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Motallebzadeh Khanmiri J, Alizadeh M, Esmaeili S, Gholami Z, Safarzadeh A, Khani-Eshratabadi M, Baghbanzadeh A, Alizadeh N, Baradaran B. Dendritic cell vaccination strategy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:427-435. [PMID: 38483358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is classified as a hematologic malignancy characterized by the proliferation of immature blood cells within the bone marrow (BM), resulting in an aberrant and unregulated cellular growth. The primary therapeutic modalities for AML include chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, it is important to note that these treatments are accompanied by important adverse effects and mortality rates. Therefore, the need for more effective treatment options seems necessary, and dendritic cell (DC) vaccine therapy can be one of these options. In this study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of DC vaccination therapy for the management of AML. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for this systematic review. The articles were evaluated based on the inclusion criteria of this study and initially compared in terms of titles or abstracts. Finally, the articles related to the topic of this review were obtained in full text. The complete remission and partial remission, survival, correlative immune assays, and health-related metrics were used to evaluate this cellular immunotherapy effectiveness. The quality of the studies was assessed independently using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. The compiled data were input into a standard Excel spreadsheet. Each domain was evaluated as having either a "low risk," "high risk," or "unclear risk" of bias. RESULTS Among the 3986 studies that were determined, a total of 11 correlated trials were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. DC vaccine therapy was effective in inducing complete and partial remission, and stabilization of the disease. Additionally, it was discovered that the treatment strengthened the immune system as seen by increased levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, Th1 cytokines, WT1-specific T cells, and activated NK cells. CONCLUSION We conducted a systematic review that supports the use of DC vaccine therapy as an effective treatment for AML. The therapy demonstrated potentials in achieving remission, enhancing the immune system function, and increasing overall survival. However, more studies are required to improve the methods of preparing and delivering the DC vaccine, and to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Motallebzadeh Khanmiri
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Esmaeili
- Student Research Committee, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Gholami
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Safarzadeh
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Lee KW, Yam JWP, Mao X. Dendritic Cell Vaccines: A Shift from Conventional Approach to New Generations. Cells 2023; 12:2147. [PMID: 37681880 PMCID: PMC10486560 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the emerging era of cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and adoptive cell transfer therapies (ACTs) have gained significant attention. However, their therapeutic efficacies are limited due to the presence of cold type tumors, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and immune-related side effects. On the other hand, dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines have been suggested as a new cancer immunotherapy regimen that can address the limitations encountered by ICBs and ACTs. Despite the success of the first generation of DC-based vaccines, represented by the first FDA-approved DC-based therapeutic cancer vaccine Provenge, several challenges remain unsolved. Therefore, new DC vaccine strategies have been actively investigated. This review addresses the limitations of the currently most adopted classical DC vaccine and evaluates new generations of DC vaccines in detail, including biomaterial-based, immunogenic cell death-inducing, mRNA-pulsed, DC small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-based, and tumor sEV-based DC vaccines. These innovative DC vaccines are envisioned to provide a significant breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy landscape and are expected to be supported by further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Won Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao
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3
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Jiang XT, Liu Q. mRNA vaccination in breast cancer: current progress and future direction. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04805-z. [PMID: 37100972 PMCID: PMC10132791 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination has proven to be highly successful in combating Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has recently sparked tremendous interest. This technology has been a popular topic of research over the past decade and is viewed as a promising treatment strategy for cancer immunotherapy. However, despite being the most prevalent malignant disease for women worldwide, breast cancer patients have limited access to immunotherapy benefits. mRNA vaccination has the potential to convert cold breast cancer into hot and expand the responders. Effective mRNA vaccine design for in vivo function requires consideration of vaccine targets, mRNA structures, transport vectors, and injection routes. This review provides an overview of pre-clinical and clinical data on various mRNA vaccination platforms used for breast cancer treatment and discusses potential approaches to combine appropriate vaccination platforms or other immunotherapies to improve mRNA vaccine therapy efficacy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ting Jiang
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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4
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Gilboa E, Boczkowski D, Nair SK. The Quest for mRNA Vaccines. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:449-456. [PMID: 36346283 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 is nothing short of a medical revolution. Given its chemical lability the use of mRNA as a therapeutic has been counterintuitive and met with skepticism. The development of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines was the culmination of long and painstaking efforts by many investigators spanning over 30 years and culminating with the seminal studies of Kariko and Weissman. This review will describe one chapter in this saga, studies that have shown that mRNA can function as a therapeutic. It started with our seminal observation that dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with mRNA in vitro administered to mice inhibits tumor growth, and led to first-in-human clinical trials with mRNA vaccines in cancer patients. The clinical development of this patient-specific DCs-mRNA approach and use on a larger scale was hindered by the challenges associated with personalized cell therapies. Confirmed and extended by many investigators, these studies did serve as impetus and motivation that led scientists to persevere, eventually leading to the development of simple, broadly applicable, and highly effective protocols of directly injecting mRNA into patients, culminating in the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - David Boczkowski
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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5
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Gu Y, Duan J, Yang N, Yang Y, Zhao X. mRNA vaccines in the prevention and treatment of diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e167. [PMID: 36033422 PMCID: PMC9409637 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines made their successful public debut in the effort against the COVID-19 outbreak starting in late 2019, although the history of mRNA vaccines can be traced back decades. This review provides an overview to discuss the historical course and present situation of mRNA vaccine development in addition to some basic concepts that underly mRNA vaccines. We discuss the general preparation and manufacturing of mRNA vaccines and also discuss the scientific advances in the in vivo delivery system and evaluate popular approaches (i.e., lipid nanoparticle and protamine) in detail. Next, we highlight the clinical value of mRNA vaccines as potent candidates for therapeutic treatment and discuss clinical progress in the treatment of cancer and coronavirus disease 2019. Data suggest that mRNA vaccines, with several prominent advantages, have achieved encouraging results and increasing attention due to tremendous potential in disease management. Finally, we suggest some potential directions worthy of further investigation and optimization. In addition to basic research, studies that help to facilitate storage and transportation will be indispensable for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzhuo Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University; Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
| | - Jiangyao Duan
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Na Yang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Xing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University; Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
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Qureischi M, Mohr J, Arellano-Viera E, Knudsen SE, Vohidov F, Garitano-Trojaola A. mRNA-based therapies: Preclinical and clinical applications. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 372:1-54. [PMID: 36064262 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
At the fundamental level, messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics involves the delivery of in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA into the cytoplasm of a target cell, where it is translated into the desired protein. IVT mRNA presents various advantages compared to DNA and recombinant protein-based approaches that make it ideal for a broad range of therapeutic applications. IVT mRNA, which is translated in the cytoplasm after transfection into cells, can encode virtually any target protein. Notably, it does not enter the nucleus, which avoids its integration into the genome and the risk of insertional mutagenesis. The large-scale production of IVT mRNA is less complex than production of recombinant proteins, and Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant mRNA production is easily scalable, ideally poising mRNA for not only off-the-shelf, but more personalized treatment approaches. IVT mRNA's safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, including its inherent immunostimulatory capacity, can be optimized for different therapeutic applications by harnessing a wide array of optimized sequence elements, chemical modifications, purification techniques, and delivery methods. The value of IVT mRNA was recently proved during the COVID-19 pandemic when mRNA-based vaccines outperformed the efficacy of established technologies, and millions of doses were rapidly deployed. In this review, we will discuss chemical modifications of IVT mRNA and highlight numerous preclinical and clinical applications including vaccines for cancer and infectious diseases, cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement, gene editing, and cell reprogramming.
