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Olivera I, Etxeberria I, Luri-Rey C, Molero-Glez P, Melero I. Regional and intratumoral adoptive T-cell therapy. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2024; 24:100715. [PMID: 39055165 PMCID: PMC11269935 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2024.100715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell therapies (ACTs) including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and engineered T cells (transgenic T-cell receptor and chimeric antigen receptor T cells), have made an important impact in the field of cancer treatment over the past years. Most of these therapies are typically administered systemically in approaches that facilitate the elimination of hematologic malignancies. Therapeutical efficacy against solid tumors, however, with the exception of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes against melanoma, remains limited due to several barriers preventing lymphocyte access to the tumor bed. Building upon the experience of regional administration in other immunotherapies, the regional administration of adoptive cell therapies is being assessed to overcome this challenge, granting a first round of access of the transferred T cells to the tumor niche and thereby ensuring their activation and expansion. Intralesional and intracavitary routes of delivery have been tested with promising antitumor objective responses in preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, several strategies are being developed to further improve T-cell activity after reinfusing them back to the patient such as combinations with other immunotherapy agents or direct engineering of the transferred T cells, achieving long-term immune memory. Clinical trials testing different regional adoptive T-cell therapies are ongoing but some issues related to methodology of administration and correct selection of the target antigen to avoid on-target/off-tumor side-effects need to be further evaluated and improved. Herein, we discuss the current preclinical and clinical landscape of intratumoral and locoregional delivery of adoptive T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - I. Etxeberria
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), Immuno-Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, USA
| | - C. Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - P. Molero-Glez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - I. Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona
- Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid
- Centro del Cancer de la Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Meng L, Sun S. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the change in cytotoxic NK/T cells, epithelial cells and myeloid cells of the tumor microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:417. [PMID: 39249551 PMCID: PMC11383903 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01290-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The heterogeneity of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) has hindered the clinical treatment, and our current study aims to characterize the change in tumor microenvironment (TME) with the progression of HGSOC via single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). METHODS The single-cell landscape in HGSOC was downloaded from the dataset GSE184880, which included 7 HGSOC and 5 normal samples and then applied for the filtering and annotation of cell clusters. The differentially expressed marker genes in these clusters were analyzed via "FindAllMarker" function in Seurat package and the functional enrichment analyses were implemented using clusterProflier package. Finally, the CellChat package was applied for the cell-cell communication analysis. Cellular experimental were determined Real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS 45,448 single cells were categorized into 10 cell clusters. The proportion of NK/T cells (49.5%), epithelial cells (15.3%) and myeloid cells (14%) was higher in the HGSOC samples. The heterogeneity and different enriched pathways of epithelial cells have been revealed with the progression of HGSOC from early to late stage, concurrent with the reduced activity of cytotoxic NK/T cells and the decreased capabilities of recruiting immune cells and presenting antigens in macrophages. Besides, the cell-cell communication analysis has revealed a strong communication of CXCL and CCL signal between M1 macrophages and cytotoxic NK/T cells in early stage of HGSOC. Moreover, RT-qPCR indicated that CCL4/5 and CCR1/5 levels were upregulated in tumor cell SK-OV-3. CONCLUSION The investigation using scRNA-seq has depicted the change in cytotoxic NK/T cells, epithelial cells and myeloid cells of the TME of HGSOC, which may provide another insight into the specific mechanisms underlying the progression of HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingnan Meng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150007, China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150007, China.
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3
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Sun Y, Pumroy RA, Mallik L, Chaudhuri A, Wang C, Hwang D, Danon JN, Goli KD, Moiseenkova-Bell V, Sgourakis NG. CryoEM structure of an MHC-I/TAPBPR peptide bound intermediate reveals the mechanism of antigen proofreading. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.05.606663. [PMID: 39211162 PMCID: PMC11361172 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.05.606663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) proteins play a pivotal role in adaptive immunity by displaying epitopic peptides to CD8+ T cells. The chaperones tapasin and TAPBPR promote the selection of immunogenic antigens from a large pool of intracellular peptides. Interactions of chaperoned MHC-I molecules with incoming peptides are transient in nature, and as a result, the precise antigen proofreading mechanism remains elusive. Here, we leverage a high-fidelity TAPBPR variant and conformationally stabilized MHC-I, to determine the solution structure of the human antigen editing complex bound to a peptide decoy by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) at an average resolution of 3.0 Å. Antigen proofreading is mediated by transient interactions formed between the nascent peptide binding groove with the P2/P3 peptide anchors, where conserved MHC-I residues stabilize incoming peptides through backbone-focused contacts. Finally, using our high-fidelity chaperone, we demonstrate robust peptide exchange on the cell surface across multiple clinically relevant human MHC-I allomorphs. Our work has important ramifications for understanding the selection of immunogenic epitopes for T cell screening and vaccine design applications.
