1
|
Barden M, Holzinger A, Velas L, Mezősi-Csaplár M, Szöőr Á, Vereb G, Schütz GJ, Hombach AA, Abken H. CAR and TCR form individual signaling synapses and do not cross-activate, however, can co-operate in T cell activation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1110482. [PMID: 36817444 PMCID: PMC9929185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1110482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In engineered T cells the CAR is co-expressed along with the physiological TCR/CD3 complex, both utilizing the same downstream signaling machinery for T cell activation. It is unresolved whether CAR-mediated T cell activation depends on the presence of the TCR and whether CAR and TCR mutually cross-activate upon engaging their respective antigen. Here we demonstrate that the CD3ζ CAR level was independent of the TCR associated CD3ζ and could not replace CD3ζ to rescue the TCR complex in CD3ζ KO T cells. Upon activation, the CAR did not induce phosphorylation of TCR associated CD3ζ and, vice versa, TCR activation did not induce CAR CD3ζ phosphorylation. Consequently, CAR and TCR did not cross-signal to trigger T cell effector functions. On the membrane level, TCR and CAR formed separate synapses upon antigen engagement as revealed by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and fast AiryScan microscopy. Upon engaging their respective antigen, however, CAR and TCR could co-operate in triggering effector functions through combinatorial signaling allowing logic "AND" gating in target recognition. Data also imply that tonic TCR signaling can support CAR-mediated T cell activation emphasizing the potential relevance of the endogenous TCR for maintaining T cell capacities in the long-term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Barden
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Holzinger
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Velas
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marianna Mezősi-Csaplár
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Árpád Szöőr
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,ELKH-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany,Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Hinrich Abken,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hombach AA, Heiders J, Foppe M, Chmielewski M, Abken H. OX40 costimulation by a chimeric antigen receptor abrogates CD28 and IL-2 induced IL-10 secretion by redirected CD4(+) T cells. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:458-466. [PMID: 22754764 PMCID: PMC3382912 DOI: 10.4161/onci.19855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected T cells recently showed remarkable anti-tumor efficacy in early phase clinical trials; self-repression of the immune response by T-cell secreted cytokines, however, is still an issue raising interest to abrogate the secretion of repressive cytokines while preserving the panel of CAR induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. We here revealed that T-cell activation by a CD28-ζ signaling CAR induced IL-10 secretion, which compromises T cell based immunity, along with the release of pro-inflammatory IFN-γ and IL-2. T cells stimulated by a ζ CAR without costimulation did not secrete IL-2 or IL-10; the latter, however, could be induced by supplementation with IL-2. Abrogation of CD28-ζ CAR induced IL-2 release by CD28 mutation did not reduce IL-10 secretion indicating that IL-10 can be induced by both a CD28 and an IL-2 mediated pathway. In contrast to the CD28-ζ CAR, a CAR with OX40 (CD134) costimulation did not induce IL-10. OX40 cosignaling by a 3rd generation CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR repressed CD28 induced IL-10 secretion but did not affect the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, T-cell amplification or T-cell mediated cytolysis. IL-2 induced IL-10 was also repressed by OX40 co-signaling. OX40 moreover repressed IL-10 secretion by regulatory T cells which are strong IL-10 producers upon activation. Taken together OX40 cosignaling in CAR redirected T cell activation effectively represses IL-10 secretion which contributes to counteract self-repression and provides a rationale to explore OX40 co-signaling CARs in order to prolong a redirected T cell response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Tumor Genetics; Department I Internal Medicine; University of Cologne; Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hombach AA, Geumann U, Günther C, Hermann FG, Abken H. IL7-IL12 Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Improve A CAR T Cell Attack Against Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040873. [PMID: 32260097 PMCID: PMC7226757 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected T cells are efficacious in the treatment of leukemia/lymphoma, however, showed less capacities in eliminating solid tumors which is thought to be partly due to the lack of cytokine support in the tumor lesion. In order to deliver supportive cytokines, we took advantage of the inherent ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to actively migrate to tumor sites and engineered MSCs to release both IL7 and IL12 to promote homeostatic expansion and Th1 polarization. There is a mutual interaction between engineered MSCs and CAR T cells; in presence of CAR T cell released IFN-γ and TNF-α, chronic inflammatory Th2 MSCs shifted towards a Th17/Th1 pattern with IL2 and IL15 release that mutually activated CAR T cells with extended persistence, amplification, killing and protection from activation induced cell death. MSCs releasing IL7 and IL12 were superior over non-modified MSCs in supporting the CAR T cell response and improved the anti-tumor attack in a transplant tumor model. Data demonstrate the first use of genetically modified MSCs as vehicles to deliver immuno-modulatory proteins to the tumor tissue in order to improve the efficacy of CAR T cells in the treatment of solid malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Tumor Genetics, University of Cologne, and Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Ulf Geumann
- Apceth Biopharma GmbH, D-81377 Munich, Germany; (U.G.); (F.G.H.)
| | | | - Felix G. Hermann
- Apceth Biopharma GmbH, D-81377 Munich, Germany; (U.G.); (F.G.H.)
