were immunized with different dosages of purified rMVA-mep and the immune responses were determined in the form of protective response against JEV, antibodies titers (IgG1 and IgG2a), spleen cell lymphocyte proliferation, and the levels of interferon-γ and interleukin-4 cytokines. The results showed that live rMVA-mep elicited strongly immune responses in dose-dependent manner, and the highest level of immune responses was observed from the groups immunized with 107 TCID50 rMVA-mep among the experimental three concentrations. There were almost no difference of cytokines and neutralizing antibody titers among 107 TCID50 rMVA-mep, recombinant ED3 and inactivated JEV vaccine. It was noteworthy that rMVA-mep vaccination potentiates the Th1 and Th2-type immune responses in dose-dependent manner, and was sufficient to protect the mice survival against lethal JEV challenge. These findings demonstrated that rMVA-mep can produce adequate humoral and cellular immune responses, and protection in mice, which suggested that rMVA-mep might be an attractive candidate vaccine for preventing JEV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnosis and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Despite significant scientific knowledge in the field of cancer immunology, therapeutic strategies using cancer vaccines to generate anti-tumor immunity have historically resulted in only modest clinical benefit. Disappointing results from prior cancer vaccine trials are likely due to multifactorial causes. Perhaps the most important is the role of inherent tumor-induced immune suppression and enhanced immunologic tolerance. Current research directed toward understanding the mechanisms of immunologic tolerance has led to the development of promising therapeutic immune regulatory antibodies that inhibit immunologic checkpoints and subsequently enhance immunologic anti-tumor activity. This review discusses the prior challenges associated with cancer vaccines and describes how, by breaking immune inhibition and facilitating immune stimulation, immune regulatory antibodies show great promise in the treatment of a variety of tumors.
Collapse
|
30
|
Li D, Zhang Q, Xu F, Fu Z, Yuan W, Li D, Pang D. Association of CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms with sporadic breast cancer risk and clinical features in Han women of northeast China. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 364:283-90. [PMID: 22249287 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-012-1228-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an inhibitory molecule that plays a pivotal role in downregulating T-cell mediated immune responses. To determine the role of CTLA-4 in tumor immunity, and to validate previous results as well, we investigated four tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CTLA-4 in a relatively large Chinese Han cohort from northeastern China. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 581 patients and 566 age-matched controls. Our data indicated that compared with the common genotype and allele of each SNP, the -1722 CC genotype and C allele showed an increased risk of breast cancer (P = 0.030, odds ratio (OR) = 1.457, 95% confidence internal (CI) 1.036-2.051; P = 0.024, OR = 1.214, 95% CI 1.026-1.436, respectively). The -1661 GG genotype and G allele were also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (P = 0.018, OR = 1.396, 95% CI 1.058-1.843; P = 0.013, OR = 1.353, 95% CI 1.066-1.717, respectively). In the haplotype analysis, the CAAA haplotype showed a higher frequency in cases (P = 0.004), and this association remained significant after correcting the P value for multiple testing. Associations were shown between the SNPs of CTLA-4 and lymph node metastasis, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and P53 statuses. These results indicate that some SNPs in the CTLA-4 gene may affect the risk of breast cancer and show that some SNPs are associated with breast cancer characteristics in Han women in northeastern China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalin Li
- Department of Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Francescutti V, Skitzki JJ. Sarcomas and the immune system: implications for therapeutic strategies. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2011; 21:341-55. [PMID: 22365524 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Soft-tissue sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors that are capable of generating host immune responses. Historically the role of antitumor immunity was first studied in soft-tissue sarcomas. Subsequent in vitro studies, preclinical models, and clinical observations have provided ample evidence for an immunologic approach to sarcoma treatment. Initial clinical trials involving vaccines and adoptive immunotherapy have demonstrated promising results. The continued search for sarcoma tumor-associated antigens as specific targets is central to the clinical translation of effective immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Francescutti
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Song GY, Srivastava T, Ishizaki H, Lacey SF, Diamond DJ, Ellenhorn JDI. Recombinant modified vaccinia virus ankara (MVA) expressing wild-type human p53 induces specific antitumor CTL expansion. Cancer Invest 2011; 29:501-10. [PMID: 21843052 PMCID: PMC3260009 DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2011.606248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The p53 gene product is an attractive target for tumor immunotherapy. The present study aims to understand the potential of MVAp53 vaccine to induce expansion of p53-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte ex vivo in cancer patients. The result indicated that 14 of 23 cancer patients demonstrated p53-specific IFN-γ production, degranulation, cell proliferation, and lysis of p53 overexpressed human tumor cell lines. These experiments show that MVAp53 stimulation has the potential to induce the expansion of p53-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte from the memory T cell repertoire. The data suggest that MVAp53 vaccine is an ideal candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Yun Song