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Pertseva M, Follonier O, Scarcella D, Reddy ST. TCR clustering by contrastive learning on antigen specificity. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae375. [PMID: 39129361 PMCID: PMC11317525 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective clustering of T-cell receptor (TCR) sequences could be used to predict their antigen-specificities. TCRs with highly dissimilar sequences can bind to the same antigen, thus making their clustering into a common antigen group a central challenge. Here, we develop TouCAN, a method that relies on contrastive learning and pretrained protein language models to perform TCR sequence clustering and antigen-specificity predictions. Following training, TouCAN demonstrates the ability to cluster highly dissimilar TCRs into common antigen groups. Additionally, TouCAN demonstrates TCR clustering performance and antigen-specificity predictions comparable to other leading methods in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Pertseva
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schanzenstrasse 44, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oceane Follonier
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schanzenstrasse 44, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Scarcella
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schanzenstrasse 44, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sai T Reddy
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schanzenstrasse 44, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Goebeler ME, Stuhler G, Bargou R. Bispecific and multispecific antibodies in oncology: opportunities and challenges. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:539-560. [PMID: 38822215 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00905-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Research into bispecific antibodies, which are designed to simultaneously bind two antigens or epitopes, has advanced enormously over the past two decades. Owing to advances in protein engineering technologies and considerable preclinical research efforts, bispecific antibodies are constantly being developed and optimized to improve their efficacy and to mitigate toxicity. To date, >200 of these agents, the majority of which are bispecific immune cell engagers, are in either preclinical or clinical evaluation. In this Review, we discuss the role of bispecific antibodies in patients with cancer, including history and development, as well as innovative targeting strategies, clinical applications, and adverse events. We also discuss novel alternative bispecific antibody constructs, such as those targeting two antigens expressed by tumour cells or cells located in the tumour microenvironment. Finally, we consider future research directions in this rapidly evolving field, including innovative antibody engineering strategies, which might enable more effective delivery, overcome resistance, and thus optimize clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Elisabeth Goebeler
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Gernot Stuhler
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bargou
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Gupta S, Sgourakis NG. A structure-guided approach to predict MHC-I restriction of T cell receptors for public antigens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.04.597418. [PMID: 38895339 PMCID: PMC11185663 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.04.597418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Peptides presented by class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) proteins provide biomarkers for therapeutic targeting using T cell receptors (TCRs), TCR-mimicking antibodies (TMAs), or other engineered protein binders. Despite the extreme sequence diversity of the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA, the human MHC), a given TCR or TMA is restricted to recognize epitopic peptides in the context of a limited set of different HLA allotypes. Here, guided by our analysis of 96 TCR:pHLA complex structures in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), we identify TCR contact residues and classify 148 common HLA allotypes into T-cell cross-reactivity groups (T-CREGs) on the basis of their interaction surface features. Insights from our work have actionable value for resolving MHC-I restriction of TCRs, guiding therapeutic expansion of existing therapies, and informing the selection of peptide targets for forthcoming immunotherapy modalities.