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Beck JD, Reidenbach D, Salomon N, Sahin U, Türeci Ö, Vormehr M, Kranz LM. mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:69. [PMID: 33858437 PMCID: PMC8047518 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA provides a template for the synthesis of any given protein, protein fragment or peptide and lends itself to a broad range of pharmaceutical applications, including different modalities of cancer immunotherapy. With the ease of rapid, large scale Good Manufacturing Practice-grade mRNA production, mRNA is ideally poised not only for off-the shelf cancer vaccines but also for personalized neoantigen vaccination. The ability to stimulate pattern recognition receptors and thus an anti-viral type of innate immune response equips mRNA-based vaccines with inherent adjuvanticity. Nucleoside modification and elimination of double-stranded RNA can reduce the immunomodulatory activity of mRNA and increase and prolong protein production. In combination with nanoparticle-based formulations that increase transfection efficiency and facilitate lymphatic system targeting, nucleoside-modified mRNA enables efficient delivery of cytokines, costimulatory receptors, or therapeutic antibodies. Steady but transient production of the encoded bioactive molecule from the mRNA template can improve the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety properties as compared to the respective recombinant proteins. This may be harnessed for applications that benefit from a higher level of expression control, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified adoptive T-cell therapies. This review highlights the advancements in the field of mRNA-based cancer therapeutics, providing insights into key preclinical developments and the evolving clinical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Beck
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Reidenbach
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Lena M Kranz
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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Heine A, Juranek S, Brossart P. Clinical and immunological effects of mRNA vaccines in malignant diseases. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:52. [PMID: 33722265 PMCID: PMC7957288 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01339-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed messenger RNA-based therapeutics represent a relatively novel and highly efficient class of drugs. Several recently published studies emphasize the potential efficacy of mRNA vaccines in treating different types of malignant and infectious diseases where conventional vaccine strategies and platforms fail to elicit protective immune responses. mRNA vaccines have lately raised high interest as potent vaccines against SARS-CoV2. Direct application of mRNA or its electroporation into dendritic cells was shown to induce polyclonal CD4+ and CD8+ mediated antigen-specific T cell responses as well as the production of protective antibodies with the ability to eliminate transformed or infected cells. More importantly, the vaccine composition may include two or more mRNAs coding for different proteins or long peptides. This enables the induction of polyclonal immune responses against a broad variety of epitopes within the encoded antigens that are presented on various MHC complexes, thus avoiding the restriction to a certain HLA molecule or possible immune escape due to antigen-loss. The development and design of mRNA therapies was recently boosted by several critical innovations including the development of technologies for the production and delivery of high quality and stable mRNA. Several technical obstacles such as stability, delivery and immunogenicity were addressed in the past and gradually solved in the recent years.This review will summarize the most recent technological developments and application of mRNA vaccines in clinical trials and discusses the results, challenges and future directions with a special focus on the induced innate and adaptive immune responses.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Transfer Techniques
- Humans
- Immunity
- Immunotherapy
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/pathology
- Neoplasms/etiology
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- RNA Stability
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Annkristin Heine
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Juranek
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Abstract
The first proof-of-concept studies about the feasibility of genetic vaccines were published over three decades ago, opening the way for future development. The idea of nonviral antigen delivery had multiple advantages over the traditional live or inactivated pathogen-based vaccines, but a great deal of effort had to be invested to turn the idea of genetic vaccination into reality. Although early proof-of-concept studies were groundbreaking, they also showed that numerous aspects of genetic vaccines needed to be improved. Until the early 2000s, the vast majority of effort was invested into the development of DNA vaccines due to the potential issues of instability and low in vivo translatability of messenger RNA (mRNA). In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated the outstanding abilities of mRNA to elicit potent immune responses against infectious pathogens and different types of cancer, making it a viable platform for vaccine development. Multiple mRNA vaccine platforms have been developed and evaluated in small and large animals and humans and the results seem to be promising. RNA-based vaccines have important advantages over other vaccine approaches including outstanding efficacy, safety, and the potential for rapid, inexpensive, and scalable production. There is a substantial investment by new mRNA companies into the development of mRNA therapeutics, particularly vaccines, increasing the number of basic and translational research publications and human clinical trials underway. This review gives a broad overview about genetic vaccines and mainly focuses on the past and present of mRNA vaccines along with the future directions to bring this potent vaccine platform closer to therapeutic use.
