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Baeten P, Hamad I, Hoeks C, Hiltensperger M, Van Wijmeersch B, Popescu V, Aly L, Somers V, Korn T, Kleinewietfeld M, Hellings N, Broux B. Rapamycin rescues loss of function in blood-brain barrier-interacting Tregs. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e167457. [PMID: 38386413 PMCID: PMC11128200 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.167457] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In autoimmunity, FOXP3+ Tregs skew toward a proinflammatory, nonsuppressive phenotype and are, therefore, unable to control the exaggerated autoimmune response. This largely affects the success of autologous Treg therapy, which is currently under investigation for autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a need to ensure in vivo Treg stability before successful application of Treg therapy. Using genetic fate-mapping mice, we demonstrate that inflammatory, cytokine-expressing exFOXP3 T cells accumulate in the CNS during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In a human in vitro model, we discovered that interaction with inflamed blood-brain barrier endothelial cells (BBB-ECs) induces loss of function by Tregs. Transcriptome and cytokine analysis revealed that in vitro migrated Tregs have disrupted regenerative potential and a proinflammatory Th1/17 signature, and they upregulate the mTORC1 signaling pathway. In vitro treatment of migrated human Tregs with the clinically approved mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin restored suppression. Finally, flow cytometric analysis indicated an enrichment of inflammatory, less-suppressive CD49d+ Tregs in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with MS. In summary, interaction with BBB-ECs is sufficient to affect Treg function, and transmigration triggers an additive proinflammatory phenotype switch. These insights help improve the efficacy of autologous Treg therapy of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien Baeten
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ibrahim Hamad
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium
- VIB Laboratory of Translational Immunomodulation, Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Cindy Hoeks
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Michael Hiltensperger
- Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bart Van Wijmeersch
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Pelt, Belgium
- Noorderhart, Revalidatie & MS Centrum, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Veronica Popescu
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Pelt, Belgium
- Noorderhart, Revalidatie & MS Centrum, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Lilian Aly
- Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Veerle Somers
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Thomas Korn
- Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Kleinewietfeld
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium
- VIB Laboratory of Translational Immunomodulation, Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Niels Hellings
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bieke Broux
- Universitair MS Centrum, Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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2
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Stucchi A, Maspes F, Montee-Rodrigues E, Fousteri G. Engineered Treg cells: The heir to the throne of immunotherapy. J Autoimmun 2024; 144:102986. [PMID: 36639301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Recently, increased interest in the use of Tregs as adoptive cell therapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection had led to several advances in the field. However, Treg cell therapies, while constantly advancing, indiscriminately suppress the immune system without the permanent stabilization of certain diseases. Genetically modified Tregs hold great promise towards solving these problems, but, challenges in identifying the most potent Treg subtype, accompanied by the ambiguity involved in identifying the optimal Treg source, along with its expansion and engineering in a clinical-grade setting remain paramount. This review highlights the recent advances in methodologies for the development of genetically engineered Treg cell-based treatments for autoimmune, inflammatory diseases, and organ rejection. Additionally, it provides a systematized guide to all the recent progress in the field and informs the readers of the feasibility and safety of engineered adoptive Treg cell therapy, with the aim to provide a framework for researchers involved in the development of engineered Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Stucchi
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Maspes
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Ely Montee-Rodrigues
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Cambridge Epigenetix, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Georgia Fousteri
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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Grimsdell B, Saleem A, Volpe A, Fruhwirth GO. Genetic Engineering of Therapeutic Cells with the Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) to Enable Noninvasive In Vivo Therapy Tracking. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2729:303-330. [PMID: 38006504 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3499-8_18] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive long-term imaging of therapeutic cells in preclinical models can be achieved through introducing a reporter gene into the cells of interest. Despite important recent developments such as gene editing, cell engineering based on lentiviruses remains a mainstream tool for gene transfer applicable to a variety of different cell types.In this chapter, we describe how to use lentivirus-based genetic engineering to render different candidate cell therapies in vivo traceable by radionuclide imaging. We illustrate this reporter gene technology using the sodium iodide symporter (NIS), which is compatible with both positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). For preclinical experimentation, we fused NIS with a suitable fluorescent protein such as monomeric GFP or RFP to streamline cell line generation and downstream analyses of ex vivo tissue samples. We present protocols for reporter gene engineering of human cardiac progenitor cells, regulatory T cells, and effector T cells as well as for the characterization experiments required to validate NIS-fluorescent protein reporter function in these candidate therapeutic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Grimsdell
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adeel Saleem
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alessia Volpe
- Molecular Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gilbert O Fruhwirth
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
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Baron KJ, Turnquist HR. Clinical Manufacturing of Regulatory T Cell Products For Adoptive Cell Therapy and Strategies to Improve Therapeutic Efficacy. Organogenesis 2023; 19:2164159. [PMID: 36681905 PMCID: PMC9870008 DOI: 10.1080/15476278.2022.2164159] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on successes in preclinical animal transplant models, adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with regulatory T cells (Tregs) is a promising modality to induce allograft tolerance or reduce the use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. Extensive work has been done in optimizing the best approach to manufacture Treg cell products for testing in transplant recipients. Collectively, clinical evaluations have demonstrated that large numbers of Tregs can be expanded ex vivo and infused safely. However, these trials have failed to induce robust drug-free tolerance and/or significantly reduce the level of immunosuppression needed to prevent solid organ transplant (SOTx) rejection. Improving Treg therapy effectiveness may require increasing Treg persistence or orchestrating Treg migration to secondary lymphatic tissues or places of inflammation. In this review, we describe current clinical Treg manufacturing methods used for clinical trials. We also highlight current strategies being implemented to improve delivered Treg ACT persistence and migration in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassandra J. Baron
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hēth R. Turnquist
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,CONTACT Hēth R. Turnquist Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute 200 Lothrop Street, BST W1542, PittsburghPA 15213, USA
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Annamalai C, Kute V, Sheridan C, Halawa A. Hematopoietic cell-based and non-hematopoietic cell-based strategies for immune tolerance induction in living-donor renal transplantation: A systematic review. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2023; 37:100792. [PMID: 37709652 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2023.100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite its use to prevent acute rejection, lifelong immunosuppression can adversely impact long-term patient and graft outcomes. In theory, immunosuppression withdrawal is the ultimate goal of kidney transplantation, and is made possible by the induction of immunological tolerance. The purpose of this paper is to review the safety and efficacy of immune tolerance induction strategies in living-donor kidney transplantation, both chimerism-based and non-chimerism-based. The impact of these strategies on transplant outcomes, including acute rejection, allograft function and survival, cost, and immune monitoring, will also be discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as additional online resources such as EBSCO, were exhaustively searched. Adult living-donor kidney transplant recipients who developed chimerism-based tolerance after concurrent bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or those who received non-chimerism-based, non-hematopoietic cell therapy using mesenchymal stromal cells, dendritic cells, or regulatory T cells were studied between 2000 and 2021. Individual sources of evidence were evaluated critically, and the strength of evidence and risk of bias for each outcome of the transplant tolerance study were assessed. RESULTS From 28,173 citations, 245 studies were retrieved after suitable exclusion and duplicate removal. Of these, 22 studies (2 RCTs, 11 cohort studies, 6 case-control studies, and 3 case reports) explicitly related to both interventions (chimerism- and non-chimerism-based immune tolerance) were used in the final review process and were critically appraised. According to the findings, chimerism-based strategies fostered immunotolerance, allowing for the safe withdrawal of immunosuppressive medications. Cell-based therapy, on the other hand, frequently did not induce tolerance except for minimising immunosuppression. As a result, the rejection rates, renal allograft function, and survival rates could not be directly compared between these two groups. While chimerism-based tolerance protocols posed safety concerns due to myelosuppression, including infections and graft-versus-host disease, cell-based strategies lacked these adverse effects and were largely safe. There was a lack of direct comparisons between HLA-identical and HLA-disparate recipients, and the cost implications were not examined in several of the retrieved studies. Most studies reported successful immunosuppressive weaning lasting at least 3 years (ranging up to 11.4 years in some studies), particularly with chimerism-based therapy, while only a few investigators used immune surveillance techniques. The studies reviewed were often limited by selection, classification, ascertainment, performance, and attrition bias. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates that chimerism-based hematopoietic strategies induce immune tolerance, and a substantial number of patients are successfully weaned off immunosuppression. Despite the risk of complications associated with myelosuppression. Non-chimerism-based, non-hematopoietic cell protocols, on the other hand, have been proven to facilitate immunosuppression minimization but seldom elicit immunological tolerance. However, the results of this review must be interpreted with caution because of the non-randomised study design, potential confounding, and small sample size of the included studies. Further validation and refinement of tolerogenic protocols in accordance with local practice preferences is also warranted, with an emphasis on patient selection, cost ramifications, and immunological surveillance based on reliable tolerance assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrashekar Annamalai
- Postgraduate School of Medicine, Institute of Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.