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Shen M, Chen S, Han X, Hao Y, Wang J, Li L, Chen T, Wang B, Zou L, Zhang T, Zhang W, Han X, Wang W, Yu H, Li K, Liu S, Jin A. Identification of an HLA-A*11:01-restricted neoepitope of mutant PIK3CA and its specific T cell receptors for cancer immunotherapy targeting hotspot driver mutations. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:150. [PMID: 38832948 PMCID: PMC11150344 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03729-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Hotspot driver mutations presented by human leukocyte antigens might be recognized by anti-tumor T cells. Based on their advantages of tumor-specificity and immunogenicity, neoantigens derived from hotspot mutations, such as PIK3CAH1047L, may serve as emerging targets for cancer immunotherapies. NetMHCpan V4.1 was utilized for predicting neoepitopes of PIK3CA hotspot mutation. Using in vitro stimulation, antigen-specific T cells targeting the HLA-A*11:01-restricted PIK3CA mutation were isolated from healthy donor-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells. T cell receptors (TCRs) were cloned using single-cell PCR and sequencing. Their functionality was assessed through T cell activation markers, cytokine production and cytotoxic response to cancer cell lines pulsed with peptides or transduced genes of mutant PIK3CA. Immunogenic mutant antigens from PIK3CA and their corresponding CD8+ T cells were identified. These PIK3CA mutation-specific CD8+ T cells were subsequently enriched, and their TCRs were isolated. The TCR clones exhibited mutation-specific and HLA-restricted reactivity, demonstrating varying degrees of functional avidity. Identified TCR genes were transferred into CD8+ Jurkat cells and primary T cells deficient of endogenous TCRs. TCR-expressing cells demonstrated specific recognition and reactivity against the PIK3CAH1047L peptide presented by HLA-A*11:01-expressing K562 cells. Furthermore, mutation-specific TCR-T cells demonstrated an elevation in cytokine production and profound cytotoxic effects against HLA-A*11:01+ malignant cell lines harboring PIK3CAH1047L. Our data demonstrate the immunogenicity of an HLA-A*11:01-restricted PIK3CA hotspot mutation and its targeting therapeutic potential, together with promising candidates of TCR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Shen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Siyin Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojian Han
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanan Hao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junfan Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luo Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bozhi Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Zou
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wanli Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaxia Han
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haochen Yu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengchun Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Aishun Jin
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Tumor Immunology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Haanen J, Los C, Phan GQ, Betof Warner A. Adoptive Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors: Current Status in Melanoma and Next-Generation Therapies. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e431608. [PMID: 38776509 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_431608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Lifileucel or TIL has recently been FDA approved for metastatic melanoma patients as first cell therapy for a solid tumor. We discuss roll-out of TIL as new SOC and other upcoming new cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Division of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christy Los
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giao Q Phan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, UConn Health, Neag Cancer Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Allison Betof Warner
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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Ma J, Ayres CM, Brambley CA, Chandran SS, Rosales TJ, Corcelli SA, Kovrigin EL, Klebanoff CA, Baker BM. Dynamic allostery in the peptide/MHC complex enables TCR neoantigen selectivity. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4457195. [PMID: 38854019 PMCID: PMC11160895 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4457195/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The inherent cross-reactivity of the T cell receptor (TCR) is balanced by high specificity, which often manifests in confounding ways not easily interpretable from static structures. We show here that TCR discrimination between an HLA-A*03:01 (HLA-A3)-restricted public neoantigen derived from mutant PIK3CA and its wild-type (WT) counterpart emerges from motions within the HLA binding groove that vary with the identity of the peptide's first primary anchor. The motions form a dynamic gate that in the complex with the WT peptide impedes a large conformational change required for TCR binding. The more rigid neoantigen is insusceptible to this limiting dynamic, and with the gate open, is able to transit its central tryptophan residue underneath the peptide backbone to the contralateral side of the HLA-A3 peptide binding groove, facilitating TCR binding. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism driving TCR specificity for a cancer neoantigen that is rooted in the dynamic and allosteric nature of peptide/MHC-I complexes, with implications for resolving long-standing and often confounding questions about the determinants of T cell specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Cory M Ayres
