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Mao M, Yang W, Zhang X. Current mRNA-based vaccine strategies for glioma treatment. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 202:104459. [PMID: 39097247 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are one of the most aggressive types of brain tumors and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, conventional treatments for gliomas such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have limited effectiveness, and new approaches are needed to improve patient outcomes. mRNA-based vaccines represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, including gliomas. Recent advances in immunotherapy using mRNA-based dendritic cell vaccines have shown great potential in preclinical and clinical trials. Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in initiating and regulating immune responses. In this review, we summarize the current progress of mRNA-based vaccines for gliomas, with a focus on recent advances in dendritic cell-based mRNA vaccines. We also discuss the feasibility and safety of mRNA-based clinical applications for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqian Mao
- Neuroscience & Metabolism Research, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wanchun Yang
- Neuroscience & Metabolism Research, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, China.
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2
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Sayour EJ, Boczkowski D, Mitchell DA, Nair SK. Cancer mRNA vaccines: clinical advances and future opportunities. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:489-500. [PMID: 38760500 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00902-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have been revolutionary in terms of their rapid development and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this technology has considerable potential for application to the treatment of cancer. Compared with traditional cancer vaccines based on proteins or peptides, mRNA vaccines reconcile the needs for both personalization and commercialization in a manner that is unique to each patient but not beholden to their HLA haplotype. A further advantage of mRNA vaccines is the availability of engineering strategies to improve their stability while retaining immunogenicity, enabling the induction of complementary innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus far, no mRNA-based cancer vaccines have received regulatory approval, although several phase I-II trials have yielded promising results, including in historically poorly immunogenic tumours. Furthermore, many early phase trials testing a wide range of vaccine designs are currently ongoing. In this Review, we describe the advantages of cancer mRNA vaccines and advances in clinical trials using both cell-based and nanoparticle-based delivery methods, with discussions of future combinations and iterations that might optimize the activity of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias J Sayour
- Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumour Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David Boczkowski
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumour Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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3
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Meulewaeter S, Aernout I, Deprez J, Engelen Y, De Velder M, Franceschini L, Breckpot K, Van Calenbergh S, Asselman C, Boucher K, Impens F, De Smedt SC, Verbeke R, Lentacker I. Alpha-galactosylceramide improves the potency of mRNA LNP vaccines against cancer and intracellular bacteria. J Control Release 2024; 370:379-391. [PMID: 38697317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Although various types of mRNA-based vaccines have been explored, the optimal conditions for induction of both humoral and cellular immunity remain rather unknown. In this study, mRNA vaccines of nucleoside-modified mRNA in lipoplexes (LPXs) or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were evaluated after administration in mice through different routes, assessing mRNA delivery, tolerability and immunogenicity. In addition, we investigated whether mRNA vaccines could benefit from the inclusion of the adjuvant alpha-galactosylceramide (αGC), an invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cell ligand. Intramuscular (IM) vaccination with ovalbumin (OVA)-encoding mRNA encapsulated in LNPs adjuvanted with αGC showed the highest antibody- and CD8+ T cell responses. Furthermore, we observed that addition of signal peptides and endocytic sorting signals of either LAMP1 or HLA-B7 in the OVA-encoding mRNA sequence further enhanced CD8+ T cell activation although reducing the induction of IgG antibody responses. Moreover, mRNA LNPs with the ionizable lipidoid C12-200 exhibited higher pro-inflammatory- and reactogenic activity compared to mRNA LNPs with SM-102, correlating with increased T cell activation and antitumor potential. We also observed that αGC could further enhance the cellular immunity of clinically relevant mRNA LNP vaccines, thereby promoting therapeutic antitumor potential. Finally, a Listeria monocytogenes mRNA LNP vaccine supplemented with αGC showed synergistic protective effects against listeriosis, highlighting a key advantage of co-activating iNKT cells in antibacterial mRNA vaccines. Taken together, our study offers multiple insights for optimizing the design of mRNA vaccines for disease applications, such as cancer and intracellular bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Meulewaeter
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilke Aernout
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joke Deprez
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB-UGent, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Yanou Engelen
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Margo De Velder
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Translational Oncology Research Center, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Translational Oncology Research Center, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Asselman
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katie Boucher
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Proteomics Core, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Francis Impens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Proteomics Core, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rein Verbeke
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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4
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Weisbrod L, Capriotti L, Hofmann M, Spieler V, Dersch H, Voedisch B, Schmidt P, Knake S. FASTMAP-a flexible and scalable immunopeptidomics pipeline for HLA- and antigen-specific T-cell epitope mapping based on artificial antigen-presenting cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386160. [PMID: 38779658 PMCID: PMC11109385 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of peptide repertoires presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and the identification of potential T-cell epitopes contribute to a multitude of immunopeptidome-based treatment approaches. Epitope mapping is essential for the development of promising epitope-based approaches in vaccination as well as for innovative therapeutics for autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. It also plays a critical role in the immunogenicity assessment of protein therapeutics with regard to safety and efficacy concerns. The main challenge emerges from the highly polymorphic nature of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules leading to the requirement of a peptide mapping strategy for a single HLA allele. As many autoimmune diseases are linked to at least one specific antigen, we established FASTMAP, an innovative strategy to transiently co-transfect a single HLA allele combined with a disease-specific antigen into a human cell line. This approach allows the specific identification of HLA-bound peptides using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Using FASTMAP, we found a comparable spectrum of endogenous peptides presented by the most frequently expressed HLA alleles in the world's population compared to what has been described in literature. To ensure a reliable peptide mapping workflow, we combined the HLA alleles with well-known human model antigens like coagulation factor VIII, acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha, protein structures of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and myelin basic protein. Using these model antigens, we have been able to identify a broad range of peptides that are in line with already published and in silico predicted T-cell epitopes of the specific HLA/model antigen combination. The transient co-expression of a single affinity-tagged MHC molecule combined with a disease-specific antigen in a human cell line in our FASTMAP pipeline provides the opportunity to identify potential T-cell epitopes/endogenously processed MHC-bound peptides in a very cost-effective, fast, and customizable system with high-throughput potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Weisbrod
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Luigi Capriotti
- Analytical Biochemistry, Research and Development, CSL Behring AG, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Hofmann
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Valerie Spieler
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Dersch
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Voedisch
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter Schmidt
- Protein Biochemistry, Bio21 Institute, CSL Limited, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanne Knake
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center Hessen, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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5
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Trivedi V, Yang C, Klippel K, Yegorov O, von Roemeling C, Hoang-Minh L, Fenton G, Ogando-Rivas E, Castillo P, Moore G, Long-James K, Dyson K, Doonan B, Flores C, Mitchell DA. mRNA-based precision targeting of neoantigens and tumor-associated antigens in malignant brain tumors. Genome Med 2024; 16:17. [PMID: 38268001 PMCID: PMC10809449 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01281-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advancements in the successful use of immunotherapy in treating a variety of solid tumors, applications in treating brain tumors have lagged considerably. This is due, at least in part, to the lack of well-characterized antigens expressed within brain tumors that can mediate tumor rejection; the low mutational burden of these tumors that limits the abundance of targetable neoantigens; and the immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment that hampers the generation of sustained and productive immunologic responses. The field of mRNA-based therapeutics has experienced a boon following the universal approval of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. mRNA-based immunotherapeutics have also garnered widespread interest for their potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. In this study, we developed a novel and scalable approach for the production of personalized mRNA-based therapeutics that target multiple tumor rejection antigens in a single therapy for the treatment of refractory brain tumors. METHODS Tumor-specific neoantigens and aberrantly overexpressed tumor-associated antigens were identified for glioblastoma and medulloblastoma tumors using our cancer immunogenomics pipeline called Open Reading Frame Antigen Network (O.R.A.N). Personalized tumor antigen-specific mRNA vaccine was developed for each individual tumor model using selective gene capture and enrichment strategy. The immunogenicity and efficacy of the personalized mRNA vaccines was evaluated in combination with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy or adoptive cellular therapy with ex vivo expanded tumor antigen-specific lymphocytes in highly aggressive murine GBM models. RESULTS Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the antigen-specific mRNA vaccines in eliciting robust anti-tumor immune responses in GBM hosts. Our findings substantiate an increase in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes characterized by enhanced effector function, both intratumorally and systemically, after antigen-specific mRNA-directed immunotherapy, resulting in a favorable shift in the tumor microenvironment from immunologically cold to hot. Capacity to generate personalized mRNA vaccines targeting human GBM antigens was also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS We have established a personalized and customizable mRNA-therapeutic approach that effectively targets a plurality of tumor antigens and demonstrated potent anti-tumor response in preclinical brain tumor models. This platform mRNA technology uniquely addresses the challenge of tumor heterogeneity and low antigen burden, two key deficiencies in targeting the classically immunotherapy-resistant CNS malignancies, and possibly other cold tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vrunda Trivedi
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Changlin Yang
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kelena Klippel
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Oleg Yegorov
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | | | - Lan Hoang-Minh
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Graeme Fenton
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | | | - Paul Castillo
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Ginger Moore
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kaytora Long-James
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kyle Dyson
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Bently Doonan
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Catherine Flores
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Esteban I, Pastor-Quiñones C, Usero L, Aurrecoechea E, Franceschini L, Esprit A, Gelpí JL, Martínez-Jiménez F, López-Bigas N, Breckpot K, Thielemans K, Leal L, Gómez CE, Sisteré-Oró M, Meyerhans A, Esteban M, Alonso MJ, García F, Plana M. Assessment of Human SARS CoV-2-Specific T-Cell Responses Elicited In Vitro by New Computationally Designed mRNA Immunogens (COVARNA). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 12:15. [PMID: 38250827 PMCID: PMC10820377 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010015] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes and advances in the field of vaccination, including the implementation and widespread use of encapsidated mRNA vaccines in general healthcare practice. Here, we present two new mRNAs expressing antigenic parts of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and provide data supporting their functionality. The first mRNA, called RBD-mRNA, encodes a trimeric form of the virus spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD). The other mRNA, termed T-mRNA, codes for the relevant HLA I and II spike epitopes. The two mRNAs (COVARNA mRNAs) were designed to be used for delivery to cells in combination, with the RBD-mRNA being the primary source of antigen and the T-mRNA working as an enhancer of immunogenicity by supporting CD4 and CD8 T-cell activation. This innovative approach substantially differs from other available mRNA vaccines, which are largely directed to antibody production by the entire spike protein. In this study, we first show that both mRNAs are functionally transfected into human antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from three groups of voluntary donors differing in their immunity against SARS-CoV-2: non-infected (naïve), infected-recovered (convalescent), and vaccinated. Using an established method of co-culturing autologous human dendritic cells (hDCs) with T-cells, we detected proliferation and cytokine secretion, thus demonstrating the ability of the COVARNA mRNAs to activate T-cells in an antigen-specific way. Interestingly, important differences in the intensity of the response between the infected-recovered (convalescent) and vaccinated donors were observed, with the levels of T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion (IFNγ, IL-2R, and IL-13) being higher in the vaccinated group. In summary, our data support the further study of these mRNAs as a combined approach for future use as a vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Esteban
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (I.E.); (C.P.-Q.); (L.U.); (E.A.); or (L.L.); (F.G.)
