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Shao W, Yao Y, Yang L, Li X, Ge T, Zheng Y, Zhu Q, Ge S, Gu X, Jia R, Song X, Zhuang A. Novel insights into TCR-T cell therapy in solid neoplasms: optimizing adoptive immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:37. [PMID: 38570883 PMCID: PMC10988985 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00504-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy in the T cell landscape exhibits efficacy in cancer treatment. Over the past few decades, genetically modified T cells, particularly chimeric antigen receptor T cells, have enabled remarkable strides in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Besides, extensive exploration of multiple antigens for the treatment of solid tumors has led to clinical interest in the potential of T cells expressing the engineered T cell receptor (TCR). TCR-T cells possess the capacity to recognize intracellular antigen families and maintain the intrinsic properties of TCRs in terms of affinity to target epitopes and signal transduction. Recent research has provided critical insight into their capability and therapeutic targets for multiple refractory solid tumors, but also exposes some challenges for durable efficacy. In this review, we describe the screening and identification of available tumor antigens, and the acquisition and optimization of TCRs for TCR-T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the complete flow from laboratory to clinical applications of TCR-T cells. Last, we emerge future prospects for improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer world with combination therapies or TCR-T derived products. In conclusion, this review depicts our current understanding of TCR-T cell therapy in solid neoplasms, and provides new perspectives for expanding its clinical applications and improving therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihuan Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongxin Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyi Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Chang PC, Yuan X, Zampieri A, Towns C, Yoo SP, Engstrom C, Tsai S, Robles CR, Zhu Y, Lopez S, Montel-Hagen A, Seet CS, Crooks GM. Generation of antigen-specific mature T cells from RAG1 -/-RAG2 -/-B2M -/- stem cells by engineering their microenvironment. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:461-478. [PMID: 38062131 PMCID: PMC11087257 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01146-7] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are a promising source of allogeneic T cells for off-the-shelf immunotherapies. However, the process of differentiating genetically engineered PSCs to generate mature T cells requires that the same molecular elements that are crucial for the selection of these cells be removed to prevent alloreactivity. Here we show that antigen-restricted mature T cells can be generated in vitro from PSCs edited via CRISPR to lack endogenous T cell receptors (TCRs) and class I major histocompatibility complexes. Specifically, we used T cell precursors from RAG1-/-RAG2-/-B2M-/- human PSCs expressing a single TCR, and a murine stromal cell line providing the cognate human major histocompatibility complex molecule and other critical signals for T cell maturation. Possibly owing to the absence of TCR mispairing, the generated T cells showed substantially better tumour control in mice than T cells with an intact endogenous TCR. Introducing the T cell selection components into the stromal microenvironment of the PSCs overcomes inherent biological challenges associated with the development of T cell immunotherapies from allogeneic PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Chang
- Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xuegang Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alexandre Zampieri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chloe Towns
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sang Pil Yoo
- Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claire Engstrom
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven Tsai
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Yuhua Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shawn Lopez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amelie Montel-Hagen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher S Seet
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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3
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Mo G, Lu X, Wu S, Zhu W. Strategies and rules for tuning TCR-derived therapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2023; 26:e4. [PMID: 38095091 PMCID: PMC11062142 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2023.27] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Manipulation of T cells has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. Notably, the use of T cells carrying engineered T cell receptors (TCR-T) offers a favourable therapeutic pathway, particularly in the treatment of solid tumours. However, major challenges such as limited clinical response efficacy, off-target effects and tumour immunosuppressive microenvironment have hindered the clinical translation of this approach. In this review, we mainly want to guide TCR-T investigators on several major issues they face in the treatment of solid tumours after obtaining specific TCR sequences: (1) whether we have to undergo affinity maturation or not, and what parameter we should use as a criterion for being more effective. (2) What modifications can be added to counteract the tumour inhibitory microenvironment to make our specific T cells to be more effective and what is the safety profile of such modifications? (3) What are the new forms and possibilities for TCR-T cell therapy in the future?
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoheng Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Immunology/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Klebanoff CA, Chandran SS, Baker BM, Quezada SA, Ribas A. T cell receptor therapeutics: immunological targeting of the intracellular cancer proteome. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:996-1017. [PMID: 37891435 PMCID: PMC10947610 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) complex is a naturally occurring antigen sensor that detects, amplifies and coordinates cellular immune responses to epitopes derived from cell surface and intracellular proteins. Thus, TCRs enable the targeting of proteins selectively expressed by cancer cells, including neoantigens, cancer germline antigens and viral oncoproteins. As such, TCRs have provided the basis for an emerging class of oncology therapeutics. Herein, we review the current cancer treatment landscape using TCRs and TCR-like molecules. This includes adoptive cell transfer of T cells expressing endogenous or engineered TCRs, TCR bispecific engagers and antibodies specific for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-bound peptides (TCR mimics). We discuss the unique complexities associated with the clinical development of these therapeutics, such as HLA restriction, TCR retrieval, potency assessment and the potential for cross-reactivity. In addition, we highlight emerging clinical data that establish the antitumour potential of TCR-based therapies, including tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, for the treatment of diverse human malignancies. Finally, we explore the future of TCR therapeutics, including emerging genome editing methods to safely enhance potency and strategies to streamline patient identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Klebanoff
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Smita S Chandran
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, ID, USA
- The Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, ID, USA
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Achilles Therapeutics, London, UK
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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5
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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6
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Malviya M, Aretz Z, Molvi Z, Lee J, Pierre S, Wallisch P, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Challenges and solutions for therapeutic TCR-based agents. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:58-82. [PMID: 37455333 PMCID: PMC11141734 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13233] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent development of methods to discover and engineer therapeutic T-cell receptors (TCRs) or antibody mimics of TCRs, and to understand their immunology and pharmacology, lag two decades behind therapeutic antibodies. Yet we have every expectation that TCR-based agents will be similarly important contributors to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, especially cancers. TCR engineered cells, soluble TCRs and their derivatives, TCR-mimic antibodies, and TCR-based CAR T cells promise the possibility of highly specific drugs that can expand the scope of immunologic agents to recognize intracellular targets, including mutated proteins and undruggable transcription factors, not accessible by traditional antibodies. Hurdles exist regarding discovery, specificity, pharmacokinetics, and best modality of use that will need to be overcome before the full potential of TCR-based agents is achieved. HLA restriction may limit each agent to patient subpopulations and off-target reactivities remain important barriers to widespread development and use of these new agents. In this review we discuss the unique opportunities for these new classes of drugs, describe their unique antigenic targets, compare them to traditional antibody therapeutics and CAR T cells, and review the various obstacles that must be overcome before full application of these drugs can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Malviya
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zita Aretz
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Jayop Lee
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephanie Pierre
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional Medical Scientist Program, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Patrick Wallisch
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
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7
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Mody H, Ogasawara K, Zhu X, Miles D, Shastri PN, Gokemeijer J, Liao MZ, Kasichayanula S, Yang TY, Chemuturi N, Gupta S, Jawa V, Upreti VV. Best Practices and Considerations for Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometric Aspects for Optimal Development of CAR-T and TCR-T Cell Therapies: An Industry Perspective. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023; 114:530-557. [PMID: 37393588 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
With the promise of a potentially "single dose curative" paradigm, CAR-T cell therapies have brought a paradigm shift in the treatment and management of hematological malignancies. Both CAR-T and TCR-T cell therapies have also made great progress toward the successful treatment of solid tumor indications. The field is rapidly evolving with recent advancements including the clinical development of "off-the-shelf" allogeneic CAR-T therapies that can overcome the long and difficult "vein-to-vein" wait time seen with autologous CAR-T therapies. There are unique clinical pharmacology, pharmacometric, bioanalytical, and immunogenicity considerations and challenges in the development of these CAR-T and TCR-T cell therapies. Hence, to help accelerate the development of these life-saving therapies for the patients with cancer, experts in this field came together under the umbrella of International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development (IQ) to form a joint working group between the Clinical Pharmacology Leadership Group (CPLG) and the Translational and ADME Sciences Leadership Group (TALG). In this white paper, we present the IQ consortium perspective on the best practices and considerations for clinical pharmacology and pharmacometric aspects toward the optimal development of CAR-T and TCR-T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardik Mody
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ken Ogasawara
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacometrics, Disposition and Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrence Township, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xu Zhu
- Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dale Miles
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jochem Gokemeijer
- Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Z Liao
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Tong-Yuan Yang
- Bioanalytical Discovery and Development Sciences, Janssen R&D, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nagendra Chemuturi
- Clinical Pharmacology, DMPK, Pharmacometrics, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Swati Gupta
- Development Biological Sciences, Immunology, AbbVie, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Vibha Jawa
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacometrics, Disposition and Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrence Township, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vijay V Upreti
- Clinical Pharmacology, Modeling & Simulation, Amgen, South San Francisco, California, USA
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8