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Chad A Brambley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Smita S Chandran
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
- Center for Cell Engineering, MSKCC, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tatiana J Rosales
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Steven A Corcelli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Evgenii L Kovrigin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Christopher A Klebanoff
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
- Center for Cell Engineering, MSKCC, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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Linette GP, Bear AS, Carreno BM. Facts and Hopes in Immunotherapy Strategies Targeting Antigens Derived from KRAS Mutations. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2017-2024. [PMID: 38266167 PMCID: PMC11094419 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In this commentary, we advance the notion that mutant KRAS (mKRAS) is an ideal tumor neoantigen that is amenable for targeting by the adaptive immune system. Recent progress highlights key advances on various fronts that validate mKRAS as a molecular target and support further pursuit as an immunological target. Because mKRAS is an intracellular membrane localized protein and not normally expressed on the cell surface, we surmise that proteasome degradation will generate short peptides that bind to HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum for transport through the Golgi for display on the cell surface. T-cell receptors (TCR)αβ and antibodies have been isolated that specifically recognize mKRAS encoded epitope(s) or haptenated-mKRAS peptides in the context of HLA-I on tumor cells. Case reports using adoptive T-cell therapy provide proof of principle that KRAS G12D can be successfully targeted by the immune system in patients with cancer. Among the challenges facing investigators is the requirement of precision medicine to identify and match patients to available mKRAS peptide/HLA therapeutics and to increase the population coverage by targeting additional mKRAS epitopes. Ultimately, we envision mKRAS-directed immunotherapy as an effective treatment option for selected patients that will complement and perhaps synergize with small-molecule mKRAS inhibitors and targeted mKRAS degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald P. Linette
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adham S. Bear
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Beatriz M. Carreno
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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11
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Struckman NE, de Jong RCM, Honders MW, Smith SAI, van der Lee DI, Koutsoumpli G, de Ru AH, Mikesch JH, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Griffioen M. Hotspot DNA Methyltransferase 3A ( DNMT3A) and Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 and 2 ( IDH1/2) Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Their Relevance as Targets for Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1086. [PMID: 38791049 PMCID: PMC11118067 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) are genes involved in epigenetic regulation, each mutated in 7-23% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Here, we investigated whether hotspot mutations in these genes encode neoantigens that can be targeted by immunotherapy. Five human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines expressing common HLA class I alleles were transduced with a minigene construct containing mutations that often occur in DNMT3A or IDH1/2. From these minigene-transduced cell lines, peptides were eluted from HLA class I alleles and analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry. The resulting data are available via ProteomeXchange under the identifier PXD050560. Mass spectrometry revealed an HLA-A*01:01-binding DNMT3AR882H peptide and an HLA-B*07:02-binding IDH2R140Q peptide as potential neoantigens. For these neopeptides, peptide-HLA tetramers were produced to search for specific T-cells in healthy individuals. Various T-cell clones were isolated showing specific reactivity against cell lines transduced with full-length DNMT3AR882H or IDH2R140Q genes, while cell lines transduced with wildtype genes were not recognized. One T-cell clone for DNMT3AR882H also reacted against patient-derived acute myeloid leukemia cells with the mutation, while patient samples without the mutation were not recognized, thereby validating the surface presentation of a DNMT3AR882H neoantigen that can potentially be targeted in acute myeloid leukemia via immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine E. Struckman
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Rob C. M. de Jong
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - M. Willy Honders
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Sophie-Anne I. Smith
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Dyantha I. van der Lee
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Georgia Koutsoumpli
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (A.H.d.R.); (P.A.v.V.)
| | - Jan-Henrik Mikesch
- Department of Medicine A, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (A.H.d.R.); (P.A.v.V.)
| | - J. H. Frederik Falkenburg
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
| | - Marieke Griffioen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.E.S.); (R.C.M.d.J.); (M.W.H.); (S.-A.I.S.); (D.I.v.d.L.); (G.K.); (J.H.F.F.)