- Division of Translational Vaccine Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Heterologous prime/boost immunization with p53-based vaccines combined with toll-like receptor stimulation enhances tumor regression. J Immunother 2010; 33:609-17. [PMID: 20551836 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e3181e032c6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The p53 gene product is overexpressed in approximately 50% of cancers, making it an ideal target for cancer immunotherapy. We previously demonstrated that a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine expressing human p53 (MVA-p53) was moderately active when given as a homologous prime/boost in a human p53 knock in (Hupki) mouse model. We needed to improve upon the inefficient homologous boosting approach, because development of neutralizing immunity to the vaccine viral vector backbone suppresses its immunogenicity. To enhance specificity, we examined the combination of 2 different vaccine vectors provided in sequence as a heterologous prime/boost. Hupki mice were evaluated as a human p53 tolerant model to explore the capacity of heterologous p53 immunization to reject human p53-expressing tumors. We employed attenuated recombinant Listeria monocytogenes expressing human p53 (LmddA-LLO-p53) in addition to MVA-p53. Heterologous p53 immunization resulted in a significant increase in p53-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells compared with homologous single vector p53 immunization. Heterologous p53 immunization induced protection against tumor growth but had only a modest effect on established tumors. To enhance the immune response we used synthetic double-strand RNA (polyinsosinic:polycytidylic acid) and unmethylated CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotide to activate the innate immune system via Toll-like receptors. Treatment of established tumor-bearing Hupki mice with polyinsosinic:polycytidylic acid and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide in combination with heterologous p53 immunization resulted in enhanced tumor rejection relative to treatment with either agent alone. These results suggest that heterologous prime/boost immunization and Toll-like receptor stimulation increases the efficacy of a cancer vaccine, targeting a tolerized tumor antigen.
Collapse
|
34
|
Ishizaki H, Manuel ER, Song GY, Srivastava T, Sun S, Diamond DJ, Ellenhorn JDI. Modified vaccinia Ankara expressing survivin combined with gemcitabine generates specific antitumor effects in a murine pancreatic carcinoma model. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2010; 60:99-109. [PMID: 20960189 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0923-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Survivin is overexpressed by 70-80% of pancreatic cancers, and is associated with resistance to chemotherapy and a poor prognosis. Gemcitabine has been a standard treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer for a decade. Recent reports have demonstrated that gemcitabine treatment attenuates the tumor-suppressive environment by eliminating CD11b(+)/Gr-1(+) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We hypothesize that a cancer vaccine targeting survivin can achieve enhanced efficacy when combined with gemcitabine. In this study, we tested this hypothesis using modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) expressing full-length murine survivin. The poorly immunogenic mouse pancreas adenocarcinoma cell line, Pan02, which expresses murine survivin and is syngeneic to C57BL/6, was used for this study. Immunization with MVA-survivin resulted in a modest therapeutic antitumor effect on established Pan02 tumors. When administered with gemcitabine, MVA-survivin immunization resulted in significant tumor regression and prolonged survival. The enhanced vaccine efficacy was associated with decreased CD11b(+)/Gr-1(+) MDSCs. To analyze the survivin-specific immune response to MVA-survivin immunization, we utilized a peptide library of 15mers with 11 residues overlapping from full-length murine survivin. Splenocytes from mice immunized with MVA-survivin produced intracellular γ-interferon in response to in vitro stimulation with the overlapping peptide library. Increased survivin-specific CD8(+) T cells that specifically recognized the Pan02 tumor line were seen in mice treated with MVA-survivin and gemcitabine. These data suggest that vaccination with MVA-survivin in combination with gemcitabine represents an attractive strategy to overcome tumor-induced peripheral immune tolerance, and this effect has potential for clinical benefit in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidenobu Ishizaki