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Tumor Genetics, University of Cologne, and Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany;
- Department for Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, and University Hospital Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-941-944-381-11; Fax: +49-941-944-381-13
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hombach AA, Rappl G, Abken H. Blocking CD30 on T Cells by a Dual Specific CAR for CD30 and Colon Cancer Antigens Improves the CAR T Cell Response against CD30 - Tumors. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1825-1835. [PMID: 31331813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells are efficacious in controlling advanced leukemia and lymphoma, however, they fail in the treatment of solid cancer, which is thought to be due to insufficient T cell activation. We revealed that the immune response of CAR T cells with specificity for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was more efficacious against CEA+ cancer cells when simultaneously incubated with an anti-CD30 immunotoxin or anti-CD30 CAR T cells, although the targeted cancer cells lack CD30. The same effect was achieved when the anti-CD30 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) was integrated into the extracellular domain of the anti-CEA CAR. Improvement in T cell activation was due to interfering with the T cell CD30-CD30L interaction by the antagonistic anti-CD30 scFv HRS3; an agonistic anti-CD30 scFv or targeting the high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor was not effective. T cells with the anti-CD30/CEA CAR showed superior immunity against established CEA+ CD30- tumors in a mouse model. The concept is broadly applicable since anti-CD30/TAG72 CAR T cells also showed improved elimination of TAG72+ CD30- cancer cells. Taken together, targeting CD30 on CAR T cells by the HRS3 scFv within the anti-tumor CAR improves the redirected immune response against solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Gunter Rappl
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, University of Regensburg and University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
The treatment of leukemia/lymphoma by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected T cells with specificity for CD19 induced complete remissions in the majority of patients, with a realistic hope for cure. However, recent follow-up data revealed a substantial risk of relapse through leukemic cells that lack the CAR targeted antigen. In this situation, a bispecific CAR with binding domains for CD19 and CD20 is aimed at recognizing leukemic cells with only one cognate antigen. The anti-CD20-CD19 bispecific CAR induced a full T-cell response upon engagement of CD19 or CD20 on target cells showing a true "OR" gate recognition in redirecting T-cell activation. T cells with the anti-CD20-CD19 CAR efficiently killed patients' chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro. The bispecific CAR T cells cleared pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia with a mixed CD19+CD20+/CD20- phenotype from the blood and bone marrow of transplanted mice, while anti-CD20 CAR T cells left CD20- leukemic cells behind without curing the disease. Data indicate the superior anti-leukemic activity in the control of leukemia, implying that the anti-CD20-CD19 bispecific CAR T cells may reduce the risk of relapse through antigen-loss leukemic cells in the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Martyniszyn
- 1 Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, and Deparment I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Krahl
- 2 Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maya C André
- 2 Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University , Tübingen, Germany.,3 Deparment of Pediatric Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital , Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas A Hombach
- 1 Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, and Deparment I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- 1 Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, and Deparment I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Golumba-Nagy V, Kuehle J, Hombach AA, Abken H. CD28-ζ CAR T Cells Resist TGF-β Repression through IL-2 Signaling, Which Can Be Mimicked by an Engineered IL-7 Autocrine Loop. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2218-2230. [PMID: 30055872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells induced spectacular regressions of leukemia and lymphoma, however, failed so far in the treatment of solid tumors. A cause is thought to be T cell repression through TGF-β, which is massively accumulating in the tumor tissue. Here, we show that T cells with a CD28-ζ CAR, but not with a 4-1BB-ζ CAR, resist TGF-β-mediated repression. Mechanistically, LCK activation and consequently IL-2 release and autocrine IL-2 receptor signaling mediated TGF-β resistance; deleting the LCK-binding motif in the CD28 CAR abolished both IL-2 secretion and TGF-β resistance, while IL-2 add-back restored TGF-β resistance. Other γ-cytokines like IL-7 and IL-15 could replace IL-2 in this context. This is demonstrated by engineering IL-2 deficient CD28ΔLCK-ζ CAR T cells with a hybrid IL-7 receptor to provide IL-2R β chain signaling upon IL-7 binding. Such modified T cells showed improved CAR T cell activity against TGF-β+ tumors. Data draw the concept that an autocrine loop resulting in IL-2R signaling can make CAR T cells more potent in staying active against TGF-β+ solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Golumba-Nagy
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Kuehle
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; University Medical Center of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hombach AA, Abken H. Most Do, but Some Do Not: CD4⁺CD25 - T Cells, but Not CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg Cells, Are Cytolytic When Redirected by a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR). Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9090112. [PMID: 28850063 PMCID: PMC5615327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9090112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidences are accumulating that CD4⁺ T cells can physiologically mediate antigen specific target cell lysis. By circumventing major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restrictions through an engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), CD4⁺ T cells lyse defined target cells as efficiently as do CD8⁺ T cells. However, the cytolytic capacity of redirected CD4⁺CD25- T cells, in comparison with CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T (Treg) cells was so far not thoroughly defined. Treg cells require a strong CD28 signal together with CD3ζ for activation. We consequently used a CAR with combined CD28-CD3ζ signalling for redirecting CD4⁺CD25- T cells and CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells from the same donor. CAR redirected activation of these T cell subsets and induced a distinct cytokine pattern with high IL-10 and a lack of IL-2 release by Treg cells. Despite strong antigen-specific activation, CAR Treg cells produced only weak target cell lysis, whereas CD4⁺CD25- CAR T cells were potent killers. Cytolysis did not correlate with the target cell sensitivity to Fas/FasL mediated killing; CD4⁺CD25- T cells upregulated perforin and granzyme B upon CAR activation, whereas Treg cells did less. The different cytolytic capacities of CAR redirected conventional CD4⁺ cells and Treg cells imply their use for different purposes in cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne D-50931, Germany.
