Immunotherapy for neuroblastoma using syngeneic fibroblasts transfected with IL-2 and IL-12

CD69 on Tumor-Infiltrating Cells Correlates With Neuroblastoma Suppression by Simultaneous PD-1 and PD-L1 Blockade

INTRODUCTION

Tumor-infiltrating cells play an important role in tumor immunology, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are critical in antitumor reaction related to immune checkpoint inhibition targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1).

METHODS

In nude mice, which are immune deficient because they lack T cells, and inbred A/J mice, which are syngeneic to neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2a) and have normal T cell function, we investigated the importance of T lymphocytes in immune checkpoint inhibition in mouse neuroblastoma and analyzed the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Then, we subcutaneously injected mouse Neuro-2ainto nude mice and A/J mice, administered anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies by intraperitoneal injection, and evaluated tumor growth. At 16 d after Neuro-2a cells injection, mice were euthanized, tumors and spleens were harvested, and immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The antibodies suppressed tumor growth in A/J but not in nude mice. The co-administration of antibodies did not affect regulatory T cells (culster of differentiation [CD]4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ cells) or activated CD4⁺ lymphocytes (expressing CD69). No changes in activated CD8⁺ lymphocytes (expressing CD69) were observed in spleen tissue. However, increased infiltration of activated CD8⁺ TILs was seen in tumors weighing less than 300 mg, and the amount of activated CD8⁺ TILs was negatively correlated with tumor weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that lymphocytes are essential for the antitumor immune reaction induced by blocking PD-1/PD-L1 and raises the possibility that promoting the infiltration of activated CD8⁺ TIL into tumors may be an effective treatment for neuroblastoma.

Fibroblasts and macrophages cooperate to create a pro-tumorigenic and immune resistant environment via activation of TGF-β/IL-6 pathway in neuroblastoma

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and their precursor mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are often detected together in tumors, but how they cooperate is not well understood. Here, we show that TAM and CAF are the most abundant nonmalignant cells and are present together in untreated human neuroblastoma (NB) tumors that are also poorly infiltrated with T and natural killer (NK) cells. We then show that MSC and CAF-MSC harvested from NB tumors protected human monocytes (MN) from spontaneous apoptosis in an interleukin (IL)-6 dependent mechanism. The interactions of MN and MSC with NB cells resulted in a significant induction or increase in the expression of several pro-tumorigenic cytokines/chemokines (TGF-β1, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-4) but not of anti-tumorigenic cytokines (TNF-α, IL-12) by MN or MSC, while also inducing cytokine expression in quiescent NB cells. We then identified a TGF-β1/IL-6 pathway where TGF-β1 stimulated the expression of IL-6 in NB cells and MSC, promoting TAM survival. Evidence for the contribution of TAM and MSC to the activation of this pathway was then provided in xenotransplanted NB tumors and patients with primary tumors by demonstrating a direct correlation between the presence of CAF and p-SMAD2 and p-STAT3. The data highlight a new mechanism of interaction between TAM and CAF supporting their pro-tumorigenic function in cancer.

Use of RNA‑sequencing to detect abnormal transcription of the collagen α‑2 (VI) chain gene that can lead to Bethlem myopathy

Bethlem myopathy (BM) is an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive disorder and is usually associated with mutations in the collagen VI genes. In the present study, the pathogenicity of a novel splice-site mutation was explored using RNA-sequencing in a family with suspected BM, and a myopathy panel was performed in the proband. The genetic status of all family members was confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Clinical data and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features were also documented. In silico analysis was performed to predict the effects of the splice mutation. RNA-sequencing and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR were used to assess aberrant splicing. Immunocytochemistry was conducted to measure collagen VI protein levels within the gastrocnemius and in cultured skin fibroblasts. The results revealed that three patients in the family shared a similar classic BM presentation. MRI revealed distinct patterns of fatty infiltration in the lower extremities. A novel splicing mutation c.736-1G>C in the collagen α-2 (VI) chain (COL6A2) gene was found in all three patients. In silico analysis predicted that the mutation would destroy the normal splice acceptor site. RNA-sequencing detected two abnormal splicing variants adjacent to the mutation site, and RT-PCR confirmed the RNA-sequencing findings. Furthermore, a defect in the collagen protein within cultured fibroblasts was detected using immunocytochemistry. The mutation c.736-1G>C in the COL6A2 gene caused aberrant splicing and led to premature termination of protein translation. In conclusion, these findings may improve our knowledge of mutations of the COL6A2 gene associated with BM and demonstrated that RNA-sequencing can be a powerful tool for finding the underlying mechanism of a disease-causing mutations at a splice site.

