1
|
Van Delen M, Janssens I, Dams A, Roosens L, Ogunjimi B, Berneman ZN, Derdelinckx J, Cools N. Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells Induce Apoptosis-Independent T Cell Hyporesponsiveness of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cells in an Antigen-Specific Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315201. [PMID: 36499533 PMCID: PMC9740551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the global pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still ongoing, there are currently no specific and highly efficient drugs for COVID-19 available, particularly in severe cases. Recent findings demonstrate that severe COVID-19 disease that requires hospitalization is associated with the hyperactivation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. In this study, we aimed to counteract this high inflammatory state by inducing T-cell hyporesponsiveness in a SARS-CoV-2-specific manner using tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC). In vitro-activated SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were isolated and stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 peptide-loaded monocyte-derived tolDC or with SARS-CoV-2 peptide-loaded conventional (conv) DC. We demonstrate a significant decrease in the number of interferon (IFN)-γ spot-forming cells when SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were stimulated with tolDC as compared to stimulation with convDC. Importantly, this IFN-γ downmodulation in SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells was antigen-specific, since T cells retain their capacity to respond to an unrelated antigen and are not mediated by T cell deletion. Altogether, we have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 peptide-pulsed tolDC induces SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell hyporesponsiveness in an antigen-specific manner as compared to stimulation with SARS-CoV-2-specific convDC. These observations underline the clinical potential of tolDC to correct the immunological imbalance in the critically ill.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mats Van Delen
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ibo Janssens
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amber Dams
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laurence Roosens
- Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Benson Ogunjimi
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Modeling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), VAXINFECTIO, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Paediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), VAXINFECTIO, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Zwi N. Berneman
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Judith Derdelinckx
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Harizaj A, De Smedt SC, Lentacker I, Braeckmans K. Physical transfection technologies for macrophages and dendritic cells in immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 18:229-247. [PMID: 32985919 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1828340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, two important antigen presenting cells (APCs) of the innate immune system, are being explored for the use in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. For this application, the therapeutic potential of patient-derived APCs is increased by delivering different types of functional macromolecules, such as mRNA and pDNA, into their cytosol. Compared to the use of viral and non-viral delivery vectors, physical intracellular delivery techniques are known to be more straightforward, more controllable, faster and generate high delivery efficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review starts with electroporation as the most traditional physical transfection method, before continuing with the more recent technologies such as sonoporation, nanowires and microfluidic cell squeezing. A description is provided of each of those intracellular delivery technologies with their strengths and weaknesses, especially paying attention to delivery efficiency and safety profile. EXPERT OPINION Given the common use of electroporation for the production of therapeutic APCs, it is recommended that more detailed studies are performed on the effect of electroporation on APC fitness, even down to the genetic level. Newer intracellular delivery technologies seem to have less impact on APC functionality but further work is needed to fully uncover their suitability to transfect APCs with different types of macromolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Veiga N, Diesendruck Y, Peer D. Targeted lipid nanoparticles for RNA therapeutics and immunomodulation in leukocytes. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 159:364-376. [PMID: 32298783 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in leukocytes' function are associated with many immune related disorders, such as cancer, autoimmunity and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Recent developments in Genome-wide-association-studies give rise to new opportunities for novel therapeutics. RNA-based modalities, that allow a selective genetic manipulation in vivo, are powerful tools for personalized medicine, enabling downregulation or expression of relevant proteins. Yet, RNA-based therapeutics requires a delivery modality to facilitate the stability, uptake and intracellular release of the RNA molecules. The use of lipid nanoparticles as a drug delivery approach improves the payloads' stability, pharmacokinetics, bio-distribution and therapeutic benefit while reducing side effects. Moreover, a wide variety of targeting moieties allow a precise and modular manipulation of gene expression, together with the ability to identify and selectively affect disease-relevant leukocytes-subsets. Altogether, RNA-based therapeutics, targeting leukocytes subsets, is believed to be one of the most promising therapeutic concepts of the near future, addressing pressing issues in cancer and inflammation heterogeneity.