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Faghfuri E, Pourfarzi F, Faghfouri AH, Abdoli Shadbad M, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Baradaran B. Recent developments of RNA-based vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:201-218. [PMID: 32842798 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1815704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer immunotherapy is more dependent on monoclonal antibodies, proteins, and cells, as therapeutic agents, to attain prominent outcomes. However, cancer immunotherapy's clinical benefits need to be enhanced, as many patients still do not respond well to existing treatments, or their diseases may relapse after temporary control. RNA-based approaches have provided new options for advancing cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, considerable efforts have been made to utilize RNA for vaccine production. RNA vaccines, which encode tumor-associated or specific epitopes, stimulate adaptive immunity. This adaptive immune response is capable of elimination or reduction of tumor burden. It is crucial to develop effective RNA transfer technologies that penetrate the lipid bilayer to reach the cytoplasm for translation into functional proteins. Two important delivery methods include the loading of mRNA into dendritic cells ex vivo; and direct injection of naked RNA with or without a carrier. AREAS COVERED The latest results of pre-clinical and clinical studies with RNA vaccines in cancer immunotherapy are summarized in this review. EXPERT OPINION RNA vaccines are now in early clinical development with promising safety and efficacy outcomes. Also, the translation capacity and durability of these vaccines can be increased with chemical modifications and sequence engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Faghfuri
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences , Ardabil, Iran
| | - Farhad Pourfarzi
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences , Ardabil, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Faghfouri
- Student's Research Committee, Department of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Science , Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran
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Ahmed R, Crespo I, Tuyaerts S, Bekkar A, Graciotti M, Xenarios I, Kandalaft LE. Predicting combinations of immunomodulators to enhance dendritic cell-based vaccination based on a hybrid experimental and computational platform. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:2217-2227. [PMID: 32952936 PMCID: PMC7475195 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines have been largely used in the adjuvant setting for the treatment of cancer, however, despite their proven safety, clinical outcomes still remain modest. In order to improve their efficacy, DC-based vaccines are often combined with one or multiple immunomodulatory agents. However, the selection of the most promising combinations is hampered by the plethora of agents available and the unknown interplay between these different agents. To address this point, we developed a hybrid experimental and computational platform to predict the effects and immunogenicity of dual combinations of stimuli once combined with DC vaccination, based on the experimental data of a variety of assays to monitor different aspects of the immune response after a single stimulus. To assess the stimuli behavior when used as single agents, we first developed an in vitro co-culture system of T cell priming using monocyte-derived DCs loaded with whole tumor lysate to prime autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of the chosen stimuli, as single adjuvants, and characterized the elicited response assessing 18 different phenotypic and functional traits important for an efficient anti-cancer response. We then developed and applied a prediction algorithm, generating a ranking for all possible dual combinations of the different single stimuli considered here. The ranking generated by the prediction tool was then validated with experimental data showing a strong correlation with the predicted scores, confirming that the top ranked conditions globally significantly outperformed the worst conditions. Thus, the method developed here constitutes an innovative tool for the selection of the best immunomodulatory agents to implement in future DC-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ahmed
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isaac Crespo
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Vital-IT group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Tuyaerts
- Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amel Bekkar
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michele Graciotti
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Xenarios
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lana E. Kandalaft
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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12
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Roy S, Sethi TK, Taylor D, Kim YJ, Johnson DB. Breakthrough concepts in immune-oncology: Cancer vaccines at the bedside. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1455-1489. [PMID: 32557857 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5bt0420-585rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical approval of the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents for multiple cancer types has reinvigorated the long-standing work on cancer vaccines. In the pre-ICB era, clinical efforts focused on the Ag, the adjuvants, the formulation, and the mode of delivery. These translational efforts on therapeutic vaccines range from cell-based (e.g., dendritic cells vaccine Sipuleucel-T) to DNA/RNA-based platforms with various formulations (liposome), vectors (Listeria monocytogenes), or modes of delivery (intratumoral, gene gun, etc.). Despite promising preclinical results, cancer vaccine trials without ICB have historically shown little clinical activity. With the anticipation and expansion of combinatorial immunotherapeutic trials with ICB, the cancer vaccine field has entered the personalized medicine arena with recent advances in immunogenic neoantigen-based vaccines. In this article, we review the literature to organize the different cancer vaccines in the clinical space, and we will discuss their advantages, limits, and recent progress to overcome their challenges. Furthermore, we will also discuss recent preclinical advances and clinical strategies to combine vaccines with checkpoint blockade to improve therapeutic outcome and present a translational perspective on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Roy
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tarsheen K Sethi
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David Taylor
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Young J Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Ahmed R, Sayegh N, Graciotti M, Kandalaft LE. Electroporation as a method of choice to generate genetically modified dendritic cell cancer vaccines. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 65:142-155. [PMID: 32240923 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the last few decades, immunotherapy has emerged as an alternative therapeutic approach to treat cancer. Immunotherapy offers a plethora of different treatment possibilities. Among these, dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines constitute one of the most promising and valuable therapeutic options. DC-vaccines have been introduced into the clinics more than 15 years ago, and preclinical studies showed their general safety and low toxic effects on patients. However, their treatment efficacy is still rather limited, demanding for novel avenues to improve vaccine efficacy. One way to potentially achieve this is to focus on improving the DC-T cell interaction to further increase T cell priming and downstream activity. A successful DC-T cell interaction requires three different signals (Figure 1): (1) Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and antigen complex interaction with T cell receptor (TCR) (2) interaction between co-stimulatory molecules and their cognate ligands at the cell surface and (3) secretion of cytokines to polarize the immune response toward a Type 1 helper (Th1) phenotype. In recent years, many studies attempted to improve the DC-T cell interaction and overall cancer vaccine therapeutic outcomes by increasing the expression of mediators of signal 1, 2 and/or 3, through genetic modifications of DCs. Transfection of genes of interest can be achieved through many different methods such as passive pulsing, lipofection, viral transfection, or electroporation (EP). However, EP is currently emerging as the method of choice thanks to its safety, versatility, and relatively easy clinical translation. In this review we will highlight the potential benefits of EP over other transfection methods as well as giving an overview of the available studies employing EP to gene-modify DCs in cancer vaccines. Crucial aspects such as safety, feasibility, and gene(s) of choice will be also discussed, together with future perspectives and opportunities for DC genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ahmed
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Naya Sayegh
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Michele Graciotti
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Lana E Kandalaft
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.
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Han P, Hanlon D, Sobolev O, Chaudhury R, Edelson RL. Ex vivo dendritic cell generation-A critical comparison of current approaches. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 349:251-307. [PMID: 31759433 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells, required for the initiation of naïve and memory T cell responses and regulation of adaptive immunity. The discovery of DCs in 1973, which culminated in the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011 for Ralph Steinman and colleagues, initially focused on the identification of adherent mononuclear cell fractions with uniquely stellate dendritic morphology, followed by key discoveries of their critical immunologic role in initiating and maintaining antigen-specific immunity and tolerance. The medical promise of marshaling these key capabilities of DCs for therapeutic modulation of antigen-specific immune responses has guided decades of research in hopes to achieve genuine physiologic partnership with the immune system. The potential uses of DCs in immunotherapeutic applications include cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders; thus, methods for rapid and reliable large-scale production of DCs have been of great academic and clinical interest. However, difficulties in obtaining DCs from lymphoid and peripheral tissues, low numbers and poor survival in culture, have led to advancements in ex vivo production of DCs, both for probing molecular details of DC function as well as for experimenting with their clinical utility. Here, we review the development of a diverse array of DC production methodologies, ranging from cytokine-based strategies to genetic engineering tools devised for enhancing DC-specific immunologic functions. Further, we explore the current state of DC therapies in clinic, as well as emerging insights into physiologic production of DCs inspired by existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Han
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Douglas Hanlon
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Olga Sobolev
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Rabib Chaudhury
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Richard L Edelson
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.