| | - Carmen Pastor-Quiñones
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (I.E.); (C.P.-Q.); (L.U.); (E.A.); or (L.L.); (F.G.)
| | - Lorena Usero
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (I.E.); (C.P.-Q.); (L.U.); (E.A.); or (L.L.); (F.G.)
| | - Elena Aurrecoechea
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (I.E.); (C.P.-Q.); (L.U.); (E.A.); or (L.L.); (F.G.)
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (L.F.); (A.E.); (K.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Arthur Esprit
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (L.F.); (A.E.); (K.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Josep Lluís Gelpí
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Martínez-Jiménez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (F.M.-J.); (N.L.-B.)
| | - Núria López-Bigas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (F.M.-J.); (N.L.-B.)
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (L.F.); (A.E.); (K.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (L.F.); (A.E.); (K.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Lorna Leal
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (I.E.); (C.P.-Q.); (L.U.); (E.A.); or (L.L.); (F.G.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Elena Gómez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (C.E.G.); (M.E.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Sisteré-Oró
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Andreas Meyerhans
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain;
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Mariano Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (C.E.G.); (M.E.)
| | - María José Alonso
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Felipe García
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (I.E.); (C.P.-Q.); (L.U.); (E.A.); or (L.L.); (F.G.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Plana
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (I.E.); (C.P.-Q.); (L.U.); (E.A.); or (L.L.); (F.G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Lee KW, Yam JWP, Mao X. Dendritic Cell Vaccines: A Shift from Conventional Approach to New Generations. Cells 2023; 12:2147. [PMID: 37681880 PMCID: PMC10486560 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the emerging era of cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and adoptive cell transfer therapies (ACTs) have gained significant attention. However, their therapeutic efficacies are limited due to the presence of cold type tumors, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and immune-related side effects. On the other hand, dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines have been suggested as a new cancer immunotherapy regimen that can address the limitations encountered by ICBs and ACTs. Despite the success of the first generation of DC-based vaccines, represented by the first FDA-approved DC-based therapeutic cancer vaccine Provenge, several challenges remain unsolved. Therefore, new DC vaccine strategies have been actively investigated. This review addresses the limitations of the currently most adopted classical DC vaccine and evaluates new generations of DC vaccines in detail, including biomaterial-based, immunogenic cell death-inducing, mRNA-pulsed, DC small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-based, and tumor sEV-based DC vaccines. These innovative DC vaccines are envisioned to provide a significant breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy landscape and are expected to be supported by further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Won Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao
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8
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Yang W, Cao J, Cheng H, Chen L, Yu M, Chen Y, Cui X. Nanoformulations targeting immune cells for cancer therapy: mRNA therapeutics. Bioact Mater 2023; 23:438-470. [PMCID: PMC9712057 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The approved worldwide use of two messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) in late 2020 has proven the remarkable success of mRNA therapeutics together with lipid nanoformulation technology in protecting people against coronaviruses during COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented and exciting dual strategy with nanoformulations and mRNA therapeutics in play is believed to be a promising paradigm in targeted cancer immunotherapy in future. Recent advances in nanoformulation technologies play a prominent role in adapting mRNA platform in cancer treatment. In this review, we introduce the biologic principles and advancements of mRNA technology, and chemistry fundamentals of intriguing mRNA delivery nanoformulations. We discuss the latest promising nano-mRNA therapeutics for enhanced cancer immunotherapy by modulation of targeted specific subtypes of immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs) at peripheral lymphoid organs for initiating mRNA cancer vaccine-mediated antigen specific immunotherapy, and DCs, natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T cells, or multiple immunosuppressive immune cells at tumor microenvironment (TME) for reversing immune evasion. We highlight the clinical progress of advanced nano-mRNA therapeutics in targeted cancer therapy and provide our perspectives on future directions of this transformative integrated technology toward clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Jianwei Cao
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Liang Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Meihua Yu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China,Corresponding author
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China,Corresponding author
| | - Xingang Cui
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China,Corresponding author
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9
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Cattaneo CM, Battaglia T, Urbanus J, Moravec Z, Voogd R, de Groot R, Hartemink KJ, Haanen JBAG, Voest EE, Schumacher TN, Scheper W. Identification of patient-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cell neoantigens through HLA-unbiased genetic screens. Nat Biotechnol 2023:10.1038/s41587-022-01547-0. [PMID: 36593398 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01547-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer neoantigens that arise from tumor mutations are drivers of tumor-specific T cell responses, but identification of T cell-recognized neoantigens in individual patients is challenging. Previous methods have restricted antigen discovery to selected HLA alleles, thereby limiting the breadth of neoantigen repertoires that can be uncovered. Here, we develop a genetic neoantigen screening system that allows sensitive identification of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-recognized neoantigens across patients' complete HLA genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara M Cattaneo
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Genomics of Cancer and Targeted Therapies, IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Battaglia
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Urbanus
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ziva Moravec
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rhianne Voogd
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa de Groot
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Koen J Hartemink
- Department of Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emile E Voest
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ton N Schumacher
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Wouter Scheper
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Gilboa E, Boczkowski D, Nair SK. The Quest for mRNA Vaccines. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:449-456. [PMID: 36346283 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 is nothing short of a medical revolution. Given its chemical lability the use of mRNA as a therapeutic has been counterintuitive and met with skepticism. The development of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines was the culmination of long and painstaking efforts by many investigators spanning over 30 years and culminating with the seminal studies of Kariko and Weissman. This review will describe one chapter in this saga, studies that have shown that mRNA can function as a therapeutic. It started with our seminal observation that dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with mRNA in vitro administered to mice inhibits tumor growth, and led to first-in-human clinical trials with mRNA vaccines in cancer patients. The clinical development of this patient-specific DCs-mRNA approach and use on a larger scale was hindered by the challenges associated with personalized cell therapies. Confirmed and extended by many investigators, these studies did serve as impetus and motivation that led scientists to persevere, eventually leading to the development of simple, broadly applicable, and highly effective protocols of directly injecting mRNA into patients, culminating in the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - David Boczkowski
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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11
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De Mey W, Esprit A, Thielemans K, Breckpot K, Franceschini L. RNA in Cancer Immunotherapy: Unlocking the Potential of the Immune System. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3929-3939. [PMID: 35583609 PMCID: PMC9475240 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the manufacturing, modification, purification, and cellular delivery of ribonucleic acid (RNA) have enabled the development of RNA-based therapeutics for a broad array of applications. The approval of two SARS-CoV-2-targeting mRNA-based vaccines has highlighted the advances of this technology. Offering rapid and straightforward manufacturing, clinical safety, and versatility, this paves the way for RNA therapeutics to expand into cancer immunotherapy. Together with ongoing trials on RNA cancer vaccination and cellular therapy, RNA therapeutics could be introduced into clinical practice, possibly stewarding future personalized approaches. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in RNA-based immuno-oncology together with an update on ongoing clinical applications and their current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wout De Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Esprit
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Corresponding Author: Karine Breckpot, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: 32-2-477-45-66; E-mail:
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Gu Y, Duan J, Yang N, Yang Y, Zhao X. mRNA vaccines in the prevention and treatment of diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e167. [PMID: 36033422 PMCID: PMC9409637 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines made their successful public debut in the effort against the COVID-19 outbreak starting in late 2019, although the history of mRNA vaccines can be traced back decades. This review provides an overview to discuss the historical course and present situation of mRNA vaccine development in addition to some basic concepts that underly mRNA vaccines. We discuss the general preparation and manufacturing of mRNA vaccines and also discuss the scientific advances in the in vivo delivery system and evaluate popular approaches (i.e., lipid nanoparticle and protamine) in detail. Next, we highlight the clinical value of mRNA vaccines as potent candidates for therapeutic treatment and discuss clinical progress in the treatment of cancer and coronavirus disease 2019. Data suggest that mRNA vaccines, with several prominent advantages, have achieved encouraging results and increasing attention due to tremendous potential in disease management. Finally, we suggest some potential directions worthy of further investigation and optimization. In addition to basic research, studies that help to facilitate storage and transportation will be indispensable for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzhuo Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University; Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
| | - Jiangyao Duan
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Na Yang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Xing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University; Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
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13