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, Cologne D-50931, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells redirected towards CD19 produces remissions of B cell malignancies, however, it also eradicates healthy B cells sharing the target antigen. Such 'on-target off-tumor' toxicity raises serious safety concerns when the target antigen is also expressed by tissue stem cells, with the risk of lasting tissue destruction. Areas covered: We discuss CAR T cell targeting of activation antigens versus lineage associated antigens on the basis of recent experimental and animal data and the literature in the field. Expert commentary: Targeting an activation associated antigen which is transiently expressed by stem cells seems to be safe, like CAR T cells targeting CD30 spare CD30+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells while eliminating CD30+ lymphoma cells, whereas targeting lineage associated antigens which increase in expression during cell maturation, like folate receptor-β and CD123, is of risk to destruct tissue stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- a Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Department I of Internal Medicine , University Hospital Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- a Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Department I of Internal Medicine , University Hospital Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Faitschuk E, Nagy V, Hombach AA, Abken H. A dual chain chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) in the native antibody format for targeting immune cells towards cancer cells without the need of an scFv. Gene Ther 2016; 23:718-726. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
10
|
Abstract
For simultaneously mobilizing the adaptive and innate immune system against cancer, we fused interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-12 to generate a dual cytokine moiety that is targeted to neoplastic lesions by an antibody-binding domain. This approach elicits a broader attack of the immune system against cancer than the use of each cytokine alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Department I of Internal Medicine; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC); University Hospital Cologne; University of Cologne; Cologne, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hombach AA, Abken H. Of chimeric antigen receptors and antibodies: OX40 and 41BB costimulation sharpen up T cell-based immunotherapy of cancer. Immunotherapy 2014; 5:677-81. [PMID: 23829616 DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne-CMMC, University of Cologne, and Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Uniklinik Köln, Robert-Koch-Straße 21, D-50931 Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hombach AA, Holzinger A, Abken H. The weal and woe of costimulation in the adoptive therapy of cancer with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells. Curr Mol Med 2014; 13:1079-88. [PMID: 23116267 DOI: 10.2174/1566524011313070003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy has shown impressive efficacy to combat cancer in early phase clinical trials, in particular when T cells engineered to specifically target tumor cells were applied. The patient's T cells are genetically equipped with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which allows them to be redirected in a predefined manner towards virtually any target; by using an antibody-derived domain for binding, CAR T cells can be redirected in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) dependent and independent fashion. The CAR also provides the stimuli required to induce and maintain T cell activation. Recent clinical data sustain the notion that strong costimulation in conjunction with the primary activation signal is crucial for lasting therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cells. However, costimulation is a double-edged sword and the impact of the individual costimuli to optimize T cell activation is still under debate; some general rules are emerging. The review summarizes how costimulation modulates, improves and prolongs the redirected anti-tumor T cell response and how the same costimulatory signals may contribute to unintended side effects including "cytokine storm" and T cell repression. Upcoming strategies to break the activation/repression circle by using CAR's with modified costimulatory signals are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chmielewski M, Hombach AA, Abken H. Of CARs and TRUCKs: chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells engineered with an inducible cytokine to modulate the tumor stroma. Immunol Rev 2013; 257:83-90. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Clinic I for Internal Medicine; University Hospital Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Clinic I for Internal Medicine; University Hospital Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Clinic I for Internal Medicine; University Hospital Cologne; Cologne Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chmielewski M, Hombach AA, Abken H. Antigen-Specific T-Cell Activation Independently of the MHC: Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Redirected T Cells. Front Immunol 2013; 4:371. [PMID: 24273543 PMCID: PMC3822734 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell therapy has recently shown promise in initiating a lasting anti-tumor response with spectacular therapeutic success in some cases. Specific T-cell therapy, however, is limited since a number of cancer cells are not recognized by T cells due to various mechanisms including the limited availability of tumor-specific T cells and deficiencies in antigen processing or major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression of cancer cells. To make adoptive cell therapy applicable for the broad variety of cancer entities, patient's T cells are engineered ex vivo with pre-defined specificity by a recombinant chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which consists in the extracellular part of an antibody-derived domain for binding with a "tumor-associated