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Degirmencay A, Thomas S, Mohammed F, Willcox BE, Stauss HJ. Modifications outside CDR1, 2 and 3 of the TCR variable β domain increase TCR expression and antigen-specific function. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148890. [PMID: 37122739 PMCID: PMC10134071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) gene modified T cells are a promising form of adoptive cellular therapy against human malignancies and viral infections. Since the first human clinical trial was carried out in 2006, several strategies have been developed to improve the efficacy and safety of TCR engineered T cells by enhancing the surface expression of the introduced therapeutic TCRs whilst reducing the mis-pairing with endogenous TCR chains. In this study, we explored how modifications of framework residues in the TCR variable domains affect TCR expression and function. We used bioinformatic and protein structural analyses to identify candidate amino acid residues in the framework of the variable β domain predicted to drive high TCR surface expression. Changes of these residues in poorly expressed TCRs resulted in improved surface expression and boosted target cell specific killing by engineered T cells expressing the modified TCRs. Overall, these results indicate that small changes in the framework of the TCR variable domains can result in improved expression and functionality, while at the same time reducing the risk of toxicity associated with TCR mis-pairing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Degirmencay
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharyn Thomas
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin E. Willcox
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hans J. Stauss
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Hans J. Stauss,
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9
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Hiltensperger M, Krackhardt AM. Current and future concepts for the generation and application of genetically engineered CAR-T and TCR-T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121030. [PMID: 36949949 PMCID: PMC10025359 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has seen a steep rise of new therapeutic approaches in its immune-oncology pipeline over the last years. This is in great part due to the recent approvals of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and their remarkable efficacy in certain soluble tumors. A big focus of ACT lies on T cells and how to genetically modify them to target and kill tumor cells. Genetically modified T cells that are currently utilized are either equipped with an engineered CAR or a T cell receptor (TCR) for this purpose. Both strategies have their advantages and limitations. While CAR-T cell therapies are already used in the clinic, these therapies face challenges when it comes to the treatment of solid tumors. New designs of next-generation CAR-T cells might be able to overcome these hurdles. Moreover, CARs are restricted to surface antigens. Genetically engineered TCR-T cells targeting intracellular antigens might provide necessary qualities for the treatment of solid tumors. In this review, we will summarize the major advancements of the CAR-T and TCR-T cell technology. Moreover, we will cover ongoing clinical trials, discuss current challenges, and provide an assessment of future directions within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hiltensperger
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
| | - Angela M. Krackhardt
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
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10
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Zhao D, Zhu D, Cai F, Jiang M, Liu X, Li T, Zheng Z. Current Situation and Prospect of Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapy for Malignancies. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231204198. [PMID: 38037341 PMCID: PMC10693217 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231204198] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell immunotherapy (ACT) is an innovative promising treatment for tumors. ACT is characterized by the infusion of active anti-tumor immune cells (specific and non-specific) into patients to kill tumor cells either directly or indirectly by stimulating the body's immune system. The patient's (autologous) or a donor's (allogeneic) immune cells are used to improve immune function. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CAR-T) is a type of ACT that has gained attention. T cells from the peripheral blood are genetically engineered to express CARs that rapidly proliferate and specifically recognize target antigens to exert its anti-tumor effects. Clinical application of CAR-T therapy for hematological tumors has shown good results, but adverse reactions and recurrence limit its applicability. Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is effective for solid tumors. TIL therapy exhibits T cell receptor (TCR) clonality, superior tumor homing ability, and low targeted toxicity, but its successful application is limited to a number of tumors. Regardless, TIL and CAR-T therapies are effective for treating cancer. Additionally, CAR-natural killer (NK), CAR-macrophages (M), and TCR-T therapies are currently being researched. In this review, we highlight the current developments and limitations of several types of ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhao
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Dantong Zhu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Fei Cai
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Mingzhe Jiang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Xuefei Liu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Zhendong Zheng
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
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11
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Yang Z, Wang Y, Liu S, Deng W, Lomeli SH, Moriceau G, Wohlschlegel J, Piva M, Lo RS. Enhancing PD-L1 Degradation by ITCH during MAPK Inhibitor Therapy Suppresses Acquired Resistance. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1942-1959. [PMID: 35638972 PMCID: PMC9357203 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) therapy in melanoma leads to the accumulation of tumor-surface PD-L1/L2, which may evade antitumor immunity and accelerate acquired resistance. Here, we discover that the E3 ligase ITCH binds, ubiquitinates, and downregulates tumor-surface PD-L1/L2 in MAPKi-treated human melanoma cells, thereby promoting T-cell activation. During MAPKi therapy in vivo, melanoma cell-intrinsic ITCH knockdown induced tumor-surface PD-L1, reduced intratumoral cytolytic CD8+ T cells, and accelerated acquired resistance only in immune-competent mice. Conversely, tumor cell-intrinsic ITCH overexpression reduced MAPKi-elicited PD-L1 accumulation, augmented intratumoral cytolytic CD8+ T cells, and suppressed acquired resistance in BrafV600MUT, NrasMUT, or Nf1MUT melanoma and KrasMUT-driven cancers. CD8+ T-cell depletion and tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 overexpression nullified the phenotype of ITCH overexpression, thereby supporting an in vivo ITCH-PD-L1-T-cell regulatory axis. Moreover, we identify a small-molecular ITCH activator that suppresses acquired MAPKi resistance in vivo. Thus, MAPKi-induced PD-L1 accelerates resistance, and a PD-L1-degrading ITCH activator prolongs antitumor response. SIGNIFICANCE MAPKi induces tumor cell-surface PD-L1 accumulation, which promotes immune evasion and therapy resistance. ITCH degrades PD-L1, optimizing antitumor T-cell immunity. We propose degrading tumor cell-surface PD-L1 and/or activating tumor-intrinsic ITCH as strategies to overcome MAPKi resistance. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1825.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Yang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yan Wang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sixue Liu
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Weixian Deng
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shirley H. Lomeli
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gatien Moriceau
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - James Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marco Piva
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Roger S. Lo
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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12
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Shafer P, Kelly LM, Hoyos V. Cancer Therapy With TCR-Engineered T Cells: Current Strategies, Challenges, and Prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:835762. [PMID: 35309357 PMCID: PMC8928448 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To redirect T cells against tumor cells, T cells can be engineered ex vivo to express cancer-antigen specific T cell receptors (TCRs), generating products known as TCR-engineered T cells (TCR T). Unlike chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), TCRs recognize HLA-presented peptides derived from proteins of all cellular compartments. The use of TCR T cells for adoptive cellular therapies (ACT) has gained increased attention, especially as efforts to treat solid cancers with ACTs have intensified. In this review, we describe the differing mechanisms of T cell antigen recognition and signal transduction mediated through CARs and TCRs. We describe the classes of cancer antigens recognized by current TCR T therapies and discuss both classical and emerging pre-clinical strategies for antigen-specific TCR discovery, enhancement, and validation. Finally, we review the current landscape of clinical trials for TCR T therapy and discuss what these current results indicate for the development of future engineered TCR approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Shafer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lauren M Kelly
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Cancer & Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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13
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Wei F, Cheng XX, Xue JZ, Xue SA. Emerging Strategies in TCR-Engineered T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850358. [PMID: 35432319 PMCID: PMC9006933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer has made tremendous progress in recent years, as demonstrated by the remarkable clinical responses obtained from adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of patient-derived tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T) and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells (TCR-T). TCR-T uses specific TCRS optimized for tumor engagement and can recognize epitopes derived from both cell-surface and intracellular targets, including tumor-associated antigens, cancer germline antigens, viral oncoproteins, and tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that are largely sequestered in the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells. Moreover, as TCRS are naturally developed for sensitive antigen detection, they are able to recognize epitopes at far lower concentrations than required for CAR-T activation. Therefore, TCR-T holds great promise for the treatment of human cancers. In this focused review, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical insights into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-T. We review emerging strategies used in current ACT, point out limitations, and propose possible solutions. We highlight the importance of targeting tumor-specific neoAgs and outline a strategy of combining neoAg vaccines, checkpoint blockade therapy, and adoptive transfer of neoAg-specific TCR-T to produce a truly tumor-specific therapy, which is able to penetrate into solid tumors and resist the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We believe such a combination approach should lead to a significant improvement in cancer immunotherapies, especially for solid tumors, and may provide a general strategy for the eradication of multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wei
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Cheng
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - John Zhao Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Shao-An Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
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14
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Engineering the T cell receptor for fun and profit: Uncovering complex biology, interrogating the immune system, and targeting disease. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 74:102358. [PMID: 35344834 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
T cell receptors (TCRs) orchestrate cellular immunity by recognizing peptide antigens bound and presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. Due to the TCR's central role in immunity and tight connection with human health, there has been significant interest in modulating TCR properties through protein engineering methods. Complicating these efforts is the complexity and vast diversity of TCR-peptide/MHC interfaces, the interdependency between TCR affinity, specificity, and cross-reactivity, and the sophisticated relationships between TCR binding properties and T cell function, many aspects of which are not well understood. Here we review TCR engineering, starting with a brief historical overview followed by discussions of more recent developments, including new efforts and opportunities to engineer TCR affinity, modulate specificity, and develop novel TCR-based constructs.