| | - Vivek Kute
- Nephrology and Transplantation, Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Center and Dr. H L Trivedi Institute of Transplantation Sciences (IKDRC-ITS), Ahmedabad, India
| | - Carl Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Ocular Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Ahmed Halawa
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Chen G, Hu X, Huang Y, Xiang X, Pan S, Chen R, Xu X. Role of the immune system in liver transplantation and its implications for therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e444. [PMID: 38098611 PMCID: PMC10719430 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) stands as the gold standard for treating end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, yet postoperative complications continue to impact survival rates. The liver's unique immune system, governed by a microenvironment of diverse immune cells, is disrupted during processes like ischemia-reperfusion injury posttransplantation, leading to immune imbalance, inflammation, and subsequent complications. In the posttransplantation period, immune cells within the liver collaboratively foster a tolerant environment, crucial for immune tolerance and liver regeneration. While clinical trials exploring cell therapy for LT complications exist, a comprehensive summary is lacking. This review provides an insight into the intricacies of the liver's immune microenvironment, with a specific focus on macrophages and T cells as primary immune players. Delving into the immunological dynamics at different stages of LT, we explore the disruptions after LT and subsequent immune responses. Focusing on immune cell targeting for treating liver transplant complications, we provide a comprehensive summary of ongoing clinical trials in this domain, especially cell therapies. Furthermore, we offer innovative treatment strategies that leverage the opportunities and prospects identified in the therapeutic landscape. This review seeks to advance our understanding of LT immunology and steer the development of precise therapies for postoperative complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanrong Chen
- The Fourth School of Clinical MedicineZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xin Hu
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Yingchen Huang
- The Fourth School of Clinical MedicineZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaonan Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Sheng Pan
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Ronggao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
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Wobma H, Janssen E. Expanding IPEX: Inborn Errors of Regulatory T Cells. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:825-840. [PMID: 37821198 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for enforcing peripheral tolerance. Monogenic "Tregopathies" affecting Treg development, stability, and/or function commonly present with polyautoimmunity, atopic disease, and infection. While autoimmune manifestations may present in early childhood, as more disorders are characterized, conditions with later onset have been identified. Treg numbers in the blood may be decreased in Tregopathies, but this is not always the case, and genetic testing should be pursued when there is high clinical suspicion. Currently, hematopoietic cell transplantation is the only curative treatment, but gene therapies are in development, and small molecule inhibitors/biologics may also be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Wobma
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erin Janssen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, SPC 5718, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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8
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Bi Y, Kong R, Peng Y, Yu H, Zhou Z. Umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood-derived regulatory T cells therapy: Progress in type 1 diabetes. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109716. [PMID: 37544491 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key regulators for the inflammatory response and play a role in maintaining the immune tolerance. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a relatively common autoimmune disease that results from the loss of immune tolerance to β-cell-associated antigens. Preclinical models have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Tregs given in transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases such as T1D. Adoptive transfer of Tregs has been utilized in clinical trials for over a decade. However, the achievement of the adoptive transfer of Tregs therapy in clinical application remains challenging. In this review, we highlight the characterization of Tregs and compare the differences between umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood-derived Tregs. Additionally, we summarize conditional modifications in the expansion of Tregs in clinical trials, especially for the treatment of T1D. Finally, we discuss the existing technical challenges for Tregs in clinical trials for the treatment of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjie Bi
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Cell Therapy for Diabetes, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ran Kong
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Cell Therapy for Diabetes, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yani Peng
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Cell Therapy for Diabetes, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Cell Therapy for Diabetes, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Cell Therapy for Diabetes, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
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9
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Jovisic M, Mambetsariev N, Singer BD, Morales-Nebreda L. Differential roles of regulatory T cells in acute respiratory infections. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170505. [PMID: 37463441 DOI: 10.1172/jci170505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory infections trigger an inflammatory immune response with the goal of pathogen clearance; however, overexuberant inflammation causes tissue damage and impairs pulmonary function. CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) interact with cells of both the innate and the adaptive immune system to limit acute pulmonary inflammation and promote its resolution. Tregs also provide tissue protection and coordinate lung tissue repair, facilitating a return to homeostatic pulmonary function. Here, we review Treg-mediated modulation of the host response to respiratory pathogens, focusing on mechanisms underlying how Tregs promote resolution of inflammation and repair of acute lung injury. We also discuss potential strategies to harness and optimize Tregs as a cellular therapy for patients with severe acute respiratory infection and discuss open questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Jovisic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science
| | | | - Benjamin D Singer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Luisa Morales-Nebreda
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science
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10
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Henschel P, Landwehr-Kenzel S, Engels N, Schienke A, Kremer J, Riet T, Redel N, Iordanidis K, Saetzler V, John K, Heider M, Hardtke-Wolenski M, Wedemeyer H, Jaeckel E, Noyan F. Supraphysiological FOXP3 expression in human CAR-Tregs results in improved stability, efficacy, and safety of CAR-Treg products for clinical application. J Autoimmun 2023; 138:103057. [PMID: 37224732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead family transcription factor (FOXP3) is an essential regulator for the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and orchestrates both suppressive function and Treg lineage identity. Stable expression of FOXP3 enables Tregs to maintain immune homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity. However, under pro-inflammatory conditions, FOXP3 expression in Tregs can become unstable, leading to loss of suppressive function and conversion into pathogenic T effector cells. Therefore, the success of adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs is highly dependent on the stability of FOXP3 expression to ensure the safety of the cell product. To warrant the stable expression of FOXP3 in CAR-Treg products, we have developed an HLA-A2-specific CAR vector that co-expresses FOXP3. The transduction of isolated human Tregs with the FOXP3-CAR led to an increase in the safety and efficacy of the CAR-Treg product. In a hostile microenvironment, under pro-inflammatory and IL-2-deficient conditions, FOXP3-CAR-Tregs showed a stable expression of FOXP3 compared to Control-CAR-Tregs. Furthermore, additional exogenous expression of FOXP3 did not induce phenotypic alterations and dysfunctions such as cell exhaustion, loss of functional Treg characteristics or abnormal cytokine secretion. In a humanized mouse model, FOXP3-CAR-Tregs displayed an excellent ability to prevent allograft rejection. Furthermore, FOXP3-CAR-Tregs revealed coherent Treg niche-filling capabilities. Overexpression of FOXP3 in CAR-Tregs has thereby the potential to increase the efficacy and reliability of cellular products, promoting their clinical use in organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Henschel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sybille Landwehr-Kenzel
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Niklas Engels
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Schienke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jakob Kremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Riet
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department I of Internal Medicine, Tumor Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nella Redel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Iordanidis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Valerie Saetzler
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina John
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Miriam Heider
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology, Essen University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Liver Transplantation, Multi Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Fatih Noyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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11
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Wang M, Thomson AW, Yu F, Hazra R, Junagade A, Hu X. Regulatory T lymphocytes as a therapy for ischemic stroke. Semin Immunopathol 2023; 45:329-346. [PMID: 36469056 PMCID: PMC10239790 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00975-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Unrestrained excessive inflammatory responses exacerbate ischemic brain injury and impede post-stroke brain recovery. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells play important immunosuppressive roles to curtail inflammatory responses and regain immune homeostasis after stroke. Accumulating evidence confirms that Treg cells are neuroprotective at the acute stage after stroke and promote brain repair at the chronic phases. The beneficial effects of Treg cells are mediated by diverse mechanisms involving cell-cell interactions and soluble factor release. Multiple types of cells, including both immune cells and non-immune CNS cells, have been identified to be cellular targets of Treg cells. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the function of Treg cells in ischemic stroke and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. The protective and reparative properties of Treg cells endorse them as good candidates for immune therapy. Strategies that boost the numbers and functions of Treg cells have been actively developing in the fields of transplantation and autoimmune diseases. We discuss the approaches for Treg cell expansion that have been tested in stroke models. The application of these approaches to stroke patients may bring new hope for stroke treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Wang
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, SBST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Angus W Thomson
- Department of Surgery and Department of Immunology, Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Fang Yu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, SBST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Rimi Hazra
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Aditi Junagade
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, SBST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, SBST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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12
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Dudreuilh C, Jarvis P, Beadle N, Pilecka I, Shaw O, Gardner L, Scottà C, Mamode N, Game DS, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Lombardi G, Learoyd A, Douiri A, Dorling A. Can regulatory T cells improve outcomes of sensitised patients after HLA-Ab incompatible renal transplantation: study protocol for the Phase IIa GAMECHANgER-1 trial. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:117. [PMID: 37118685 PMCID: PMC10140710 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03157-7] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation is the gold-standard treatment for patients with kidney failure. However, one-third of patients awaiting a kidney transplant are highly sensitized to human leukocyte antigens (HLA), resulting in an increased waiting time for a suitable kidney, more acute and chronic rejection, and a shorter graft survival compared to non-highly sensitised patients. Current standard immunosuppression protocols do not adequately suppress memory responses, and so alternative strategies are needed. Autologous polyclonally expanded regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been demonstrated to be safe in transplant settings and could be a potential alternative to modulate memory immune alloresponses. METHODS The aim of this trial is to determine whether adoptive transfer of autologous Tregs into HLA sensitised patients can suppress memory T and B cell responses against specific HLA antigens. This is a two-part, multi-centre, prospective clinical trial, comprising an observational phase (Part 1) aiming to identify patients with unregulated cellular memory responses to HLA (Pure HLA Proteins) followed by an interventional phase (Part 2). The first 9 patients identified as being eligible in Part 1 will undergo baseline immune monitoring for 2 months to inform statistical analysis of the primary endpoint. Part 2 is an adaptive, open labelled trial based on Simon's two-stage design, with 21 patients receiving Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-grade polyclonally expanded Tregs to a dose of 5-10 × 106 cells/kg body weight. The primary EP is suppression of in vitro memory responses for 2 months post-infusion. 12 patients will receive treatment in stage 1 of Part 2, and 9 patients will receive treatment in stage 2 of Part 2 if ≥ 50% patients pass the primary EP in stage 1. DISCUSSION This is a prospective study aiming to identify patients with unregulated cellular memory responses to Pure HLA Proteins and determine baseline variation in these patterns of response. Part 2 will be an adaptive phase IIa clinical trial with 21 patients receiving a single infusion of GMP-grade polyclonally expanded Tregs in two stages. It remains to be demonstrated that modulating memory alloresponses clinically using Treg therapy is achievable. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT Number: 2021-001,664-23. REC Number: 21/SC/0253. Trial registration number ISRCTN14582152.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dudreuilh
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - P Jarvis
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Beadle
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - I Pilecka
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Clinical Trials Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - O Shaw
- Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | - L Gardner
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - C Scottà
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Mamode
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D S Game
- Department of Transplantation, Guys and St, Thomas's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - A Sanchez-Fueyo
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London University and King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - G Lombardi
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Learoyd
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Douiri
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Dorling