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de Mey W, De Schrijver P, Autaers D, Pfitzer L, Fant B, Locy H, Esprit A, Lybaert L, Bogaert C, Verdonck M, Thielemans K, Breckpot K, Franceschini L. A synthetic DNA template for fast manufacturing of versatile single epitope mRNA. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:943-954. [PMID: 36159589 PMCID: PMC9464653 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A flexible, affordable, and rapid vaccine platform is necessary to unlock the potential of personalized cancer vaccines in order to achieve full clinical efficiency. mRNA cancer vaccine manufacture relies on the rigid sequence design of multiepitope constructs produced by laborious bacterial cloning and time-consuming plasmid preparation. Here, we introduce a synthetic DNA template (SDT) assembly process, which allows cost- and time-efficient manufacturing of single (neo)epitope mRNA. We benchmarked SDT-derived mRNA against mRNA derived from a plasmid DNA template (PDT), showing that monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) electroporated with SDT-mRNA or PDT-mRNA, encoding HLA-I- or HLA-II-restricted (neo)epitopes, equally activated T cells that were modified to express the cognate T cell receptors. Furthermore, we validated the SDT-mRNA platform for neoepitope immunogenicity screening using the characterized HLA-A2-restricted neoepitope DHX40B and four new candidate HLA-A2-restricted melanoma neoepitopes. Finally, we compared SDT-mRNA with PDT-mRNA for vaccine development purposes. moDCs electroporated with mRNA encoding the HLA-A2-restricted, mutated Melan-A/Mart-1 epitope together with TriMix mRNA-generated high levels of functional Melan-A/Mart-1-specific CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, SDT single epitope mRNA can be manufactured in a more flexible, cost-efficient, and time-efficient way compared with PDT-mRNA, allowing prompt neoepitope immunogenicity screening, and might be exploited for the development of personalized cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wout de Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Phaedra De Schrijver
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dorien Autaers
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lena Pfitzer
- myNEO, Ottergemsesteenweg-Zuid 808, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Fant
- myNEO, Ottergemsesteenweg-Zuid 808, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanne Locy
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Esprit
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lien Lybaert
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- myNEO, Ottergemsesteenweg-Zuid 808, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Magali Verdonck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Corresponding author Lorenzo Franceschini, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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14
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Gómez-Aguado I, Rodríguez-Castejón J, Beraza-Millor M, Rodríguez-Gascón A, Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Solinís MÁ. mRNA delivery technologies: Toward clinical translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 372:207-293. [PMID: 36064265 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-therapies have recently taken a huge step toward clinic thanks to the first mRNA-based medicinal products marketed. mRNA features for clinical purposes are improved by chemical modifications, but the inclusion in a delivery system is a regular requirement. mRNA nanomedicines must be designed for the specific therapeutic purpose, protecting the nucleic acid and facilitating the overcoming of biological barriers. Polymers, polypeptides, and cationic lipids are the main used materials to design mRNA delivery systems. Among them, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most advanced ones, and currently they are at the forefront of preclinical and clinical evaluation in several fields, including immunotherapy (against infectious diseases and cancer), protein replacement, gene editing and regenerative medicine. This chapter includes an overview on mRNA delivery technologies, with special interest in LNPs, and the most recent advances in their clinical application. Liposomes are the mRNA delivery technology with the highest clinical translation among LNPs, whereas the first clinical trial of a therapeutic mRNA formulated in exosomes has been recently approved for protein replacement therapy. The first mRNA products approved by the regulatory agencies worldwide are LNP-based mRNA vaccines against viral infections, specifically against the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The clinical translation of mRNA-therapies for cancer is mainly focused on three strategies: anti-cancer vaccination by means of delivering cancer antigens or acting as an adjuvant, mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs), and expression of antibodies and immunomodulators. Cancer immunotherapy and, more recently, COVID-19 vaccines spearhead the advance of mRNA clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Gómez-Aguado
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Julen Rodríguez-Castejón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marina Beraza-Millor
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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15
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Tumor RNA transfected DCs derived from iPS cells elicit cytotoxicity against cancer cells induced from colorectal cancer patients in vitro. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3295. [PMID: 35228610 PMCID: PMC8885822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07305-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant efficacy of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in generating DCs for cancer vaccine therapy was suggested in our previous studies. In clinical application of DC vaccine therapy, however, few DC vaccine systems have shown strong clinical response. To enhance immunogenicity in the DC vaccine, we transfected patient-derived iPSDCs with in vitro transcriptional RNA (ivtRNA), which was obtained from tumors of three patients with colorectal cancer. We investigated iPSDCs-ivtRNA which were induced by transfecting ivtRNA obtained from tumors of three colorectal cancer patients, and examined its antitumor effect. Moreover, we analyzed neoantigens expressed in colorectal cancer cells and examined whether iPSDCs-ivtRNA induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against the predicted neoantigens. CTLs activated by iPSDCs-ivtRNA exhibited cytotoxic activity against the tumor spheroids in all three patients with colorectal cancer. Whole-exome sequencing revealed 1251 nonsynonymous mutations and 2155 neoantigens (IC50 < 500 nM) were predicted. For IFN-γ ELISPOT assay, these candidate neoantigens were further prioritised and 12 candidates were synthesized. IFN-γ ELISPOT assay revealed that the CTLs induced by iPSDCs-ivtRNA responded to one of the candidate neoantigens. In vitro CTLs obtained by transfecting tumor-derived RNA into iPSDCs derived from three patients with colorectal cancer showed potent tumor-specific killing effect.
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16
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Koch EAT, Schaft N, Kummer M, Berking C, Schuler G, Hasumi K, Dörrie J, Schuler-Thurner B. A One-Armed Phase I Dose Escalation Trial Design: Personalized Vaccination with IKKβ-Matured, RNA-Loaded Dendritic Cells for Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:785231. [PMID: 35185883 PMCID: PMC8854646 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.785231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an orphan disease with a mortality of 80% within one year upon the development of metastatic disease. UM does hardly respond to chemotherapy and kinase inhibitors and is largely resistant to checkpoint inhibition. Hence, further therapy approaches are urgently needed. To improve clinical outcome, we designed a trial employing the 3rd generation personalized IKKβ-matured RNA-transfected dendritic cell (DC) vaccine which primes T cells and in addition activates NK cells. This ongoing phase I trial [NCT04335890 (www.clinicaltrials.gov), Eudract: 2018-004390-28 (www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu)] investigates patients with treatment-naive metastatic UM. Monocytes are isolated by leukapheresis, differentiated to immature DCs, matured with a cytokine cocktail, and activated via the NF-κB pathway by electroporation with RNA encoding a constitutively active mutant of IKKβ. Three types of antigen-RNA are co-electroporated: i) amplified mRNA of the tumor representing the whole transcriptome, ii) RNA encoding driver mutations identified by exome sequencing, and iii) overexpressed non-mutated tumor antigens detected by transcriptome sequencing. This highly personalized DC vaccine is applied by 9 intravenous infusions in a staggered schedule over one year. Parallel to the vaccination, standard therapy, usually an immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) as mono (anti-PD-1) or combined (anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1) regimen is initiated. The coordinated vaccine-induced immune response encompassing tumor-specific T cells and innate NK cells should synergize with ICB, perhaps resulting in measurable clinical responses in this resistant tumor entity. Primary outcome measures of this trial are safety, tolerability and toxicity; secondary outcome measures comprise overall survival and induction of antigen-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias A. T. Koch
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Niels Schaft,
| | - Mirko Kummer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Beatrice Schuler-Thurner
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
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17
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Abstract
Synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA), once delivered into cells, can be readily translated into proteins by ribosomes, which do not distinguish exogenous mRNAs from endogenous transcripts. Until recently, the intrinsic instability and immunostimulatory property of exogenous RNAs largely hindered the therapeutic application of synthetic mRNAs. Thanks to major technological innovations, such as introduction of chemically modified nucleosides, synthetic mRNAs have become programmable therapeutic reagents. Compared to DNA or protein-based therapeutic reagents, synthetic mRNAs bear several advantages: flexible design, easy optimization, low-cost preparation, and scalable synthesis. Therapeutic mRNAs are commonly designed to encode specific antigens to elicit organismal immune response to pathogens like viruses, express functional proteins to replace defective ones inside cells, or introduce novel enzymes to achieve unique functions like genome editing. Recent years have witnessed stunning progress on the development of mRNA vaccines against SARS-Cov2. This success is built upon our fundamental understanding of mRNA metabolism and translational control, a knowledge accumulated during the past several decades. Given the astronomical number of sequence combinations of four nucleotides, sequence-dependent control of mRNA translation remains incompletely understood. Rational design of synthetic mRNAs with robust translation and optimal stability remains challenging. Massively paralleled reporter assay (MPRA) has been proven to be powerful in identifying sequence elements in controlling mRNA translatability and stability. Indeed, a completely randomized sequence in 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) drives a wide range of translational outputs. In this Account, we will discuss general principles of mRNA translation in eukaryotic cells and elucidate the role of coding and noncoding regions in the translational regulation. From the therapeutic perspective, we will highlight the unique features of 5' cap, 5'UTR, coding region (CDS), stop codon, 3'UTR, and poly(A) tail. By focusing on the design strategies in mRNA engineering, we hope this Account will contribute to the rational design of synthetic mRNAs with broad therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Jia
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Shu-Bing Qian
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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18
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Biological Therapies in the Treatment of Cancer-Update and New Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111694. [PMID: 34769123 PMCID: PMC8583892 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological therapies have changed the face of oncology by targeting cancerous cells while reducing the effect on normal tissue. This publication focuses mainly on new therapies that have contributed to the advances in treatment of certain malignancies. Immunotherapy, which has repeatedly proven to be a breakthrough therapy in melanoma, as well as B-ALL therapy with CAR T cells, are of great merit in this progress. These therapies are currently being developed by modifying bispecific antibodies and CAR T cells to improve their efficiency and bioavailability. Work on improving the therapy with oncolytic viruses is also progressing, and efforts are being made to improve the immunogenicity and stability of cancer vaccines. Combining various biological therapies, immunotherapy with oncolytic viruses or cancer vaccines is gaining importance in cancer therapy. New therapeutic targets are intensively sought among neoantigens, which are not immunocompromised, or antigens associated with tumor stroma cells. An example is fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα), the overexpression of which is observed in the case of tumor progression. Universal therapeutic targets are also sought, such as the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion, a key genetic driver present in many types of cancer. This review also raises the problem of the tumor microenvironment. Stromal cells can protect tumor cells from chemotherapy and contribute to relapse and progression. This publication also addresses the problem of cancer stem cells resistance to treatment and presents attempts to avoid this phenomenon. This review focuses on the most important strategies used to improve the selectivity of biological therapies.