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15
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Zur RT, Adler G, Shamalov K, Tal Y, Ankri C, Cohen CJ. Adoptive T-cell Immunotherapy: Perfecting Self-Defenses. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:253-294. [PMID: 35165867 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As an important part of the immune system, T lymphocytes exhibit undoubtedly an important role in targeting and eradicating cancer. However, despite these characteristics, their natural antitumor response may be insufficient. Numerous clinical trials in terminally ill cancer patients testing the design of novel and efficient immunotherapeutic approaches based on the adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-specific T lymphocytes have shown encouraging results. Moreover, this also led to the approval of engineered T-cell therapies in patients. Herein, we will expand on the development and the use of such strategies using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or genetically engineered T-cells. We will also comment on the requirements and potential hurdles encountered when elaborating and implementing such treatments as well as the exciting prospects for this kind of emerging personalized medicine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Toledano Zur
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Galit Adler
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Katerina Shamalov
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yair Tal
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Chen Ankri
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Cyrille J Cohen
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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16
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Heather JM, Spindler MJ, Alonso M, Shui Y, Millar DG, Johnson D, Cobbold M, Hata A. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:e68. [PMID: 35325179 PMCID: PMC9262623 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The study and manipulation of T cell receptors (TCRs) is central to multiple fields across basic and translational immunology research. Produced by V(D)J recombination, TCRs are often only recorded in the literature and data repositories as a combination of their V and J gene symbols, plus their hypervariable CDR3 amino acid sequence. However, numerous applications require full-length coding nucleotide sequences. Here we present Stitchr, a software tool developed to specifically address this limitation. Given minimal V/J/CDR3 information, Stitchr produces complete coding sequences representing a fully spliced TCR cDNA. Due to its modular design, Stitchr can be used for TCR engineering using either published germline or novel/modified variable and constant region sequences. Sequences produced by Stitchr were validated by synthesizing and transducing TCR sequences into Jurkat cells, recapitulating the expected antigen specificity of the parental TCR. Using a companion script, Thimble, we demonstrate that Stitchr can process a million TCRs in under ten minutes using a standard desktop personal computer. By systematizing the production and modification of TCR sequences, we propose that Stitchr will increase the speed, repeatability, and reproducibility of TCR research. Stitchr is available on GitHub.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Heather
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 617 724 0104;
| | | | | | | | - David G Millar
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Mark Cobbold
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron N Hata
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Aaron N. Hata. Tel: +1 617 724 3442;
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17
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Understanding and improving cellular immunotherapies against cancer: From cell-manufacturing to tumor-immune models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114003. [PMID: 34653533 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is shaped by dynamic metabolic and immune interactions between precancerous and cancerous tumor cells and stromal cells like epithelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and hematopoietically-derived immune cells. The metabolic states of the TME, including the hypoxic and acidic niches, influence the immunosuppressive phenotypes of the stromal and immune cells, which confers resistance to both host-mediated tumor killing and therapeutics. Numerous in vitro TME platforms for studying immunotherapies, including cell therapies, are being developed. However, we do not yet understand which immune and stromal components are most critical and how much model complexity is needed to answer specific questions. In addition, scalable sourcing and quality-control of appropriate TME cells for reproducibly manufacturing these platforms remain challenging. In this regard, lessons from the manufacturing of immunomodulatory cell therapies could provide helpful guidance. Although immune cell therapies have shown unprecedented results in hematological cancers and hold promise in solid tumors, their manufacture poses significant scale, cost, and quality control challenges. This review first provides an overview of the in vivo TME, discussing the most influential cell populations in the tumor-immune landscape. Next, we summarize current approaches for cell therapies against cancers and the relevant manufacturing platforms. We then evaluate current immune-tumor models of the TME and immunotherapies, highlighting the complexity, architecture, function, and cell sources. Finally, we present the technical and fundamental knowledge gaps in both cell manufacturing systems and immune-TME models that must be addressed to elucidate the interactions between endogenous tumor immunity and exogenous engineered immunity.