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre-Transplant Theme, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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13
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Steiner R, Pilat N. The potential for Treg-enhancing therapies in transplantation. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 211:122-137. [PMID: 36562079 PMCID: PMC10019131 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of regulatory T cells (Tregs) as crucial regulators of immune tolerance against self-antigens, these cells have become a promising tool for the induction of donor-specific tolerance in transplantation medicine. The therapeutic potential of increasing in vivoTreg numbers for a favorable Treg to Teff cell ratio has already been demonstrated in several sophisticated pre-clinical models and clinical pilot trials. In addition to improving cell quantity, enhancing Treg function utilizing engineering techniques led to encouraging results in models of autoimmunity and transplantation. Here we aim to discuss the most promising approaches for Treg-enhancing therapies, starting with adoptive transfer approaches and ex vivoexpansion cultures (polyclonal vs. antigen specific), followed by selective in vivostimulation methods. Furthermore, we address next generation concepts for Treg function enhancement (CARs, TRUCKs, BARs) as well as the advantages and caveats inherit to each approach. Finally, this review will discuss the clinical experience with Treg therapy in ongoing and already published clinical trials; however, data on long-term results and efficacy are still very limited and many questions that might complicate clinical translation remain open. Here, we discuss the hurdles for clinical translation and elaborate on current Treg-based therapeutic options as well as their potencies for improving long-term graft survival in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Steiner
- Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Pilat
- Correspondence: Nina Pilat, PhD, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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14
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McCallion O, Bilici M, Hester J, Issa F. Regulatory T-cell therapy approaches. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 211:96-107. [PMID: 35960852 PMCID: PMC10019137 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have enormous therapeutic potential to treat a variety of immunopathologies characterized by aberrant immune activation. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded autologous Tregs continues to progress through mid- to late-phase clinical trials in several disease spaces and has generated promising preliminary safety and efficacy signals to date. However, the practicalities of this strategy outside of the clinical trial setting remain challenging. Here, we review the current landscape of regulatory T-cell therapy, considering emergent approaches and technologies presenting novel ways to engage Tregs, and reflect on the progress necessary to deliver their therapeutic potential to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver McCallion
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Merve Bilici
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Hester
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fadi Issa
- Correspondence. Fadi Issa, Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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15
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Jacob J, Volpe A, Peng Q, Lechler RI, Smyth LA, Lombardi G, Fruhwirth GO. Radiolabelling of Polyclonally Expanded Human Regulatory T Cells (Treg) with 89Zr-oxine for Medium-Term In Vivo Cell Tracking. Molecules 2023; 28:1482. [PMID: 36771148 PMCID: PMC9920634 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a promising candidate cell therapy to treat autoimmune diseases and aid the longevity of transplanted solid organs. Despite increasing numbers of clinical trials using human Treg therapy, important questions pertaining to their in vivo fate, distribution, and function remain unanswered. Treg accumulation in relevant tissues was found to be crucial for Treg therapy efficacy, but existing blood-borne biomarkers are unlikely to accurately reflect the tissue state. Non-invasive Treg tracking by whole-body imaging is a promising alternative and can be achieved by direct radiolabelling of Tregs and following the radiolabelled cells with positron emission tomography (PET). Our goal was to evaluate the radiolabelling of polyclonal Tregs with 89Zr to permit their in vivo tracking by PET/CT for longer than one week with current preclinical PET instrumentation. We used [89Zr]Zr(oxinate)4 as the cell-labelling agent and achieved successful radiolabelling efficiency of human Tregs spanning 0.1-11.1 Bq 89Zr/Treg cell, which would be compatible with PET tracking beyond one week. We characterized the 89Zr-Tregs, assessing their phenotypes, and found that they were not tolerating these intracellular 89Zr amounts, as they failed to survive or expand in a 89Zr-dose-dependent manner. Even at 0.1 Bq 89Zr per Treg cell, while 89Zr-Tregs remained functional as determined by a five-day-long effector T cell suppression assay, they failed to expand beyond day 3 in vitro. Moreover, PET imaging revealed signs of 89Zr-Treg death after adoptive transfer in vivo. In summary, 89Zr labelling of Tregs at intracellular radioisotope amounts compatible with cell tracking over several weeks did not achieve the desired outcomes, as 89Zr-Tregs failed to expand and survive. Consequently, we conclude that indirect Treg labelling is likely to be the most effective alternative method to satisfy the requirements of this cell tracking scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Jacob
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, Tower Wing, 5th Floor, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Alessia Volpe
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, New Hunt’s House, 2nd Floor, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Qi Peng
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, Tower Wing, 5th Floor, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, New Hunt’s House, 2nd Floor, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Robert I. Lechler
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, Tower Wing, 5th Floor, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Lesley A. Smyth
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, Stratford Campus, University of East London, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Giovanna Lombardi
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, Tower Wing, 5th Floor, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Gilbert O. Fruhwirth
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, New Hunt’s House, 2nd Floor, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 1UL, UK
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16
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Amini L, Kaeda J, Fritsche E, Roemhild A, Kaiser D, Reinke P. Clinical adoptive regulatory T Cell therapy: State of the art, challenges, and prospective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1081644. [PMID: 36794233 PMCID: PMC9924129 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1081644] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rejection of solid organ transplant and graft versus host disease (GvHD) continue to be challenging in post transplantation management. The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors dramatically improved recipients' short-term prognosis. However, long-term clinical outlook remains poor, moreover, the lifelong dependency on these toxic drugs leads to chronic deterioration of graft function, in particular the renal function, infections and de-novo malignancies. These observations led investigators to identify alternative therapeutic options to promote long-term graft survival, which could be used concomitantly, but preferably, replace pharmacologic immunosuppression as standard of care. Adoptive T cell (ATC) therapy has evolved as one of the most promising approaches in regenerative medicine in the recent years. A range of cell types with disparate immunoregulatory and regenerative properties are actively being investigated as potential therapeutic agents for specific transplant rejection, autoimmunity or injury-related indications. A significant body of data from preclinical models pointed to efficacy of cellular therapies. Significantly, early clinical trial observations have confirmed safety and tolerability, and yielded promising data in support of efficacy of the cellular therapeutics. The first class of these therapeutic agents commonly referred to as advanced therapy medicinal products have been approved and are now available for clinical use. Specifically, clinical trials have supported the utility of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) to minimize unwanted or overshooting immune responses and reduce the level of pharmacological immunosuppression in transplant recipients. Tregs are recognized as the principal orchestrators of maintaining peripheral tolerance, thereby blocking excessive immune responses and prevent autoimmunity. Here, we summarize rationale for the adoptive Treg therapy, challenges in manufacturing and clinical experiences with this novel living drug and outline future perspectives of its use in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Amini
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health—Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jaspal Kaeda
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Fritsche
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Roemhild
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaiser
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health—Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Petra Reinke,
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17
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Hennessy C, Deptula M, Hester J, Issa F. Barriers to Treg therapy in Europe: From production to regulation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1090721. [PMID: 36744143 PMCID: PMC9892909 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1090721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been an increased interest in cell based therapies for a range of medical conditions in the last decade. This explosion in novel therapeutics research has led to the development of legislation specifically focused on cell and gene based therapies. In Europe, the European medicines agency (EMA) designates any medicines for human use which are based on genes, tissues, or cells as advanced therapy medicinal products or advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). In this article we discuss the hurdles to widespread adoption of ATMPs in Europe, with a focus on regulatory T cells (Tregs). There are numerous barriers which must be overcome before mainstream adoption of Treg therapy becomes a reality. The source of the cells, whether to use autologous or allogenic cells, and the methods through which they are isolated and expanded, must all meet strict good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards to allow use of the products in humans. GMP compliance is costly, with the equipment and reagents providing a significant cost barrier and requiring specialized facilities and personnel. Conforming to the regulations set centrally by the EMA is difficult, and the different interpretations of the regulations across the various member states further complicates the regulatory approval process. The end products then require a complex and robust distribution network to ensure timely delivery of potentially life saving treatments to patients. In a European market whose logistics networks have been hammered by COVID and Brexit, ensuring rapid and reliable delivery systems is a more complex task than ever. In this article we will examine the impact of these barriers on the development and adoption of Tregs in Europe, and potential approaches which could facilitate more widespread use of Tregs, instead of its current concentration in a few very specialized centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Hennessy
- Transplantation Research and Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Milena Deptula
- Transplantation Research and Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Hester
- Transplantation Research and Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Fadi Issa
- Transplantation Research and Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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18
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Cao L, Ma X, Zhang J, Yang M, He Z, Yang C, Li S, Rong P, Wang W. CD27-Expressing Xenoantigen-Expanded Human Regulatory T Cells Are Efficient in Suppressing Xenogeneic Immune Response. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897221149444. [PMID: 36644879 PMCID: PMC9846302 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221149444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinically, xenotransplantation often leads to T-cell-mediated graft rejection. Immunosuppressive agents including polyclonal regulatory T cells (poly-Tregs) promote global immunosuppression, resulting in serious infections and malignancies in patients. Xenoantigen-expanded Tregs (xeno-Tregs) have become a promising immune therapy strategy to protect xenografts with fewer side effects. In this study, we aimed to identify an efficient and stable subset of xeno-Tregs. We enriched CD27+ xeno-Tregs using cell sorting and evaluated their suppressive functions and stability in vitro via mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), real-time polymerase chain reaction, inflammatory induction assay, and Western blotting. A STAT5 inhibitor was used to investigate the relationship between the function and stability of CD27+ xeno-Tregs and the JAK3-STAT5 signaling pathway. A humanized xenotransplanted mouse model was used to evaluate the function of CD27+ xeno-Tregs in vivo. Our results show that CD27+ xeno-Tregs express higher levels of Foxp3, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4), and Helios and lower levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) than their CD27- counterparts. In addition, CD27+ xeno-Tregs showed enhanced suppressive function in xeno-MLR at ratios of 1:4 and 1:16 of Tregs:responder cells. Under inflammatory conditions, a lower percentage of CD27+ xeno-Tregs secretes IL-17 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). CD27+ xeno-Tregs demonstrated an upregulated JAK3-STAT5 pathway compared with that of CD27- xeno-Tregs and showed decreased Foxp3, Helios, and CTLA4 expression after addition of STAT5 inhibitor. Mice that received porcine skin grafts showed a normal tissue phenotype and less leukocyte infiltration after reconstitution with CD27+ xeno-Tregs. Taken together, these data indicate that CD27+ xeno-Tregs may suppress immune responses in a xenoantigen-specific manner, which might be related to the activation of the JAK3-STAT5 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Cao
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation
and Gene Therapy, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha,
China,Department of Radiology, The Third
XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation
and Gene Therapy, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha,
China,Department of Radiology, The Third
XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation
and Gene Therapy, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha,
China,Department of Radiology, The Third
XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Yang
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation
and Gene Therapy, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha,
China,Department of Radiology, The Third
XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenhu He
- Department of Radiology, The Third
XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cejun Yang
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation
and Gene Therapy, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha,
China,Department of Radiology, The Third
XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sang Li
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation
and Gene Therapy, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha,
China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Department of Radiology, The Third
XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Wang
- The Institute for Cell Transplantation
and Gene Therapy, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha,
China,Department of Radiology, The Third
XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Wei Wang, The Institute for Cell
Transplantation and Gene Therapy, The Third XiangYa Hospital, Central South
University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.