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Cornel AM, van Til NP, Boelens JJ, Nierkens S. Strategies to Genetically Modulate Dendritic Cells to Potentiate Anti-Tumor Responses in Hematologic Malignancies. Front Immunol 2018; 9:982. [PMID: 29867960 PMCID: PMC5968097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccination has been investigated as a potential strategy to target hematologic malignancies, while generating sustained immunological responses to control potential future relapse. Nonetheless, few clinical trials have shown robust long-term efficacy. It has been suggested that a combination of surmountable shortcomings, such as selection of utilized DC subsets, DC loading and maturation strategies, as well as tumor-induced immunosuppression may be targeted to maximize anti-tumor responses of DC vaccines. Generation of DC from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) may provide potential in patients undergoing allogeneic HSPC transplantations for hematologic malignancies. CD34+ HSPC from the graft can be genetically modified to optimize antigen presentation and to provide sufficient T cell stimulatory signals. We here describe beneficial (gene)-modifications that can be implemented in various processes in T cell activation by DC, among which major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and MHC class II presentation, DC maturation and migration, cross-presentation, co-stimulation, and immunosuppression to improve anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelisa M Cornel
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jaap Jan Boelens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Pardi N, Hogan MJ, Porter FW, Weissman D. mRNA vaccines - a new era in vaccinology. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:261-279. [PMID: 29326426 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2261] [Impact Index Per Article: 376.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines represent a promising alternative to conventional vaccine approaches because of their high potency, capacity for rapid development and potential for low-cost manufacture and safe administration. However, their application has until recently been restricted by the instability and inefficient in vivo delivery of mRNA. Recent technological advances have now largely overcome these issues, and multiple mRNA vaccine platforms against infectious diseases and several types of cancer have demonstrated encouraging results in both animal models and humans. This Review provides a detailed overview of mRNA vaccines and considers future directions and challenges in advancing this promising vaccine platform to widespread therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Hogan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Frederick W Porter
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Ramachandran M, Dimberg A, Essand M. The cancer-immunity cycle as rational design for synthetic cancer drugs: Novel DC vaccines and CAR T-cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 45:23-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Abstract
mRNA cancer vaccines are a relatively new class of vaccines, which combine the potential of mRNA to encode for almost any protein with an excellent safety profile and a flexible production process. The most straightforward use of mRNA vaccines in oncologic settings is the immunization of patients with mRNA vaccines encoding tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). This is exemplified by the RNActive® technology, which induces balanced humoral and cellular immune responses in animal models and is currently evaluated in several clinical trials for oncologic indications. A second application of mRNA vaccines is the production of personalized vaccines. This is possible because mRNA vaccines are produced by a generic process, which can be used to quickly produce mRNA vaccines targeting patient-specific neoantigens that are identified by analyzing the tumor exome. Apart from being used directly to vaccinate patients, mRNAs can also be used in cellular therapies to transfect patient-derived cells in vitro and infuse the manipulated cells back into the patient. One such application is the transfection of patient-derived dendritic cells (DCs) with mRNAs encoding TAAs, which leads to the presentation of TAA-derived peptides on the DCs and an activation of antigen-specific T cells in vivo. A second application is the transfection of patient-derived T cells with mRNAs encoding chimeric antigen receptors, which allows the T cells to directly recognize a specific antigen expressed on the tumor. In this chapter, we will review preclinical and clinical data for the different approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Fiedler
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Sandra Lazzaro
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Lutz
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Rauch
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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RNA-Based Vaccines in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:794528. [PMID: 26665011 PMCID: PMC4668311 DOI: 10.1155/2015/794528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA vaccines traditionally consist of messenger RNA synthesized by in vitro transcription using a bacteriophage RNA polymerase and template DNA that encodes the antigen(s) of interest. Once administered and internalized by host cells, the mRNA transcripts are translated directly in the cytoplasm and then the resulting antigens are presented to antigen presenting cells to stimulate an immune response. Alternatively, dendritic cells can be loaded with either tumor associated antigen mRNA or total tumor RNA and delivered to the host to elicit a specific immune response. In this review, we will explain why RNA vaccines represent an attractive platform for cancer immunotherapy, discuss modifications to RNA structure that have been developed to optimize mRNA vaccine stability and translational efficiency, and describe strategies for nonviral delivery of mRNA vaccines, highlighting key preclinical and clinical data related to cancer immunotherapy.
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Tagliamonte M, Petrizzo A, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM, Buonaguro L. Antigen-specific vaccines for cancer treatment. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 10:3332-46. [PMID: 25483639 DOI: 10.4161/21645515.2014.973317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines targeting pathogens are generally effective and protective because based on foreign non-self antigens which are extremely potent in eliciting an immune response. On the contrary, efficacy of therapeutic cancer vaccines is still disappointing. One of the major reasons for such poor outcome, among others, is the difficulty of identifying tumor-specific target antigens which should be unique to the tumors or, at least, overexpressed on the tumors as compared to normal cells. Indeed, this is the only option to overcome the peripheral immune tolerance and elicit a non toxic immune response. New and more potent strategies are now available to identify specific tumor-associated antigens for development of cancer vaccine approaches aiming at eliciting targeted anti-tumor cellular responses. In the last years this aspect has been addressed and many therapeutic vaccination strategies based on either whole tumor cells or specific antigens have been and are being currently evaluated in clinical trials. This review summarizes the current state of cancer vaccines, mainly focusing on antigen-specific approaches.