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18
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Ch'ng ACW, Lam P, Alassiri M, Lim TS. Application of phage display for T-cell receptor discovery. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107870. [PMID: 34801662 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The immune system is tasked to keep our body unharmed and healthy. In the immune system, B- and T-lymphocytes are the two main components working together to stop and eliminate invading threats like virus particles, bacteria, fungi and parasite from attacking our healthy cells. The function of antibodies is relatively more direct in target recognition as compared to T-cell receptors (TCR) which recognizes antigenic peptides being presented on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Although phage display has been widely applied for antibody presentation, this is the opposite in the case of TCR. The cell surface TCR is a relatively large and complex molecule, making presentation on phage surfaces challenging. Even so, recombinant versions and modifications have been introduced to allow the growing development of TCR in phage display. In addition, the increasing application of TCR for immunotherapy has made it an important binding motif to be developed by phage display. This review will emphasize on the application of phage display for TCR discovery as well as the engineering aspect of TCR for improved characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chiew Wen Ch'ng
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Paula Lam
- CellVec Private Limited, 118518, Singapore; National University of Singapore, Department of Physiology, 117597, Singapore; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Cancer and Stem Cells Biology Program, 169857, Singapore
| | - Mohammed Alassiri
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Theam Soon Lim
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia; Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
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19
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Müller TR, Jarosch S, Hammel M, Leube J, Grassmann S, Bernard B, Effenberger M, Andrä I, Chaudhry MZ, Käuferle T, Malo A, Cicin-Sain L, Steinberger P, Feuchtinger T, Protzer U, Schumann K, Neuenhahn M, Schober K, Busch DH. Targeted T cell receptor gene editing provides predictable T cell product function for immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med 2021; 2:100374. [PMID: 34467251 PMCID: PMC8385324 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing a transgenic T cell receptor (TCR) has the potential to revolutionize immunotherapy of infectious diseases and cancer. However, the generation of defined TCR-transgenic T cell medicinal products with predictable in vivo function still poses a major challenge and limits broader and more successful application of this "living drug." Here, by studying 51 different TCRs, we show that conventional genetic engineering by viral transduction leads to variable TCR expression and functionality as a result of variable transgene copy numbers and untargeted transgene integration. In contrast, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TCR replacement enables defined, targeted TCR transgene insertion into the TCR gene locus. Thereby, T cell products display more homogeneous TCR expression similar to physiological T cells. Importantly, increased T cell product homogeneity after targeted TCR gene editing correlates with predictable in vivo T cell responses, which represents a crucial aspect for clinical application in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Müller
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jarosch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Hammel
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Justin Leube
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Grassmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Bettina Bernard
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Manuel Effenberger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Immanuel Andrä
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - M. Zeeshan Chaudhry
- Department of Viral Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Theresa Käuferle
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Luka Cicin-Sain
- Department of Viral Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Feuchtinger
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schumann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Neuenhahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kilian Schober
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, TUM, Munich, Germany
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20
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Zhang H, Sun M, Wang J, Zeng B, Cao X, Han Y, Tan S, Gao GF. Identification of NY-ESO-1 157-165 Specific Murine T Cell Receptors With Distinct Recognition Pattern for Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:644520. [PMID: 33833762 PMCID: PMC8021954 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.644520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) is a promising target for T-cell receptor-engineered T cell (TCR-T) therapy, and targeting the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 restricted NY-ESO-1157-165 epitope has yielded remarkable clinical benefits in the treatment of multiple advanced malignancies. Herein, we report the identification of two NY-ESO-1157-165 epitope-specific murine TCRs obtained from HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice. NY-ESO-1157-165 specific TCRs were isolated after vaccinating HLA-A2 transgenic mice with epitope peptides. HZ6 and HZ8 TCRs could specifically bind to NY-ESO-1157-165/HLA-A2 and were capable of cytokine secretion with engineered Jurkat T cells and primary T cells upon recognition with K562 target cells expressing the single-chain trimer (SCT) of NY-ESO-1157-165/HLA-A2. The reactivity profiles of the HZ6 and HZ8 TCRs were found to be distinct from one another when co-cultured with K562 target cells carrying alanine-substituted NY-ESO-1157-165 SCTs. The binding characterization revealed that the recognition pattern of the HZ6 TCR to NY-ESO-1157-165/HLA-A2 was substantially different from the widely used 1G4 TCR. These findings would broaden the understanding of immunogenicity of the NY-ESO-1157-165, and the two identified TCRs may serve as promising candidates for the future development of TCR-T therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helin Zhang
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China.,College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cao
- Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Han
- Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuguang Tan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - George F Gao
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Titov A, Zmievskaya E, Ganeeva I, Valiullina A, Petukhov A, Rakhmatullina A, Miftakhova R, Fainshtein M, Rizvanov A, Bulatov E. Adoptive Immunotherapy beyond CAR T-Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:743. [PMID: 33670139 PMCID: PMC7916861 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell immunotherapy (ACT) is a vibrant field of cancer treatment that began progressive development in the 1980s. One of the most prominent and promising examples is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy for the treatment of B-cell hematologic malignancies. Despite success in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas and leukemia, CAR T-cell therapy remains mostly ineffective for solid tumors. This is due to several reasons, such as the heterogeneity of the cellular composition in solid tumors, the need for directed migration and penetration of CAR T-cells against the pressure gradient in the tumor stroma, and the immunosuppressive microenvironment. To substantially improve the clinical efficacy of ACT against solid tumors, researchers might need to look closer into recent developments in the other branches of adoptive immunotherapy, both traditional and innovative. In this review, we describe the variety of adoptive cell therapies beyond CAR T-cell technology, i.e., exploitation of alternative cell sources with a high therapeutic potential against solid tumors (e.g., CAR M-cells) or aiming to be universal allogeneic (e.g., CAR NK-cells, γδ T-cells), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell immunotherapies. In addition, we discuss the strategies for selection and validation of neoantigens to achieve efficiency and safety. We provide an overview of non-conventional TCRs and CARs, and address the problem of mispairing between the cognate and transgenic TCRs. Finally, we summarize existing and emerging approaches for manufacturing of the therapeutic cell products in traditional, semi-automated and fully automated Point-of-Care (PoC) systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Titov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, National Hematology Research Centre, 125167 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Zmievskaya
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Irina Ganeeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Aygul Valiullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Alexey Petukhov
- Institute of Hematology, Almazov National Medical Research Center, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Aygul Rakhmatullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Regina Miftakhova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | | | - Albert Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Emil Bulatov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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22
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Jones HF, Molvi Z, Klatt MG, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Empirical and Rational Design of T Cell Receptor-Based Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 11:585385. [PMID: 33569049 PMCID: PMC7868419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.585385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of T cells reactive with intracellular tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens has been a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapies in the past three decades, but the approach has been constrained by a limited understanding of the T cell receptor’s (TCR) complex functions and specificities. Newer TCR and T cell-based approaches are in development, including engineered adoptive T cells with enhanced TCR affinities, TCR mimic antibodies, and T cell-redirecting bispecific agents. These new therapeutic modalities are exciting opportunities by which TCR recognition can be further exploited for therapeutic benefit. In this review we summarize the development of TCR-based therapeutic strategies and focus on balancing efficacy and potency versus specificity, and hence, possible toxicity, of these powerful therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather F Jones
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Martin G Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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23
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Surowka M, Schaefer W, Klein C. Ten years in the making: application of CrossMab technology for the development of therapeutic bispecific antibodies and antibody fusion proteins. MAbs 2021; 13:1967714. [PMID: 34491877 PMCID: PMC8425689 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1967714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies have recently attracted intense interest. CrossMab technology was described in 2011 as novel approach enabling correct antibody light-chain association with their respective heavy chain in bispecific antibodies, together with methods enabling correct heavy-chain association using existing pairs of antibodies. Since the original description, CrossMab technology has evolved in the past decade into one of the most mature, versatile, and broadly applied technologies in the field, and nearly 20 bispecific antibodies based on CrossMab technology developed by Roche and others have entered clinical trials. The most advanced of these are the Ang-2/VEGF bispecific antibody faricimab, currently undergoing regulatory review, and the CD20/CD3 T cell bispecific antibody glofitamab, currently in pivotal Phase 3 trials. In this review, we introduce the principles of CrossMab technology, including its application for the generation of bi-/multispecific antibodies with different geometries and mechanisms of action, and provide an overview of CrossMab-based therapeutics in clinical trials.