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19
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Pilat N, Steiner R, Sprent J. Treg Therapy for the Induction of Immune Tolerance in Transplantation-Not Lost in Translation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021752. [PMID: 36675265 PMCID: PMC9861925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical success of solid organ transplantation is still limited by the insufficiency of immunosuppressive regimens to control chronic rejection and late graft loss. Moreover, serious side effects caused by chronic immunosuppressive treatment increase morbidity and mortality in transplant patients. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have proven to be efficient in the induction of allograft tolerance and prolongation of graft survival in numerous preclinical models, and treatment has now moved to the clinics. The results of the first Treg-based clinical trials seem promising, proving the feasibility and safety of Treg therapy in clinical organ transplantation. However, many questions regarding Treg phenotype, optimum dosage, antigen-specificity, adjunct immunosuppressants and efficacy remain open. This review summarizes the results of the first Treg-based clinical trials for tolerance induction in solid organ transplantation and recapitulates what we have learnt so far and which questions need to be resolved before Treg therapy can become part of daily clinical practice. In addition, we discuss new strategies being developed for induction of donor-specific tolerance in solid organ transplantation with the clinical aims of prolonged graft survival and minimization of immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Pilat
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: (N.P.); (J.S.); Tel.: +43-1-40400-52120 (N.P.)
| | - Romy Steiner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonathan Sprent
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Correspondence: (N.P.); (J.S.); Tel.: +43-1-40400-52120 (N.P.)
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20
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Bluestone JA, McKenzie BS, Beilke J, Ramsdell F. Opportunities for Treg cell therapy for the treatment of human disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1166135. [PMID: 37153574 PMCID: PMC10154599 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for maintaining peripheral tolerance, preventing autoimmunity, and limiting chronic inflammatory diseases. This small CD4+ T cell population can develop in the thymus and in the peripheral tissues of the immune system through the expression of an epigenetically stabilized transcription factor, FOXP3. Treg cells mediate their tolerogenic effects using multiple modes of action, including the production of inhibitory cytokines, cytokine starvation of T effector (e.g., IL-2), Teff suppression by metabolic disruption, and modulation of antigen-presenting cell maturation or function. These activities together result in the broad control of various immune cell subsets, leading to the suppression of cell activation/expansion and effector functions. Moreover, these cells can facilitate tissue repair to complement their suppressive effects. In recent years, there has been an effort to harness Treg cells as a new therapeutic approach to treat autoimmune and other immunological diseases and, importantly, to re-establish tolerance. Recent synthetic biological advances have enabled the cells to be genetically engineered to achieve tolerance and antigen-specific immune suppression by increasing their specific activity, stability, and efficacy. These cells are now being tested in clinical trials. In this review, we highlight both the advances and the challenges in this arena, focusing on the efforts to develop this new pillar of medicine to treat and cure a variety of diseases.
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21
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O'Neil A, Brook M, Abdul-Wahab S, Hester J, Lombardi G, Issa F. A GMP Protocol for the Manufacture of Tregs for Clinical Application. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2559:205-227. [PMID: 36180635 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2647-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Infusion of regulatory T cells is a promising therapeutic strategy in organ transplantation to modulate the immune system, prevent rejection, minimize the need for pharmaceutical immunosuppression, and improve long-term transplant outcomes. Here we describe a GMP-compliant method we have used for the manufacture of ex vivo expanded autologous regulatory T cells for use in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice O'Neil
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Brook
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Seetha Abdul-Wahab
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Hester
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Giovanna Lombardi
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Fadi Issa
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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22
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Atif M, Cherai M, Miyara M. Phenotypic and Functional Studies of Human Treg Cell Subpopulations. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2559:153-169. [PMID: 36180632 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2647-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Although these cells were initially studied as a homogenous cohort, we now know that they have unprecedented underlying heterogeneity. This heterogeneity is reflected in their phenotype and functions. As human Treg subpopulations are very small in numbers, it is necessary to develop novel ways of isolating and manipulating these cell populations. In this chapter, we discuss immunoassays established to this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Atif
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Immunology Department Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Mustapha Cherai
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Immunology Department Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Makoto Miyara
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Immunology Department Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
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23
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Goswami TK, Singh M, Dhawan M, Mitra S, Emran TB, Rabaan AA, Mutair AA, Alawi ZA, Alhumaid S, Dhama K. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their therapeutic potential against autoimmune disorders - Advances and challenges. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2035117. [PMID: 35240914 PMCID: PMC9009914 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2035117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are caused when immune cells act against self-protein. This biological self-non-self-discrimination phenomenon is controlled by a distinct group of lymphocytes known as regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are key inflammatory response regulators and play a pivotal role in immune tolerance and homeostasis. Treg-mediated robust immunosuppression provides self-tolerance and protection against autoimmune diseases. However, once this system fails to operate or poorly operate, it leads to an extreme situation where immune system reacts against self-antigens and destroys host organs, thus causing autoimmune diseases. Tregs can target both innate and adaptive immunity via modulating multiple immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, antigen-presenting cells, B cells, and T cells. This review highlights the Treg-mediated immunosuppression, role of several markers and their interplay during Treg development and differentiation, and advances in therapeutic aspects of Treg cells to reduce severity of autoimmunity-related conditions along with emphasizing limitations and challenges of their usages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapas Kumar Goswami
- Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Mithilesh Singh
- Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Manish Dhawan
- Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
- The Trafford Group of Colleges, Manchester, UK
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Al Mutair
- Research Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- College of Nursing, Princess Norah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- School of Nursing, Wollongong University, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Zainab Al Alawi
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alhumaid
- Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
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24
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Ghobadinezhad F, Ebrahimi N, Mozaffari F, Moradi N, Beiranvand S, Pournazari M, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Khorram R, Afshinpour M, Robino RA, Aref AR, Ferreira LMR. The emerging role of regulatory cell-based therapy in autoimmune disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1075813. [PMID: 36591309 PMCID: PMC9795194 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1075813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune disease, caused by unwanted immune responses to self-antigens, affects millions of people each year and poses a great social and economic burden to individuals and communities. In the course of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and multiple sclerosis, disturbances in the balance between the immune response against harmful agents and tolerance towards self-antigens lead to an immune response against self-tissues. In recent years, various regulatory immune cells have been identified. Disruptions in the quality, quantity, and function of these cells have been implicated in autoimmune disease development. Therefore, targeting or engineering these cells is a promising therapeutic for different autoimmune diseases. Regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, regulatory dendritic cells, myeloid suppressor cells, and some subsets of innate lymphoid cells are arising as important players among this class of cells. Here, we review the roles of each suppressive cell type in the immune system during homeostasis and in the development of autoimmunity. Moreover, we discuss the current and future therapeutic potential of each one of these cell types for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farbod Ghobadinezhad
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nasim Ebrahimi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mozaffari
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Neda Moradi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, University of Meymeh, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehran Pournazari
- Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maral Afshinpour
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Rob A. Robino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States,Xsphera Biosciences, Boston, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Leonardo M. R. Ferreira, ; Amir Reza Aref,
| | - Leonardo M. R. Ferreira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,*Correspondence: Leonardo M. R. Ferreira, ; Amir Reza Aref,
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25
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Doglio M, Alexander T, Del Papa N, Snowden JA, Greco R. New insights in systemic lupus erythematosus: From regulatory T cells to CAR-T-cell strategies. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:1289-1301. [PMID: 36137815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematous is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease with potentially multiorgan damage. Its complex etiopathogenesis involves genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors, leading to a loss of self-tolerance with autoantibody production and immune complex formation. Given the relevance of autoreactive B lymphocytes, several therapeutic approaches have been made targeting these cells. However, the disease remains incurable, reflecting an unmet need for effective strategies. Novel therapeutic concepts have been investigated to provide more specific and sustainable disease modification compared with continued immunosuppression. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has already provided the proof-of-concept that immunodepletion can lead to durable treatment-free remissions, albeit with significant treatment-related toxicity. In the future, chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell therapies, for example, CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-T, may provide a more effective lymphodepletion and with less toxicity than autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. An emerging field is to enhance immune tolerance by exploiting the suppressive capacities of regulatory T cells, which are dysfunctional in patients with systemic lupus erythematous, and thus resemble promising candidates for adoptive cell therapy. Different approaches have been developed in this area, from polyclonal to genetically engineered regulatory T cells. In this article, we discuss the current evidence and future directions of cellular therapies for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematous, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and advanced regulatory T-cell-based cellular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Doglio
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Department of Immunology Transplantations and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy; Unit of Pediatric Immunohematology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Tobias Alexander
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ), an Institute of the Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - John A Snowden
- Department of Haematology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Raffaella Greco
- Unit of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Mila, Italy.
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26
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Sanders JM, Jeyamogan S, Mathew JM, Leventhal JR. Foxp3+ regulatory T cell therapy for tolerance in autoimmunity and solid organ transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1055466. [PMID: 36466912 PMCID: PMC9714335 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for tolerance in humans. The exact mechanisms by which the loss of peripheral tolerance leads to the development of autoimmunity and the specific role Tregs play in allograft tolerance are not fully understood; however, this population of T cells presents a unique opportunity in the development of targeted therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the potential roles of Foxp3+ Tregs in the development of tolerance in transplantation and autoimmunity, and the available data regarding their use as a treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jes M. Sanders
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Shareni Jeyamogan
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James M. Mathew
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joseph R. Leventhal
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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27
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Doglio M, Crossland RE, Alho AC, Penack O, Dickinson AM, Stary G, Lacerda JF, Eissner G, Inngjerdingen M. Cell-based therapy in prophylaxis and treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1045168. [PMID: 36466922 PMCID: PMC9714556 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1045168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a curative option for patients with hematological malignancies. However, due to disparities in major and minor histocompatibility antigens between donor and recipient, severe inflammatory complications can occur, among which chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) can be life-threatening. A classical therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of cGVHD has been broad immunosuppression, but more recently adjuvant immunotherapies have been tested. This review summarizes and discusses immunomodulatory approaches with T cells, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and regulatory T cells, with natural killer (NK) cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), and finally with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and extracellular vesicles thereof. Clinical studies and pre-clinical research results are presented likewise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Doglio
- Experimental Haematology Unit, Division of Immunology Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Rachel E. Crossland
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ana C. Alho
- JLacerda Lab, Hematology and Transplantation Immunology, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Olaf Penack
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne M. Dickinson
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Alcyomics Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - João F. Lacerda
- JLacerda Lab, Hematology and Transplantation Immunology, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Günther Eissner
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marit Inngjerdingen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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28
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Regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis: functions, development, regulation, and therapeutic potential. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:533. [PMID: 36173485 PMCID: PMC9522664 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints but also leads to systemic inflammation. Auto-reactivity and dysregulation of self-tolerance are thought to play a vital role in disease onset. In the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, disturbed immunosuppressive properties of regulatory T cells contribute to the dysregulation of immune homeostasis. In RA patients, the functions of Treg cells and their frequency are reduced. Therefore, focusing on the re-establishment of self-tolerance by increasing Treg cell frequencies and preventing a loss of function is a promising strategy for the treatment of RA. This approach could be especially beneficial for those patients who do not respond well to current therapies. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge about the function, differentiation and regulation of Treg cells in RA patients and in animal models of autoimmune arthritis. In addition, we highlight the therapeutic potential as well as the challenges of Treg cell targeting treatment strategies.