antigen" and in the intracellular part of a T-cell receptor (TCR)-derived signaling moiety for T-cell activation. The specificity of CAR-mediated T-cell recognition is defined by the antibody domain, is independent of MHC presentation and can be extended to any target for which an antibody is available. We discuss the advantages and limitations of MHC-independent T-cell targeting by an engineered CAR in comparison to TCR modified T cells and the impact of the CAR activation threshold on redirected T-cell activation. Finally we review most significant progress recently made in early stage clinical trials to treat cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hombach AA, Rappl G, Abken H. Arming cytokine-induced killer cells with chimeric antigen receptors: CD28 outperforms combined CD28-OX40 "super-stimulation". Mol Ther 2013; 21:2268-77. [PMID: 23985696 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells raised interest for use in cellular antitumor therapy due to their capability to recognize and destroy autologous tumor cells in a HLA-independent fashion. The antitumor attack of CIK cells, predominantly consisting of terminally differentiated CD8(+)CD56(+) cells, can be improved by redirecting by a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that recognizes the tumor cell and triggers CIK cell activation. The requirements for CIK cell activation were, however, so far less explored and are likely to be different from those of "younger" T cells. We revealed that CD28 and OX40 CARs produced higher interferon- secretion as compared with the first-generation ζ-CAR; CD28-ζ and the third-generation CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR, however, performed similar in modulating most CIK cell effector functions. Compared with the CD28-ζ CAR, however, the CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR accelerated terminal maturation of CD56(+) CIK cells producing high frequencies in activation-induced cell death (AICD) and reduced antitumor efficiency in vivo. Consequently, CD28-ζ CAR CIK cells of CD56(-) phenotype were superior in redirected tumor cell elimination. CAR-mediated CIK cell activation also increased antigen-independent target cell lysis; the CD28-ζ CAR was more efficient than the CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR. Translated into therapeutic strategies, CAR-redirected CIK cells benefit from CD28 costimulation; "super-costimulation" by the CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR, however, performed less in antitumor efficacy due to increased AICD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- 1] Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany [2] Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hombach AA, Abken H. Young T Cells Age During a Redirected Anti-Tumor Attack: Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Provided Dual Costimulation is Half the Battle. Front Immunol 2013; 4:135. [PMID: 23761793 PMCID: PMC3672777 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells showed spectacular efficacy in the treatment of leukemia in recent early phase trials. Patient’s T cells were ex vivo genetically engineered with a CAR, amplified and re-administered to the patient. While T cells mediating the primary response were predominantly of young effector and central memory phenotype, repetitive antigen engagement irreversible triggers T cell maturation leaving late memory cells with the KLRG1+ CD57+ CD7− CCR7− phenotype in the long-term. These cells preferentially accumulate in the periphery, are hypo-responsive upon TCR engagement and prone to activation-induced cell death. A recent report indicates that those T cells can be rescued by CAR provided CD28 and OX40 (CD134) stimulation. We discuss the strategy with respect to prolong the anti-tumor response and to improve the over-all efficacy of adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany ; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Simon-Keller K, Paschen A, Hombach AA, Ströbel P, Coindre JM, Eichmüller SB, Vincent A, Gattenlöhner S, Hoppe F, Leuschner I, Stegmaier S, Koscielniak E, Leverkus M, Altieri DC, Abken H, Marx A. Survivin blockade sensitizes rhabdomyosarcoma cells for lysis by fetal acetylcholine receptor-redirected T cells. Am J Pathol 2013; 182:2121-31. [PMID: 23562272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy may provide a strategy to overcome the poor prognosis of metastatic and recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) under the current regimen of polychemotherapy. Because little is known about resistance mechanisms of RMS to cytotoxic T cells, we investigated RMS cell lines and biopsy specimens for expression and function of immune costimulatory receptors and anti-apoptotic molecules by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, IHC, and cytotoxicity assays using siRNA or transfection-modified RMS cell lines, together with engineered RMS-directed cytotoxic T cells specific for the fetal acetylcholine receptor. We found that costimulatory CD80 and CD86 were consistently absent from all RMSs tested, whereas inducible T-cell co-stimulator ligand (ICOS-L; alias B7H2) was expressed by a subset of RMSs and was inducible by tumor necrosis factor α in two of five RMS cell lines. Anti-apoptotic survivin, along with other inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family members (cIAP1, cIAP2, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein), was overexpressed by RMS cell lines and biopsy specimens. Down-regulation of survivin by siRNA or pharmacologically in RMS cells increased their susceptibility toward a T-cell attack, whereas induction of ICOS-L did not. Treatment of RMS-bearing Rag(-/-) mice with fetal acetylcholine receptor-specific chimeric T cells delayed xenograft growth; however, this happened without definitive tumor eradication. Combined blockade of survivin and application of chimeric T cells in vivo suppressed tumor proliferation during survivin inhibition. In conclusion, survivin blockade provides a strategy to sensitize RMS cells for T-cell-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Simon-Keller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hombach AA, Chmielewski M, Rappl G, Abken H. Adoptive Immunotherapy with Redirected T Cells Produces CCR7− Cells That Are Trapped in the Periphery and Benefit from Combined CD28-OX40 Costimulation. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:259-69. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gunter Rappl