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24
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Manfredi F, Cianciotti BC, Potenza A, Tassi E, Noviello M, Biondi A, Ciceri F, Bonini C, Ruggiero E. TCR Redirected T Cells for Cancer Treatment: Achievements, Hurdles, and Goals. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1689. [PMID: 33013822 PMCID: PMC7494743 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) is a rapidly evolving therapeutic approach designed to harness T cell specificity and function to fight diseases. Based on the evidence that T lymphocytes can mediate a potent anti-tumor response, initially ACT solely relied on the isolation, in vitro expansion, and infusion of tumor-infiltrating or circulating tumor-specific T cells. Although effective in a subset of cases, in the first ACT clinical trials several patients experienced disease progression, in some cases after temporary disease control. This evidence prompted researchers to improve ACT products by taking advantage of the continuously evolving gene engineering field and by improving manufacturing protocols, to enable the generation of effective and long-term persisting tumor-specific T cell products. Despite recent advances, several challenges, including prioritization of antigen targets, identification, and optimization of tumor-specific T cell receptors, in the development of tools enabling T cells to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, still need to be faced. This review aims at summarizing the major achievements, hurdles and possible solutions designed to improve the ACT efficacy and safety profile in the context of liquid and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfredi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Claudia Cianciotti
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione Centro San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tassi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Noviello
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Clinica Pediatrica Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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25
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Namdari H, Rezaei F, Teymoori-Rad M, Mortezagholi S, Sadeghi A, Akbari A. CAR T cells: Living HIV drugs. Rev Med Virol 2020; 30:1-14. [PMID: 32713110 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), is a major global public health issue. Although the advent of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) has made significant progress in inhibiting HIV replication in patients, HIV-infected cells remain the principal cellular reservoir of HIV, this allows HIV to rebound immediately upon stopping ART, which is considered the major obstacle to curing HIV infection. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell therapy has provided new opportunities for HIV treatment. Engineering T cells or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to generate CAR T cells is a rapidly growing approach to develop an efficient immune cell to fight HIV. Herein, we review preclinical and clinical data available for the development of CAR T cells. Further, the advantages and disadvantages of clinical application of anti-HIV CAR T cells will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haideh Namdari
- Iranian Tissue Bank Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Rezaei
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Teymoori-Rad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Mortezagholi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Sadeghi
- Iranian Tissue Bank Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Akbari
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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26
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Huang D, Miller M, Ashok B, Jain S, Peppas NA. CRISPR/Cas systems to overcome challenges in developing the next generation of T cells for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 158:17-35. [PMID: 32707148 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered immune cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or modified T cell receptors (TCR) have demonstrated their potential as a potent class of new cancer therapeutic strategy. Despite the clinical success of autologous CD19 CAR T cells in hematological malignancies, allogeneic T cells exhibit many advantages over their autologous counterparts and have recently gathered widespread attention due to the emergence of multiplex genome editing techniques, particularly CRISPR/Cas systems. Furthermore, genetically engineered T cells face a host of major challenges in solid tumors that are not as significant for blood cancers such as T cell targeted delivery, target specificity, proliferation, persistence, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We take this opportunity to analyze recent strategies to develop allogeneic T cells, specifically in consideration of CRISPR/Cas and its delivery systems for multiplex gene editing. Additionally, we discuss the current methods used to delivery CRISPR/Cas systems for immunotherapeutic applications, and the challenges to continued development of novel delivery systems. We also provide a comprehensive analysis of the major challenges that genetically engineered T cells face in solid tumors along with the most recent strategies to overcome these barriers, with an emphasis on CRISPR-based approaches. We illustrate the synergistic prospects for how the combination of synthetic biology and immune-oncology could pave the way for designing the next generation of precision cancer therapy.
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27
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The Quest for the Best: How TCR Affinity, Avidity, and Functional Avidity Affect TCR-Engineered T-Cell Antitumor Responses. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071720. [PMID: 32708366 PMCID: PMC7408146 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, adoptive transfer of T cells has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. In particular, T-cell receptor (TCR) engineering of T cells has marked important milestones in developing more precise and personalized cancer immunotherapies. However, to get the most benefit out of this approach, understanding the role that TCR affinity, avidity, and functional avidity play on how TCRs and T cells function in the context of tumor-associated antigen (TAA) recognition is vital to keep generating improved adoptive T-cell therapies. Aside from TCR-related parameters, other critical factors that govern T-cell activation are the effect of TCR co-receptors on TCR–peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) stabilization and TCR signaling, tumor epitope density, and TCR expression levels in TCR-engineered T cells. In this review, we describe the key aspects governing TCR specificity, T-cell activation, and how these concepts can be applied to cancer-specific TCR redirection of T cells.
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28
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Rath JA, Arber C. Engineering Strategies to Enhance TCR-Based Adoptive T Cell Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1485. [PMID: 32570906 PMCID: PMC7349724 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-based adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) hold great promise for the treatment of cancer, as TCRs can cover a broad range of target antigens. Here we summarize basic, translational and clinical results that provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-based ACT. We review the characteristics of target antigens and conventional αβ-TCRs, and provide a summary of published clinical trials with TCR-transgenic T cell therapies. We discuss how synthetic biology and innovative engineering strategies are poised to provide solutions for overcoming current limitations, that include functional avidity, MHC restriction, and most importantly, the tumor microenvironment. We also highlight the impact of precision genome editing on the next iteration of TCR-transgenic T cell therapies, and the discovery of novel immune engineering targets. We are convinced that some of these innovations will enable the field to move TCR gene therapy to the next level.
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MESH Headings
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Engineering
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/adverse effects
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/trends
- Gene Editing
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/trends
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Safety
- Synthetic Biology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Translational Research, Biomedical
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Arber
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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29
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Schober K, Müller TR, Busch DH. Orthotopic T-Cell Receptor Replacement-An "Enabler" for TCR-Based Therapies. Cells 2020; 9:E1367. [PMID: 32492858 PMCID: PMC7348731 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural adaptive immunity co-evolved with pathogens over millions of years, and adoptive transfer of non-engineered T cells to fight infections or cancer so far exhibits an exceptionally safe and functional therapeutic profile in clinical trials. However, the personalized nature of therapies using virus-specific T cells, donor lymphocyte infusion, or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes makes implementation in routine clinical care difficult. In principle, genetic engineering can be used to make T-cell therapies more broadly applicable, but so far it significantly alters the physiology of cells. We recently demonstrated that orthotopic T-cell receptor (TCR) replacement (OTR) by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) can be used to generate engineered T cells with preservation of near-physiological function. In this review, we present the current status of OTR technology development and discuss its potential for TCR-based therapies. By providing the means to combine the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of physiological T cells with the versatility of cell engineering, OTR can serve as an "enabler" for TCR-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Schober
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas R. Müller
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
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30
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Daniels J, Doukas PG, Escala MEM, Ringbloom KG, Shih DJH, Yang J, Tegtmeyer K, Park J, Thomas JJ, Selli ME, Altunbulakli C, Gowthaman R, Mo SH, Jothishankar B, Pease DR, Pro B, Abdulla FR, Shea C, Sahni N, Gru AA, Pierce BG, Louissaint A, Guitart J, Choi J. Cellular origins and genetic landscape of cutaneous gamma delta T cell lymphomas. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1806. [PMID: 32286303 PMCID: PMC7156460 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15572-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cutaneous γδ T cell lymphomas (PCGDTLs) represent a heterogeneous group of uncommon but aggressive cancers. Herein, we perform genome-wide DNA, RNA, and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on 29 cutaneous γδ lymphomas. We find that PCGDTLs are not uniformly derived from Vδ2 cells. Instead, the cell-of-origin depends on the tissue compartment from which the lymphomas are derived. Lymphomas arising from the outer layer of skin are derived from Vδ1 cells, the predominant γδ cell in the epidermis and dermis. In contrast, panniculitic lymphomas arise from Vδ2 cells, the predominant γδ T cell in the fat. We also show that TCR chain usage is non-random, suggesting common antigens for Vδ1 and Vδ2 lymphomas respectively. In addition, Vδ1 and Vδ2 PCGDTLs harbor similar genomic landscapes with potentially targetable oncogenic mutations in the JAK/STAT, MAPK, MYC, and chromatin modification pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest a paradigm for classifying, staging, and treating these diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antigens, CD1d/metabolism
- Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
- Epitopes/immunology
- Genome, Human
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Lymph Nodes/pathology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/genetics
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/pathology
- Models, Biological
- Mutation/genetics
- Phenotype
- Principal Component Analysis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Skin/pathology
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Transcription, Genetic
- Transcriptome/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Daniels
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter G Doukas
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria E Martinez Escala
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kimberly G Ringbloom
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David J H Shih
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kyle Tegtmeyer
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joonhee Park
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jane J Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mehmet E Selli
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Can Altunbulakli
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ragul Gowthaman
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Samuel H Mo
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Balaji Jothishankar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David R Pease
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Barbara Pro
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Farah R Abdulla
- Division of Dermatology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Shea
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nidhi Sahni
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alejandro A Gru
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brian G Pierce
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Abner Louissaint
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Joan Guitart
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Jaehyuk Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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31
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Janelle V, Rulleau C, Del Testa S, Carli C, Delisle JS. T-Cell Immunotherapies Targeting Histocompatibility and Tumor Antigens in Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:276. [PMID: 32153583 PMCID: PMC7046834 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, T-cell immunotherapy has revealed itself as a powerful, and often curative, strategy to treat blood cancers. In hematopoietic cell transplantation, most of the so-called graft-vs.-leukemia (GVL) effect hinges on the recognition of histocompatibility antigens that reflect immunologically relevant genetic variants between donors and recipients. Whether other variants acquired during the neoplastic transformation, or the aberrant expression of gene products can yield antigenic targets of similar relevance as the minor histocompatibility antigens is actively being pursued. Modern genomics and proteomics have enabled the high throughput identification of candidate antigens for immunotherapy in both autologous and allogeneic settings. As such, these major histocompatibility complex-associated tumor-specific (TSA) and tumor-associated antigens (TAA) can allow for the targeting of multiple blood neoplasms, which is a limitation for other immunotherapeutic approaches, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells. We review the current strategies taken to translate these discoveries into T-cell therapies and propose how these could be introduced in clinical practice. Specifically, we discuss the criteria that are used to select the antigens with the greatest therapeutic value and we review the various T-cell manufacturing approaches in place to either expand antigen-specific T cells from the native repertoire or genetically engineer T cells with minor histocompatibility antigen or TSA/TAA-specific recombinant T-cell receptors. Finally, we elaborate on the current and future incorporation of these therapeutic T-cell products into the treatment of hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Janelle
- Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Rulleau
- Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Del Testa
- Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cédric Carli
- Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Sébastien Delisle
- Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Division Hématologie et Oncologie, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
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32
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Chandran SS, Klebanoff CA. T cell receptor-based cancer immunotherapy: Emerging efficacy and pathways of resistance. Immunol Rev 2020; 290:127-147. [PMID: 31355495 PMCID: PMC7027847 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells can induce durable remissions in patients with refractory B-lymphoid cancers. By contrast, results applying CAR-modified T cells to solid malignancies have been comparatively modest. Alternative strategies to redirect T cell specificity and cytolytic function are therefore necessary if ACT is to serve a greater role in human cancer treatments. T cell receptors (TCRs) are antigen recognition structures physiologically expressed by all T cells that have complementary, and in some cases superior, properties to CARs. Unlike CARs, TCRs confer recognition to epitopes derived from proteins residing within any subcellular compartment, including the membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. This enables TCRs to detect a broad universe of targets, such as neoantigens, cancer germline antigens, and viral oncoproteins. Moreover, because TCRs have evolved to efficiently detect and amplify antigenic signals, these receptors respond to epitope densities many fold smaller than required for CAR-signaling. Herein, we summarize recent clinical data demonstrating that TCR-based immunotherapies can mediate regression of solid malignancies, including immune-checkpoint inhibitor refractory cancers. These trials simultaneously highlight emerging mechanisms of TCR resistance. We conclude by discussing how TCR-based immunotherapies can achieve broader dissemination through innovations in cell manufacturing and non-viral genome integration techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita S Chandran
- Center for Cell Engineering and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY
| | - Christopher A Klebanoff
- Center for Cell Engineering and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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33
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Hardy IR, Schamel WW, Baeuerle PA, Getts DR, Hofmeister R. Implications of T cell receptor biology on the development of new T cell therapies for cancer. Immunotherapy 2020; 12:89-103. [PMID: 31902264 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, two chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies were approved based on their remarkable efficacy in patients with hematological malignancies. By contrast, CAR-T cell therapies results in solid tumors have been less promising. To develop the next generation of T cell therapies a better understanding of T cell receptor (TCR) biology and its implication for the design of synthetic receptors is critical. Here, we review current and newly developed forms of T cell therapies and how their utilization of different components of the TCR signaling machinery and their requirement for engagement (or not) of human leukocyte antigen impacts their design, efficacy and applicability as cancer drugs. Notably, we highlight the development of human leukocyte antigen-independent T cell platforms that utilize the full TCR complex as having promise to overcome some of the limitations of existing T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R Hardy
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney St. Suite 710, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Wolfgang W Schamel
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, BIOSS Center for Biological Signalling Studies, CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies & Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency CCI, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraβe 18,79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- TCR Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney St. Suite 710, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Grosshadernerstr. 9, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Daniel R Getts
- TCR Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney St. Suite 710, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Robert Hofmeister
- TCR Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney St. Suite 710, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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34
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Peng S, Zaretsky JM, Ng AHC, Chour W, Bethune MT, Choi J, Hsu A, Holman E, Ding X, Guo K, Kim J, Xu AM, Heath JE, Noh WJ, Zhou J, Su Y, Lu Y, McLaughlin J, Cheng D, Witte ON, Baltimore D, Ribas A, Heath JR. Sensitive Detection and Analysis of Neoantigen-Specific T Cell Populations from Tumors and Blood. Cell Rep 2019; 28:2728-2738.e7. [PMID: 31484081 PMCID: PMC6774618 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoantigen-specific T cells are increasingly viewed as important immunotherapy effectors, but physically isolating these rare cell populations is challenging. Here, we describe a sensitive method for the enumeration and isolation of neoantigen-specific CD8+ T cells from small samples of patient tumor or blood. The method relies on magnetic nanoparticles that present neoantigen-loaded major histocompatibility complex (MHC) tetramers at high avidity by barcoded DNA linkers. The magnetic particles provide a convenient handle to isolate the desired cell populations, and the barcoded DNA enables multiplexed analysis. The method exhibits superior recovery of antigen-specific T cell populations relative to literature approaches. We applied the method to profile neoantigen-specific T cell populations in the tumor and blood of patients with metastatic melanoma over the course of anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy. We show that the method has value for monitoring clinical responses to cancer immunotherapy and might help guide the development of personalized mutational neoantigen-specific T cell therapies and cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songming Peng
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Jesse M Zaretsky
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alphonsus H C Ng
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - William Chour
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Michael T Bethune
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Jongchan Choi
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alice Hsu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Elizabeth Holman
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Katherine Guo
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Jungwoo Kim
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Alexander M Xu
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - John E Heath
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Won Jun Noh
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Yapeng Su
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Yue Lu