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19
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Lapazio L, Braun M, Grandien K. H2-M and H2-O as Targeting Vehicles for the MHC Class II Processing Compartment Promote Antigen-Specific CD4+ T Cell Activation. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101053. [PMID: 34696161 PMCID: PMC8540253 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8 and CD4 T cell activation are both required for a strong and long-lasting T cell immune response. Endogenously expressed proteins are readily processed by the MHC class I antigen presentation pathway, enabling activation of CD8+ T cells. However, the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway, necessary for CD4+ T cell activation, is generally not sufficiently accessible to endogenously expressed proteins, limiting the efficiency of mRNA- or DNA-based vaccines. In the current study, we have evaluated the feasibility of using antigen sequences fused to sequences derived from the H2-M and H2-O proteins, two complexes known to participate in MHC class II antigen processing, for the enhancement of CD4 T-cell activation. We analyzed T cell activation after genetic immunization with mRNA-encoding fusion proteins with the model antigen ovalbumin and sequences derived from H2-M or H2-O. Our results show that H2-M- or H2-O-derived sequences robustly improve antigen-specific CD4 T-cell activation when fused to the antigen of interest and suggest that the approach could be used to improve the efficiency of mRNA- or DNA-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lapazio
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Biologics Research, Industriepark Hoechst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.B.); (K.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-69-305-28073
| | - Monika Braun
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Biologics Research, Industriepark Hoechst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.B.); (K.G.)
- Medigene, Lochhamer Str. 11, Martinsried, 82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Kaj Grandien
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D, Biologics Research, Industriepark Hoechst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.B.); (K.G.)
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Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults and is universally lethal with a median survival of less than two years with standard therapy. RNA-based immunotherapies have significant potential to establish a durable treatment response for malignant brain tumors including GBM. RNA offers clear advantages over antigen-focused approaches but cannot often be directly administered due to biological instability. This review will focus on utilization of RNA dendritic cell vaccines and RNA nanoparticle therapies in the treatment of GBM. RNA-pulsed dendritic cell vaccines have been shown to be safe in a small phase I clinical trial and RNA-loaded nanoparticle vaccines will soon be underway in GBM patients (NCT04573140).
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21
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Beck JD, Reidenbach D, Salomon N, Sahin U, Türeci Ö, Vormehr M, Kranz LM. mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:69. [PMID: 33858437 PMCID: PMC8047518 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA provides a template for the synthesis of any given protein, protein fragment or peptide and lends itself to a broad range of pharmaceutical applications, including different modalities of cancer immunotherapy. With the ease of rapid, large scale Good Manufacturing Practice-grade mRNA production, mRNA is ideally poised not only for off-the shelf cancer vaccines but also for personalized neoantigen vaccination. The ability to stimulate pattern recognition receptors and thus an anti-viral type of innate immune response equips mRNA-based vaccines with inherent adjuvanticity. Nucleoside modification and elimination of double-stranded RNA can reduce the immunomodulatory activity of mRNA and increase and prolong protein production. In combination with nanoparticle-based formulations that increase transfection efficiency and facilitate lymphatic system targeting, nucleoside-modified mRNA enables efficient delivery of cytokines, costimulatory receptors, or therapeutic antibodies. Steady but transient production of the encoded bioactive molecule from the mRNA template can improve the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety properties as compared to the respective recombinant proteins. This may be harnessed for applications that benefit from a higher level of expression control, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified adoptive T-cell therapies. This review highlights the advancements in the field of mRNA-based cancer therapeutics, providing insights into key preclinical developments and the evolving clinical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Beck
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Reidenbach
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Lena M Kranz
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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22
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Loo KY, Letchumanan V, Ser HL, Teoh SL, Law JWF, Tan LTH, Ab Mutalib NS, Chan KG, Lee LH. COVID-19: Insights into Potential Vaccines. Microorganisms 2021; 9:605. [PMID: 33804162 PMCID: PMC8001762 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
People around the world ushered in the new year 2021 with a fear of COVID-19, as family members have lost their loved ones to the disease. Millions of people have been infected, and the livelihood of many has been jeopardized due to the pandemic. Pharmaceutical companies are racing against time to develop an effective vaccine to protect against COVID-19. Researchers have developed various types of candidate vaccines with the release of the genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in January. These include inactivated viral vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, mRNA vaccines, and recombinant viral vector vaccines. To date, several vaccines have been authorized for emergency use and they have been administered in countries across the globe. Meanwhile, there are also vaccine candidates in Phase III clinical trials awaiting results and approval from authorities. These candidates have shown positive results in the previous stages of the trials, whereby they could induce an immune response with minimal side effects in the participants. This review aims to discuss the different vaccine platforms and the clinical trials of the candidate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Yan Loo
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
| | - Vengadesh Letchumanan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
| | - Hooi-Leng Ser
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
| | - Siew Li Teoh
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Jodi Woan-Fei Law
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
| | - Loh Teng-Hern Tan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
- Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Johor Bahru 80100, Malaysia
| | - Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (K.-Y.L.); (V.L.); (H.-L.S.); (J.W.-F.L.); (L.T.-H.T.)
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23
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Kim J, Eygeris Y, Gupta M, Sahay G. Self-assembled mRNA vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:83-112. [PMID: 33400957 PMCID: PMC7837307 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have evolved from being a mere curiosity to emerging as COVID-19 vaccine front-runners. Recent advancements in the field of RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology have generated interest in delivering safe and effective mRNA therapeutics. In this review, we discuss design and self-assembly of mRNA vaccines. Self-assembly, a spontaneous organization of individual molecules, allows for design of nanoparticles with customizable properties. We highlight the materials commonly utilized to deliver mRNA, their physicochemical characteristics, and other relevant considerations, such as mRNA optimization, routes of administration, cellular fate, and immune activation, that are important for successful mRNA vaccination. We also examine the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines currently in clinical trials. mRNA vaccines are ready for the clinic, showing tremendous promise in the COVID-19 vaccine race, and have pushed the boundaries of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
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24
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Engineering a Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccine to Prime and Expand Multispecific Viral and Tumor Antigen-Specific T-Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020141. [PMID: 33578850 PMCID: PMC7916617 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Because dendritic cells are crucial to prime and expand antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells, several strategies are designed to use them in therapeutic vaccines against infectious diseases or cancer. In this context, off-the-shelf allogeneic dendritic cell-based platforms are more attractive than individualized autologous vaccines tailored to each patient. In the present study, a unique dendritic cell line (PDC*line) platform of plasmacytoid origin, already used to prime and expand antitumor immunity in melanoma patients, was improved thanks to retroviral engineering. We demonstrated that the clinical-grade PDC*line, transduced with genes encoding viral or tumoral whole proteins, efficiently processed and stably presented the transduced antigens in different human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I contexts. Moreover, the use of polyepitope constructs allowed the presentation of immunogenic peptides and the expansion of specific cytotoxic effectors. We also demonstrated that the addition of the Lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1) sequence greatly improved the presentation of some peptides. Lastly, thanks to transduction of new HLA molecules, the PDC platform can benefit many patients through the easy addition of matched HLA-I molecules. The demonstration of the effective retroviral transduction of PDC*line cells strengthens and broadens the scope of the PDC*line platform, which can be used in adoptive or active immunotherapy for the treatment of infectious diseases or cancer.
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25
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Cancer Vaccines: Antigen Selection Strategy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020085. [PMID: 33503926 PMCID: PMC7911511 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike traditional cancer therapies, cancer vaccines (CVs) harness a high specificity of the host’s immunity to kill tumor cells. CVs can train and bolster the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells by enhancing immune cells’ identification of antigens expressed on cancer cells. Various features of antigens like immunogenicity and avidity influence the efficacy of CVs. Therefore, the choice and application of antigens play a critical role in establishing and developing CVs. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), a group of proteins expressed at elevated levels in tumor cells but lower levels in healthy normal cells, have been well-studied and developed in CVs. However, immunological tolerance, HLA restriction, and adverse events are major obstacles that threaten TAA-based CVs’ efficacy due to the “self-protein” characteristic of TAAs. As “abnormal proteins” that are completely absent from normal cells, tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) can trigger a robust immune response against tumor cells with high specificity and without going through central tolerance, contributing to cancer vaccine development feasibility. In this review, we focus on the unique features of TAAs and TSAs and their application in vaccines, summarizing their performance in preclinical and clinical trials.
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26
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Esprit A, de Mey W, Bahadur Shahi R, Thielemans K, Franceschini L, Breckpot K. Neo-Antigen mRNA Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E776. [PMID: 33353155 PMCID: PMC7766040 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in therapeutic cancer vaccines has caught enormous attention in recent years due to several breakthroughs in cancer research, among which the finding that successful checkpoint blockade treatments reinvigorate neo-antigen-specific T cells and that successful adoptive cell therapies are directed towards neo-antigens. Neo-antigens are cancer-specific antigens, which develop from somatic mutations in the cancer cell genome that can be highly immunogenic and are not subjected to central tolerance. As the majority of neo-antigens are unique to each patient's cancer, a vaccine technology that is flexible and potent is required to develop personalized neo-antigen vaccines. In vitro transcribed mRNA is such a technology platform and has been evaluated for delivery of neo-antigens to professional antigen-presenting cells both ex vivo and in vivo. In addition, strategies that support the activity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment have been developed. These represent a unique opportunity to ensure durable T cell activity upon vaccination. Here, we comprehensively review recent progress in mRNA-based neo-antigen vaccines, summarizing critical milestones that made it possible to bring the promise of therapeutic cancer vaccines within reach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.E.); (W.d.M.); (R.B.S.); (K.T.); (L.F.)