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chmielewski M, Hahn O, Rappl G, Nowak M, Schmidt-Wolf IH, Hombach AA, Abken H. T cells that target carcinoembryonic antigen eradicate orthotopic pancreatic carcinomas without inducing autoimmune colitis in mice. Gastroenterology 2012; 143:1095-107.e2. [PMID: 22750462 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS New treatment approaches are needed for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is highly expressed on the surface of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells; we investigated the effects of cytolytic T cells that recognize CEA in a mouse model of pancreatic carcinoma. METHODS Immune-competent mice that expressed the CEA transgene (CEAtg) in the intestinal and pulmonary tracts were given intrapancreatic injections of Panc02 CEA(+) cells (express CEA and click beetle luciferase) and tumors were grown for 10 days. Mice were then given single intravenous injections of T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) with high specificity, but moderate affinity, for CEA and a luminescence marker. RESULTS Injection of the anti-CEA CAR T cells reduced the size of pancreatic tumors to below the limit of detection in all mice and produced long-term tumor eradication in 67% of mice. T cells also eradicated CEA(+) fibrosarcoma cells injected 45 days later. Bioluminescence imaging revealed the accumulation and persistence of the T cells at the tumor site. The efficacy of the T cells did not require lymphodepletion and was not reduced by soluble CEA. Mice developed some noninflammatory infiltrations of CAR(+) T cells in intestine and lung, but there was no evidence of destruction of CEA(+) healthy tissues. CONCLUSIONS Injection of T cells that target CEA can eradicate tumors grown from CEA(+) pancreatic carcinoma cells in the pancreas of CEAtg mice without autoimmune effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne and Clinic I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hombach AA, Abken H. Antibody-IL2 fusion proteins for tumor targeting. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 907:611-26. [PMID: 22907376 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-974-7_34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Increasing insight into the misbalance and poor activity of tumor infiltrating immune cells raised interest to activate and improve an antitumor immune response by accumulating IL2 in the tumor tissue. IL2 can be targeted as part of an antibody-cytokine fusion protein to the tumor tissue by a single chain fragment of variable regions (scFv) antibody recognizing a tumor-associated antigen. IL2 can moreover be combined with IL12 in a dual cytokine fusion protein, which simultaneously targets both cooperating cytokines to the tumor in order to improve the activation of both T cells and innate immune cells. We here describe in detail the construction, expression, and functional testing of antibody-IL2 fusion proteins and provide a protocol to determine the biodistribution of such proteins in animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Tumor Genetics, and Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lichtenfels R, Rappl G, Hombach AA, Recktenwald CV, Dressler SP, Abken H, Seliger B. A proteomic view at T cell costimulation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32994. [PMID: 22539942 PMCID: PMC3335147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The "two-signal paradigm" in T cell activation predicts that the cooperation of "signal 1," provided by the T cell receptor (TCR) through engagement of major histocompatility complex (MHC)-presented peptide, with "signal 2″ provided by costimulatory molecules, the prototype of which is CD28, is required to induce T cell effector functions. While the individual signalling pathways are well understood, little is known about global changes in the proteome pattern during TCR/CD28-mediated activation. Therefore, comparative 2-DE-based proteome analyses of CD3(+) CD69(-) resting T cells versus cells incubated with (i) the agonistic anti-CD3 antibody OKT3 mimicking signal 1 in absence or presence of IL-2 and/or with (ii) the agonistic antibody 15E8 triggering CD28-mediated signaling were performed. Differentially regulated spots were defined leading to the identification of proteins involved in the regulation of the metabolism, shaping and maintenance of the cytoskeleton and signal transduction. Representative members of the differentially expressed protein families, such as calmodulin (CALM), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2 (GDIR2), and platelet basic protein (CXCL7), were independently verified by flow cytometry. Data provide a detailed map of individual protein alterations at the global proteome level in response to TCR/CD28-mediated T cell activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Lichtenfels
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Gunter Rappl
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Tumor Genetics Section, Clinic I Internal Medicine, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Tumor Genetics Section, Clinic I Internal Medicine, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Sven P. Dressler