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jami McLaughlin
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Donghui Cheng
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Owen N Witte
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David Baltimore
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - James R Heath
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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35
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McBride DA, Kerr MD, Wai SL, Shah NJ. Applications of molecular engineering in T-cell-based immunotherapies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 11:e1557. [PMID: 30972976 PMCID: PMC7869905 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing an individual's immune cells to mediate antitumor and antiviral responses is a life-saving option for some patients with otherwise intractable forms of cancer and infectious disease. In particular, T-cell-based engineered immune cells are a powerful new class of therapeutics with remarkable efficacy. Clinical experience has helped to define some of the major challenges for reliable, safe, and effective deployment of T-cells against a broad range of diseases. While poised to revolutionize immunotherapy, scalable manufacturing, safety, specificity, and the development of resistance are potential roadblocks in their widespread usage. The development of molecular engineering tools to allow for the direct or indirect engineering of T-cells to enable one to troubleshoot delivery issues, amplify immunomodulatory effects, integrate the synergistic effects of different molecules, and home to the target cells in vivo. In this review, we will analyze thus-far developed cell- and material-based tools for enhancing T-cell therapies, including methods to improve safety and specificity, enhancing efficacy, and overcoming limitations in scalable manufacturing. We summarize the potential of T-cells as immune modulating therapies and the potential future directions for enabling their adoption for a broad range of diseases. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A McBride
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Program in Chemical Engineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Matthew D Kerr
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Program in Chemical Engineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Shinya L Wai
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Nisarg J Shah
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Program in Chemical Engineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of California, San Diego, California
- San Diego Center for Precision Immunotherapy, University of California, San Diego, California
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36
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Azimi CS, Tang Q, Roybal KT, Bluestone JA. NextGen cell-based immunotherapies in cancer and other immune disorders. Curr Opin Immunol 2019; 59:79-87. [PMID: 31071513 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
T lymphocyte and other cell therapies have the potential to transform how we treat cancers and other diseases that have few therapeutic options. Here, we review the current progress in engineered T cell therapies and look to the future of what will establish cell therapy as the next pillar of medicine. The tools of synthetic biology along with fundamental knowledge in cell biology and immunology have enabled the development of approaches to engineer cells with enhanced capacity to recognize and treat disease safely and effectively. This along with new modes of engineering cells with CRISPR and strategies to make universal 'off-the-shelf' cell therapies will provide more rapid, flexible, and cheaper translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camillia S Azimi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Qizhi Tang
- UCSF Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kole T Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A Bluestone
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; UCSF Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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37
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Sun Q, Zhang X, Wang L, Gao X, Xiong Y, Liu L, Wei F, Yang L, Ren X. T-cell receptor gene therapy targeting melanoma-associated antigen-A4 by silencing of endogenous TCR inhibits tumor growth in mice and human. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:475. [PMID: 31209257 PMCID: PMC6572850 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1717-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered T cells expressing a T-cell receptor (TCR) are powerful tools for cancer treatment and have shown significant clinical effects in sarcoma patients. However, mismatch of the introduced TCR α/β chains with endogenous TCR may impair the expression of transduced TCR, resulting in an insufficient antitumor capacity of modified T cells. Here, we report the development of immunotherapy using human lymphocytes transduced with a codon-optimized melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE)-A4 and HLA-A*2402-restricted TCR, which specifically downregulate endogenous TCR by small interfering RNA (si-TCR). We evaluated the efficacy of this immunotherapy in both NOD-SCID mice and uterine leiomyosarcoma patients. Our results revealed that transduced human lymphocytes exhibited high surface expression of the introduced tumor-specific TCR, enhanced cytotoxic activity against antigen-expressing tumor cells, and increased interferon-γ production by specific MAGE-A4 peptide stimulation. Retarded tumor growth was also observed in NOD-SCID mice inoculated with human tumor cell lines expressing both MAGE-A4 and HLA-A*2402. Furthermore, we report the successful management of a case of uterine leiomyosarcoma treated with MAGE-A4 si-TCR/HLA-A*2402 gene-modified T cells. Our results indicate that the TCR-modified T cell therapy is a promising novel strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiying Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Limei Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xujie Gao
- Department of Radiology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanjuan Xiong
- Department of Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China. .,Department of Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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38
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Schober K, Müller TR, Gökmen F, Grassmann S, Effenberger M, Poltorak M, Stemberger C, Schumann K, Roth TL, Marson A, Busch DH. Orthotopic replacement of T-cell receptor α- and β-chains with preservation of near-physiological T-cell function. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 3:974-984. [DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0409-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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39
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The Cellular Immunotherapy Revolution: Arming the Immune System for Precision Therapy. Trends Immunol 2019; 40:292-309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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40
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An Ig Transmembrane Domain Motif Improves the Function of TCRs Transduced in Human T Cells: Implications for Immunotherapy. J Immunother 2019; 42:97-109. [PMID: 30865026 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes (ACT) engineered with T-cell receptors (TCRs) of known antitumor specificity is an effective therapeutic strategy. However, a major constraint of ACT is the unpredictable interference of the endogenous TCR α and β chains in pairing of the transduced TCR. This effect reduces the efficacy of the genetically modified primary T cells and carries the risk of generating novel TCR reactivities with unintended functional consequences. Here, we show a powerful approach to overcome these limitations. We engineered TCR α and β chains with mutations encompassing a conserved motif (FXXXFXXS) required to stabilize the pairing of immunoglobulin heavy chain transmembrane domains. Molecular modeling supported the preferential pairing of mutated TCR and impaired pairing between mutated and wild-type TCRs. Expression of the mutated TCR was similar to wild type and conferred the expected specificity. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis in mouse splenocytes transduced with mutated or wild-type TCRs showed a higher proximity of the former over the latter. Importantly, we show that mutated TCRs effectively outcompete endogenous TCRs and improve in vitro antitumor cytotoxicity when expressed in ex vivo isolated human T cells. This approach should contribute to improving current protocols of anticancer immunetherapy protocols.
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41
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Eisenberg V, Hoogi S, Shamul A, Barliya T, Cohen CJ. T-cells "à la CAR-T(e)" - Genetically engineering T-cell response against cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:23-40. [PMID: 30653988 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The last decade will be remembered as the dawn of the immunotherapy era during which we have witnessed the approval by regulatory agencies of genetically engineered CAR T-cells and of checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment. Understandably, T-lymphocytes represent the essential player in these approaches. These cells can mediate impressive tumor regression in terminally-ill cancer patients. Moreover, they are amenable to genetic engineering to improve their function and specificity. In the present review, we will give an overview of the most recent developments in the field of T-cell genetic engineering including TCR-gene transfer and CAR T-cells strategies. We will also elaborate on the development of other types of genetic modifications to enhance their anti-tumor immune response such as the use of co-stimulatory chimeric receptors (CCRs) and unconventional CARs built on non-antibody molecules. Finally, we will discuss recent advances in genome editing and synthetic biology applied to T-cell engineering and comment on the next challenges ahead.
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42
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Li G, Bethune MT, Wong S, Joglekar AV, Leonard MT, Wang JK, Kim JT, Cheng D, Peng S, Zaretsky JM, Su Y, Luo Y, Heath JR, Ribas A, Witte ON, Baltimore D. T cell antigen discovery via trogocytosis. Nat Methods 2019; 16:183-190. [PMID: 30700903 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-018-0305-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) ligand discovery is essential for understanding and manipulating immune responses to tumors. We developed a cell-based selection platform for TCR ligand discovery that exploits a membrane transfer phenomenon called trogocytosis. We discovered that T cell membrane proteins are transferred specifically to target cells that present cognate peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Co-incubation of T cells expressing an orphan TCR with target cells collectively presenting a library of peptide-MHCs led to specific labeling of cognate target cells, enabling isolation of these target cells and sequencing of the cognate TCR ligand. We validated this method for two clinically employed TCRs and further used the platform to identify the cognate neoepitope for a subject-derived neoantigen-specific TCR. Thus, target cell trogocytosis is a robust tool for TCR ligand discovery that will be useful for studying basic tumor immunology and identifying new targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guideng Li
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. .,Center of Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. .,Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, China.