Glycoproteogenomics: Setting the Course for Next-generation Cancer Neoantigen Discovery for Cancer Vaccines

Molecular-assisted precision oncology gained tremendous ground with high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS), supported by robust bioinformatics. The quest for genomics-based cancer medicine set the foundations for improved patient stratification, while unveiling a wide array of neoantigens for immunotherapy. Upfront pre-clinical and clinical studies have successfully used tumor-specific peptides in vaccines with minimal off-target effects. However, the low mutational burden presented by many lesions challenges the generalization of these solutions, requiring the diversification of neoantigen sources. Oncoproteogenomics utilizing customized databases for protein annotation by mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool toward this end. Expanding the concept toward exploring proteoforms originated from post-translational modifications (PTMs) will be decisive to improve molecular subtyping and provide potentially targetable functional nodes with increased cancer specificity. Walking through the path of systems biology, we highlight that alterations in protein glycosylation at the cell surface not only have functional impact on cancer progression and dissemination but also originate unique molecular fingerprints for targeted therapeutics. Moreover, we discuss the outstanding challenges required to accommodate glycoproteomics in oncoproteogenomics platforms. We envisage that such rationale may flag a rather neglected research field, generating novel paradigms for precision oncology and immunotherapy.

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing Interleukin 2 Can Suppress Proliferation of Neuroblastoma Cells in Co-Culture and Activate Mononuclear Cells In Vitro

High-dose recombinant interleukin 2 (IL2) therapy has been shown to be successful in renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma. However, systemic administration of high doses of IL2 can be toxic, causing capillary leakage syndrome and stimulating pro-tumor immune response. One of the strategies to reduce the systemic toxicity of IL2 is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a vehicle for the targeted delivery of IL2. Human adipose tissue-derived MSCs were transduced with lentivirus encoding IL2 (hADSCs-IL2) or blue fluorescent protein (BFP) (hADSCs-BFP). The proliferation, immunophenotype, cytokine profile and ultrastructure of hADSCs-IL2 and hADSCs-BFP were determined. The effect of hADSCs on activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and proliferation and viability of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells after co-culture with native hADSCs, hADSCs-BFP or hADSCs-IL2 on plastic and Matrigel was evaluated. Ultrastructure and cytokine production by hADSCs-IL2 showed modest changes in comparison with hADSCs and hADSCs-BFP. Conditioned medium from hADSC-IL2 affected tumor cell proliferation, increasing the proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells and also increasing the number of late-activated T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NKT-cells and activated T-killers. Conversely, hADSC-IL2 co-culture led to a decrease in SH-SY5Y proliferation on plastic and Matrigel. These data show that hADSCs-IL2 can reduce SH-SY5Y proliferation and activate PBMCs in vitro. However, IL2-mediated therapeutic effects of hADSCs could be offset by the increased expression of pro-oncogenes, as well as the natural ability of hADSCs to promote the progression of some tumors.

Immunotherapies for pediatric cancer: current landscape and future perspectives

The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized how we manage and treat cancer. While the majority of immunotherapy-related studies performed to date have focused on adult malignancies, a handful of these therapies have also recently found success within the pediatric space. In this review, we examine the immunotherapeutic agents that have achieved the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration for treating childhood cancers, highlighting their development, mechanisms of action, and the lessons learned from the seminal clinical trials that ultimately led to their approval. We also shine a spotlight on several emerging immunotherapeutic modalities that we believe are poised to have a positive impact on the treatment of pediatric malignancies in the near future.

Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: Biopharmaceuticals with immunomodulatory properties for cancer therapy

Cytokines have long been used for therapeutic applications in cancer patients. Substantial side effects and unfavorable pharmacokinetics limit their application and may prevent dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (often referred to as immunocytokines) may help localize immunomodulatory cytokine payloads to the tumor, thereby activating anticancer immune responses. A variety of formats (e.g., intact IgGs or antibody fragments), molecular targets (e.g., extracellular matrix components and cell membrane antigens) and cytokine payloads have been considered for the development of this novel class of biopharmaceuticals. This review presents the basic concepts on the design and engineering of immunocytokines, reviews their potential limitations, points out emerging opportunities and summarizes key features of preclinical and clinical-stage products.

Rapid Functional Decline of Activated and Memory Graft-versus-Host-Reactive T Cells Encountering Host Antigens in the Absence of Inflammation

Inflammation in the priming host environment has critical effects on the graft-versus-host (GVH) responses mediated by naive donor T cells. However, it is unclear how a quiescent or inflammatory environment impacts the activity of GVH-reactive primed T and memory cells. We show in this article that GVH-reactive primed donor T cells generated in irradiated recipients had diminished ability compared with naive T cells to increase donor chimerism when transferred to quiescent mixed allogeneic chimeras. GVH-reactive primed T cells showed marked loss of cytotoxic function and activation, and delayed but not decreased proliferation or accumulation in lymphoid tissues when transferred to quiescent mixed chimeras compared with freshly irradiated secondary recipients. Primed CD4 and CD8 T cells provided mutual help to sustain these functions in both subsets. CD8 help for CD4 cells was largely IFN-γ dependent. TLR stimulation after transfer of GVH-reactive primed T cells to mixed chimeras restored their cytotoxic effector function and permitted the generation of more effective T cell memory in association with reduced PD-1 expression on CD4 memory cells. Our data indicate that an inflammatory host environment is required for the maintenance of GVH-reactive primed T cell functions and the generation of memory T cells that can rapidly acquire effector functions. These findings have important implications for graft-versus-host disease and T cell-mediated immunotherapies.

Antitumor cell-complex vaccines employing genetically modified tumor cells and fibroblasts

The present study evaluates the immune response mediated by vaccination with cell complexes composed of irradiated B16 tumor cells and mouse fibroblasts genetically modified to produce GM-CSF. The animals were vaccinated with free B16 cells or cell complexes. We employed two gene plasmid constructions: one high producer (pMok) and a low producer (p2F). Tumor transplant was performed by injection of B16 tumor cells. Plasma levels of total IgG and its subtypes were measured by ELISA. Tumor volumes were measured and survival curves were obtained. The study resulted in a cell complex vaccine able to stimulate the immune system to produce specific anti-tumor membrane proteins (TMP) IgG. In the groups vaccinated with cells transfected with the low producer plasmid, IgG production was higher when we used free B16 cell rather than cell complexes. Nonspecific autoimmune response caused by cell complex was not greater than that induced by the tumor cells alone. Groups vaccinated with B16 transfected with low producer plasmid reached a tumor growth delay of 92% (p ≤ 0.01). When vaccinated with cell complex, the best group was that transfected with high producer plasmid, reaching a tumor growth inhibition of 56% (p ≤ 0.05). Significant survival (40%) was only observed in the groups vaccinated with free transfected B16 cells.

Immunocytokines: a review of molecules in clinical development for cancer therapy

The concept of therapeutically enhancing the immune system’s responsiveness to tumors is long standing. Several cytokines have been investigated in clinical trials for their therapeutic activity in cancer patients. However, substantial side effects and unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties have been a major drawback hampering the administration of therapeutically relevant doses. The use of recombinant antibody–cytokine fusion proteins promises to significantly enhance the therapeutic index of cytokines by targeting them to the site of disease. This review aims to provide a concise and complete overview of the preclinical data and clinical results currently available for all immunocytokines having reached clinical development.