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27
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Das B, Senapati S. Immunological and functional aspects of MAGEA3 cancer/testis antigen. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 125:121-147. [PMID: 33931137 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Identification of ectopic gene activation in cancer cells serves as a basis for both gene signature-guided tumor targeting and unearthing of oncogenic mechanisms to expand the understanding of tumor biology/oncogenic process. Proteins expressed only in germ cells of testis and/or placenta (immunoprivileged organs) and in malignancies are called cancer testis antigens; they are antigenic because of the lack of antigen presentation by those specific cell types (germ cells), which limits the exposure of the proteins to the immune cells. Since the Cancer Testis Antigens (CTAs) are immunogenic and expressed in a wide variety of cancer types, CT antigens have become interesting target for immunotherapy against cancer. Among CT antigens MAGEA family is reported to have 12 members (MAGEA1 to MAGEA12). The current review highlights the studies on MAGEA3 which is a CT antigen and reported in almost all types of cancer. MAGEA3 is well tried for cancer immunotherapy. Recent advances on its functional and immunological aspect warranted much deliberation on effective therapeutic approach, thus making it a more interesting target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Das
- Tumor Microenvironment and Animal Models Lab, Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Shantibhusan Senapati
- Tumor Microenvironment and Animal Models Lab, Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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28
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Ex vivo pulsed dendritic cell vaccination against cancer. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:959-969. [PMID: 32366940 PMCID: PMC7470877 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most powerful antigen-presenting cell type, dendritic cells (DCs) can induce potent antigen-specific immune responses in vivo, hence becoming optimal cell population for vaccination purposes. DCs can be derived ex vivo in quantity and manipulated extensively to be endowed with adequate immune-stimulating capacity. After pulsing with cancer antigens in various ways, the matured DCs are administrated back into the patient. DCs home to lymphoid organs to present antigens to and activate specific lymphocytes that react to a given cancer. Ex vivo pulsed DC vaccines have been vigorously investigated for decades, registering encouraging results in relevant immunotherapeutic clinical trials, while facing some solid challenges. With more details in DC biology understood, new theory proposed, and novel technology introduced (featuring recently emerged mRNA vaccine technology), it is becoming increasingly likely that ex vivo pulsed DC vaccine will fulfill its potential in cancer immunotherapy.
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29
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Weis-Banke SE, Hübbe ML, Holmström MO, Jørgensen MA, Bendtsen SK, Martinenaite E, Carretta M, Svane IM, Ødum N, Pedersen AW, Met Ö, Madsen DH, Andersen MH. The metabolic enzyme arginase-2 is a potential target for novel immune modulatory vaccines. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1771142. [PMID: 32923127 PMCID: PMC7458644 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1771142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One way that tumors evade immune destruction is through tumor and stromal cell expression of arginine-degrading enzyme arginase-2 (ARG2). Here we describe the existence of pro-inflammatory effector T-cells that recognize ARG2 and can directly target tumor and tumor-infiltrating cells. Using a library of 34 peptides covering the entire ARG2 sequence, we examined reactivity toward these peptides in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cancer patients and healthy individuals. Interferon-γ ELISPOT revealed frequent immune responses against several of the peptides, indicating that ARG2–specific self-reactive T-cells are natural components of the human T-cell repertoire. Based on this, the most immunogenic ARG2 protein region was further characterized. By identifying conditions in the microenvironment that induce ARG2 expression in myeloid cells, we showed that ARG2-specific CD4T-cells isolated and expanded from a peripheral pool from a prostate cancer patient could recognize target cells in an ARG2-dependent manner. In the ‘cold’ in vivo tumor model Lewis lung carcinoma, we found that activation of ARG2-specific T-cells by vaccination significantly inhibited tumor growth. Immune-modulatory vaccines targeting ARG2 thus are a candidate strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Emilie Weis-Banke
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mie Linder Hübbe
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mia Aaboe Jørgensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simone Kloch Bendtsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Evelina Martinenaite
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Carretta
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Ødum
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Özcan Met
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Hargbøl Madsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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30
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Yazdani M, Jaafari MR, Verdi J, Alani B, Noureddini M, Badiee A. Ex vivo-generated dendritic cell-based vaccines in melanoma: the role of nanoparticulate delivery systems. Immunotherapy 2020; 12:333-349. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a poor immunogenic cancer and many treatment strategies have been used to enhance specific or nonspecific immunity against it. Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccine is the most effective therapies that have been used so far. Meanwhile, the efficacy of DC-based immunotherapy relies on critical factors relating to DCs such as the state of maturation and proper delivery of antigens. In this regard, the use of nanoparticulate delivery systems for effective delivery of antigen to ex vivo-generated DC-based vaccines that also poses adjuvanticity would be an ideal approach. In this review article, we attempt to summarize the role of different types of nanoparticulate antigen delivery systems used in the development of ex vivo-generated DC-based vaccines against melanoma and describe their adjuvanticity in mediation of DC maturation, cytoplasmic presentation of antigens to MHC class I molecules, which led to potent antigen-specific immune responses. As were represented, cationic liposomes were the most used approach, which suggest its potential applicability as delivery systems for further experiments in combination with either adjuvants or monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Yazdani
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan 91778-99191, Iran
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778-99191, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778-99191, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778-99191, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan 91778-99191, Iran
| | - Behrang Alani
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan 91778-99191, Iran
| | - Mahdi Noureddini
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan 91778-99191, Iran
| | - Ali Badiee
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778-99191, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778-99191, Iran
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31
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Ahmed R, Sayegh N, Graciotti M, Kandalaft LE. Electroporation as a method of choice to generate genetically modified dendritic cell cancer vaccines. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 65:142-155. [PMID: 32240923 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the last few decades, immunotherapy has emerged as an alternative therapeutic approach to treat cancer. Immunotherapy offers a plethora of different treatment possibilities. Among these, dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines constitute one of the most promising and valuable therapeutic options. DC-vaccines have been introduced into the clinics more than 15 years ago, and preclinical studies showed their general safety and low toxic effects on patients. However, their treatment efficacy is still rather limited, demanding for novel avenues to improve vaccine efficacy. One way to potentially achieve this is to focus on improving the DC-T cell interaction to further increase T cell priming and downstream activity. A successful DC-T cell interaction requires three different signals (Figure 1): (1) Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and antigen complex interaction with T cell receptor (TCR) (2) interaction between co-stimulatory molecules and their cognate ligands at the cell surface and (3) secretion of cytokines to polarize the immune response toward a Type 1 helper (Th1) phenotype. In recent years, many studies attempted to improve the DC-T cell interaction and overall cancer vaccine therapeutic outcomes by increasing the expression of mediators of signal 1, 2 and/or 3, through genetic modifications of DCs. Transfection of genes of interest can be achieved through many different methods such as passive pulsing, lipofection, viral transfection, or electroporation (EP). However, EP is currently emerging as the method of choice thanks to its safety, versatility, and relatively easy clinical translation. In this review we will highlight the potential benefits of EP over other transfection methods as well as giving an overview of the available studies employing EP to gene-modify DCs in cancer vaccines. Crucial aspects such as safety, feasibility, and gene(s) of choice will be also discussed, together with future perspectives and opportunities for DC genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ahmed
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Naya Sayegh
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Michele Graciotti
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Lana E Kandalaft
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.
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Therapeutic Cancer Vaccination with Ex Vivo RNA-Transfected Dendritic Cells-An Update. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12020092. [PMID: 31979205 PMCID: PMC7076681 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, dendritic cell (DC) vaccination has been studied extensively as active immunotherapy in cancer treatment and has been proven safe in all clinical trials both with respect to short and long-term side effects. For antigen-loading of dendritic cells (DCs) one method is to introduce mRNA coding for the desired antigens. To target the whole antigenic repertoire of a tumor, even the total tumor mRNA of a macrodissected biopsy sample can be used. To date, reports have been published on a total of 781 patients suffering from different tumor entities and HIV-infection, who have been treated with DCs loaded with mRNA. The majority of those were melanoma patients, followed by HIV-infected patients, but leukemias, brain tumors, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinomas, pancreatic cancers and several others have also been treated. Next to antigen-loading, mRNA-electroporation allows a purposeful manipulation of the DCs’ phenotype and function to enhance their immunogenicity. In this review, we intend to give a comprehensive summary of what has been published regarding clinical testing of ex vivo generated mRNA-transfected DCs, with respect to safety and risk/benefit evaluations, choice of tumor antigens and RNA-source, and the design of better DCs for vaccination by transfection of mRNA-encoded functional proteins.