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12
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Leong SL, Murdolo L, Maddumage JC, Koutsakos M, Kedzierska K, Purcell AW, Gras S, Grant EJ. Characterisation of novel influenza-derived HLA-B*18:01-restricted epitopes. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1509. [PMID: 38737448 PMCID: PMC11087170 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Seasonal influenza viruses cause roughly 650 000 deaths annually despite available vaccines. CD8+ T cells typically recognise influenza-derived peptides from internal structural and non-structural influenza proteins and are an attractive avenue for future vaccine design as they could reduce the severity of disease following infection with diverse influenza strains. CD8+ T cells recognise peptides presented by the highly polymorphic Human Leukocyte Antigens class I molecules (HLA-I). Each HLA-I variant has distinct peptide binding preferences, representing a significant obstacle for designing vaccines that elicit CD8+ T cell responses across broad populations. Consequently, the rational design of a CD8+ T cell-mediated vaccine would require the identification of highly immunogenic peptides restricted to a range of different HLA molecules. Methods Here, we assessed the immunogenicity of six recently published novel influenza-derived peptides identified by mass-spectrometry and predicted to bind to the prevalent HLA-B*18:01 molecule. Results Using CD8+ T cell activation assays and protein biochemistry, we showed that 3/6 of the novel peptides were immunogenic in several HLA-B*18:01+ individuals and confirmed their HLA-B*18:01 restriction. We subsequently compared CD8+ T cell responses towards the previously identified highly immunogenic HLA-B*18:01-restricted NP219 peptide. Using X-ray crystallography, we solved the first crystal structures of HLA-B*18:01 presenting immunogenic influenza-derived peptides. Finally, we dissected the first TCR repertoires specific for HLA-B*18:01 restricted pathogen-derived peptides, identifying private and restricted repertoires against each of the four peptides. Conclusion Overall the characterisation of these novel immunogenic peptides provides additional HLA-B*18:01-restricted vaccine targets derived from the Matrix protein 1 and potentially the non-structural protein and the RNA polymerase catalytic subunit of influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Liwei Leong
- Infection and Immunity Program, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment (SABE)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
| | - Lawton Murdolo
- Infection and Immunity Program, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment (SABE)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
| | - Janesha C Maddumage
- Infection and Immunity Program, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment (SABE)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
| | - Marios Koutsakos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Katherine Kedzierska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Infection and Immunity Program, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment (SABE)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Emma J Grant
- Infection and Immunity Program, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment (SABE)La Trobe UniversityBundooraVICAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
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13
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Wang AF, Hsueh B, Choi BD, Gerstner ER, Dunn GP. Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors: Where We Have Been, and Where Do We Go From Here? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:628-643. [PMID: 38649630 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01200-9] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Immunotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM) remains an intensive area of investigation. Given the seismic impact of cancer immunotherapy across a range of malignancies, there is optimism that harnessing the power of immunity will influence GBM as well. However, despite several phase 3 studies, there are still no FDA-approved immunotherapies for GBM. Importantly, the field has learned a great deal from the randomized studies to date. Today, we are continuing to better understand the disease-specific features of the microenvironment in GBM-as well as the exploitable antigenic characteristic of the tumor cells themselves-that are informing the next generation of immune-based therapeutic strategies. The coming phase of next-generation immunotherapies is thus poised to bring us closer to treatments that will improve the lives of patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Brian Hsueh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Bryan D Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Brain Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Gerstner
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gavin P Dunn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Brain Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Subklewe M. T cells take aim in AML: targeting IDH2. Blood 2024; 143:1681-1682. [PMID: 38662383 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2024023892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
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15
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Moravec Z, Zhao Y, Voogd R, Cook DR, Kinrot S, Capra B, Yang H, Raud B, Ou J, Xuan J, Wei T, Ren L, Hu D, Wang J, Haanen JBAG, Schumacher TN, Chen X, Porter E, Scheper W. Discovery of tumor-reactive T cell receptors by massively parallel library synthesis and screening. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02210-6. [PMID: 38653798 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy is a potent form of cellular immunotherapy in which patient T cells are genetically engineered to express TCRs with defined tumor reactivity. However, the isolation of therapeutic TCRs is complicated by both the general scarcity of tumor-specific T cells among patient T cell repertoires and the patient-specific nature of T cell epitopes expressed on tumors. Here we describe a high-throughput, personalized TCR discovery pipeline that enables the assembly of complex synthetic TCR libraries in a one-pot reaction, followed by pooled expression in reporter T cells and functional genetic screening against patient-derived tumor or antigen-presenting cells. We applied the method to screen thousands of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-derived TCRs from multiple patients and identified dozens of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell-derived TCRs with potent tumor reactivity, including TCRs that recognized patient-specific neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziva Moravec
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yue Zhao
- RootPath, Inc. (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Rhianne Voogd
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Haiyan Yang
- RootPath, Inc. (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Brenda Raud
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jiayu Ou
- RootPath, Inc. (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiekun Xuan
- RootPath, Inc. (US), Watertown, MA, USA
- RootPath, Inc. (Hangzhou), Hangzhou, China
| | - Teng Wei
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lili Ren
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ton N Schumacher
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xi Chen
- RootPath, Inc. (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.