Preparation and characterization of gelatin nanoparticles containing pDNA encoding IL-12 and their expression in CT-26 carcinoma cells

Aim: Gelatin as a biodegradable, nontoxic and biocompatible natural protein is a good candidate for gene delivery. In this study, pDNA-loaded gelatin nanoparticles were prepared and characterized for the expression of the cytokine IL-12 and anti-tumor effects. Materials & methods: Gelatin–pUMVC3–hIL-12 nanoparticles were prepared by the ethanol precipitation technique and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, cytotoxiciy and transfection efficiency. Results: The prepared particles were spherical in shape with sizes varying from 344.27 to 826.23 nm, ζ-potentials between -944 and -165 mV, and greater than 97% encapsulation efficiency. The particles were nontoxic to CT-26 carcinoma cells. The nanoparticles prepared using 0.5% gelatin solution (G14) with a mean particle size of 816.87 nm (polydispersity index = 0.56 ± 0.01) demonstrated maximum transfection efficiency with 2.5-times higher expression compared with the naked plasmid. Conclusion: Gelatin–DNA nanoparticles using 0.5% gelatin solution had minimal cytotoxicity and can be used as a suitable candidate for further gene delivery studies and applications.

Recent trends in multifunctional liposomal nanocarriers for enhanced tumor targeting

Liposomes are delivery systems that have been used to formulate a vast variety of therapeutic and imaging agents for the past several decades. They have significant advantages over their free forms in terms of pharmacokinetics, sensitivity for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy. The multifactorial nature of cancer and the complex physiology of the tumor microenvironment require the development of multifunctional nanocarriers. Multifunctional liposomal nanocarriers should combine long blood circulation to improve pharmacokinetics of the loaded agent and selective distribution to the tumor lesion relative to healthy tissues, remote-controlled or tumor stimuli-sensitive extravasation from blood at the tumor's vicinity, internalization motifs to move from tumor bounds and/or tumor intercellular space to the cytoplasm of cancer cells for effective tumor cell killing. This review will focus on current strategies used for cancer detection and therapy using liposomes with special attention to combination therapies.

Autophagy is required for IL-2-mediated fibroblast growth

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved pathway responsible for delivery of cytoplasmic material into the lysosomal degradation pathway to enable vesicular exocytosis. Interleukin (IL)-2 is produced by T-cells and its activity is important for immunoregulation. Fibroblasts are an immune competent cell type, playing a critical role in wound healing, chronic inflammation, and tumor development. Although autophagy plays an important role in each of these processes, whether it regulates IL-2 activity in fibroblasts is unknown. Here, we show that autophagy is required for IL-2-induced cell growth in fibroblasts. IL-2 significantly induced autophagy in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and primary lung fibroblasts. Autophagy inhibitors (e.g., 3-methylamphetamine and bafilomycin A1) or knockdown of ATG5 and beclin 1 blocked clinical grade IL-2-induced autophagy. Moreover, IL-2 induced HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation in MEFs and promoted interaction between HMGB1 and beclin1, which is required for autophagy induction. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of autophagy inhibited IL-2-induced cell proliferation and enhanced IL-2-induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that autophagy is an important pro-survival regulator for IL-2-induced cell growth in fibroblasts.

Immunocytokines: a novel class of potent armed antibodies

Several cytokines have been investigated in clinical trials, based on their potent therapeutic activity observed in animal models of cancer and other diseases. However, substantial toxicities are often reported at low doses, thus preventing escalation to therapeutically active regimens. The use of recombinant antibodies or antibody fragments as delivery vehicles promises to enhance greatly the therapeutic index of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This review surveys preclinical and clinical data published in the field of antibody-cytokine fusions (immunocytokines). Molecular determinants (such as molecular format, valence, target antigen), which crucially contribute to immunocytokine performance in vivo, are discussed in the article, as well as recent trends for the combined use of this novel class of biopharmaceuticals with other therapeutic agents.