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Tumor Genetics Section, Clinic I Internal Medicine, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hombach AA, Abken H. Costimulation by chimeric antigen receptors revisited the T cell antitumor response benefits from combined CD28-OX40 signalling. Int J Cancer 2011; 129:2935-44. [PMID: 22030616 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic success of adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells depends on the appropriate costimulation of CD3ζ to induce full T cell activation. Costimulatory endodomains of the CD28 family are therefore fused with CD3ζ in a dual signalling CAR. Serious adverse events in two most recent trials; however, highlight the need to analyse in more detail the impact of each costimulatory endodomain on individual effector functions of redirected T cells. We therefore performed a thoroughly controlled side-by-side comparison of the most frequently used endodomains with respect to their impact on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell effector functions. CD28 reinforced T cell proliferation and is mandatory to induce IL-2. In the absence of added IL-2, CD28 and OX40 (CD137) but not 4-1BB (CD134) enhanced specific cytolysis. While CD28, 4-1BB and OX40 similarly improved pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, OX40 most efficiently prevented activation induced cell death of CD62L(-) effector memory T cells. CD28 was superior to initiate the T cell response, OX40 and 4-1BB sustained the response in long term with OX40 being most effective. We consequently combined the beneficial functions in a 3rd generation CD28-OX40 CAR which substantially improved the antitumor response without loosing specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Clinic I Internal Medicine Tumorgenetics, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Koehler P, Schmidt P, Hombach AA, Hallek M, Abken H. Engineered T cells for the adoptive therapy of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Adv Hematol 2011; 2012:595060. [PMID: 21837241 PMCID: PMC3152962 DOI: 10.1155/2012/595060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) remains an incurable disease due to the high risk of relapse, even after complete remission, raising the need to control and eliminate residual tumor cells in long term. Adoptive T cell therapy with genetically engineered specificity is thought to fulfil expectations, and clinical trials for the treatment of CLL are initiated. Cytolytic T cells from patients are redirected towards CLL cells by ex vivo engineering with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which binds to CD19 on CLL cells through an antibody-derived domain and triggers T cell activation through CD3ζ upon tumor cell engagement. Redirected T cells thereby target CLL cells in an MHC-unrestricted fashion, secret proinflammatory cytokines, and eliminate CD19(+) leukaemia cells with high efficiency. Cytolysis of autologous CLL cells by patient's engineered T cells is effective, however, accompanied by lasting elimination of healthy CD19(+) B-cells. In this paper we discuss the potential of the strategy in the treatment of CLL, the currently ongoing trials, and the future challenges in the adoptive therapy with CAR-engineered T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Koehler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Patrick Schmidt
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chmielewski M, Kopecky C, Hombach AA, Abken H. IL-12 Release by Engineered T Cells Expressing Chimeric Antigen Receptors Can Effectively Muster an Antigen-Independent Macrophage Response on Tumor Cells That Have Shut Down Tumor Antigen Expression. Cancer Res 2011; 71:5697-706. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
25
|
Rappl G, Pabst S, Riemann D, Schmidt A, Wickenhauser C, Schütte W, Hombach AA, Seliger B, Grohé C, Abken H. Regulatory T cells with reduced repressor capacities are extensively amplified in pulmonary sarcoid lesions and sustain granuloma formation. Clin Immunol 2011; 140:71-83. [PMID: 21482483 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2011.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sarcoidosis can evolve into a chronic disease with persistent granulomas accompanied by progressive fibrosis. While an unlimited inflammatory response suggests an impaired immune control in sarcoid lesions, it stands in contrast to the massive infiltration with CD4(+)CD25(high)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells. We here revealed that those Treg cells in affected lung lesions were mainly derived from activated natural Treg cells with GARP (LRRC32)-positive phenotype but exhibited reduced repressor capacities despite high IL-10 and TGF-beta 1 levels. The repressive capacity of blood Treg cells, in contrast, was not impaired compared to age-matched healthy donors. Treg derived cells in granuloma lesions have undergone extensive rounds of amplifications indicated by shortened telomeres compared to blood Treg cells of the same patient. Lesional Treg derived cells moreover secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4 which sustains granuloma formation through fibroblast amplification and the activation of mast cells, the latter indicated by the expression of membrane-bound oncostatin M.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Rappl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Laboratory for Tumorgenetics, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chmielewski M, Hombach AA, Abken H. CD28 cosignalling does not affect the activation threshold in a chimeric antigen receptor-redirected T-cell attack. Gene Ther 2010; 18:62-72. [PMID: 20944680 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy of cancer using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells with redirected specificity showed efficacy in recent trials. In preclinical models, 'second-generation' CARs with CD28 costimulatory domain in addition to CD3ζ performed superior in redirecting T-cell effector functions and survival. Whereas CD28 costimulation sustains physiological T-cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 activation of naïve T cells, the impact of CD28 cosignalling on the threshold of CAR-mediated activation of pre-stimulated T cells without B7-CD28 recruitment remained unclear. Using CARs of different binding affinities, but same epitope specificity, we demonstrate that CD28 cosignalling neither lowered the antigen threshold nor the binding affinity for redirected T-cell activation. 'Affinity ceiling' above which increase in affinity does not increase T-cell activation was not altered. Accordingly, redirected tumor cell killing depended on the binding affinity but was likewise effective for CD3ζ and CD28-CD3ζ CARs. In contrast to CD3ζ, CD28-CD3ζ CAR-driven activation was not increased further by CD28-B7 engagement. However, CD28 cosignalling, which is required for interleukin-2 induction could not be replaced by high-affinity CD3ζ CAR binding or high-density antigen engagement. We conclude that CD28 CAR cosignalling does not alter the activation threshold but redirects T-cell effector functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Chmielewski
- Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln, and Tumorgenetik, Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bridgeman JS, Hawkins RE, Hombach AA, Abken H, Gilham DE. Building better chimeric antigen receptors for adoptive T cell therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2010; 10:77-90. [PMID: 20222863 DOI: 10.2174/156652310791111001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The last few years have seen the transfer of two decades of research into Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) into clinical trials. Despite this extensive research, there is still a great deal of debate into the optimal design strategy for these, primarily, anti-cancer entities. The archetypal CAR consists of a single-chain antibody fragment, specific to a tumour-associated antigen, fused to a component of the T-cell receptor complex (typically CD3zeta) which on antigen binding primes the engrafted T-cell for anti-tumour activity. The modular nature of these artificial receptors has enabled researchers to modify aspects of their structure, including the extracellular spacer, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain, to achieve laboratory defined optimal activity. Despite this there is no consensus on the optimal structure, a problem exacerbated by conflicting results using identical receptors. In this review, we provide a structural overview of CAR development and highlight areas that require further refinement. We also attempt to identify possible reasons for conflicting results in the hope that this information will inspire future rational design strategies for optimal tumour targeting using CARs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John S Bridgeman
- Cellular Therapy Group, Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hombach A, Hombach AA, Abken H. Adoptive immunotherapy with genetically engineered T cells: modification of the IgG1 Fc 'spacer' domain in the extracellular moiety of chimeric antigen receptors avoids 'off-target' activation and unintended initiation of an innate immune response. Gene Ther 2010; 17:1206-13. [PMID: 20555360 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs, immunoreceptors) are frequently used to redirect T cells with pre-defined specificity, in particular towards tumour cells for use in adoptive immunotherapy of malignant diseases. Specific targeting is mediated by an extracellularly located antibody-derived binding domain, which is joined to the transmembrane and intracellular CD3ζ moiety for T-cell activation. Stable CAR expression in T cells, however, requires a spacer domain interposed between the binding and the transmembrane domain and which is commonly the constant IgG1 Fc domain. We here revealed that CARs with Fc spacer domain bind to IgG Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs), thereby unintentionally activating innate immune cells, including monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, which consequently secrete high amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Engineered T cells, on the other hand, are likewise activated by FcγR binding resulting in cytokine secretion and lysis of monocytes and NK cells independently of the redirected specificity. To reduce FcγR binding, we modified the spacer domain without affecting CAR expression and antigen binding. Engineered with the modified CAR, T cells are not activated in presence of FcγR(+) cells, thereby minimizing the risk of off-target activation while preserving their redirected targeting specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Hombach
- Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln, and Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, Köln, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Seeger JM, Schmidt P, Brinkmann K, Hombach AA, Coutelle O, Zigrino P, Wagner-Stippich D, Mauch C, Abken H, Krönke M, Kashkar H. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib sensitizes melanoma cells toward adoptive CTL attack. Cancer Res 2010; 70:1825-34. [PMID: 20179203 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-3175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of tumor-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) results in target cell lysis by activating the intrinsic apoptotic cell death program. Not surprisingly, deregulation of the apoptotic machinery is one of the central mechanisms by which tumor cells escape immune destruction despite specific CTL recognition. Here we show that treatment with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib sensitizes previously resistant tumor cells for cytolytic T-cell attack. Human T cells were redirected toward melanoma cells by engineered expression of an immunoreceptor with binding specificity for high molecular weight-melanoma-associated antigen. Established melanoma cell lines as well as primary melanoma cells from tumor biopsies, which are notoriously resistant toward T-cell lysis, became sensitive upon bortezomib treatment. Detailed analysis of the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that bortezomib treatment induced mitochondrial accumulation of NOXA, which potentiated the release of mitochondrial second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) in response to CTL effector functions, including caspase-8 and granzyme B. Our data indicate that proteasome inhibition increases the sensitivity of tumor cells toward cytolytic T-cell attack by NOXA-mediated enhancement of mitochondrial SMAC release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Michael Seeger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hombach AA, Kofler D, Rappl G, Abken H. Redirecting human CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells from the peripheral blood with pre-defined target specificity. Gene Ther 2009; 16:1088-96. [PMID: 19554034 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2009.