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Key Words
- APCs, antigen-presenting cell
- BCG, Bacille Calmette-Guerin
- BCR, B-cell receptor
- CDCA1, cell division cycle associated 1
- CRC, colorectal cancer
- CT, Cancer-testis
- CTL, cytotoxic T-lympocites
- DCs, dendritic cells
- EGT, electro-gene-transfer
- FDA, Food & drug administration
- GB, glioblastoma
- GM-CSF, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor
- HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- HPV, human papillomavirus
- HSPs, stress/heat shock proteins
- IFNg, interferon gamma
- Ig Id, immunoglobulin idiotype
- LPs, long peptides
- MAGE-A1, Melanoma-associated antigen 1
- MHC, major histocompatibility complex
- MS, mass spectrometry
- MVA, modified vaccinia strain Ankara
- NSCLC, non-small-cell lung carcinoma
- PAP, prostatic acid phosphatase
- PRRs, Pattern Recognition Receptors
- PSA, Prostate-specific antigen
- RCR, renal cell cancer
- SSX-2, Synovial sarcoma X breakpoint 2
- TAAs, tumor-associated antigens
- TACAs, Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens
- TARP, T-cell receptor gamma alternate reading frame protein
- TLRs, Toll-Like Receptors
- TPA, transporter associated with antigen processing
- WES, whole exome sequencing
- WGS, whole genome sequencing
- cancer vaccine
- clinical trials
- epitopes
- hTERT, human Telomerase reverse transcriptase
- immunotherapeutics
- mCRPC, metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer
- tumor-associated antigens
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tagliamonte
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology; Department of Experimental Oncology; Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori; "Fondazione Pascale" - IRCCS ; Naples , Italy
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Benteyn D, Heirman C, Bonehill A, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. mRNA-based dendritic cell vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:161-76. [PMID: 25196947 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2014.957684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been proposed as a powerful treatment modality. Active immunotherapy aspires to stimulate the patient's immune system, particularly T cells. These cells can recognize and kill cancer cells and can form an immunological memory. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the professional antigen-presenting cells of our immune system. They take up and process antigens to present them to T cells. Consequently, DCs have been investigated as a means to stimulate cancer-specific T-cell responses. An efficient strategy to program DCs is the use of mRNA, a well-defined and safe molecule that can be easily generated at high purity. Importantly, vaccines consisting of mRNA-modified DCs showed promising results in clinical trials. Therefore, we will introduce cancer immunotherapy and DCs and give a detailed overview on the application of mRNA to generate cancer-fighting DC vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Benteyn
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Jette, Belgium
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Guo C, Manjili MH, Subjeck JR, Sarkar D, Fisher PB, Wang XY. Therapeutic cancer vaccines: past, present, and future. Adv Cancer Res 2014; 119:421-75. [PMID: 23870514 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407190-2.00007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines represent a viable option for active immunotherapy of cancers that aim to treat late stage disease by using a patient's own immune system. The promising results from clinical trials recently led to the approval of the first therapeutic cancer vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This major breakthrough not only provides a new treatment modality for cancer management but also paves the way for rationally designing and optimizing future vaccines with improved anticancer efficacy. Numerous vaccine strategies are currently being evaluated both preclinically and clinically. This review discusses therapeutic cancer vaccines from diverse platforms or targets as well as the preclinical and clinical studies employing these therapeutic vaccines. We also consider tumor-induced immune suppression that hinders the potency of therapeutic vaccines, and potential strategies to counteract these mechanisms for generating more robust and durable antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunqing Guo
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Abstract
Several reports have described the use of tumor-extracted RNA as source of tumor antigen for the preparation of vaccines based on dendritic cells (DC) and its potential use for antigen-specific or polyvalent tumor vaccination. Upon transfection, RNA is transcribed into proteins that enter the cytoplasmic degradation pathway and can be presented by DC through class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I, thus inducing specific T cell cytotoxic responses. In this chapter, we present a protocol to transfect murine dendritic cells with tumor mRNA by means of electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Benencia
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Russ College of Engineering and Technology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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Scholtysik R, Nagel I, Kreuz M, Vater I, Giefing M, Schwaenen C, Wessendorf S, Trümper L, Loeffler M, Siebert R, Küppers R. Recurrent deletions of the TNFSF7 and TNFSF9 genes in 19p13.3 in diffuse large B-cell and Burkitt lymphomas. Int J Cancer 2012; 131:E830-5. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy aims to establish immune-mediated control of tumor growth by priming T-cell responses to target tumor-associated antigens. Three signals are required for T-cell activation: (i) presentation of cognate antigen in self MHC molecules; (ii) costimulation by membrane-bound receptor-ligand pairs; and (iii) soluble factors to direct polarization of the ensuing immune response. The ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to provide all three signals required for T-cell activation makes them an ideal cancer vaccine platform. Several strategies have been developed to enhance and control antigen presentation, costimulation, and cytokine production. In this review, we discuss progress toward developing DC-based cancer vaccines by genetic modification using RNA, DNA, and recombinant viruses. Furthermore, the ability of DC-based vaccines to activate natural killer (NK) and B-cells, and the impact of gene modification strategies on these populations is described. Clinical trials using gene-modified DCs have shown modest results, therefore, further considerations for DC manipulation to enhance their clinical efficacy are also discussed.
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Shurin MR, Gregory M, Morris JC, Malyguine AM. Genetically modified dendritic cells in cancer immunotherapy: a better tomorrow? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 10:1539-53. [PMID: 20955111 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2010.526105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Dendritic cells (DC) are powerful antigen-presenting cells that induce and maintain primary cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses directed against tumor antigens. Consequently, there has been much interest in their application as antitumor vaccines. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW A large number of DC-based vaccine trials targeting a variety of cancers have been conducted; however, the rate of reported clinically significant responses remains low. Modification of DC to express tumor antigens or immunostimulatory molecules through the transfer of genes or mRNA transfection offers a logical alternative with potential advantages over peptide- or protein antigen-loaded DC. In this article, we review the current results and future prospects for genetically modified DC vaccines for the treatment of cancer. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Genetically-modified dendritic cell-based vaccines represent a powerful tool for cancer therapy. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of dendritic cell vaccines alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Genetically modified DC-based anti-cancer vaccination holds promise, perhaps being best employed in the adjuvant setting with minimal residual disease after primary therapy, or in combination with other antitumor or immune-enhancing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Shurin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Intradermal vaccinations with RNA coding for TAA generate CD8+ and CD4+ immune responses and induce clinical benefit in vaccinated patients. Mol Ther 2010; 19:990-9. [PMID: 21189474 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this phase I/II nonrandomized trial was to assess feasibility, safety as well as immunological and clinical responses of a mRNA-based vaccination in patients with stage IV renal cell cancer using granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as adjuvant. Intradermal injections of in vitro transcribed naked mRNA, which was generated using plasmids coding for the tumor-associated antigens mucin 1(MUC1), carcinoembryonic (CEA), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2/neu), telomerase, survivin, and melanoma-associated antigen 1 (MAGE-A1) were performed in 30 enrolled patients. In the first 14 patients (cohort A) vaccinations were administered on days 0, 14, 28, and 42 (20 µg/antigen) while in the consecutive 16 patients (cohort B) an intensified protocol consisting of injections at days 0-3, 7-10, 28, and 42 (50 µg/antigen) was used. In both cohorts, after this induction period, vaccinations were repeated monthly until tumor progression analyzed by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors criteria (RECIST). Vaccinations were well tolerated with no severe side effects and induced clinical responses [six stable diseases (SD) and one partial response in cohort A and nine SD in cohort B]. In cohort A, 35.7% survived 4 years (median survival 24 months) compared to 31.25% in cohort B (median survival 29 months). Induction of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses was shown for several tumor-associated antigens (TAA) using interferon-γ (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) and Cr-release assays.
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Shao Z, Schwarz H. CD137 ligand, a member of the tumor necrosis factor family, regulates immune responses via reverse signal transduction. J Leukoc Biol 2010; 89:21-9. [PMID: 20643812 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0510315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB, TNFR superfamily 9) and its ligand are members of the TNFR and TNF families, respectively, and are involved in the regulation of a wide range of immune activities. CD137 ligand cross-links its receptor, CD137, which is expressed on activated T cells, and costimulates T cell activities. CD137 ligand can also be expressed as a transmembrane protein on the cell surface and transmit signals into the cells on which it is expressed (reverse signaling). CD137 ligand expression is found on most types of leukocytes and on some nonimmune cells. In monocytic cells (monocytes, macrophages, and DCs), CD137 ligand signaling induces activation, migration, survival, and differentiation. The activities of T cells, B cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and some malignant cells are also influenced by CD137 ligand, but the physiological significance is understood only partly. As CD137 and CD137 ligand are regarded as valuable targets for immunotherapy, it is pivotal to determine which biological effects are mediated by which of the 2 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Shao
- Department of Physiology and Immunology Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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29
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Abstract
The Cancer Report from the World Health Organization states that in the year 2000 12% of all death cases worldwide were caused by cancer. In the western world, the cancer death rates are often devastating, being at about 25%. This fact stresses the urgency to find effective cures against malignant diseases. New approaches in the treatment of cancer focus on the development of immunotherapies to fight the disease. Besides other methods, the usage of tumor-specific RNA as part of vaccines is investigated lately. RNA, administered alone or used for transfection of dendritic cells, shows several advantages as a vaccine including feasibility, applicability, safeness, and effectiveness when it comes to the generation of immune responses. This review concentrates on results from in vitro experiments and recent trials using RNA vaccines to present an overview about this specific strategy.