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29
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Orozco G, Gupta M, Gedaly R, Marti F. Untangling the Knots of Regulatory T Cell Therapy in Solid Organ Transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883855. [PMID: 35720387 PMCID: PMC9198594 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous preclinical studies have provided solid evidence supporting adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to induce organ tolerance. As a result, there are 7 currently active Treg cell-based clinical trials in solid organ transplantation worldwide, all of which are early phase I or phase I/II trials. Although the results of these trials are optimistic and support both safety and feasibility, many experimental and clinical unanswered questions are slowing the progression of this new therapeutic alternative. In this review, we bring to the forefront the major challenges that Treg cell transplant investigators are currently facing, including the phenotypic and functional diversity of Treg cells, lineage stability, non-standardized ex vivo Treg cell manufacturing process, adequacy of administration route, inability of monitoring and tracking infused cells, and lack of biomarkers or validated surrogate endpoints of efficacy in clinical trials. With this plethora of interrogation marks, we are at a challenging and exciting crossroad where properly addressing these questions will determine the successful implementation of Treg cell-based immunotherapy in clinical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Orozco
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Meera Gupta
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Alliance Research Initiative [Treg cells to Induce Liver Tolerance (TILT) Alliance], University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Roberto Gedaly
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Alliance Research Initiative [Treg cells to Induce Liver Tolerance (TILT) Alliance], University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States.,Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Francesc Marti
- Department of Surgery - Transplant Division, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Alliance Research Initiative [Treg cells to Induce Liver Tolerance (TILT) Alliance], University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States.,Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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30
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Challenges and opportunities in achieving effective regulatory T cell therapy in autoimmune liver disease. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:461-474. [PMID: 35641679 PMCID: PMC9256571 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00940-w] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). These immune-mediated liver diseases involve a break down in peripheral self-tolerance with largely unknown aetiology. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial in maintaining immunological tolerance. Hence, Treg immunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic option in AILD. Currently, AILD do not have a curative treatment option and patients take life-long immunosuppression or bile acids to control hepatic or biliary inflammation. Clinical investigations using good manufacturing practice (GMP) Treg in autoimmune liver disease have thus far demonstrated that Treg therapy is safe and that Treg migrate to inflamed liver tissue. For Treg immunotherapy to achieve efficacy in AILD, Treg must be retained within the liver and maintain their suppressive phenotype to dampen ongoing immune responses to hepatocytes and biliary epithelium. Therefore, therapeutic Treg subsets should be selected for tissue residency markers and maximal functionality. Optimisation of dosing regime and understanding longevity of Treg in vivo are critical to successful Treg therapy. It is also essential to consider combination therapy options to complement infused Treg, for instance low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) to support pre-existing and infused Treg survival and suppressive function. Understanding the hepatic microenvironment in both early- and late-stage AILD presents significant opportunity to better tailor Treg therapy in different patient groups. Modification of a hostile microenvironment to a more favourable one either prior to or during Treg therapy could enhance the efficacy and longevity of infused GMP-Treg. Applying recent technology to discovery of autoantigen responses in AILD, T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology represents the next frontier for disease-specific CAR-Treg therapies. Consideration of all these aspects in future trials and discovery research would position GMP Treg immunotherapy as a viable personalised-medicine treatment option for effective control of autoimmune liver diseases.
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31
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Brook MO, Hester J, Petchey W, Rombach I, Dutton S, Bottomley MJ, Black J, Abdul-Wahab S, Bushell A, Lombardi G, Wood K, Friend P, Harden P, Issa F. Transplantation Without Overimmunosuppression (TWO) study protocol: a phase 2b randomised controlled single-centre trial of regulatory T cell therapy to facilitate immunosuppression reduction in living donor kidney transplant recipients. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061864. [PMID: 35428650 PMCID: PMC9014059 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy has been demonstrated to facilitate long-term allograft survival in preclinical models of transplantation and may permit reduction of immunosuppression and its associated complications in the clinical setting. Phase 1 clinical trials have shown Treg therapy to be safe and feasible in clinical practice. Here we describe a protocol for the TWO study, a phase 2b randomised control trial of Treg therapy in living donor kidney transplant recipients that will confirm safety and explore efficacy of this novel treatment strategy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS 60 patients will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to Treg therapy (TR001) or standard clinical care (control). Patients in the TR001 arm will receive an infusion of autologous polyclonal ex vivo expanded Tregs 5 days after transplantation instead of standard monoclonal antibody induction. Maintenance immunosuppression will be reduced over the course of the post-transplant period to low-dose tacrolimus monotherapy. Control participants will receive a standard basiliximab-based immunosuppression regimen with long-term tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil immunosuppression. The primary endpoint is biopsy proven acute rejection over 18 months; secondary endpoints include immunosuppression burden, chronic graft dysfunction and drug-related complications. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been provided by the National Health Service Health Research Authority South Central-Oxford A Research Ethics Committee (reference 18/SC/0054). The study also received authorisation from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and is being run in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice, in collaboration with the registered trials unit Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit. Results from the TWO study will be published in peer-reviewed scientific/medical journals and presented at scientific/clinical symposia and congresses. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN: 11038572; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Oliver Brook
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Hester
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William Petchey
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Ines Rombach
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan Dutton
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew James Bottomley
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Black
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Seetha Abdul-Wahab
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre GMP unit, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Andrew Bushell
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Giovanna Lombardi
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre GMP unit, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kathryn Wood
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Friend
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Harden
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Fadi Issa
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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32
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Joudi AM, Reyes Flores CP, Singer BD. Epigenetic Control of Regulatory T Cell Stability and Function: Implications for Translation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861607. [PMID: 35309306 PMCID: PMC8924620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune homeostasis, promote self-tolerance, and have an emerging role in resolving acute inflammation, providing tissue protection, and repairing tissue damage. Some data suggest that FoxP3+ T cells are plastic, exhibiting susceptibility to losing their function in inflammatory cytokine-rich microenvironments and paradoxically contributing to inflammatory pathology. As a result, plasticity may represent a barrier to Treg cell immunotherapy. Here, we discuss controversies surrounding Treg cell plasticity and explore determinants of Treg cell stability in inflammatory microenvironments, focusing on epigenetic mechanisms that clinical protocols could leverage to enhance efficacy and limit toxicity of Treg cell-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M. Joudi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Carla P. Reyes Flores
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Singer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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33
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Lavazza C, Budelli S, Montelatici E, Viganò M, Ulbar F, Catani L, Cannone MG, Savelli S, Groppelli E, Lazzari L, Lemoli RM, Cescon M, La Manna G, Giordano R, Montemurro T. Process development and validation of expanded regulatory T cells for prospective applications: an example of manufacturing a personalized advanced therapy medicinal product. J Transl Med 2022; 20:14. [PMID: 34986854 PMCID: PMC8729072 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of clinical trials have shown that regulatory T (Treg) cell transfer may have a favorable effect on the maintenance of self-tolerance and immune homeostasis in different conditions such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), solid organ transplantation, type 1 diabetes, and others. In this context, the availability of a robust manufacturing protocol that is able to produce a sufficient number of functional Treg cells represents a fundamental prerequisite for the success of a cell therapy clinical protocol. However, extended workflow guidelines for nonprofit manufacturers are currently lacking. Despite the fact that different successful manufacturing procedures and cell products with excellent safety profiles have been reported from early clinical trials, the selection and expansion protocols for Treg cells vary a lot. The objective of this study was to validate a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant protocol for the production of Treg cells that approaches the whole process with a risk-management methodology, from process design to completion of final product development. High emphasis was given to the description of the quality control (QC) methodologies used for the in-process and release tests (sterility, endotoxin test, mycoplasma, and immunophenotype). RESULTS The GMP-compliant protocol defined in this work allows at least 4.11 × 109 Treg cells to be obtained with an average purity of 95.75 ± 4.38% and can be used in different clinical settings to exploit Treg cell immunomodulatory function. CONCLUSIONS These results could be of great use for facilities implementing GMP-compliant cell therapy protocols of these cells for different conditions aimed at restoring the Treg cell number and function, which may slow the progression of certain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Lavazza
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Budelli
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Montelatici
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariele Viganò
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ulbar
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Pescara, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica E Sperimentale, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Catani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica E Sperimentale, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Giulia Cannone
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Savelli
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Groppelli
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Lazzari
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto M Lemoli
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), Clinic of Hematology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico S. Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Cescon
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaetano La Manna
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)-Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Unit, St. Orsola Hospital IRCCS, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rosaria Giordano
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Montemurro
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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34
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Fu J, Lehmann CHK, Wang X, Wahlbuhl M, Allabauer I, Wilde B, Amon L, Dolff S, Cesnjevar R, Kribben A, Woelfle J, Rascher W, Hoyer PF, Dudziak D, Witzke O, Hoerning A. CXCR4 blockade reduces the severity of murine heart allograft rejection by plasmacytoid dendritic cell-mediated immune regulation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23815. [PMID: 34893663 PMCID: PMC8664946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03115-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Allograft-specific regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are crucial for long-term graft acceptance after transplantation. Although adoptive Treg cell transfer has been proposed, major challenges include graft-specificity and stability. Thus, there is an unmet need for the direct induction of graft-specific Treg cells. We hypothesized a synergism of the immunotolerogenic effects of rapamycin (mTOR inhibition) and plerixafor (CXCR4 antagonist) for Treg cell induction. Thus, we performed fully-mismatched heart transplantations and found combination treatment to result in prolonged allograft survival. Moreover, fibrosis and myocyte lesions were reduced. Although less CD3+ T cell infiltrated, higher Treg cell numbers were observed. Noteworthy, this was accompanied by a plerixafor-dependent plasmacytoid dendritic cells-(pDCs)-mobilization. Furthermore, in vivo pDC-depletion abrogated the plerixafor-mediated Treg cell number increase and reduced allograft survival. Our pharmacological approach allowed to increase Treg cell numbers due to pDC-mediated immune regulation. Therefore pDCs can be an attractive immunotherapeutic target in addition to plerixafor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Fu
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.,The Emergency and Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hai Nan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Christian H K Lehmann
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Research Module II, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052, Erlangen, Germany. .,Medical Immunology Campus and German Centre for Immuntherapy (Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie-DZI) Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Xinning Wang
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,The Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mandy Wahlbuhl
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ida Allabauer
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wilde
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lukas Amon
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Research Module II, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, Universitätsmedizin Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Robert Cesnjevar
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Kribben
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Joachim Woelfle
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rascher
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter F Hoyer
- Department of Pediatrics II, Pediatric Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Transplant Medicine, Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Research Module II, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus and German Centre for Immuntherapy (Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie-DZI) Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, Universitätsmedizin Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - André Hoerning
- Department for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany. .,Department of Pediatrics II, Pediatric Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Transplant Medicine, Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany.