- Division of General and Oncologic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Saha A, Chatterjee SK. Combination of CTL-associated antigen-4 blockade and depletion of CD25 regulatory T cells enhance tumour immunity of dendritic cell-based vaccine in a mouse model of colon cancer. Scand J Immunol 2010; 71:70-82. [PMID: 20384858 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2009.02355.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Immune regulation has been shown to be involved in the progressive growth of some murine tumours. Interruption of immune regulatory pathways via CTL-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) blockade or removal of CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells appears to be a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the combination of CTLA-4 blockade and depletion of Treg cells would improve the potency of dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine in a clinically relevant mouse model, which is transgenic for both carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and HLA-A2 for the treatment of colon carcinoma in a therapeutic setting. We found that administration of anti-CD25 antibody prior to vaccination or systemic administration of anti-CTLA-4 antibody with the vaccine improved tumour-free survival against CEA-expressing tumours compared with mice immunized with DC-based vaccine alone. However, the efficacy of the vaccine proved to be most effective when anti-CTLA-4 antibody was combined with Treg inhibition. This vaccination strategy dramatically improved the tumour-free survival and allowed the development of long-lasting immune responses. The combined vaccination strategy resulted in increased secretion of IFN-gamma and enhanced HLA-A2-restricted CEA-specific CTL responses. Furthermore, coadministration of anti-CD25 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies along with the vaccine was effective against more advanced tumours. These results provide evidence that simultaneous blockade of T-cell regulatory pathways is a promising approach for the induction of therapeutic antitumour immunity against CEA(+) colon carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asim Saha
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kim PS, Ahmed R. Features of responding T cells in cancer and chronic infection. Curr Opin Immunol 2010; 22:223-30. [PMID: 20207527 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2010.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ever since T cell exhaustion was initially characterized and thoroughly analyzed in the murine LCMV model, such a functional impairment has been validated in other chronic viral infections such as HIV, HCV, and HBV. In tumor immunology, it has always been postulated that tumor-reactive T cells could also become functionally exhausted owing to the high tumor-antigen load and accompanying inhibitory mechanisms. However, the empirical evidences for this hypothesis have not been as extensive as in chronic infection perhaps because much of the focus on T cell dysfunction in tumor immunology has been, and appropriately so, on breaking or bypassing immune tolerance and anergy to tumor/self antigens. On the basis of recent reports, it is becoming clear that T cell exhaustion also plays a crucial role in the impairment of antitumor immunity. In this review, we will comparatively evaluate the T cell responses in cancer and chronic infection, and the therapeutic strategies and interventions for both diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Kim
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kirkwood JM, Tarhini AA, Panelli MC, Moschos SJ, Zarour HM, Butterfield LH, Gogas HJ. Next generation of immunotherapy for melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2008; 26:3445-55. [PMID: 18612161 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.14.6423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunotherapy has a long history with striking but limited success in patients with melanoma. To date, interleukin-2 and interferon-alfa2b are the only approved immunotherapeutic agents for melanoma in the United States. DESIGN Tumor evasion of host immune responses, and strategies for overcoming tumor-induced immunosuppression are reviewed. Several novel immunotherapies currently in worldwide phase III clinical testing for melanoma are discussed. RESULTS The limitations of immunotherapy for melanoma stem from tumor-induced mechanisms of immune evasion that render the host tolerant of tumor antigens. For example, melanoma inhibits the maturation of antigen-presenting cells, preventing full T-cell activation and downregulating the effector antitumor immune response. New immunotherapies targeting critical regulatory elements of the immune system may overcome tolerance and promote a more effective antitumor immune response. These include monoclonal antibodies that block the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonists. Blockade of CTLA4 prevents inhibitory signals that downregulate T-cell activation. TLR9 agonists stimulate dendritic cell maturation and ultimately induce a more effective immune response. These approaches have been shown to stimulate acute immune activation with concomitant appearance of transient adverse events mediated by the immune system. The pattern and duration of immune responses associated with these new modalities differ from those associated with cytokines and cytotoxic agents. In addition, vaccines are being developed that may ultimately target melanoma either alone or in combination with these immunomodulatory therapies. CONCLUSION The successes of cytokine and interferon therapy of melanoma, coupled with an array of new approaches, are generating new enthusiasm for the immunotherapy of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M Kirkwood
- Hillman Cancer Center, Research Pavilion, Suite 1.32, 5117 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2584, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Alhamarneh O, Amarnath SMP, Stafford ND, Greenman J. Regulatory T cells: what role do they play in antitumor immunity in patients with head and neck cancer? Head Neck 2008; 30:251-61. [PMID: 18172882 DOI: 10.1002/hed.20739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the treatment modalities for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) over the last 20 years involving surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are not fully reflected in increases in the 5-year survival rates, mainly due to locoregional recurrences and to a lesser extent, distant metastasis. This can, in part, be attributed to the fact that HNSCC induces severe depression of a patient's immune system. Recent advances in understanding the complex host-tumor interactions have led to the identification of a distinct suppressor cell population known as regulatory T cells that play a crucial role in maintaining T-cell tolerance to self-antigens. Here, we present a critical review of our understanding of the involvement of regulatory T cells in controlling the T-cell immune response in tumor occurrence and progression in HNSCC with an emphasis on current and future immunotherapeutic approaches involving regulatory T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osama Alhamarneh