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Versteeg L, Almutairi MM, Hotez PJ, Pollet J. Enlisting the mRNA Vaccine Platform to Combat Parasitic Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E122. [PMID: 31547081 PMCID: PMC6963228 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite medical progress, more than a billion people still suffer daily from parasitic infections. Vaccination is recognized as one of the most sustainable options to control parasitic diseases. However, the development of protective and therapeutic vaccines against tropical parasites has proven to be exceptionally challenging for both scientific and economic reasons. For certain parasitic diseases, traditional vaccine platforms are not well-suited, due to the complexity of the parasite life cycles and the parasite's ability to evade the human immune system. An effective anti-parasite vaccine platform needs to have the ability to develop and test novel candidate antigens fast and at high-throughput; it further needs to allow for multivalent combinations and must evoke a strong and well-defined immune response. Anti-parasitic vaccines need to be safe and economically attractive, especially in the world's low- and middle-income countries. This review evaluates the potential of in vitro transcribed mRNA vaccines as a new class of preventive and therapeutic vaccine technologies for parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leroy Versteeg
- Departments of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University & Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Mashal M Almutairi
- Prince Naif Health Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
- Vaccines and Biologics Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Hagler Institute for Advanced Study at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
| | - Jeroen Pollet
- Departments of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Intranodal administration of mRNA encoding nucleoprotein provides cross-strain immunity against influenza in mice. J Transl Med 2019; 17:242. [PMID: 31345237 PMCID: PMC6659201 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1991-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Current human influenza vaccines lack the adaptability to match the mutational rate of the virus and therefore require annual revisions. Because of extensive manufacturing times and the possibility that antigenic alterations occur during viral vaccine strain production, an inherent risk exists for antigenic mismatch between the new influenza vaccine and circulating viruses. Targeting more conserved antigens such as nucleoprotein (NP) could provide a more sustainable vaccination strategy by inducing long term and heterosubtypic protection against influenza. We previously demonstrated that intranodal mRNA injection can induce potent antigen-specific T-cell responses. In this study, we investigated whether intranodal administration of mRNA encoding NP can induce T-cell responses capable of protecting against a heterologous influenza virus challenge. Methods BALB/c mice were immunized in the inguinal lymph nodes with different vaccination regimens of mRNA encoding NP. Immune responses were compared with NP DNA vaccination via IFN-γ ELISPOT and in vivo cytotoxicity. For survival experiments, mice were prime-boost vaccinated with 17 µg NP mRNA and infected with 1LD50 of H1N1 influenza virus 8 weeks after boost. Weight was monitored and viral titers, cytokines and immune cell populations in the bronchoalveolar lavage, and IFN-γ responses in the spleen were analyzed. Results Our results demonstrate that NP mRNA induces superior systemic T-cell responses against NP compared to classical DNA vaccination. These responses were sustained for several weeks even at low vaccine doses. Upon challenge infection, vaccination with NP mRNA resulted in reduced lung viral titers and improved recovery from infection. Finally, we show that vaccination with NP mRNA affects the immune response in infected lungs by lowering immune cell infiltration while increasing the fraction of T cells, monocytes and MHC II+ alveolar macrophages within immune infiltrates. This change was associated with altered levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions These findings suggest that intranodal vaccination with NP mRNA induces cross-strain immunity against influenza, but also highlight a paradox of influenza immunity, whereby robust immune responses can provide protection, but can also transiently exacerbate symptoms during infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-019-1991-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Markouli C, Couvreu De Deckersberg E, Regin M, Nguyen HT, Zambelli F, Keller A, Dziedzicka D, De Kock J, Tilleman L, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Franceschini L, Sermon K, Geens M, Spits C. Gain of 20q11.21 in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Impairs TGF-β-Dependent Neuroectodermal Commitment. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 13:163-176. [PMID: 31178415 PMCID: PMC6627003 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain of 20q11.21 is one of the most common recurrent genomic aberrations in human pluripotent stem cells. Although it is known that overexpression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-xL confers a survival advantage to the abnormal cells, their differentiation capacity has not been fully investigated. RNA sequencing of mutant and control hESC lines, and a line transgenically overexpressing Bcl-xL, shows that overexpression of Bcl-xL is sufficient to cause most transcriptional changes induced by the gain of 20q11.21. Moreover, the differentially expressed genes in mutant and Bcl-xL overexpressing lines are enriched for genes involved in TGF-β- and SMAD-mediated signaling, and neuron differentiation. Finally, we show that this altered signaling has a dramatic negative effect on neuroectodermal differentiation, while the cells maintain their ability to differentiate to mesendoderm derivatives. These findings stress the importance of thorough genetic testing of the lines before their use in research or the clinic. Bcl-xL overexpression drives the transcriptomic profile of 20q11.21 mutant lines 20q11.21 mutant lines downregulate CHCHD2, a known TGF-β pathway modulator Mutant lines differentially express genes involved in TGF-β and SMAD signaling Mutant lines show impaired ectoderm commitment due to TGF-β signaling deregulation
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Affiliation(s)
- C Markouli
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Couvreu De Deckersberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Regin
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - H T Nguyen
- Center for Molecular Biology, Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, K7/25 Quang Trung, Danang 550000, Vietnam
| | - F Zambelli
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Keller
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Dziedzicka
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - J De Kock
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology & Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Tilleman
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - F Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Franceschini
- Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology - Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Geens
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Spits
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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36
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In silico Designed Ebola Virus T-Cell Multi-Epitope DNA Vaccine Constructions Are Immunogenic in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7020034. [PMID: 30934980 PMCID: PMC6630745 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The lack of effective vaccines against Ebola virus initiates a search for new approaches to overcoming this problem. The aim of the study was to design artificial polyepitope T-cell immunogens⁻⁻candidate DNA vaccines against Ebola virus and to evaluate their capacity to induce a specific immune response in a laboratory animal model. Method: Design of two artificial polyepitope T-cell immunogens, one of which (EV.CTL) includes cytotoxic and the other (EV.Th)⁻⁻T-helper epitopes of Ebola virus proteins was carried out using original TEpredict/PolyCTLDesigner software. Synthesized genes were cloned in pcDNA3.1 plasmid vector. Target gene expression was estimated by synthesis of specific mRNAs and proteins in cells transfected with recombinant plasmids. Immunogenicity of obtained DNA vaccine constructs was evaluated according to their capacity to induce T-cell response in BALB/c mice using IFNγ ELISpot and ICS. Results: We show that recombinant plasmids pEV.CTL and pEV.Th encoding artificial antigens provide synthesis of corresponding mRNAs and proteins in transfected cells, as well as induce specific responses both to CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in immunized animals. Conclusions: The obtained recombinant plasmids can be regarded as promising DNA vaccine candidates in future studies of their capacity to induce cytotoxic and protective responses against Ebola virus.
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Ma W, Stroobant V, Heirman C, Sun Z, Thielemans K, Mulder A, van der Bruggen P, Van den Eynde BJ. The Vacuolar Pathway of Long Peptide Cross-Presentation Can Be TAP Dependent. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 202:451-459. [PMID: 30559321 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular pathway of cross-presentation, which allows MHC class I-restricted presentation of peptides derived from exogenous Ags, remains poorly defined and may vary with the nature of the exogenous Ag and the type of APC. It can be cytosolic, characterized by proteasome and TAP dependency, or vacuolar, usually believed to be proteasome and TAP independent. Cross-presentation is particularly effective with long synthetic peptides, and we previously reported that the HLA-A2-restricted cross-presentation of a long peptide derived from melanoma Ag gp100 by human monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells occurred in a vacuolar pathway, making use of newly synthesized HLA-A2 molecules that follow a nonclassical secretion route. In this article, we show that the HLA-A1-restricted cross-presentation of a long peptide derived from tumor Ag MAGE-A3 by human monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells also follows a vacuolar pathway. However, as opposed to the HLA-A2-restricted peptide, cross-presentation of the HLA-A1-restricted peptide is TAP dependent. We show that this paradoxical TAP-dependency is indirect and reflects the need for TAP to load HLA-A1 molecules with peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum, to allow them to escape the endoplasmic reticulum and reach the vacuole, where peptide exchange with the cross-presented peptide likely occurs. Our results confirm and extend the involvement of the vacuolar pathway in the cross-presentation of long peptides, and indicate that TAP-dependency can no longer be used as a key criterion to distinguish the cytosolic from the vacuolar pathway of cross-presentation. They also stress the existence of an alternative secretory route for MHC class I, which will be worthy of further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Ma
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels B-1200, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels B-1200, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
| | - Vincent Stroobant
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels B-1200, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels B-1200, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels B-1090, Belgium; and
| | - Zhaojun Sun
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels B-1200, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels B-1090, Belgium; and
| | - Arend Mulder
- Laboratory for Transplantation Immunology, Department of Immunohaematology and Bloodtransfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pierre van der Bruggen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels B-1200, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels B-1200, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
| | - Benoît J Van den Eynde
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels B-1200, Belgium; .,Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels B-1200, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
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Brabants E, Heyns K, De Smet S, Devreker P, Ingels J, De Cabooter N, Debacker V, Dullaers M, VAN Meerbeeck JP, Vandekerckhove B, Vermaelen KY. An accelerated, clinical-grade protocol to generate high yields of type 1-polarizing messenger RNA-loaded dendritic cells for cancer vaccination. Cytotherapy 2018; 20:1164-1181. [PMID: 30122654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many efforts have been devoted to improve the performance of dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines. Ideally, a DC vaccine should induce robust type 1-polarized T-cell responses and efficiently expand antigen (Ag)-specific cytotoxic T-cells, while being applicable regardless of patient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type. Production time should be short, while maximally being good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant. We developed a method that caters to all of these demands and demonstrated the superiority of the resulting product compared with DCs generated using a well-established "classical" protocol. METHODS Immunomagnetically purified monocytes were cultured in a closed system for 3 days in GMP-compliant serum-free medium and cytokines, and matured for 24 h using monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA)+ interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Mature DCs were electroporated with messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding full-length antigen and cryopreserved. "Classical" DCs were cultured for 8 days in flasks, with one round of medium and cytokine supplementation, and matured with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) + prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) during the last 2 days. RESULTS Four-day MPLA/IFN-γ-matured DCs were superior to 8-day TNF-α/PGE2-matured DCs in terms of yield, co-stimulatory/co-inhibitory molecule expression, resilience to electroporation and cryopreservation and type 1-polarizing cytokine and chemokine release after cell thawing. Electroporated and cryopreserved DCs according to our protocol efficiently present epitopes from tumor antigen-encoding mRNA, inducing a strong expansion of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells with full cytolytic capacity. CONCLUSION We demonstrate using a GMP-compliant culture protocol the feasibility of generating high yields of mature DCs in a short time, with a superior immunogenic profile compared with 8-day TNF-α/PGE2-matured DCs, and capable of inducing vigorous cytotoxic T-cell responses to antigen from electroporated mRNA. This method is now being applied in our clinical trial program.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Brabants