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35
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Balcerek J, Shy BR, Putnam AL, Masiello LM, Lares A, Dekovic F, Acevedo L, Lee MR, Nguyen V, Liu W, Paruthiyil S, Xu J, Leinbach AS, Bluestone JA, Tang Q, Esensten JH. Polyclonal Regulatory T Cell Manufacturing Under cGMP: A Decade of Experience. Front Immunol 2021; 12:744763. [PMID: 34867967 PMCID: PMC8636860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.744763] [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: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on manufacturing outcomes for 41 autologous polyclonal regulatory T cell (PolyTreg) products for 7 different Phase 1 clinical trials over a 10-year period (2011-2020). Data on patient characteristics, manufacturing parameters, and manufacturing outcomes were collected from manufacturing batch records and entered into a secure database. Overall, 88% (36/41) of PolyTreg products met release criteria and 83% (34/41) of products were successfully infused into patients. Of the 7 not infused, 5 failed release criteria, and 2 were not infused because the patient became ineligible due to a change in clinical status. The median fold expansion over the 14-day manufacturing process was 434.8 -fold (range 29.8-2,232), resulting in a median post-expansion cell count of 1,841 x 106 (range 56.9-16,179 x 106). The main correlate of post-expansion cell number was starting cell number, which positively correlates with absolute circulating Treg cell count. Other parameters, including date of PolyTreg production, patient sex, and patient age did not significantly correlate with fold expansion of Treg during product manufacturing. In conclusion, PolyTreg manufacturing outcomes are consistent across trials and dates of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Balcerek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Brian R Shy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Amy L Putnam
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lisa M Masiello
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Angela Lares
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Florinna Dekovic
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Luis Acevedo
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Michael R Lee
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Vinh Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Weihong Liu
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sreenivasan Paruthiyil
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jingying Xu
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ashley S Leinbach
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Bluestone
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Sean N. Parker Autoimmune Research Laboratory, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Qizhi Tang
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan H Esensten
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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36
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Ou K, Hamo D, Schulze A, Roemhild A, Kaiser D, Gasparoni G, Salhab A, Zarrinrad G, Amini L, Schlickeiser S, Streitz M, Walter J, Volk HD, Schmueck-Henneresse M, Reinke P, Polansky JK. Strong Expansion of Human Regulatory T Cells for Adoptive Cell Therapy Results in Epigenetic Changes Which May Impact Their Survival and Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:751590. [PMID: 34869339 PMCID: PMC8639223 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.751590] [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: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Treg) is a promising new therapeutic option to treat detrimental inflammatory conditions after transplantation and during autoimmune disease. To reach sufficient cell yield for treatment, ex vivo isolated autologous or allogenic Tregs need to be expanded extensively in vitro during manufacturing of the Treg product. However, repetitive cycles of restimulation and prolonged culture have been shown to impact T cell phenotypes, functionality and fitness. It is therefore critical to scrutinize the molecular changes which occur during T cell product generation, and reexamine current manufacturing practices. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of cells throughout the manufacturing process of a polyclonal Treg product that has proven safety and hints of therapeutic efficacy in kidney transplant patients. We found progressive DNA methylation changes over the duration of culture, which were donor-independent and reproducible between manufacturing runs. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the final products were significantly enriched at promoters and enhancers of genes implicated in T cell activation. Additionally, significant hypomethylation did also occur in promoters of genes implicated in functional exhaustion in conventional T cells, some of which, however, have been reported to strengthen immunosuppressive effector function in Tregs. At the same time, a set of reported Treg-specific demethylated regions increased methylation levels with culture, indicating a possible destabilization of Treg identity during manufacturing, which was independent of the purity of the starting material. Together, our results indicate that the repetitive TCR-mediated stimulation lead to epigenetic changes that might impact functionality of Treg products in multiple ways, by possibly shifting to an effector Treg phenotype with enhanced functional activity or by risking destabilization of Treg identity and impaired TCR activation. Our analyses also illustrate the value of epigenetic profiling for the evaluation of T cell product manufacturing pipelines, which might open new avenues for the improvement of current adoptive Treg therapies with relevance for conventional effector T cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Ou
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dania Hamo
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Schulze
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Roemhild
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaiser
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gilles Gasparoni
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Abdulrahman Salhab
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Zarrinrad
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leila Amini
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Schlickeiser
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathias Streitz
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Volk
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schmueck-Henneresse
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia K Polansky
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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37
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Bottomley MJ, Brook MO, Shankar S, Hester J, Issa F. Towards regulatory cellular therapies in solid organ transplantation. Trends Immunol 2021; 43:8-21. [PMID: 34844848 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Organ transplantation is a modern medical success story. However, since its inception it has been limited by the need for pharmacological immunosuppression. Regulatory cellular therapies offer an attractive solution to these challenges by controlling transplant alloresponses through multiple parallel suppressive mechanisms. A number of cell types have seen an accelerated development into human trials and are now on the threshold of a long-awaited breakthrough in personalized transplant therapeutics. Here we assess recent developments with a focus on the most likely candidates, some of which have already facilitated successful immunosuppression withdrawal in early clinical trials. We propose that this may constitute a promising approach in clinical transplantation but also evaluate outstanding issues in the field, providing cause for cautious optimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Bottomley
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Transplant Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew O Brook
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Transplant Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Sushma Shankar
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Transplant Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Hester
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fadi Issa
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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38
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Mammadli M, Harris R, Suo L, May A, Gentile T, Waickman AT, Bah A, August A, Nurmemmedov E, Karimi M. Interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (Itk) signaling regulates potent noncanonical regulatory T cells. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e625. [PMID: 34919342 PMCID: PMC8679839 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in controlling autoimmunity and limiting tissue damage and inflammation. IL2-inducible T cell kinase (Itk) is part of the Tec family of tyrosine kinases and is a critical component of T cell receptor mediated signaling. Here, we showed that either genetic ablation of Itk signaling or inhibition of Itk signaling pathways resulted in increased frequency of "noncanonical" CD4+ CD25- FOXP3+ Tregs (ncTregs), as well as of "canonical" CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ Tregs (canTregs). Using in vivo models, we showed that ncTregs can avert the formation of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in part by reducing conventional T cell proliferation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and tissue damage. This reduction in GVHD occurred without disruption of graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) effects. RNA sequencing revealed that a number of effector, cell adhesion, and migration molecules were upregulated in Itk-/- ncTregs. Furthermore, disrupting the SLP76: ITK interaction using a specific peptide inhibitor led to enhanced Treg development in both mouse and primary human cells. This peptide inhibitor also significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine production in primary GVHD patient samples and mouse T cells without causing cell death or apoptosis. We provide evidence that specifically targeting Itk signaling could be a therapeutic strategy to treat autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahinbanu Mammadli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Harris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Liye Suo
- Department of Pathology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Adriana May
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Teresa Gentile
- Department of Hematology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Adam T Waickman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Alaji Bah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Avery August
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Elmar Nurmemmedov
- Department of Translational Neurosciences Saint John's Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Mobin Karimi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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39
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Zuo F, Chen Y, Chen Y, Gao F, Su Y, Liao Z, Wang B. Study on the preparation and function of regulatory T cells from human peripheral blood. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1521. [PMID: 34790727 PMCID: PMC8576646 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-3812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an important cell subgroup of CD4+ T cells. Treg cells are critically involved in inducing immune tolerance, maintaining immune environment homeostasis, and preventing the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. Under normal conditions, the number of Tregs in the body is very small. This research was designed to establish an effective method to expand human peripheral blood Tregs in vitro and to analyze phenotype, purity, and function of Treg cells post-expansion. Methods Peripheral blood was obtained from healthy donors. CD4+CD25+CD127dim/− Treg cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), and an optimized culture system was used for amplification. The in vitro amplification ability of Treg cells was evaluated to determine the expression and purity of Treg cell-specific surface markers in different culture cycles. The suppressive function of Treg was determined by in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay. Results Treg cells could be successfully isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). After 21 days of in vitro culture, the mean expansion fold was 2,009±452.2 in ≤60 years, and there was a significant difference between the younger group and the older than 60 years group (1,238±330.0). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the percentages of CD4+CD25+ cells and FOXP3+ cells were (93.25±3.05)% and (94.19±4.21)% on day 14, and (92.86±4.36)% and (91.55±5.62)% on day 21, respectively. In addition, the proportions of CD8+ T, CD19+ B, CD3−CD56+ natural killer cell (NK), and CD3+ CD56+ natural killer T cell (NKT) were extremely low. Lymphocyte proliferation assay demonstrated that Tregs could inhibit the proliferation of CD8+ T cells more effectively than that of CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, the suppressive capacity of Tregs was correlated with Treg-to-PBMCs ratios. Conclusions We successfully established a technical protocol for manufacturing a large quantity of Tregs with high efficiency in vitro. The expanded Tregs have a steady FOXP3 expression and exhibited a potent immune suppression, which might have great significance in adoptive Treg therapy for treating graft-versus-host disease and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqiong Zuo
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Chengdu Yunce Medical Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Yuzuo Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Gao
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yonglin Su
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zaibo Liao
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Baoning Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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40
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Jarvis LB, Rainbow DB, Coppard V, Howlett SK, Georgieva Z, Davies JL, Mullay HK, Hester J, Ashmore T, Van Den Bosch A, Grist JT, Coles AJ, Mousa HS, Pluchino S, Mahbubani KT, Griffin JL, Saeb-Parsy K, Issa F, Peruzzotti-Jametti L, Wicker LS, Jones JL. Therapeutically expanded human regulatory T-cells are super-suppressive due to HIF1A induced expression of CD73. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1186. [PMID: 34650224 PMCID: PMC8516976 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) is a promising therapeutic approach in transplantation and autoimmunity. However, because large cell numbers are needed to achieve a therapeutic effect, in vitro expansion is required. By comparing their function, phenotype and transcriptomic profile against ex vivo Tregs, we demonstrate that expanded human Tregs switch their metabolism to aerobic glycolysis and show enhanced suppressive function through hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A) driven acquisition of CD73 expression. In conjunction with CD39, CD73 expression enables expanded Tregs to convert ATP to immunosuppressive adenosine. We conclude that for maximum therapeutic benefit, Treg expansion protocols should be optimised for CD39/CD73 co-expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna B Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel B Rainbow
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- JDRF/Wellcome Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Valerie Coppard
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah K Howlett
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zoya Georgieva
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jessica L Davies
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Joanna Hester
- Department of Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tom Ashmore
- Department of Biochemistry and Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - James T Grist
- Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alasdair J Coles
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hani S Mousa