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Division, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Cancer Division, The University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Conroy H, Marshall NA, Mills KHG. TLR ligand suppression or enhancement of Treg cells? A double-edged sword in immunity to tumours. Oncogene 2008; 27:168-80. [PMID: 18176598 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are potent activators of innate immune responses, activating dendritic cell (DC) maturation and inflammatory cytokine secretion by innate immune cells and as a consequence they promote adaptive immune response when coadministered with foreign antigens. There is also some evidence from mouse models that TLR ligands can help to break tolerance to self-antigens and promote immune responses to tumour antigens. Therefore, they have been exploited as adjuvants for tumour vaccines or as immunotherapeutics against cancer. Clinical evaluation of TLR agonists has resulted in a licensed immunotherapeutic for basal cell carcinoma, but there have also been disappointing results from clinical trials, with one pharmaceutical company recently halting its clinical programme. A major obstacle to the development of any active immunotherapeutic approach to cancer is the immunosuppressive environment of the growing tumour, including the induction of tolerogenic DCs and regulatory T (Treg) cells, which suppress the development of protective effector T-cell responses. This can be compounded by the use of TLR ligands as immunotherapeutics. A problem with TLR agonists that has not been fully appreciated is that they can generate suppressive as well as inflammatory responses in innate immune cells and can promote the induction of regulatory as well as effector T cells. This is part of a normal mechanism for limiting collateral damage during infection or sterile inflammation, but can constrain their ability to induce protective antitumour immunity, especially in the immune suppressed environment of the tumour. Alternatively, manipulating the TLR-activated innate immune responses to selectively blocking immunosuppressive arm, as well as that induced by the tumour, may hold the key to enhancing their efficacy as tumour immunotherapeutics and as adjuvants for cancer vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Conroy
- Immune Regulation Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
POMARA G, SALINITRI G, NESI G, MAIO E, MINERVINI A, GAMMAZZA A, FRANCESCA F, CAPPELLO F, SELLI C. p53 and Ki-67 expression in renal cell carcinomas of pregnant women and their correlation with prognosis: a pilot study. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2008; 18:132-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.00962.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
41
|
Kasper B, Gil T, Awada A. Treatment of patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma: disappointment or challenge? Curr Opin Oncol 2007; 19:336-40. [PMID: 17545796 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0b013e32812143ef] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We give an overview on the emerging compounds for patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Included are recent developments in targeted therapy, focusing on the following: antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory drugs (e.g. anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 monoclonal antibody), Bcl-2 antisense therapy, raf kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition, heat shock protein modulators, minor groove binders and other agents being developed. RECENT FINDINGS Soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of tumours that arise predominantly from the embryonic mesoderm. They account for fewer than 1% of all adult malignancies. The prognosis of patients with advanced metastatic soft tissue sarcoma remains poor, with disease-free survival at 5 years below 10%. Complete resection remains the only potentially curative treatment option. Only few chemotherapeutic agents have been identified to be active, with reported response rates for doxorubicin and ifosfamide of around 20%. New strategies are urgently needed to improve outcomes. SUMMARY Understanding of the molecular biology and pathogenesis of soft tissue sarcomas has been enhanced, and in the near future this should translate into molecular tumour characterization and development of new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Kasper