Integrin-targeted nanocomplexes for tumour specific delivery and therapy by systemic administration

Nanoparticle formulations offer opportunities for tumour delivery of therapeutic reagents. The Receptor-Targeted Nanocomplex (RTN) formulation consists of a PEGylated, endosomally-cleavable lipid and an RGD integrin-targeting, endosomally-cleavable peptide. Nancomplexes self-assemble on mixing with plasmid DNA to produce nanoparticles of about 100 nm. The environmentally-sensitive linkers promote intracellular disassembly and release of the DNA. RTNs carrying luciferase genes were administered intravenously to mice carrying subcutaneous neuroblastoma tumours. Luciferase expression was much higher in tumours than in liver, spleen and lungs while plasmid biodistribution studies supported the expression data. Transfection in tumours was enhanced two-fold by integrin-targeting peptides compared to non-targeted nanocomplexes. RTNs containing the interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-12 genes were administered intravenously with seven doses at 48 h intervals and tumour growth monitored. Tumours from treated animals were approximately 75% smaller on day 11 compared with RTNs containing control plasmids with one third of treated mice surviving long-term. Extensive leukocyte infiltration, decreased vascularization and increased necrotic areas were observed in the tumours from IL2/IL12 treated animals. Splenocytes from re-challenged mice displayed enhanced IL-2 production following Neuro-2A co-culture, which, combined with infiltration studies, suggested a cytotoxic T cell-mediated9 tumour-rejection process. The integrin-targeted RTN formulation may have broader applications in the further development of cancer therapeutics.

[Effects of Jinlong Capsule on expressions of interleukin-2 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with primary liver cancer after transarterial chemoembolization therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To observe and discuss the dynamic changes of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and their significance in the patients with primary liver cancer after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) therapy combined with Jinglong Capsule.

METHODS

A total of 48 patients with primary liver cancer, who failed to be treated by major surgery, were randomly divided into two groups: Jinlong Capsule group (TACE therapy plus Jinlong Capsule) and control group (TACE therapy alone). There were 24 cases in each group. The levels of peripheral blood IL-2 and slL-2R were measured before the first TACE and 1, 7 and 15 days after the second TACE respectively by using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data from Jinlong Capsule group were compared with those from the control group.

RESULTS

The level of sIL-2R in Jinlong Capsule group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), while the level of IL-2 was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Jinlong Capsule can significantly improve the lymphocyte function of the patients with primary liver cancer after TACE. The levels of IL-2 and sIL-2R can be considered as the valuable parameters for evaluating the effects on primary liver cancer, and Jinlong Capsule is helpful for the patients with primary liver cancer.

IL-12 immunotherapy of murine leukaemia: comparison of systemic versus gene modified cell therapy

The ability of IL-12 to initiate anti-leukaemia immune responses has been well established; however clinical outcomes fail to recapitulate the therapeutic benefits observed in the laboratory. To address this, we compared two systems of IL-12 therapy that elicit protective immune responses against the murine acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) cell line, 70Z/3. These systems differ in the method of IL-12 administration and ultimately result in leukaemia clearance by distinct mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of treatment vehicle. Injecting low-dose IL-12 was sufficient to elicit long-term protective immunity against an established leukaemia burden, mediated by both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. These findings agree with the standard model of IL-12 activity. We compared this protocol to a cell-based approach in which a novel lentiviral vector (LV) expressing murine IL-12 was created, 70Z/3 cells transduced, and clones selected that stably secrete different amounts of IL-12. We found that only a small proportion (1%) of IL-12 secreting cells were required for rejection but that the amount of IL-12 produced per cell was critical for successful therapy. Importantly, the levels of IL-12 required were found to be higher than the levels reported to date in the human clinical trial literature. We found that the cell-based approach led to protective immunity that was both long-term and specific but dependent primarily on a CD4(+) cellular subset alone. Our results highlight that the mode of IL-12 delivery has a distinct impact on the immune response initiated, leading to leukaemia clearance by disparate mechanisms. We also establish a new and critical parameter, IL-12 production/cell, which may have significant implications for future therapeutic design.