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Yang JY, Cao DY, Xue Y, Yu ZC, Liu WC. Improvement of dendritic-based vaccine efficacy against hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma by two tumor-associated antigen gene–infected dendritic cells. Hum Immunol 2010; 71:255-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2009.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Revised: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Costimulatory ligand CD70 allows induction of CD8+ T-cell immunity by immature dendritic cells in a vaccination setting. Blood 2009; 113:5167-75. [PMID: 19279334 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-03-148007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of dendritic cells (DCs) as anticancer vaccines holds promise for therapy but requires optimization. We have explored the potential of costimulatory ligand CD70 to boost the capacity of DCs to evoke effective CD8(+) T-cell immunity. We show that immature conventional DCs, when endowed with CD70 expression by transgenesis, are converted from a tolerogenic state into an immunogenic state. Adoptively transferred CD70-expressing immature DCs could prime CD8(+) T cells, by CD27, to become tumor-eradicating cytolytic effectors and memory cells with a capacity for robust secondary expansion. The CD8(+) T-cell response, including memory programming, was independent of CD4(+) T-cell help, because the transferred immature DCs were loaded with major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted peptide only. Without CD70 expression, the DCs generated abortive clonal expansion, dysfunctional antitumor responses, and no CD8(+) T-cell memory. CD70-expressing CD8(+) DCs were the primary subset responsible for CD8(+) T-cell priming and performed comparably to fully matured DCs. These data highlight the importance of CD27/CD70 interactions at the T-cell/DC interface and indicate that CD70 should be considered in the design of DC vaccination strategies.
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Kober J, Leitner J, Klauser C, Woitek R, Majdic O, Stöckl J, Herndler-Brandstetter D, Grubeck-Loebenstein B, Reipert BM, Pickl WF, Pfistershammer K, Steinberger P. The capacity of the TNF family members 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, GITRL, CD30L and LIGHT to costimulate human T cells. Eur J Immunol 2008; 38:2678-88. [PMID: 18825741 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200838250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Activating signals generated by members of the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily upon interaction with their cognate ligands play important roles in T-cell responses. Members of the tumour necrosis factor family namely 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, GITRL, LIGHT and CD30L have been described to function as costimulatory molecules by binding such receptors on T cells. Using our recently described system of T-cell stimulator cells we have performed the first study where all these molecules have been assessed and compared regarding their capacity to costimulate proliferation and cytokine production of human T cells. 4-1BBL, which we found to be the most potent molecule in this group, was able to mediate sustained activation and proliferation of human T cells. OX40L and CD70 were also strong inducers of T-cell proliferation, whereas the costimulatory capacity of human GITRL was significantly lower. Importantly CD30L and LIGHT consistently failed to act costimulatory on human T cells, and we therefore suggest that these molecules might be functionally distinct from the costimulatory members of this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Kober
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Physiology, Pathophysiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Grünebach F, Erndt S, Häntschel M, Heine A, Brossart P. Generation of antigen-specific CTL responses using RGS1 mRNA transfected dendritic cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2008; 57:1483-91. [PMID: 18301890 PMCID: PMC11031069 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 02/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Advances in tumor immunology and Identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) provide a basis for the development of novel immunotherapies to treat malignant diseases. In order to identify novel TAAs, we performed comparative microarray analysis of (heterogeneous) tissues and found regulator of G protein-signaling 1 (RGS1) extensively up-regulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues. To examine the possible function of this molecule as a novel, broadly applicable TAA, synthetic full-length RGS1-mRNA was synthesized for the transfection of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). These modified antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were then used to induce RGS1-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in vitro. The CTLs generated from several healthy donors and a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) elicited an antigen-specific and HLA-A2- and -A3-restricted cytolytic activity against tumor cells endogenously expressing the RGS1 protein including renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), melanoma, ovarian carcinoma and the primary autologous CLL-blasts. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the in vitro induction of RGS1-specific CTLs by RNA-transfected DCs is feasible and highly effective. Since this molecule is (over-) expressed in a broad variety of malignancies it might represent an interesting novel TAA in the context of cancer vaccines designed to target RGS1 expressing tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Grünebach
- Departments of Internal Medicine II, Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology and Pulmology, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Erndt
- Departments of Internal Medicine II, Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology and Pulmology, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maik Häntschel
- Departments of Internal Medicine II, Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology and Pulmology, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annkristin Heine
- Departments of Internal Medicine II, Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology and Pulmology, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Departments of Internal Medicine II, Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology and Pulmology, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Present Address: Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Bonn, Wilhelmstr. 35-37, 53111 Bonn, Germany
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Chiang CLL, Ledermann JA, Aitkens E, Benjamin E, Katz DR, Chain BM. Oxidation of ovarian epithelial cancer cells by hypochlorous acid enhances immunogenicity and stimulates T cells that recognize autologous primary tumor. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:4898-907. [PMID: 18676764 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-4899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypochlorous acid, a product of neutrophil myeloperoxidase, is a powerful enhancer of antigen processing and presentation. In this study, we examine whether ovarian epithelial cells (SK-OV-3) exposed to hypochlorous acid can stimulate T cells from patients with ovarian epithelial cancer that recognize common tumor antigens as well as autologous tumor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN T cells from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2(+) and HLA-A2(-) patients or healthy controls were stimulated with autologous dendritic cells cocultured with the generic ovarian tumor line SK-OV-3, previously exposed to hypochlorous acid. RESULTS Hypochlorous acid-treated SK-OV-3 cells drove expansion of CD8(+) T cells from HLA-A2(+) individuals, which recognized the HLA-A2-restricted tumor antigen epitopes of HER-2/neu (E75 and GP2) and MUC1 (M1.1 and M1.2). Up to 4.1% of the T cells were positive for the HER-2/neu KIFGSLAFL epitope using pentamer staining. Dendritic cells loaded with oxidized SK-OV-3 cells and further matured with CD40 agonistic antibody or monophosphoryl lipid A additionally induced CD4(+) class II-restricted responses. Critically, T cells stimulated with mature oxidized SK-OV-3 (but not a control oxidized melanoma cell line) directly recognized autologous tumor cells isolated from patient ascites. CONCLUSIONS Immunization with mature dendritic cells loaded with a generic oxidized tumor cell line stimulates a polyclonal antitumor response that recognizes autologous tumor. These findings suggest a new immunotherapeutic strategy to extend remission in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L-L Chiang
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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36
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Abstract
Antigen-loaded dendritic cells (DCs) have been intensively investigated as potential cellular antitumor vaccines. Several recent reports have indicated that loading DCs with whole tumor derived mRNA or defined tumor-antigen-encoding mRNA represents an effective nonviral strategy to stimulate T cell responses both for in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we describe the electroporation method as a tool for introducing in vitro transcribed capped mRNA into human DCs for tumor vaccination. We use MART-1/Melan-A as a model tumor-associated antigen for the generation of a DC-based vaccine against melanoma cancer. In addition to efficient antigen loading, it is important to obtain a maximal number of potent antigen-presenting cells. Another prerequisite for the development of a DC-based cancer vaccine is to obtain mature DCs. In this chapter, we describe the basic techniques required for the successful genetic modification of DCs by using the mRNA electroporation method.