| | - Michael T Bethune
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| | - Stephanie Wong
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Alok V Joglekar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Michael T Leonard
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Jessica K Wang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Jocelyn T Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Donghui Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Songming Peng
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Jesse M Zaretsky
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yapeng Su
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.,Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Yicheng Luo
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - James R Heath
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Owen N Witte
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Baltimore
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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43
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Klein C, Schaefer W, Regula JT, Dumontet C, Brinkmann U, Bacac M, Umaña P. Engineering therapeutic bispecific antibodies using CrossMab technology. Methods 2018; 154:21-31. [PMID: 30453028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies have recently gained major interest as they allow novel mechanisms-of-action and/or therapeutic applications that cannot be achieved using conventional IgG-based antibodies. A major issue in engineering IgG-based bispecific antibodies has been to enable the correct association of heavy and light chains resulting in correct assembly of the desired bispecific antibody in sufficient yield. Various approaches have been described during recent years to tackle this challenge. We have developed the so-called CrossMab technology that enforces correct light chain association based on the domain crossover of immunoglobulin domains in the Fab region of the bispecific antibody. This versatile technology allows the generation of different bispecific antibody formats including asymmetric heterodimeric monovalent 1 + 1 bispecific antibodies and asymmetric heterodimeric bispecific antibodies with 2 + 1 valency in combination with approaches enabling Fc-hetermodimerization like knob-into-hole technology as well as the generation of tetravalent symmetric bispecific antibodies with 2 + 2 valency, also known as Tandem-Fab based IgG antibodies, using processes suitable for the large scale production of therapeutic bispecific antibodies. Notably, as of now, at least eight different bispecific antibodies using CrossMab technology entered clinical development, and additional CrossMabs are in late preclinical development. This review provides a summary of the status and progress with the engineering and generation of CrossMab technology based bispecific antibodies as well as their therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Klein
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Wolfgang Schaefer
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82393 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Joerg T Regula
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82393 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Charles Dumontet
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM, 1052/CNRS, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82393 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Marina Bacac
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Umaña
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
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Isolation and characterization of NY-ESO-1-specific T cell receptors restricted on various MHC molecules. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10702-E10711. [PMID: 30348802 PMCID: PMC6233129 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1810653115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T immune cells can be engineered to express tumor-specific T cell receptor (TCR) genes and thereby kill cancer cells. This approach—termed TCR gene therapy—is effective but can cause serious adverse events if the target is also expressed in healthy, noncancerous tissue. NY-ESO-1 is a tumor-specific antigen that has been targeted successfully and safely through TCR gene therapies for melanoma, synovial sarcoma, and myeloma. However, trials to date have focused exclusively on a single NY-ESO-1–derived epitope presented on HLA-A*02:01, limiting application to patients expressing that allele. In this work, we isolate TCRs that collectively recognize multiple NY-ESO-1–derived epitopes presented by multiple MHC alleles. We thereby outline a general approach for expanding targeted immunotherapies to more diverse MHC haplotypes. Tumor-specific T cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer enables specific and potent immune targeting of tumor antigens. Due to the prevalence of the HLA-A2 MHC class I supertype in most human populations, the majority of TCR gene therapy trials targeting public antigens have employed HLA-A2–restricted TCRs, limiting this approach to those patients expressing this allele. For these patients, TCR gene therapy trials have resulted in both tantalizing successes and lethal adverse events, underscoring the need for careful selection of antigenic targets. Broad and safe application of public antigen-targeted TCR gene therapies will require (i) selecting public antigens that are highly tumor-specific and (ii) targeting multiple epitopes derived from these antigens by obtaining an assortment of TCRs restricted by multiple common MHC alleles. The canonical cancer-testis antigen, NY-ESO-1, is not expressed in normal tissues but is aberrantly expressed across a broad array of cancer types. It has also been targeted with A2-restricted TCR gene therapy without adverse events or notable side effects. To enable the targeting of NY-ESO-1 in a broader array of HLA haplotypes, we isolated TCRs specific for NY-ESO-1 epitopes presented by four MHC molecules: HLA-A2, -B07, -B18, and -C03. Using these TCRs, we pilot an approach to extend TCR gene therapies targeting NY-ESO-1 to patient populations beyond those expressing HLA-A2.
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Williams T, Krovi HS, Landry LG, Crawford F, Jin N, Hohenstein A, DeNicola ME, Michels AW, Davidson HW, Kent SC, Gapin L, Kappler JW, Nakayama M. Development of T cell lines sensitive to antigen stimulation. J Immunol Methods 2018; 462:65-73. [PMID: 30165064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immortalized T cells such as T cell hybridomas, transfectomas, and transductants are useful tools to study tri-molecular complexes consisting of peptide, MHC, and T cell receptor (TCR) molecules. These cells have been utilized for antigen discovery studies for decades due to simplicity and rapidness of growing cells. However, responsiveness to antigen stimulation is typically less sensitive compared to primary T cells, resulting in occasional false negative outcomes especially for TCRs having low affinity to a peptide-MHC complex (pMHC). To overcome this obstacle, we genetically engineered T cell hybridomas to express additional CD3 molecules as well as CD4 with two amino acid substitutions that increase affinity to MHC class II molecules. The manipulated T cell hybridomas that were further transduced with retroviral vectors encoding TCRs of interest responded to cognate antigens more robustly than non-manipulated cells without evoking non-antigen specific reactivity. Of importance, the manipulation with CD3 and mutated human CD4 expression was effective in increasing responsiveness of T cell hybridomas to a wide variety of TCR, peptide, and MHC combinations across class II genetic loci (i.e. HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, HLA-DP, and murine H2-IA) and species (i.e. both humans and mice), and thus will be useful to identify antigen specificity of T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Williams
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Harsha S Krovi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19(th) Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laurie G Landry
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Frances Crawford
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Niyun Jin
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anita Hohenstein
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Megan E DeNicola
- Department of Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, 368 Plantation Street, ASC7-2012, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Aaron W Michels
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Howard W Davidson
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19(th) Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sally C Kent
- Department of Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, 368 Plantation Street, ASC7-2012, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19(th) Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - John W Kappler
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19(th) Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Maki Nakayama
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19(th) Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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46
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Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy using T cells with tumor specificity derived from either natural T cell receptors (TCRs) or an artificial chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has reached late phase clinical testing, with two CAR T cell therapies achieving regulatory approval within the United States in 2017. The effective use of these therapies depends upon an understanding of their pharmacology, which is quite divergent from traditional small molecule or biologic drugs. We review the different types of T cell therapy under clinical development, the factors affecting cellular kinetics following infusion, and the relationship between these cellular kinetics and anti-cancer activity. We also discuss the toxicity associated with T cell therapies, with an emphasis on cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, and the gaps in knowledge regarding these frequent and unique adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Milone
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vijay G. Bhoj
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Yeh WI, Seay HR, Newby B, Posgai AL, Moniz FB, Michels A, Mathews CE, Bluestone JA, Brusko TM. Avidity and Bystander Suppressive Capacity of Human Regulatory T Cells Expressing De Novo Autoreactive T-Cell Receptors in Type 1 Diabetes. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1313. [PMID: 29123516 PMCID: PMC5662552 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to alter antigen specificity by T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene transfer has facilitated personalized cellular immune therapies in cancer. Inversely, this approach can be harnessed in autoimmune settings to attenuate inflammation by redirecting the specificity of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Herein, we demonstrate efficient protocols for lentiviral gene transfer of TCRs that recognize type 1 diabetes-related autoantigens with the goal of tissue-targeted induction of antigen-specific tolerance to halt β-cell destruction. We generated human Tregs expressing a high-affinity GAD555–567-reactive TCR (clone R164), as well as the lower affinity clone 4.13 specific for the same peptide. We demonstrated that de novo Treg avatars potently suppress antigen-specific and bystander responder T-cell (Tresp) proliferation in vitro in a process that requires Treg activation (P < 0.001 versus unactivated Tregs). When Tresp were also glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-reactive, the high-affinity R164 Tregs exhibited increased suppression (P < 0.01) with lower Tresp-division index (P < 0.01) than the lower affinity 4.13 Tregs. These data demonstrate the feasibility of rapid expansion of antigen-specific Tregs for applications in attenuating β-cell autoimmunity and emphasize further opportunities for engineering cellular specificities, affinities, and phenotypes to tailor Treg activity in adoptive cell therapies for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-I Yeh
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Howard R Seay
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Brittney Newby
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Amanda L Posgai
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Filipa Botelho Moniz
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Aaron Michels
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Clayton E Mathews
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Bluestone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Todd M Brusko
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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48
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Preparation of peptide-MHC and T-cell receptor dextramers by biotinylated dextran doping. Biotechniques 2017; 62:123-130. [PMID: 28298179 DOI: 10.2144/000114525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) multimers enable the detection, characterization, and isolation of antigen-specific T-cell subsets at the single-cell level via flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. These labeling reagents exploit a multivalent scaffold to increase the avidity of individually weak T-cell receptor (TCR)-pMHC interactions. Dextramers are an improvement over the original streptavidin-based tetramer technology because they are more multivalent, improving sensitivity for rare, low-avidity T cells, including self/tumor-reactive clones. However, commercial pMHC dextramers are expensive, and in-house production is very involved for a typical biology research laboratory. Here, we present a simple, inexpensive protocol for preparing pMHC dextramers by doping in biotinylated dextran during conventional tetramer preparation. We use these pMHC dextramers to identify patient-derived, tumor-reactive T cells. We apply the same dextran doping technique to prepare TCR dextramers and use these novel reagents to yield new insight into MHC I-mediated antigen presentation.
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