- University of Heidelberg, Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chakraborty M, Schlom J, Hodge JW. The combined activation of positive costimulatory signals with modulation of a negative costimulatory signal for the enhancement of vaccine-mediated T-cell responses. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2007; 56:1471-84. [PMID: 17318654 PMCID: PMC11031104 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-007-0291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2006] [Accepted: 01/11/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of CTLA-4 by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) can mediate regression of tumors and increase the efficacy of tumor antigen specific vaccines. Blockade of CTLA-4 has also been shown to significantly increase the avidity of antigen-specific T cells after immunization with live recombinant viral vector based vaccine. Here, we demonstrate a biological synergy between CTLA-4 blockade and active vaccine therapy consisting of recombinant vaccinia and avipox viruses expressing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and three T cell costimulatory molecules to enhance antitumor effects. However, this synergy was very much dependent on the temporal relationship of scheduling of the two agents. We evaluated the strategies in both a foreign antigen model using beta-galactosidase as immunogen, and in a "self" antigen model using CEA as immunogen. For antitumor activity the model used consisted of mice transgenic for human CEA and a murine carcinoma cell line transfected with CEA. The enhanced antitumor activity after vaccine and CTLA-4 blockade did not result in any signs of autoimmunity. These studies form a rational basis for the use of vector-based vaccines with anti-CTLA-4 and demonstrate that both enhancement of positive costimulatory signals and inhibition of negative costimulatory signals can be simultaneously exploited. These studies also underscore the importance of "drug" scheduling in vaccine combination therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mala Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive Room 8B09, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive Room 8B09, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - James W. Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive Room 8B09, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Breaking immune tolerance against tumor self-antigens is presently an area of intense research in the design of cancer therapies. One possible method to enhance immune system activation against tumor antigens is by blocking the inhibitory co-stimulatory signals mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, (CTLA-4) expressed on activated T cells. The fully human monoclonal antibodies that are directed against human CTLA-4, ipilimumab (Medarex/Bristol-Myers Squibb) and CP-675,206 (Pfizer/Abgenix, now Amgen), have demonstrated activity against metastatic melanoma, hormone refractory prostate cancer and other malignancies. They have also uncovered unusual immune-related adverse events manifesting as self-limiting inflammatory reactions of the bowel, skin and pituitary. This article reviews preclinical development and data generated from Phase I, II and III studies with regard to the end points reported and immune-related adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lee F Langer
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Song GY, Gibson G, Haq W, Huang ECC, Srivasta T, Hollstein M, Daftarian P, Wang Z, Diamond D, Ellenhorn JDI. An MVA vaccine overcomes tolerance to human p53 in mice and humans. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2007; 56:1193-205. [PMID: 17219151 PMCID: PMC11030254 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-006-0270-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2006] [Accepted: 11/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cellular regulatory protein p53 is overexpressed by almost 50% of all malignancies making it an attractive target for a vaccine approach to cancer. A number of immunotherapy approaches targeting p53 have been evaluated successfully in murine models, but translation of these preclinical findings to the clinic has been unsuccessful. Prior studies in our laboratory employing murine models demonstrated that a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vaccine expressing murine p53 could stimulate p53 specific immunity. Systemic administration of the MVA vaccine was able to effect the rejection of established tumors. To better understand the immunologic mechanisms that underlie the vaccine function of human p53, we utilized a murine model in which the murine germ line copy of p53 was replaced with a modified human one. These mice, referred to as Hupki, were evaluated as a tolerant model to explore the capacity of MVA expressing human p53 to overcome tolerance and reject human p53-expressing tumors. RESULTS MVAp53 immunization of Hupki mice resulted in the generation of p53-specific CD8(+) T cells and the rejection of a highly aggressive murine mammary carcinoma cell line 4T1(H-2d) transfected with human p53 (4T1p53). An immunologic correlate of tumor protection was evaluated utilizing an overlapping peptide library spanning the full length of human p53. This reagent was also used in combination with MVAp53 to stimulate p53-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in cancer patients. CONCLUSION These studies demonstrate the potential of MVAp53 to overcome tolerance to p53 for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/chemistry
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/pharmacology
- Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology
- Cells, Cultured/immunology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Female
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/immunology
- Humans
- Immune Tolerance
- Immunotherapy, Active
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Peptide Fragments/chemical synthesis
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Transfection
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/chemistry
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Yun Song
- Department of General and Oncologic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Glen Gibson
- Department of General and Oncologic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Wahajul Haq
- Laboratory of Vaccine Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Eric C. C. Huang