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37
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Conrad H, Gebhard K, Krönig H, Neudorfer J, Busch DH, Peschel C, Bernhard H. CTLs Directed against HER2 Specifically Cross-React with HER3 and HER4. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 180:8135-45. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.12.8135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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38
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Dörrie J, Schaft N, Müller I, Wellner V, Schunder T, Hänig J, Oostingh GJ, Schön MP, Robert C, Kämpgen E, Schuler G. Introduction of functional chimeric E/L-selectin by RNA electroporation to target dendritic cells from blood to lymph nodes. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2008; 57:467-77. [PMID: 17768622 PMCID: PMC11041385 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-007-0385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inefficient migration of dendritic cells (DC) to regional lymph nodes (LN) upon intracutaneous injection is a major obstacle for effective DC vaccination. Intravenous vaccination is unfavorable, because DC cannot migrate directly from the blood into LN. METHODS To enable human monocyte-derived (mo)DC to enter LN directly from the blood, we manipulated them by RNA electroporation to express a human chimeric E/L-selectin (CD62E/CD62L) protein, which binds to peripheral node addressin expressed on high endothelial venules. RESULTS Transfection efficiency exceeded 95%, and high E/L-selectin surface expression was detected for >48 h. E/L-selectin RNA-transfected DC displayed an identical mature DC phenotype as mock-transfected DC. Furthermore, E/L-selectin-transfected DC maintained their normal CCR7-mediated migration capacity, and their ability to prime and expand functional cytotoxic T cells recognizing MelanA. Most importantly, E/L-selectin-RNA-transfected DC gained the capability to attach to and roll on sialyl-Lewis(X) in vitro. OUTLOOK The presented strategy can be readily translated into the clinic, as it involves no stable genetic manipulation or viral transformation, and allows targeting of a large number of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ina Müller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Wellner
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tanja Schunder
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jens Hänig
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gertie J. Oostingh
- Rudolf Virchow Center, DFG Research Center for Experimental Biomedicine
and Department of Dermatology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael P. Schön
- Rudolf Virchow Center, DFG Research Center for Experimental Biomedicine
and Department of Dermatology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Eckhart Kämpgen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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39
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Erdmann M, Dörrie J, Schaft N, Strasser E, Hendelmeier M, Kämpgen E, Schuler G, Schuler-Thurner B. Effective clinical-scale production of dendritic cell vaccines by monocyte elutriation directly in medium, subsequent culture in bags and final antigen loading using peptides or RNA transfection. J Immunother 2007; 30:663-74. [PMID: 17667530 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e3180ca7cd6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccination approaches are advancing fast into the clinic. The major obstacle for further improvement is the current lack of a simple functionally "closed" system to generate standardized monocyte-derived (mo) DC vaccines. Here, we significantly optimized the use of the Elutra counterflow elutriation system to enrich monocytic DC precursors by (1) developing an algorithm to avoid red blood cell debulking and associated monocyte loss before elutriation, and (2) by elutriation directly in culture medium rather than phosphate-buffered saline. Upon elutriation the bags containing the collected monocytes are simply transferred into the incubator to generate DC progeny as the final "open" washing step is no longer required. Elutriation resulted in significantly more (> or = 2-fold) and purer DC than the standard gradient centrifugation/adherence-based monocyte enrichment, whereas morphology, maturation markers, viability, migratory capacity, and T cell stimulatory capacity were identical. Subsequently, we compared RNA transfection, as this is an increasingly used approach to load DC with antigen. Elutra-derived and adherence-derived DC could be electroporated with similar, high efficiency (on average >85% green fluorescence protein positive), and appeared also equal in antigen expression kinetics. Both Elutra-derived and adherence-derived DC, when loaded with the MelanA peptide or electroporated with MelanA RNA, showed a high T cell stimulation capacity, that is, priming of MelanA-specific CD8+ T cells. Our optimized Elutra-based procedure is straightforward, clearly superior to the standard gradient centrifugation/plastic adherence protocol, and now allows the generation of large numbers of peptide-loaded or RNA-transfected DC in a functionally closed system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Erdmann
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Hartmannstrasse, Germany
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40
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Boss CN, Grünebach F, Brauer K, Häntschel M, Mirakaj V, Weinschenk T, Stevanovic S, Rammensee HG, Brossart P. Identification and characterization of T-cell epitopes deduced from RGS5, a novel broadly expressed tumor antigen. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:3347-55. [PMID: 17545542 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-06-2156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Identification of tumor-associated antigens and advances in tumor immunology resulted in the development of vaccination strategies to treat patients with malignant diseases. In a novel experimental approach that combined comparative mRNA expression analysis of defined cell types with the characterization of MHC ligands by mass spectrometry, we found that regulator of G protein signaling 5 (RGS5) is extensively up-regulated in a broad variety of malignant cells, and we identified two HLA-A2- and HLA-A3-binding peptides derived from the RGS5 protein. Interestingly, RGS5 was recently shown to be involved in tumor angiogenesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used monocyte-derived dendritic cells pulsed with these novel antigenic peptides or transfected with RGS5-mRNA for the in vitro induction of CTLs, generated from healthy donors, to analyze the presentation of RGS5-deduced epitopes by malignant cells. RESULTS The generated CTL lines elicited an antigen-specific and HLA-restricted cytolytic activity against tumor cells endogenously expressing the RGS5 protein. Furthermore, we were able to induce RGS5-specific CTLs using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a patient with acute myeloid leukemia capable of recognizing the autologous leukemic blasts while sparing nonmalignant cells. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the RGS5 peptides represent interesting candidates for the development of cancer vaccines designed to target malignant cells and tumor vessels.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Neoplasm/chemistry
- Cancer Vaccines
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HLA-A2 Antigen/chemistry
- HLA-A3 Antigen/chemistry
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Monocytes/metabolism
- Peptides/chemistry
- RGS Proteins/biosynthesis
- RGS Proteins/immunology
- RNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina N Boss
- Department of Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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41