Tumor-specific gene transfer with receptor-mediated nanocomplexes modified by polyethylene glycol shielding and endosomally cleavable lipid and peptide linkers

Synthetic nanoparticle formulations have the potential for tumor-targeted gene delivery. Receptor-targeted nanocomplex (RTN) formulations comprise mixtures of cationic liposomes and targeting peptides that self-assemble on mixing with nucleic acids. RTN formulations were prepared containing different polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated lipids with esterase-cleavable linkers (e.g., ME42) to promote intracellular PEG detachment and nanoparticle disassembly. In addition, integrin-targeting peptides (peptide ME27) were tested with endosomal furin- and cathepsin B-cleavable peptide linkers located between the integrin-binding ligand and the K(16) nucleic acid-binding domain to promote intracellular disengagement from the receptor. ME42/ME27 RTNs formed stable particles of <200 nm in isotonic salt buffers, compared with 4-microm particles formed by un-PEGylated RTNs. Transfection efficiency by PEG-modified, cleavable RTNs improved approximately 2-fold in 4 different cell lines, with 80% efficiency in murine neuroblastoma cells. In an in vivo model of neuroblastoma, ME42/ME27 RTNs delivering luciferase genes were tumor specific, with little expression in other organs tested. PEGylation of the RTNs enhanced luciferase transfection 5-fold over non-PEG formulations, whereas the cleavability of the peptide ME27 enhanced transfection 4-fold over that of RTNs with noncleavable peptides. Cleavability of the lipid for in vivo transfections had no effect. PEGylated, cleavable RTN formulations offer prospects for tumor-specific therapeutic gene transfer.

Hepatocyte growth factor reduces susceptibility to an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor in EGFR-T790M mutant lung cancer

PURPOSE

The secondary T790M mutation in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most frequent cause of acquired resistance to the reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI), gefitinib and erlotinib, in lung cancer. Irreversible EGFR-TKIs are expected to overcome the reversible EGFR-TKI resistance of lung cancer harboring T790M mutation in EGFR. However, it is clear that resistance may also develop to this class of inhibitors. We showed previously that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induced gefitinib resistance of lung cancer harboring EGFR-activating mutations. Here, we investigated whether HGF induced resistance to the irreversible EGFR-TKI, CL-387,785, in lung cancer cells (H1975) harboring both L858R activating mutation and T790M secondary mutation in EGFR.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

CL-387,785 sensitivity and signal transduction in H1975 cells were examined in the presence or absence of HGF or HGF-producing fibroblasts with or without HGF-MET inhibitors.

RESULTS

HGF reduced susceptibility to CL-387,785 in H1975 cells. Western blotting and small interfering RNA analyses indicated that HGF-induced hyposensitivity was mediated by the MET/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway independent of EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. Hyposensitivity of H1975 cells to CL-387,785 was also induced by coculture with high-level HGF-producing lung fibroblasts. The hyposensitivity was abrogated by treatment with anti-HGF neutralizing antibody, HGF antagonist NK4, or MET-TKI.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed HGF-mediated hyposensitivity as a novel mechanism of resistance to irreversible EGFR-TKIs. It will be clinically valuable to investigate the involvement of HGF-MET-mediated signaling in de novo and acquired resistance to irreversible EGFR-TKIs in lung cancer harboring T790M mutation in EGFR.

Graft versus neuroblastoma reaction is efficiently elicited by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation through cytolytic activity in the absence of GVHD