- Laboratory of Vaccine Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Tumul Srivasta
- Laboratory of Vaccine Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Monica Hollstein
- Division of Genetic Alterations in Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pirouz Daftarian
- Laboratory of Vaccine Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Zhongde Wang
- Laboratory of Vaccine Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Don Diamond
- Laboratory of Vaccine Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
| | - Joshua D. I. Ellenhorn
- Department of General and Oncologic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA USA
- Division of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Martin-Orozco N, Dong C. Inhibitory costimulation and anti-tumor immunity. Semin Cancer Biol 2007; 17:288-98. [PMID: 17683946 PMCID: PMC1995405 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2007.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 03/08/2007] [Accepted: 06/07/2007] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Costimulation was originally shown to be important in T-cell activation and effector differentiation. Recent characterization of B7/butyrophilin and members of the CD28 superfamily has revealed a large number of negative costimulatory molecules that dampen T-cell activation and regulate immune tolerance. Some of these molecules have been shown to be upregulated in the tumor microenvironment and may serve as potential targets for augmenting anti-tumor immunity. In this article, we summarize recent developments in the field of inhibitory costimulation and discuss the future direction of therapeutic manipulation of inhibitory costimulation in tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Martin-Orozco
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, TX, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mansour M, Pohajdak B, Kast WM, Fuentes-Ortega A, Korets-Smith E, Weir GM, Brown RG, Daftarian P. Therapy of established B16-F10 melanoma tumors by a single vaccination of CTL/T helper peptides in VacciMax. J Transl Med 2007; 5:20. [PMID: 17451606 PMCID: PMC1867806 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-5-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma tumors are known to express antigens that usually induce weak immune responses of short duration. Expression of both tumor-associated antigens p53 and TRP2 by melanoma cells raises the possibility of simultaneously targeting more than one antigen in a therapeutic vaccine. In this report, we show that VacciMax (VM), a novel liposome-based vaccine delivery platform, can increase the immunogenicity of melanoma associated antigens, resulting in tumor elimination. METHODS C57BL/6 mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma tumors were vaccinated subcutaneously 6 days post tumor implantation with a mixture of synthetic peptides (modified p53: 232-240, TRP-2: 181-188 and PADRE) and CpG. Tumor growth was monitored and antigen-specific splenocyte responses were assayed by ELISPOT. RESULTS Vaccine formulated in VM increased the number of both TRP2- and p53-specific IFN-gamma producing splenocytes following a single vaccination. Vaccine formulated without VM resulted only in enhanced IFN-gamma producing splenocytes to one CTL epitopes (TRP2:180-188), suggesting that VM overcomes antigen dominance and enhances immunogenicity of multiple epitopes. Vaccination of mice bearing 6-day old B16-F10 tumors with both TRP2 and p53-peptides formulated in VM successfully eradicated tumors in all mice. A control vaccine which contained all ingredients except liposomes resulted in eradication of tumors in no more than 20% of mice. CONCLUSION A single administration of VM is capable of inducing an effective CTL response to multiple tumor-associated antigens. The responses generated were able to reject 6-day old B16-F10 tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mansour
- ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc., Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Bill Pohajdak
- ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc., Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - W Martin Kast
- Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Pirouz Daftarian
- ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc., Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Lizée G, Radvanyi LG, Overwijk WW, Hwu P. Improving antitumor immune responses by circumventing immunoregulatory cells and mechanisms. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 12:4794-803. [PMID: 16914564 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-06-0944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although numerous immunotherapeutic strategies have been studied in patients with cancer, consistent induction of clinical responses remains a formidable challenge. Cancer vaccines are often successful at generating elevated numbers of tumor-specific T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, however, despite this, tumors usually continue to grow unabated. Recent evidence suggests that endogenous regulatory cells, known to play a major role in the induction of immune tolerance to self and prevention of autoimmunity, as well as suppressive myeloid cells invoked in the tumor-bearing state, may be largely responsible for preventing effective antitumor immune responses. This review will focus on the major regulatory cell subtypes, including CD4(+)CD25(+) T-regulatory cells, type 1 regulatory T cells, natural killer T cells, and immature myeloid cells. Studies in humans and in animal models have shown a role for all of these cells in tumor progression, although the mechanisms by which they act to suppress immunity remain largely undefined. Elucidation of the dominant molecular mechanisms mediating immune suppression in vivo will allow more precise targeting of the relevant regulatory cell populations, as well as the development of novel strategies and clinical reagents that will directly block molecules that induce the suppression of antitumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Lizée