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent insight into the balance of self-tolerance and auto-aggression has raised interest in using human regulatory T (Treg) cells for adoptive immunotherapy of unlimited autoimmune diseases including type-1 diabetes, rhematoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The therapeutic use of Treg cells, however, is so far hampered by the inefficiency of current protocols in making them accessible for genetic manipulations. We report here that TCR/CD3 stimulation that is accompanied by extensive CD28 costimulation makes human Treg cells susceptible to retroviral gene transfer ex vivo while preserving their properties in vitro and in vivo. To show the power of genetic manipulation of human Treg cells, we engineered 'designer Treg cells' by retroviral expression of a chimeric immunoreceptor with defined specificity, which activates Treg cells in a ligand-dependent manner to proliferate, to secrete high amounts of interleukin-10 and to repress an ongoing cytolytic T-cell response in vivo. The procedure in genetically modifying human Treg cells ex vivo will open a panel of applications for their use in the adoptive therapy of deregulated immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Hombach
- Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln (ZMMK) and Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Labor Tumorgenetik, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rappl G, Schmidt A, Mauch C, Hombach AA, Abken H. Extensive Amplification of Human Regulatory T Cells Alters Their Functional Capacities and Targets Them to the Periphery. Rejuvenation Res 2008; 11:915-33. [DOI: 10.1089/rej.2008.0723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Rappl
- Tumorgenetics, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annette Schmidt
- Institute for Circulation Research and Sports Medicine, German Sports University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelia Mauch
- Tumorbiology, Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Tumorgenetics, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Tumorgenetics, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hombach AA, Kofler D, Hombach A, Rappl G, Abken H. Effective proliferation of human regulatory T cells requires a strong costimulatory CD28 signal that cannot be substituted by IL-2. J Immunol 2008; 179:7924-31. [PMID: 18025240 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.11.7924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The strength of immune repression by regulatory T (Treg) cells is thought to depend on the efficiency of Treg cell activation. The stimuli and their individual strength required to activate resting human Treg cells, however, have so far not been elucidated in detail. We reveal here that induction of proliferation of human CD4(+)C25(+) Treg cells requires an extraordinary strong CD28 costimulatory signal in addition to TCR/CD3 engagement. CD28 costimulation, noteworthy, cannot be substituted by IL-2 to induce proliferation of Treg cells, which is in contrast to CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. IL-2, in contrast, prevents spontaneous apoptosis of Treg cells, but does not initiate their amplification. IL-2 and CD28 costimulation clearly exhibit disparate effects on Treg cells which are in contrast to those on CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. Moreover, the prerequisites for Treg cell proliferation differ strikingly from those for effector T cells, implying a balanced orchestration in initiating and limiting a T cell immune response. In addition, data are of relevance for the design of therapeutic strategies involving IL-2 administration and CD28 costimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln and Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Labor Tumorgenetik, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hombach AA, Schildgen V, Heuser C, Finnern R, Gilham DE, Abken H. T cell activation by antibody-like immunoreceptors: the position of the binding epitope within the target molecule determines the efficiency of activation of redirected T cells. J Immunol 2007; 178:4650-7. [PMID: 17372024 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.7.4650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant TCRs confer specificity to T cells and trigger their activation. Receptors with Ab-derived binding domains have the advantages of MHC-independent Ag recognition and of targeting a variety of chemically different molecules. We explored the impact of the position of a defined epitope within the target molecule on the efficacy of receptor-mediated T cell activation. T cells were grafted with recombinant immunoreceptors that recognize either the membrane distal N or the proximal A3 domain of carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA). Upon binding to isolated, solid-phase immobilized CEA, receptor-mediated T cell activation correlates with the binding efficiency, irrespectively, of the epitope position. Upon binding to CEA expressed on the cell membrane, in contrast, the A3 epitope mediates more efficiently T cell activation than the N epitope, although the N epitope is bound with higher affinity. The CEA N epitope when expressed in a more membrane proximal position, however, activated receptor grafted T cells with higher efficiency than in the distal position. The position of the targeted epitope within the molecule obviously has major impact on the efficacy of T cell activation independently of the binding efficiency of the immunoreceptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Tumorgenetik, Kliniken der Universität zu Köln and Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln, Josef-Stelzmann Strasse 9, Köln, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|