- RootPath, Inc. (US), Watertown, MA, USA.
- RootPath, Inc. (Hangzhou), Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ely Porter
- RootPath, Inc. (US), Watertown, MA, USA.
| | - Wouter Scheper
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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16
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de Miranda NFCC, Scheeren FA. Immunogenetic Diversity and Cancer Immunotherapy Disparities. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:585-588. [PMID: 38571423 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
SUMMARY The success of checkpoint blockade cancer immunotherapies has unequivocally confirmed the critical role of T cells in cancer immunity and boosted the development of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting specific antigens on cancer cells. The vast immunogenetic diversity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles across populations is a key factor influencing the advancement of HLA class I-restricted therapies and related research and diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ferenc A Scheeren
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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17
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Kochenderfer JN. FDA approval of the first cellular therapy for a solid (non-hematologic) cancer. Mol Ther 2024; 32:857-858. [PMID: 38503296 PMCID: PMC11163210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James N Kochenderfer
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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18
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Yu X, Li W, Li Z, Wu Q, Sun S. Influence of Microbiota on Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2264-2294. [PMID: 38617537 PMCID: PMC11008264 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.91771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of the microbiome in immunotherapy has recently garnered substantial attention, with molecular studies and clinical trials providing emerging evidence on the pivotal influence of the microbiota in enhancing therapeutic outcomes via immune response modulation. However, the impact of microbial communities can considerably vary across individuals and different immunotherapeutic approaches, posing prominent challenges in harnessing their potential. In this comprehensive review, we outline the current research applications in tumor immunotherapy and delve into the possible mechanisms through which immune function is influenced by microbial communities in various body sites, encompassing those in the gut, extraintestinal barrier, and intratumoral environment. Furthermore, we discuss the effects of diverse microbiome-based strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and the targeted modulation of specific microbial taxa, and antibiotic treatments on cancer immunotherapy. All these strategies potentially have a profound impact on immunotherapy and pave the way for personalized therapeutic approaches and predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Wenge Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Artemed Hospital, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Shengrong Sun
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
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19
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Rosenberg AM, Ayres CM, Medina-Cucurella AV, Whitehead TA, Baker BM. Enhanced T cell receptor specificity through framework engineering. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1345368. [PMID: 38545094 PMCID: PMC10967027 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1345368] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Development of T cell receptors (TCRs) as immunotherapeutics is hindered by inherent TCR cross-reactivity. Engineering more specific TCRs has proven challenging, as unlike antibodies, improving TCR affinity does not usually improve specificity. Although various protein design approaches have been explored to surmount this, mutations in TCR binding interfaces risk broadening specificity or introducing new reactivities. Here we explored if TCR specificity could alternatively be tuned through framework mutations distant from the interface. Studying the 868 TCR specific for the HIV SL9 epitope presented by HLA-A2, we used deep mutational scanning to identify a framework mutation above the mobile CDR3β loop. This glycine to proline mutation had no discernable impact on binding affinity or functional avidity towards the SL9 epitope but weakened recognition of SL9 escape variants and led to fewer responses in a SL9-derived positional scanning library. In contrast, an interfacial mutation near the tip of CDR3α that also did not impact affinity or functional avidity towards SL9 weakened specificity. Simulations indicated that the specificity-enhancing mutation functions by reducing the range of loop motions, limiting the ability of the TCR to adjust to different ligands. Although our results are likely to be TCR dependent, using framework engineering to control TCR loop motions may be a viable strategy for improving the specificity of TCR-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Rosenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Cory M. Ayres
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | | | - Timothy A. Whitehead
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Brian M. Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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20
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Weber E, Bleakley M, Cronk JC, Shah NN, Perna F. Alternative immune effector cells picking up speed. Mol Ther 2024; 32:563-564. [PMID: 38340733 PMCID: PMC10928136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Evan Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marie Bleakley
- Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James C Cronk
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nirali N Shah
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Fabiana Perna
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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21
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Antunes DA, Baker BM, Cornberg M, Selin LK. Editorial: Quantification and prediction of T-cell cross-reactivity through experimental and computational methods. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1377259. [PMID: 38444853 PMCID: PMC10912571 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1377259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dinler A. Antunes
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brian M. Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), c/o CRC Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner-site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Liisa K. Selin
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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22
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Chang CR, Vykunta VS, Goodman DB, Muldoon JJ, Nyberg WA, Liu C, Allain V, Rothrock A, Wang CH, Marson A, Shy BR, Eyquem J. Ultra-high efficiency T cell reprogramming at multiple loci with SEED-Selection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.576175. [PMID: 38370809 PMCID: PMC10871224 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.576175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Multiplexed reprogramming of T cell specificity and function can generate powerful next-generation cellular therapies. However, current manufacturing methods produce heterogenous mixtures of partially engineered cells. Here, we develop a one-step process to enrich for unlabeled cells with knock-ins at multiple target loci using a family of repair templates named Synthetic Exon/Expression Disruptors (SEEDs). SEED engineering associates transgene integration with the disruption of a paired endogenous surface protein, allowing non-modified and partially edited cells to be immunomagnetically depleted (SEED-Selection). We design SEEDs to fully reprogram three critical loci encoding T cell specificity, co-receptor expression, and MHC expression, with up to 98% purity after selection for individual modifications and up to 90% purity for six simultaneous edits (three knock-ins and three knockouts). These methods are simple, compatible with existing clinical manufacturing workflows, and can be readily adapted to other loci to facilitate production of complex gene-edited cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Chang
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vivasvan S Vykunta
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel B Goodman
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph J Muldoon
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William A Nyberg
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Allain
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR976, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Allison Rothrock
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charlotte H Wang
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Marson
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian R Shy
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Justin Eyquem
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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23
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Han Y, Yang Y, Tian Y, Fattah FJ, von Itzstein MS, Hu Y, Zhang M, Kang X, Yang DM, Liu J, Xue Y, Liang C, Raman I, Zhu C, Xiao O, Dowell JE, Homsi J, Rashdan S, Yang S, Gwin ME, Hsiehchen D, Gloria-McCutchen Y, Pan K, Wu F, Gibbons D, Wang X, Yee C, Huang J, Reuben A, Cheng C, Zhang J, Gerber DE, Wang T. pan-MHC and cross-Species Prediction of T Cell Receptor-Antigen Binding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.01.569599. [PMID: 38105939 PMCID: PMC10723300 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.01.569599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Profiling the binding of T cell receptors (TCRs) of T cells to antigenic peptides presented by MHC proteins is one of the most important unsolved problems in modern immunology. Experimental methods to probe TCR-antigen interactions are slow, labor-intensive, costly, and yield moderate throughput. To address this problem, we developed pMTnet-omni, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system based on hybrid protein sequence and structure information, to predict the pairing of TCRs of αβ T cells with peptide-MHC complexes (pMHCs). pMTnet-omni is capable of handling peptides presented by both class I and II pMHCs, and capable of handling both human and mouse TCR-pMHC pairs, through information sharing enabled this hybrid design. pMTnet-omni achieves a high overall Area Under the Curve of Receiver Operator Characteristics (AUROC) of 0.888, which surpasses competing tools by a large margin. We showed that pMTnet-omni can distinguish binding affinity of TCRs with similar sequences. Across a range of datasets from various biological contexts, pMTnet-omni characterized the longitudinal evolution and spatial heterogeneity of TCR-pMHC interactions and their functional impact. We successfully developed a biomarker based on pMTnet-omni for predicting immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment in a cohort of 57 ICI-treated patients. pMTnet-omni represents a major advance towards developing a clinically usable AI system for TCR-pMHC pairing prediction that can aid the design and implementation of TCR-based immunotherapeutics.
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