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Xiao H, Huang B, Yuan Y, Li D, Han LF, Liu Y, Gong W, Wu FH, Zhang GM, Feng ZH. Soluble PD-1 Facilitates 4-1BBL–Triggered Antitumor Immunity against Murine H22 Hepatocarcinoma In vivo. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:1823-30. [PMID: 17325342 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-06-2154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The use of costimulatory molecules targeting distinct T-cell signaling pathways has provided a means for triggering and enhancing antitumor immunity; however, it is still not fully understood what types of costimulatory molecules are suitable for the combination in tumor therapy. Our purpose in this study is to establish an effective antitumor immune approach by using costimulatory molecule 4-1BBL in combination with soluble PD-1. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The murine H22 hepatocarcinoma served as an ectopic tumor model. Local gene transfer was done by injection with naked plasmid p4-1BBL and/or psPD-1. The synergistic mechanism of dual-gene therapy was elucidated by detecting the change of gene expression of immunoregulatory factors in tumor microenvironment. The effects of immunotherapy were evaluated by testing the function of tumor-specific T cells, measuring tumor weight or volume, survival of mice, and H&E staining of tissues. RESULTS 4-1BBL expressed by normal nonimmune cells effectively enhanced antitumor immune response but up-regulated PD-L1 and did not reduce IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). sPD-1 synergized with 4-1BBL to establish efficient antitumor immune environment, including down-regulation of IL-10 and TGF-beta, further up-regulation of interleukin (IL)-2 and IFN-gamma, and higher CD8(+) T-cell infiltration. The combined treatment by 4-1BBL/sPD-1 eradicated tumors from mice with small amounts of preexistent tumor cells or tumors from approximately 60% of individuals with larger amounts of preexistent tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings in this report imply a great potential of 4-1BBL in combination with sPD-1 in tumor therapeutics with the in vivo existent tumor cells as antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
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42
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Bontkes HJ, Kramer D, Ruizendaal JJ, Kueter EWM, van Tendeloo VFI, Meijer CJLM, Hooijberg E. Dendritic cells transfected with interleukin-12 and tumor-associated antigen messenger RNA induce high avidity cytotoxic T cells. Gene Ther 2006; 14:366-75. [PMID: 17036057 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) transfected with messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding tumor-associated antigens (TAA) are able to induce potent tumor-specific T-cell responses directed to a broad spectrum of tumor-associated epitopes. The in vitro generation of DC possessing all the features crucial for the induction of type 1 immune responses, such as mature state, migratory potential and interleukin-12 (IL-12p70) production is complicated. Particularly migratory potential is inversely correlated with IL-12p70 production after maturation with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is included in maturation cocktails currently used in most vaccination trials. Here, we show that transfection of PGE2 matured DC with a single mRNA strain encoding for ubiquitin followed by a TAA which was linked to IL-12 by a self-cleaving 2A sequence, produced biological active IL-12p70 and were able to present the transfected TAA up to 72 h after transfection. Furthermore, use of the anti-reverse cap analog for in vitro transcription of the IL-12 mRNA enabled constitutive IL-12p70 production for up to 5 days. These transfected mature DC migrated efficiently towards lymph node derived chemokines. DCs constitutively expressing IL-12p70, generate TAA-specific cytotoxic T cells with an high functional avidity, independent of CD4+ T-cell help.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Bontkes
- Department of Pathology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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43
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Grünebach F, Mirakaj V, Mirakaj V, Müller MR, Brümmendorf T, Brossart P. BCR-ABL Is Not an Immunodominant Antigen in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Cancer Res 2006; 66:5892-900. [PMID: 16740729 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-2868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we analyzed the involvement of the BCR-ABL protein in the induction of antigen-specific CTL in order to develop an immunotherapeutic approach in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). To accomplish this, we generated dendritic cells (DC) in vitro and electroporated them with various sources of RNA harboring the chimeric bcr-abl transcript. These genetically engineered DCs were used as antigen-presenting cells for the induction of CTLs. By applying this approach, we found that the CTLs induced by DCs transfected with RNA extracted from bcr-abl-positive K-562 cells or CML blasts lysed DCs transfected with the corresponding RNA, but failed to recognize epitopes derived from the chimeric BCR-ABL fusion protein in (51)Cr-release assays. In contrast, they were able to lyse autologous DCs electroporated with RNA isolated from patients with acute myeloid leukemia, indicating that antigens shared among these malignant cells are involved and recognized by these CTLs. In patients with CML in complete cytogenetic remission during IFN-alpha treatment, we detected some reactivity of CD8(+) T cells against BCR-ABL in IFN-gamma ELISPOT assays, which was weaker as compared with proteinase 3 (PR3)- or prame-directed responses, suggesting that the BCR-ABL protein is less immunogenic as compared with other CML-derived antigens.
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MESH Headings
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/physiology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/physiology
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/genetics
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/immunology
- Humans
- Immunodominant Epitopes/genetics
- Immunodominant Epitopes/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- K562 Cells
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/immunology
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Grünebach
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Michiels A, Breckpot K, Corthals J, Tuyaerts S, Bonehill A, Heirman C, Thielemans K, Aerts JL. Induction of antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cells by dendritic cells co-electroporated with a dsRNA analogue and tumor antigen mRNA. Gene Ther 2006; 13:1027-36. [PMID: 16511519 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The maturation state of dendritic cells (DCs) is an important determinant for the initiation and regulation of adaptive immune responses. In this study, we wanted to assess whether functional activation of human monocyte-derived DCs can be achieved by electroporation of an activation signal in the form of double-stranded (ds) RNA and whether simultaneous electroporation of the dsRNA with tumor antigen encoding mRNA can lead to the induction of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response. Electroporation of immature DCs with poly(I:C(12)U), a dsRNA analogue, resulted in phenotypic as well as functional changes, indicative of DC maturation. Co-electroporation of DCs with both poly(I:C(12)U) and Melan-A/MART-1 encoding mRNA induced strong anti-Melan-A/MART-1 CD8(+) T-cell responses in vitro. Higher numbers of Melan-A/MART-1-specific CTLs were consistently obtained with poly(I:C(12)U)-activated DCs compared to DCs matured in the presence of an inflammatory cytokine cocktail. These results indicate that DC co-electroporation with both dsRNA and tumor antigen encoding mRNA induces fully activated and antigen-loaded DCs that promote antigen-specific CTL responses and may provide the basis for future immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Michiels
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
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