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - K Heyns
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S De Smet
- Cell Therapy Unit, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P Devreker
- Cell Therapy Unit, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Ingels
- Cell Therapy Unit, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - N De Cabooter
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Primary Immunodeficiencies Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Lung Diseases;-Immunodeficiencies; and-Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - V Debacker
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Primary Immunodeficiencies Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Lung Diseases;-Immunodeficiencies; and-Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Dullaers
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Primary Immunodeficiencies Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Lung Diseases;-Immunodeficiencies; and-Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J P VAN Meerbeeck
- Center for Oncological Research, Department of Pulmonology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B Vandekerckhove
- Cell Therapy Unit, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Y Vermaelen
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Cornel AM, van Til NP, Boelens JJ, Nierkens S. Strategies to Genetically Modulate Dendritic Cells to Potentiate Anti-Tumor Responses in Hematologic Malignancies. Front Immunol 2018; 9:982. [PMID: 29867960 PMCID: PMC5968097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccination has been investigated as a potential strategy to target hematologic malignancies, while generating sustained immunological responses to control potential future relapse. Nonetheless, few clinical trials have shown robust long-term efficacy. It has been suggested that a combination of surmountable shortcomings, such as selection of utilized DC subsets, DC loading and maturation strategies, as well as tumor-induced immunosuppression may be targeted to maximize anti-tumor responses of DC vaccines. Generation of DC from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) may provide potential in patients undergoing allogeneic HSPC transplantations for hematologic malignancies. CD34+ HSPC from the graft can be genetically modified to optimize antigen presentation and to provide sufficient T cell stimulatory signals. We here describe beneficial (gene)-modifications that can be implemented in various processes in T cell activation by DC, among which major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and MHC class II presentation, DC maturation and migration, cross-presentation, co-stimulation, and immunosuppression to improve anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelisa M Cornel
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jaap Jan Boelens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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40
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Bialkowski L, Van der Jeught K, Bevers S, Tjok Joe P, Renmans D, Heirman C, Aerts JL, Thielemans K. Immune checkpoint blockade combined with IL-6 and TGF-β inhibition improves the therapeutic outcome of mRNA-based immunotherapy. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:686-698. [PMID: 29464699 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Improved understanding of cancer immunology has provided insight into the phenomenon of frequent tumor recurrence after initially successful immunotherapy. A delicate balance exists between the capacity of the immune system to control tumor growth and various resistance mechanisms that arise to avoid or even counteract the host's immune system. These resistance mechanisms include but are not limited to (i) adaptive expression of inhibitory checkpoint molecules in response to the proinflammatory environment and (ii) amplification of cancer stem cells, a small fraction of tumor cells possessing the capacity for self-renewal and mediating treatment resistance and formation of metastases after long periods of clinical remission. Several individual therapeutic agents have so far been developed to revert T-cell exhaustion or disrupt the cross-talk between cancer stem cells and the tumor-promoting microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate that a three-arm combination therapy-consisting of an mRNA-based vaccine to induce antigen-specific T-cell responses, monoclonal antibodies blocking inhibitory checkpoint molecules (PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3), and antibodies targeting IL-6 and TGF-β-improves the therapeutic outcome in subcutaneous TC-1 tumors and significantly prolongs survival of treated mice. Our findings point to a need for a rational development of multidimensional anticancer therapies, aiming at the induction of tumor-specific immunity and simultaneously targeting multiple resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Bialkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Kevin Van der Jeught
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Sanne Bevers
- eTheRNA Immunotherapies, Galileilaan 19, Niel, 2845, Belgium
| | - Patrick Tjok Joe
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Dries Renmans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- eTheRNA Immunotherapies, Galileilaan 19, Niel, 2845, Belgium
| | - Joeri L Aerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, 1090, Belgium.,eTheRNA Immunotherapies, Galileilaan 19, Niel, 2845, Belgium
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BRAF and MEK Inhibitors Influence the Function of Reprogrammed T Cells: Consequences for Adoptive T-Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010289. [PMID: 29346301 PMCID: PMC5796234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi), the standard treatment for patients with BRAFV600 mutated melanoma, are currently explored in combination with various immunotherapies, notably checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive transfer of receptor-transfected T cells. Since two BRAFi/MEKi combinations with similar efficacy are approved, potential differences in their effects on immune cells would enable a rational choice for triple therapies. Therefore, we characterized the influence of the clinically approved BRAFi/MEKi combinations dabrafenib (Dabra) and trametinib (Tram) vs. vemurafenib (Vem) and cobimetinib (Cobi) on the activation and functionality of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-transfected T cells. We co-cultured CAR-transfected CD8⁺ T cells and target cells with clinically relevant concentrations of the inhibitors and determined the antigen-induced cytokine secretion. All BRAFi/MEKi reduced this release as single agents, with Dabra having the mildest inhibitory effect, and Dabra + Tram having a clearly milder inhibitory effect than Vem + Cobi. A similar picture was observed for the upregulation of the activation markers CD25 and CD69 on CAR-transfected T cells after antigen-specific stimulation. Most importantly, the cytolytic capacity of the CAR-T cells was significantly inhibited by Cobi and Vem + Cobi, whereas the other kinase inhibitors showed no effect. Therefore, the combination Dabra + Tram would be more suitable for combining with T-cell-based immunotherapy than Vem + Cobi.
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Martinenaite E, Mortensen REJ, Hansen M, Orebo Holmström M, Munir Ahmad S, Grønne Dahlager Jørgensen N, Met Ö, Donia M, Svane IM, Andersen MH. Frequent adaptive immune responses against arginase-1. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1404215. [PMID: 29399404 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1404215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The enzyme arginase-1 reduces the availability of arginine to tumor-infiltrating immune cells, thus reducing T-cell functionality in the tumor milieu. Arginase-1 is expressed by some cancer cells and by immune inhibitory cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and its expression is associated with poor prognosis. In the present study, we divided the arginase-1 protein sequence into overlapping 20-amino-acid-long peptides, generating a library of 31 peptides covering the whole arginase-1 sequence. Reactivity towards this peptide library was examined in PBMCs from cancer patients and healthy individuals. IFNγ ELISPOT revealed frequent immune responses against multiple arginase-1-derived peptides. We further identified a hot-spot region within the arginase-1 protein sequence containing multiple epitopes recognized by T cells. Next, we examined in vitro-expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) isolated from melanoma patients, and detected arginase-1-specific T cells that reacted against epitopes from the hot-spot region. Arginase-1-specific CD4+T cells could be isolated and expanded from peripheral T cell pool of a patient with melanoma, and further demonstrated the specificity and reactivity of these T cells. Overall, we showed that arginase-1-specific T cells were capable of recognizing arginase-1-expressing cells. The activation of arginase-1-specific T cells by vaccination is an attractive approach to target arginase-1-expressing malignant cells and inhibitory immune cells. In the clinical setting, the induction of arginase-1-specific immune responses could induce or increase Th1 inflammation at the sites of tumors that are otherwise excluded due to infiltration with MDSCs and TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Martinenaite
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Morten Hansen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Shamaila Munir Ahmad
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Özcan Met
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
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43
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Engineering WT1-Encoding mRNA to Increase Translational Efficiency in Dendritic Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1428:115-23. [PMID: 27236795 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3625-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the orchestrators of the immune system and are frequently used in clinical trials in order to boost the immune system in cancer patients. Among several available techniques for DC modification, mRNA electroporation is an interesting technique due to the favorable characteristics of mRNA. Antigen expression level and duration can be increased by multiple optimizations of an antigen-encoding mRNA template. Here, we describe different molecular modifications to a WT1-encoding mRNA construct in order to increase antigen expression and the subsequent introduction of mRNA into DCs.
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44
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Zhou G, Sprengers D, Boor PPC, Doukas M, Schutz H, Mancham S, Pedroza-Gonzalez A, Polak WG, de Jonge J, Gaspersz M, Dong H, Thielemans K, Pan Q, IJzermans JNM, Bruno MJ, Kwekkeboom J. Antibodies Against Immune Checkpoint Molecules Restore Functions of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinomas. Gastroenterology 2017. [PMID: 28648905 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ligand binding to inhibitory receptors on immune cells, such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4), down-regulates the T-cell-mediated immune response (called immune checkpoints). Antibodies that block these receptors increase antitumor immunity in patients with melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, and renal cell cancer. Tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been found to be functionally compromised. We analyzed HCC samples from patients to determine if these inhibitory pathways prevent T-cell responses in HCCs and to find ways to restore their antitumor functions. METHODS We collected HCC samples from 59 patients who underwent surgical resection from November 2013 through May 2017, along with tumor-free liver tissues (control tissues) and peripheral blood samples. We isolated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and intra-hepatic lymphocytes. We used flow cytometry to quantify expression of the inhibitory receptors PD-1, hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2 (TIM3), lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG3), and CTLA4 on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells from tumor, control tissue, and blood; we studied the effects of antibodies that block these pathways in T-cell activation assays. RESULTS Expression of PD-1, TIM3, LAG3, and CTLA4 was significantly higher on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells isolated from HCC tissue than control tissue or blood. Dendritic cells, monocytes, and B cells in HCC tumors expressed ligands for these receptors. Expression of PD-1, TIM3, and LAG3 was higher on tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific CD8+ TIL, compared with other CD8+ TIL. Compared with TIL that did not express these inhibitory receptors, CD8+ and CD4+ TIL that did express these receptors had higher levels of markers of activation, but similar or decreased levels of granzyme B and effector cytokines. Antibodies against CD274 (PD-ligand1 [PD-L1]), TIM3, or LAG3 increased proliferation of CD8+ and CD4+ TIL and cytokine production in response to stimulation with polyclonal antigens or TAA. Importantly, combining antibody against PD-L1 with antibodies against TIM3, LAG3, or CTLA4 further increased TIL functions. CONCLUSIONS The immune checkpoint inhibitory molecules PD-1, TIM3, and LAG3 are up-regulated on TAA-specific T cells isolated from human HCC tissues, compared with T cells from tumor-free liver tissues or blood. Antibodies against PD-L1, TIM3, or LAG3 restore responses of HCC-derived T cells to tumor antigens, and combinations of the antibodies have additive effects. Strategies to block PD-L1, TIM3, and LAG3 might be developed for treatment of primary liver cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- CTLA-4 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- CTLA-4 Antigen/immunology