Continuous efforts are dedicated to develop immunotherapeutic approaches to neuroblastoma (NB), a tumor that relapses at high rates following high-dose conventional cytotoxic therapy and autologous bone marrow cell (BMC) reconstitution. This study presents a series of transplant experiments aiming to evaluate the efficacy of allogeneic BMC transplantation. Neuro-2a cells were found to express low levels of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. While radiation and syngeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) reduced tumor growth (P < 0.001), allogeneic BMT further impaired subcutaneous development of Neuro-2a cells (P < 0.001). Allogeneic donor-derived T cells displayed direct cytotoxic activity against Neuro-2a in vitro, a mechanism of immune-mediated suppression of tumor growth. The proliferation of lymphocytes from congenic mice bearing subcutaneous tumors was inhibited by tumor lysate, suggesting that a soluble factor suppresses cytotoxic activity of syngeneic lymphocytes. However, the growth of Neuro-2a cells was impaired when implanted into chimeric mice at various times after syngeneic and allogeneic BMT. F1 (donor-host) splenocytes were infused attempting to foster immune reconstitution, however they engrafted transiently and had no effect on tumor growth. Taken together, these data indicate: (1) Neuro-2a cells express MHC antigens and immunogenic tumor associated antigens. (2) Allogeneic BMT is a significantly better platform to develop graft versus tumor (GVT) immunotherapy to NB as compared to syngeneic (autologous) immuno-hematopoietic reconstitution. (3) An effective GVT reaction in tumor bearing mice is primed by MHC disparity and targets tumor associated antigens.

Crosstalk to stromal fibroblasts induces resistance of lung cancer to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors

PURPOSE

Lung cancers with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-activating mutations show good clinical response to gefitinib and erlotinib, selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) to EGFR, but these tumors invariably develop drug resistance. Host stromal cells have been found to have a considerable effect on the behavior of cancer cells. Little is known, however, about the role of host cells on the sensitivity of cancer cells to receptor TKIs. We have therefore assessed the effect of crosstalk between stromal cells and lung cancer cells harboring EGFR mutations on susceptibility to EGFR-TKIs.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We evaluated the gefitinib sensitivity of lung cancer cells with EGFR-activating mutations, PC-9 and HCC827, when cocultured with fibroblasts and coinjected into severe combined immunodeficient mice. We also examined the effect of lung cancer cells to fibroblast recruitment.

RESULTS

Both human fibroblast cell lines and primary cultured fibroblasts produced various levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Lung cancer cells markedly recruited fibroblasts. The lung cancer cells became resistant to EGFR-TKIs when cocultured in vitro with HGF-producing fibroblasts and coinjected into severe combined immunodeficient mice. Importantly, combined use of gefitinib plus anti-HGF antibody or the HGF antagonist, NK4, successfully overcame the fibroblast-induced EGFR-TKI resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Colocalization of fibroblasts and HGF was detected in both xenograft tumors in mouse model and lung cancer patient specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that crosstalk to stromal fibroblasts plays a critical role in lung cancer resistance to EGFR-TKIs and may be an ideal therapeutic target in lung cancer with EGFR-activating mutations.

New therapeutic targets for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma

High-risk neuroblastoma remains a major problem in pediatric oncology, accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths. Although incremental improvements in outcome have been achieved with the intensification of conventional chemotherapy agents and the addition of 13-cis-retinoic acid, only one-third of children with high-risk disease are expected to be long-term survivors when treated with current regimens. In addition, the cost of cure can be quite high, as surviving children remain at risk for additional health problems related to long-term toxicities of treatment. Further advances in therapy will require the targeting of tumor cells in a more selective and efficient way so that survival can be improved without substantially increasing toxicity. In this review we summarize ongoing clinical trials and highlight new developments in our understanding of the molecular biology of neuroblastoma, emphasizing potential targets or pathways that may be exploitable therapeutically.

RESEARCH ADVANCES IN NEUROBLASTOMA IMMUNOTHERAPY

Neuroblastoma is the third most common pediatric cancer in the United States and is responsible for 15% of pediatric cancer-related deaths. Despite major advances in multimodal therapy, the clinical outcome for several patients remains poor. Due to the desperate need for innovativation and improved success in the treatment and management of neuroblastoma, research interests in immunotherapy have been on the rise in recent years. Current immunotherapeutic approaches under investigation include antibodies targeting the neuroblastoma antigen GD2, cytokine stimulation of immune cells, use of immunocytokine conjugates, radioimmunotherapy, and tumor-primed dendritic cells. Immunotherapy could serve as a safe alternative or adjunct to current therapeutic protocols and would presumptively have fewer deleterious effects making it more favorable to patients.