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kasper B, Gil T, D'Hondt V, Gebhart M, Awada A. Novel treatment strategies for soft tissue sarcoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2006; 62:9-15. [PMID: 17141519 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2006.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Accepted: 11/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcoma is a heterogeneous group of rare tumours arising predominantly from the embryonic mesoderm. While the prognosis is excellent for patients diagnosed at an early stage and treated by adequate surgery, unresectable or advanced metastatic diseases shrink the overall survival at 5 years dramatically to less than 10%. For metastatic soft tissue sarcoma, the armamentarium of effective chemotherapeutic agents is limited, especially when patients failed anthracycline- and/or ifosfamide-based chemotherapy. Fortunately, progress in the understanding of molecular biology and pathogenesis of soft tissue sarcomas has been made recently and should in the near future translate into molecular tumour characterization and the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we briefly describe the status of current treatment strategies for soft tissue sarcoma. We will focus on the new and emerging compounds including recent developments of targeted therapy and cytotoxics such as antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory drugs, Bcl-2 antisense therapy, raf kinase inhibitors, heat shock protein modulators, anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA)-4 monoclonal antibody, proteasome inhibitors, minor groove binders, topoisomerase I inhibitors, and other agents being extensively developed in these solid tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Kasper
- Clinic of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Boulevard de Waterloo, 125, Brussels 1000, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Maker AV, Yang JC, Sherry RM, Topalian SL, Kammula US, Royal RE, Hughes M, Yellin MJ, Haworth LR, Levy C, Allen T, Mavroukakis SA, Attia P, Rosenberg SA. Intrapatient dose escalation of anti-CTLA-4 antibody in patients with metastatic melanoma. J Immunother 2006; 29:455-63. [PMID: 16799341 PMCID: PMC2134804 DOI: 10.1097/01.cji.0000208259.73167.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported our experience in treating 56 patients with metastatic melanoma using a human anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) antibody. Durable tumor regressions were seen that correlated with the induction of autoimmune toxicities. In this study, we treated 46 additional patients using an intrapatient dose escalation schema to test whether higher doses of anti-CTLA-4 antibody would induce increased autoimmunity and concomitant tumor regression. Twenty-three patients started anti-CTLA-4 antibody administration at 3 mg/kg and 23 patients started treatment at 5 mg/kg, receiving doses every 3 weeks. Patients were dose-escalated every other dose to a maximum of 9 mg/kg or until objective clinical responses or grade III/IV autoimmune toxicity were seen. Escalating doses of antibody resulted in proportionally higher plasma concentrations. Sixteen patients (35%) experienced a grade III/IV autoimmune toxicity. Five patients (11%) achieved an objective clinical response. Two of the responses are ongoing at 13 and 16 months, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood revealed significant increases in both T-cell surface markers of activation and memory phenotype. Thus, higher serum levels and prolonged administration of anti-CTLA-4 antibody resulted in a trend toward a greater incidence of grade III/IV autoimmune toxicity than previously reported, but did not seem to increase objective response rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay V. Maker
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - James C. Yang
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Richard M. Sherry
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Suzanne L. Topalian
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Udai S. Kammula
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Richard E. Royal
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Marybeth Hughes
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Leah R. Haworth
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Catherine Levy
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Tamika Allen
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sharon A. Mavroukakis
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Peter Attia
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Steven A. Rosenberg
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Tumours express a range of antigens, including self-antigens. Regulatory T cells are crucial for maintaining T-cell tolerance to self-antigens. Regulatory T cells are thought to dampen T-cell immunity to tumour-associated antigens and to be the main obstacle tempering successful immunotherapy and active vaccination. In this Review, I consider the nature and characteristics of regulatory T cells in the tumour microenvironment and their potential multiple suppressive mechanisms. Strategies for therapeutic targeting of regulatory T cells and the effect of regulatory T cells on current immunotherapeutic and vaccine regimens are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Zou
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0346, USA.
| |
Collapse
|