- CTLA-4 Antigen/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/immunology
- Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Tumor Escape/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Up-Regulation
- Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dave Sprengers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick P C Boor
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michail Doukas
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hannah Schutz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shanta Mancham
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Wojciech G Polak
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen de Jonge
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marcia Gaspersz
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Haidong Dong
- Department of Urology and Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, and eTheRNA immunotherapies NV, Niel, Belgium
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Marco J Bruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap Kwekkeboom
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Gerer KF, Erdmann M, Hadrup SR, Lyngaa R, Martin LM, Voll RE, Schuler-Thurner B, Schuler G, Schaft N, Hoyer S, Dörrie J. Preclinical evaluation of NF-κB-triggered dendritic cells expressing the viral oncogenic driver of Merkel cell carcinoma for therapeutic vaccination. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2017; 9:451-464. [PMID: 28717398 PMCID: PMC5502952 DOI: 10.1177/1758834017712630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but very aggressive skin tumor that develops after integration of a truncated form of the large T-antigen (truncLT) of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) into the host's genome. Therapeutic vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with tumor antigens is an active form of immunotherapy, which intends to direct the immune system towards tumors which express the respective vaccination antigens. METHODS Cytokine-matured monocyte-derived DCs of healthy donors and MCC patients were electroporated with mRNA encoding the truncLT. To permit major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II next to class I presentation, we used an RNA construct in which the antigen was fused to a DCLamp sequence in addition to the unmodified antigen. To further improve their immunogenicity, the DCs were additionally activated by co-transfection with the constitutively active nuclear factor (NF)-κB activator caIKK. These DCs were used to stimulate autologous CD8+ T-cells or a mixture of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. Then the percentage of T-cells, specific for the truncLT, was quantified by interferon (IFN)γ ELISpot assays. RESULTS Both the truncLT and its DCLamp-fusion were detected within the DCs by flow cytometry, albeit the latter required blocking of the proteasome. The transfection with caIKK upregulated maturation markers and induced cytokine production. After 2-3 rounds of stimulation, the T-cells from 11 out of 13 healthy donors recognized the antigen. DCs without caIKK appeared in comparison less potent in inducing such responses. When using cells derived from MCC patients, we could induce responses for 3 out of 5 patients; however, here the caIKK-transfected DCs did not display their superiority. CONCLUSION These results show that optimized DCs are able to induce MCV-antigen-specific T-cell responses. Therapeutic vaccination with such transfected DCs could direct the immune system against MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin F Gerer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Erdmann
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sine R Hadrup
- Division of Vaccinology and Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Lyngaa
- Division of Vaccinology and Immunology, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lena-Marie Martin
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reinhard E Voll
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hoyer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Research Campus, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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46
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Su Y, Romeu-Bonilla E, Anagnostou A, Fitz-Patrick D, Hearl W, Heiland T. Safety and long-term immunological effects of CryJ2-LAMP plasmid vaccine in Japanese red cedar atopic subjects: A phase I study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:2804-2813. [PMID: 28605294 PMCID: PMC5718801 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1329070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese Red Cedar (JRC) pollen induced allergy affects one third of Japanese and the development of effective therapies remains an unachieved challenge. We designed a DNA vaccine encoding CryJ2 allergen from the JRC pollen and Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein 1 (LAMP-1) to treat JRC allergy. These Phase IA and IB trials assessed safety and immunological effects of the investigational CryJ2-LAMP DNA vaccine in both non-sensitive and sensitive Japanese expatriates living in Honolulu, Hawaii. In the Phase IA trial, 6 JRC non-sensitive subjects and 9 JRC and/or Mountain Cedar (MC) sensitive subjects were given 4 vaccine doses (each 4mg/1ml) intramuscularly (IM) at 14-day intervals. Nine JRC and/or MC sensitive subjects were given 4 doses (2 mg/0.5 ml) IM at 14-day intervals. The safety and functional biomarkers were followed for 132 d. Following this, 17 of 24 subjects were recruited into the IB trial and received one booster dose (2 mg/0.5 ml) IM approximately 300 d after the first vaccination dose to which they were randomized in the first phase of the trial. All safety endpoints were met and all subjects tolerated CryJ2-LAMP vaccinations well. At the end of the IA trial, 10 out of 12 JRC sensitive and 6 out of 11 MC sensitive subjects experienced skin test negative conversion, possibly related to the CryJ2-LAMP vaccinations. Collectively, these data suggested that the CryJ2-LAMP DNA vaccine is safe and may be immunologically effective in treating JRC induced allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Su
- a Immunomic Therapeutics, Inc. (ITI) , Rockville , MD , USA
| | | | | | | | - William Hearl
- a Immunomic Therapeutics, Inc. (ITI) , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Teri Heiland
- a Immunomic Therapeutics, Inc. (ITI) , Rockville , MD , USA
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47
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Tyagi RK, Parmar R, Patel N. A generic RNA pulsed DC based approach for developing therapeutic intervention against nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:854-866. [PMID: 27901642 PMCID: PMC5404382 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1256518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma of head-and-neck cancers pathology showed unique symptoms and clinical characteristics. The complexity of pathology poses challenges for developing therapeutic interventional approaches against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The conventional treatment regimens offer limited local control and survival, which, leads to adverse delayed complications. Our study present a generic monocyte derived dendritic cell (MoDC) vaccine strategy for NPC in which RNA is used as a source of tumor-associated antigens (TAAgs). The RNA extracted from well-characterized highly immunogenic NPC cells (C666-1) was transfected into MoDCs. The formulated and characterized cationic liposomes were used to achieving efficient RNA transfection of immature DCs. Further, DCs were forcibly matured with a cytokine cocktail to achieve greater expression of MHC and co-stimulatory molecules. Moreover, our results did not see any effect of RNA or lipids on MoDCs phenotype or cytokine expression. RNA loaded DCs derived from HLA-A2-positive donors were shown to activate effector memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for TAAg ligand expressed by C666-1 cells. Our results show the comparison of cytotoxic response mounted against RNA-loaded DCs with those directly stimulated by C666-1 tumor cells. Our findings suggest that DCs expressing tumor cell RNA primed naïve T cells show T cells priming with lesser cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion when exposed with with C666-1 tumor cells. These results surface the potential of DCs to deliver RNA in NPCs, sufficient presentation of RNA to provoke perdurable immune responses against nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Our results implies that DC based vaccine approach may be useful to develop therapeutic interventional approach in the form of vaccine to address NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K. Tyagi
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- CONTACT Rajeev K. Tyagi, Ph.D. ; Department of Periodontics, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Rajesh Parmar
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Naisargee Patel
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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48
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Abstract
During the last decade, mRNA became increasingly recognized as a versatile tool for the development of new innovative therapeutics. Especially for vaccine development, mRNA is of outstanding interest and numerous clinical trials have been initiated. Strikingly, all of these studies have proven that large-scale GMP production of mRNA is feasible and concordantly report a favorable safety profile of mRNA vaccines. Induction of T-cell immunity is a multi-faceted process comprising antigen acquisition, antigen processing and presentation, as well as immune stimulation. The effectiveness of mRNA vaccines is critically dependent on making the antigen(s) of interest available to professional antigen-presenting cells, especially DCs. Efficient delivery of mRNA into DCs in vivo remains a major challenge in the mRNA vaccine field. This review summarizes the principles of mRNA vaccines and highlights the importance of in vivo mRNA delivery and recent advances in harnessing their therapeutic potential.
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49
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Strategies to cure HIV-1 infection require the eradication of viral reservoirs. An innovative approach for boosting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response is the transfer of T-cell receptors (TCRs). Previously, we have shown that electroporation of TCR-encoding mRNA is able to reprogram CD8 T cells derived from healthy donors. So far, it is unknown whether the transfer of HIV-1-specific TCRs is capable to reprogram CD8 T cells of HIV-1-infected patients. To assess the efficiency of TCR-transfer by mRNA electroporation and the functionality of reprogramed T cells in HIV-1-infected patients, we performed an in-vitro analysis of TCR-transfer into T cells from HIV-1-infected patients in various stages of disease and from healthy controls. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 HIV-1-infected patients (nine HLA-A02-positive, seven HLA-A02-negative) and from five healthy controls were electroporated with mRNA-constructs encoding TCRs specific for the HLA-A02/HIV-1-gag p17 epitope SLYNTVATL (SL9). Functionality of the TCRs was measured by γIFN-ELISpot assays. RESULTS SL9/TCR transfection into peripheral blood mononuclear cells from both HLA-A02-positive and HLA-A02-negative HIV-1-infected patients and from healthy blood donors reprogramed T cells for recognition of SL9-presenting HLA-A02-positive cells in γIFN-ELISpot assays. SL9/TCR-transfer into T cells from an immunodeficient AIDS patient could induce recognition of SL9-expressing target cells only after reversion of T-cell dysfunction by antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION The transfer of HIV-1-p17-specific TCRs into T cells is functional both in HIV-1-infected patients as well as in healthy blood donors. TCR-transfer is a promising method to boost the immune system against HIV-1.
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50
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Nazarkina ZK, Khar'kova MV, Antonets DV, Morozkin ES, Bazhan SI, Karpenko LI, Vlasov VV, Ilyichev AA, Laktionov PP. Design of Polyepitope DNA Vaccine against Breast Carcinoma Cells and Analysis of Its Expression in Dendritic Cells. Bull Exp Biol Med 2016; 160:486-90. [PMID: 26915653 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-016-3203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyepitope DNA vaccine inducing T-cell-mediated immune response against cancer-specific antigens is a promising tool for selective elimination of tumor cells. Breast cancer-specific polyepitope DNA vaccine was designed using TEpredict and PolyCTLDesigner software on the basis of immunogenic peptides of HER2 and Mammaglobin-1 (Mam) tumor antigens. LPS-free preparations of plasmid DNA encoding polyepitope T-cell antigen and full-length copies of HER2 and Mam antigens were obtained. TaqMan-PCR systems for evaluation of the expression of immunogens in cells were created. The protocol of vaccine DNA delivery into dendritic cells was optimized. Expression of the target immunogens in dendritic cells derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear fraction after transfection with plasmid DNA preparations is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zh K Nazarkina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Basic Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia. .,E. N. Meshalkin Novosibirsk Research Institute of Circulation Pathology, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - M V Khar'kova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Basic Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - D V Antonets
- Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, Koltsovo, Russia
| | - E S Morozkin
- Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, Koltsovo, Russia
| | - S I Bazhan
- Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, Koltsovo, Russia
| | - L I Karpenko
- Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, Koltsovo, Russia
| | - V V Vlasov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Basic Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A A Ilyichev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Basic Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, Koltsovo, Russia
| | - P P Laktionov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Basic Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, Koltsovo, Russia
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