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Julian L Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Imperial College London Dementia Research Institute & Section of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fadi Issa
- Department of Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Linda S Wicker
- JDRF/Wellcome Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanne L Jones
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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41
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He X, Li S, Zhang J, Cao L, Yang C, Rong P, Yi S, Ghimire K, Ma X, Wang W. Benefit of Belatacept in Cord Blood-Derived Regulatory T Cell-Mediated Suppression of Alloimmune Response. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211046556. [PMID: 34570631 PMCID: PMC8718163 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211046556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tolerance induction post-transplantation is well-established, but Tregs adoptive transfer alone without combined immunosuppressants have failed so far in achieving clinical outcomes. Here we applied a set of well-designed criteria to test the influence of commonly used immunosuppressants (belatacept, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate) on cord blood-derived Tregs (CB-Tregs). Our study shows that while none of these immunosuppressants modulated the stability and expression of homing molecules by CB-Tregs, belatacept met all other selective criteria, shown by its ability to enhance CB-Tregs-mediated in vitro suppression of the allogeneic response without affecting their viability, proliferation, mitochondrial metabolism and expression of functional markers. In contrast, treatment with tacrolimus or mycophenolate led to reduced expression of functional molecule GITR in CB-Tregs, impaired their viability, proliferation and mitochondrial metabolism. These findings indicate that belatacept could be considered as a candidate in Tregs-based clinical immunomodulation regimens to induce transplant tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing He
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Sang Li
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Cao
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Cejun Yang
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shounan Yi
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Centre for Transplant and Renal Research (CTRR), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kedar Ghimire
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research (CTRR), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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42
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Reading JL, Roobrouck VD, Hull CM, Becker PD, Beyens J, Valentin-Torres A, Boardman D, Lamperti EN, Stubblefield S, Lombardi G, Deans R, Ting AE, Tree T. Augmented Expansion of Treg Cells From Healthy and Autoimmune Subjects via Adult Progenitor Cell Co-Culture. Front Immunol 2021; 12:716606. [PMID: 34539651 PMCID: PMC8442662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.716606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical experience has demonstrated that adoptive regulatory T (Treg) cell therapy is a safe and feasible strategy to suppress immunopathology via induction of host tolerance to allo- and autoantigens. However, clinical trials continue to be compromised due to an inability to manufacture a sufficient Treg cell dose. Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCⓇ) promote Treg cell differentiation in vitro, suggesting they may be repurposed to enhance ex vivo expansion of Tregs for adoptive cellular therapy. Here, we use a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compatible Treg expansion platform to demonstrate that MAPC cell-co-cultured Tregs (MulTreg) exhibit a log-fold increase in yield across two independent cohorts, reducing time to target dose by an average of 30%. Enhanced expansion is coupled to a distinct Treg cell-intrinsic transcriptional program characterized by elevated expression of replication-related genes (CDK1, PLK1, CDC20), downregulation of progenitor and lymph node-homing molecules (LEF1 CCR7, SELL) and induction of intestinal and inflammatory tissue migratory markers (ITGA4, CXCR1) consistent with expression of a gut homing (CCR7lo β7hi) phenotype. Importantly, we find that MulTreg are more readily expanded from patients with autoimmune disease compared to matched Treg lines, suggesting clinical utility in gut and/or T helper type1 (Th1)-driven pathology associated with autoimmunity or transplantation. Relative to expanded Tregs, MulTreg retain equivalent and robust purity, FoxP3 Treg-Specific Demethylated Region (TSDR) demethylation, nominal effector cytokine production and potent suppression of Th1-driven antigen specific and polyclonal responses in vitro and xeno Graft vs Host Disease (xGvHD) in vivo. These data support the use of MAPC cell co-culture in adoptive Treg therapy platforms as a means to rescue expansion failure and reduce the time required to manufacture a stable, potently suppressive product.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Reading
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom.,Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,King's College London Department of Immunoregulation and Immune Intervention, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Caroline M Hull
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Daniel Becker
- King's College London Department of Immunoregulation and Immune Intervention, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jelle Beyens
- Department of R&D, ReGenesys BV, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Dominic Boardman
- Department of Surgery, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Estefania Nova Lamperti
- Molecular and Translational Immunology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | | | - Giovanna Lombardi
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Deans
- Department of R&D, ReGenesys BV, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of R&D, Athersys Inc., Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Anthony E Ting
- Department of R&D, Athersys Inc., Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Timothy Tree
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
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43
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Pilat N, Lefsihane K, Brouard S, Kotsch K, Falk C, Steiner R, Thaunat O, Fusil F, Montserrat N, Amarelli C, Casiraghi F. T- and B-cell therapy in solid organ transplantation: current evidence and future expectations. Transpl Int 2021; 34:1594-1606. [PMID: 34448274 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13972] [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: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy has emerged as an attractive therapeutic option in organ transplantation. During the last decade, the therapeutic potency of Treg immunotherapy has been shown in various preclinical animal models and safety was demonstrated in first clinical trials. However, there are still critical open questions regarding specificity, survival, and migration to the target tissue so the best Treg population for infusion into patients is still under debate. Recent advances in CAR technology hold the promise for Treg-functional superiority. Another exciting strategy is the generation of B-cell antibody receptor (BAR) Treg/cytotoxic T cells to specifically regulate or deplete alloreactive memory B cells. Finally, B cells are also capable of immune regulation, making them promising candidates for immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies. This article summarizes available literature on cell-based innovative therapeutic approaches aiming at modulating alloimmune response for transplantation. Crucial areas of investigation that need a joined effort of the transplant community for moving the field toward successful achievement of tolerance are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Pilat
- Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katia Lefsihane
- International Center of Infectiology Research (CIRI), French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) Unit 1111, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) Mixed University Unit (UMR) 5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Brouard
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Katja Kotsch
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department for General and Visceral Surgery, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, MHH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Romy Steiner
- Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olivier Thaunat
- International Center of Infectiology Research (CIRI), French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) Unit 1111, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) Mixed University Unit (UMR) 5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France.,Department of Transplantation, Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France.,Lyon-Est Medical Faculty, Claude Bernard University (Lyon 1), Lyon, France
| | - Floriane Fusil
- International Center of Infectiology Research (CIRI), French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) Unit 1111, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) Mixed University Unit (UMR) 5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Nuria Montserrat
- Pluripotency for Organ Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristiano Amarelli
- Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplants Monaldi, A.O. dei Colli, Naples, Italy
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44
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Jones M, Nankervis B, Roballo KS, Pham H, Bushman J, Coeshott C. A Comparison of Automated Perfusion- and Manual Diffusion-Based Human Regulatory T Cell Expansion and Functionality Using a Soluble Activator Complex. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720923578. [PMID: 32662685 PMCID: PMC7586259 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720923578] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence or reduced frequency of human regulatory T cells (Tregs) can limit the control of inflammatory responses, autoimmunity, and the success of transplant engraftment. Clinical studies indicate that use of Tregs as immunotherapeutics would require billions of cells per dose. The Quantum® Cell Expansion System (Quantum system) is a hollow-fiber bioreactor that has previously been used to grow billions of functional T cells in a short timeframe, 8–9 d. Here we evaluated expansion of selected Tregs in the Quantum system using a soluble activator to compare the effects of automated perfusion with manual diffusion-based culture in flasks. Treg CD4+CD25+ cells from three healthy donors, isolated via column-free immunomagnetic negative/positive selection, were grown under static conditions and subsequently seeded into Quantum system bioreactors and into T225 control flasks in an identical culture volume of PRIME-XV XSFM medium with interleukin-2, for a 9-d expansion using a soluble anti-CD3/CD28/CD2 monoclonal antibody activator complex. Treg harvests from three parallel expansions produced a mean of 3.95 × 108 (range 1.92 × 108 to 5.58 × 108) Tregs in flasks (mean viability 71.3%) versus 7.00 × 109 (range 3.57 × 109 to 13.00 × 109) Tregs in the Quantum system (mean viability 91.8%), demonstrating a mean 17.7-fold increase in Treg yield for the Quantum system over that obtained in flasks. The two culture processes gave rise to cells with a memory Treg CD4+CD25+FoxP3+CD45RO+ phenotype of 93.7% for flasks versus 97.7% for the Quantum system. Tregs from the Quantum system demonstrated an 8-fold greater interleukin-10 stimulation index than cells from flask culture following restimulation. Quantum system–expanded Tregs proliferated, maintained their antigenic phenotype, and suppressed effector immune cells after cryopreservation. We conclude that an automated perfusion bioreactor can support the scale-up expansion of functional Tregs more efficiently than diffusion-based flask culture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huong Pham
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Jared Bushman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
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45
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Baeten P, Van Zeebroeck L, Kleinewietfeld M, Hellings N, Broux B. Improving the Efficacy of Regulatory T Cell Therapy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 62:363-381. [PMID: 34224053 PMCID: PMC8256646 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmunity is caused by an unbalanced immune system, giving rise to a variety of organ-specific to system disorders. Patients with autoimmune diseases are commonly treated with broad-acting immunomodulatory drugs, with the risk of severe side effects. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have the inherent capacity to induce peripheral tolerance as well as tissue regeneration and are therefore a prime candidate to use as cell therapy in patients with autoimmune disorders. (Pre)clinical studies using Treg therapy have already established safety and feasibility, and some show clinical benefits. However, Tregs are known to be functionally impaired in autoimmune diseases. Therefore, ex vivo manipulation to boost and stably maintain their suppressive function is necessary when considering autologous transplantation. Similar to autoimmunity, severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by an exaggerated immune reaction and altered Treg responses. In light of this, Treg-based therapies are currently under investigation to treat severe COVID-19. This review provides a detailed overview of the current progress and clinical challenges of Treg therapy for autoimmune and hyperinflammatory diseases, with a focus on recent successes of ex vivo Treg manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien Baeten
- Neuro-Immune Connections and Repair Lab, Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,University MS Center, Campus Diepenbeek, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lauren Van Zeebroeck
- University MS Center, Campus Diepenbeek, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,VIB Laboratory of Translational Immunomodulation, Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Markus Kleinewietfeld
- University MS Center, Campus Diepenbeek, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,VIB Laboratory of Translational Immunomodulation, Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Niels Hellings
- Neuro-Immune Connections and Repair Lab, Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,University MS Center, Campus Diepenbeek, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bieke Broux
- Neuro-Immune Connections and Repair Lab, Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,University MS Center, Campus Diepenbeek, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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46
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Lu J, Li P, Du X, Liu Y, Zhang B, Qi F. Regulatory T cells induce transplant immune tolerance. Transpl Immunol 2021; 67:101411. [PMID: 34020045 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Organ transplantation is the preferred treatment option for end-stage organ failure. Although immunosuppressants are effective for preventing the occurrence of acute rejection, they also cause a series of side effects in transplant recipients. To improve the quality of patient survival, a new therapeutic strategy that has fewer side effects than current immunosuppressive regimens and can induce allograft immune tolerance and effectively prevent transplant rejection is needed. In this context, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are considered to be promising research targets. With the increasing understanding of the immunomodulatory role of Tregs, the use of Treg-based cellular therapies has shifted from prevention/treatment of autoimmune diseases to clinical trials for organ transplantation. This review describes the phenotype and in vitro expansion of Tregs and the mechanisms by which they exert immunomodulatory effects in transplantation immunity, highlights recent clinical trial data on Treg-based cellular therapies in transplantation, and describes future directions and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China.
| | - Peiyuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China.
| | - Xuezhi Du
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China.
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China.
| | - Baotong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China.
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China.
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47
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Harden PN, Game DS, Sawitzki B, Van der Net JB, Hester J, Bushell A, Issa F, Brook MO, Alzhrani A, Schlickeiser S, Scotta C, Petchey W, Streitz M, Blancho G, Tang Q, Markmann J, Lechler RI, Roberts ISD, Friend PJ, Hilton R, Geissler EK, Wood KJ, Lombardi G. Feasibility, long-term safety, and immune monitoring of regulatory T cell therapy in living donor kidney transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:1603-1611. [PMID: 33171020 PMCID: PMC7613119 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Short-term outcomes in kidney transplantation are marred by progressive transplant failure and mortality secondary to immunosuppression toxicity. Immune modulation with autologous polyclonal regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy may facilitate immunosuppression reduction promoting better long-term clinical outcomes. In a Phase I clinical trial, 12 kidney transplant recipients received 1-10 × 106 Treg per kg at Day +5 posttransplantation in lieu of induction immunosuppression (Treg Therapy cohort). Nineteen patients received standard immunosuppression (Reference cohort). Primary outcomes were rejection-free and patient survival. Patient and transplant survival was 100%; acute rejection-free survival was 100% in the Treg Therapy versus 78.9% in the reference cohort at 48 months posttransplant. Treg therapy revealed no excess safety concerns. Four patients in the Treg Therapy cohort had mycophenolate mofetil withdrawn successfully and remain on tacrolimus monotherapy. Treg infusion resulted in a long-lasting dose-dependent increase in peripheral blood Tregs together with an increase in marginal zone B cell numbers. We identified a pretransplantation immune phenotype suggesting a high risk of unsuccessful ex-vivo Treg expansion. Autologous Treg therapy is feasible, safe, and is potentially associated with a lower rejection rate than standard immunosuppression. Treg therapy may provide an exciting opportunity to minimize immunosuppression therapy and improve long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Harden
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - David S Game
- Department of Transplantation, Guys and St Thomas's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charite University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeroen B Van der Net
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Hester
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Bushell
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fadi Issa
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew O Brook
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Transplantation Research Immunology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alaa Alzhrani
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephan Schlickeiser
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charite University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cristiano Scotta
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - William Petchey
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Mathias Streitz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charite University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gilles Blancho
- Centre of Research in Transplantation and Immunology, Nantes University, Nantes, France
| | - Quizhi Tang
- UCSF Transplantation Research Lab, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - James Markmann
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert I Lechler
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Ian S D Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter J Friend
- Oxford Transplant Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Rachel Hilton
- Department of Transplantation, Guys and St Thomas's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Edward K Geissler
- Department of Surgery, Division of Experimental Surgery, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kathryn J Wood
- Transplantation Research Immunology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Giovanna Lombardi
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Science, Kings College London, London, UK
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48
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Hui Z, Zhang J, Zheng Y, Yang L, Yu W, An Y, Wei F, Ren X. Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals the Transcriptome and TCR Characteristics of pTregs and in vitro Expanded iTregs. Front Immunol 2021; 12:619932. [PMID: 33868236 PMCID: PMC8044526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.619932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in the maintenance of immune tolerance and tumor evasion. However, the relative low proportion of these cells in peripheral blood and tissues has hindered many studies. We sought to establish a rapamycin-based in vitro Treg expansion procedure in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and perform single-cell sequencing to explore the characteristics of Treg cells. CD25+ cells enriched from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of colorectal tumor patients were cultured in X-VIVO15 medium, supplemented with 5% human AB serum, L-glutamine, rapamycin, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and Dynabeads human Treg expander for 21 days to expand Tregs. Treg cells with satisfactory phenotype and function were successfully expanded from CD4+CD25+ cells in patients with colorectal cancer. The median expansion fold was 75 (range, 20-105-fold), and >90.0% of the harvest cells were CD4+CD25+CD127dim/- cells. The ratio of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells exceeded 60%. Functional assays showed that iTregs significantly inhibited CD8+T cell proliferation in vitro. Single-cell sequencing showed that the transcriptome of pTreg (CD4+CD25+CD127dim/- cells isolated from PBMC of colorectal cancer patients) and iTreg (CD4+CD25+CD127dim/- cells expanded in vitro according to the above regimen) cells were interlaced. pTregs exhibited enhanced suppressive function, whereas iTregs exhibited increased proliferative capacity. TCR repertoire analysis indicated minimal overlap between pTregs and iTregs. Pseudo-time trajectory analysis of Tregs revealed that pTregs were a continuum composed of three main branches: activated/effector, resting and proliferative Tregs. In contrast, in vitro expanded iTregs were a mixture of proliferating and activated/effector cells. The expression of trafficking receptors was also different in pTregs and iTregs. Various chemokine receptors were upregulated in pTregs. Activated effector pTregs overexpressed the chemokine receptor CCR10, which was not expressed in iTregs. The chemokine CCL28 was overexpressed in colorectal cancer and associated with poor prognosis. CCR10 interacted with CCL28 to mediate the recruitment of Treg into tumors and accelerated tumor progression. Depletion of CCR10+Treg cells from tumor microenvironment (TME) could be used as an effective treatment strategy for colorectal cancer patients. Our data distinguished the transcriptomic characteristics of different subsets of Treg cells and revealed the context-dependent functions of different populations of Treg cells, which was crucial to the development of alternative therapeutic strategies for Treg cells in autoimmune disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Hui
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang An
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wei
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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49
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Opstelten R, Amsen D. Separating the wheat from the chaff: Making sense of Treg heterogeneity for better adoptive cellular therapy. Immunol Lett 2021; 239:96-112. [PMID: 33676975 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for immunological tolerance and can be used to suppress unwanted or excessive immune responses through adoptive cellular therapy. It is increasingly clear that many subsets of Treg cells exist, which have different functions and reside in different locations. Treg cell therapies may benefit from tailoring the selected subset to the tissue that must be protected as well as to characteristics of the immune response that must be suppressed, but little attention is given to this topic in current therapies. Here, we will discuss how three major axes of heterogeneity can be discerned among the Treg cell population, which determine function and lineage fidelity. A first axis relates to the developmental route, as Treg cells can be generated from immature T cells in the thymus or from already mature Tconv cells in the immunological periphery. Heterogeneity furthermore stems from activation history (naïve or effector) and location (lymphoid or peripheral tissues). Each of these axes bestows specific properties on Treg cells, which are further refined by additional processes leading to yet further variation. A critical aspect impacting on Treg cell heterogeneity is TCR specificity, which determines when and where Treg cells are generated as well as where they exhibit their effector functions. We will discuss the implications of this heterogeneity and the role of the TCR for the design of next generation adoptive cellular therapy with Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Opstelten
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Derk Amsen
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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50
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Oberholtzer N, Atkinson C, Nadig SN. Adoptive Transfer of Regulatory Immune Cells in Organ Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:631365. [PMID: 33737934 PMCID: PMC7960772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.631365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic graft rejection remains a significant barrier to solid organ transplantation as a treatment for end-organ failure. Patients receiving organ transplants typically require systemic immunosuppression in the form of pharmacological immunosuppressants for the duration of their lives, leaving these patients vulnerable to opportunistic infections, malignancies, and other use-restricting side-effects. In recent years, a substantial amount of research has focused on the use of cell-based therapies for the induction of graft tolerance. Inducing or adoptively transferring regulatory cell types, including regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and IL-10 secreting B cells, has the potential to produce graft-specific tolerance in transplant recipients. Significant progress has been made in the optimization of these cell-based therapeutic strategies as our understanding of their underlying mechanisms increases and new immunoengineering technologies become more widely available. Still, many questions remain to be answered regarding optimal cell types to use, appropriate dosage and timing, and adjuvant therapies. In this review, we summarize what is known about the cellular mechanisms that underly the current cell-based therapies being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection, the different strategies being explored to optimize these therapies, and all of the completed and ongoing clinical trials involving these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Oberholtzer
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Carl Atkinson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Satish N Nadig
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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