Collapse
|
5
|
Stewart MP, Langer R, Jensen KF. Intracellular Delivery by Membrane Disruption: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Concepts. Chem Rev 2018; 118:7409-7531. [PMID: 30052023 PMCID: PMC6763210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery is a key step in biological research and has enabled decades of biomedical discoveries. It is also becoming increasingly important in industrial and medical applications ranging from biomanufacture to cell-based therapies. Here, we review techniques for membrane disruption-based intracellular delivery from 1911 until the present. These methods achieve rapid, direct, and universal delivery of almost any cargo molecule or material that can be dispersed in solution. We start by covering the motivations for intracellular delivery and the challenges associated with the different cargo types-small molecules, proteins/peptides, nucleic acids, synthetic nanomaterials, and large cargo. The review then presents a broad comparison of delivery strategies followed by an analysis of membrane disruption mechanisms and the biology of the cell response. We cover mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, and chemical strategies of membrane disruption with a particular emphasis on their applications and challenges to implementation. Throughout, we highlight specific mechanisms of membrane disruption and suggest areas in need of further experimentation. We hope the concepts discussed in our review inspire scientists and engineers with further ideas to improve intracellular delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin P. Stewart
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, USA
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, USA
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Klavs F. Jensen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tyagi RK, Parmar R, Patel N. A generic RNA pulsed DC based approach for developing therapeutic intervention against nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:854-866. [PMID: 27901642 PMCID: PMC5404382 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1256518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma of head-and-neck cancers pathology showed unique symptoms and clinical characteristics. The complexity of pathology poses challenges for developing therapeutic interventional approaches against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The conventional treatment regimens offer limited local control and survival, which, leads to adverse delayed complications. Our study present a generic monocyte derived dendritic cell (MoDC) vaccine strategy for NPC in which RNA is used as a source of tumor-associated antigens (TAAgs). The RNA extracted from well-characterized highly immunogenic NPC cells (C666-1) was transfected into MoDCs. The formulated and characterized cationic liposomes were used to achieving efficient RNA transfection of immature DCs. Further, DCs were forcibly matured with a cytokine cocktail to achieve greater expression of MHC and co-stimulatory molecules. Moreover, our results did not see any effect of RNA or lipids on MoDCs phenotype or cytokine expression. RNA loaded DCs derived from HLA-A2-positive donors were shown to activate effector memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for TAAg ligand expressed by C666-1 cells. Our results show the comparison of cytotoxic response mounted against RNA-loaded DCs with those directly stimulated by C666-1 tumor cells. Our findings suggest that DCs expressing tumor cell RNA primed naïve T cells show T cells priming with lesser cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion when exposed with with C666-1 tumor cells. These results surface the potential of DCs to deliver RNA in NPCs, sufficient presentation of RNA to provoke perdurable immune responses against nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Our results implies that DC based vaccine approach may be useful to develop therapeutic interventional approach in the form of vaccine to address NPCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K. Tyagi
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- CONTACT Rajeev K. Tyagi, Ph.D. ; Department of Periodontics, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Rajesh Parmar
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Naisargee Patel
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dewitte H, Verbeke R, Breckpot K, Vandenbroucke RE, Libert C, De Smedt SC, Lentacker I. Choose your models wisely: How different murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cell protocols influence the success of nanoparticulate vaccines in vitro. J Control Release 2014; 195:138-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
9
|
Dewitte H, Van Lint S, Heirman C, Thielemans K, De Smedt SC, Breckpot K, Lentacker I. The potential of antigen and TriMix sonoporation using mRNA-loaded microbubbles for ultrasound-triggered cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2014; 194:28-36. [PMID: 25151979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines, where the patient's own immune system is harnessed to target and destroy tumor tissue, have emerged as a potent therapeutic strategy. In the development of such DC vaccines, it is crucial to load the DCs with tumor antigens, and to simultaneously activate them to become more potent antigen-presenting cells. For this, we report on microbubbles, loaded with both antigen mRNA as well as immunomodulating TriMix mRNA, which can be used for the ultrasound-triggered transfection of DCs. In vivo experiments with in vitro sonoporated DCs show the effective induction of antigen-specific T cells, resulting in specific lysis of antigen-expressing cells. Especially in a therapeutic setting, sonoporation with TriMix has an important added value, resulting in a significant reduction of tumor outgrowth and a marked increase in overall survival. What is more, complete tumor regression was observed in 30% of the antigen+TriMix DC vaccinated animals, which also displayed long-term antigen-specific immunological memory. As a result, DC sonoporation using microbubbles loaded with a combination of antigen and TriMix mRNA can elicit powerful immune responses in vivo, and might serve as a potential tool for further in vivo DC vaccination applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Dewitte
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tesfatsion DA. Dendritic cell vaccine against leukemia: advances and perspectives. Immunotherapy 2014; 6:485-96. [PMID: 24815786 DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As with many other types of malignancies, sustainable eradication of leukemia has been a challenge. This is related to the inevitable failure of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy to target the relatively quiescent leukemia stem cells, which are believed to have multidrug resistance, antiapoptotic capacity and enhanced DNA repair mechanisms allowing them to evade the immune system. Considering other therapeutic options that are minimally toxic to normal cells and effectively target not only the majority and more differentiated cancer cells, but also the rare residual leukemia cells, is of paramount importance. A number of immunotherapeutic options have been proposed to counter this challenge. One of the remarkable achievements in the field of immunotherapy has been the successful use of antigen presenting cells as vehicles of tumor/pathogenic antigens to the T-cell compartments. This review will focus on advances and perspectives of this arm of immunotherapy against leukemia.
Collapse
|
11
|
Schaft N, Wellner V, Wohn C, Schuler G, Dörrie J. CD8(+) T-cell priming and boosting: more antigen-presenting DC, or more antigen per DC? Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:1769-80. [PMID: 24114143 PMCID: PMC11029756 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1481-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RNA transfection is a standard method to load dendritic cells (DC) with antigen for therapeutic cancer vaccination. While electroporation yields high transfection efficiency and satisfying expression levels, lipofection results in only few cells expressing high amounts of antigen. We compared antigen loading of human monocyte-derived DC by MelanA RNA electroporation and lipofection. No differences in phenotype or migrational capacity were detected, but lipofected DC induced stronger cytokine secretion by antigen-specific T cells and were superior in priming and boosting of MelanA-specific CD8(+) T cells. Interestingly, T cells stimulated with the differently transfected DC did not differ in their functional avidity. To determine whether the amount of antigen per cell is indeed responsible for the superiority of the lipofected DC, we increased the amount of MelanA RNA fivefold and mixed those DC with mock-electroporated ones to mimic the antigen distribution of lipofected cells. This significantly improved the stimulatory capacity, indicating that indeed the amount of antigen per cell seems to be the responsible feature for the observed superiority of lipofected DCs. These data suggest that a few DC that express high amounts of antigen are more immunogenic than many DC expressing lower amounts, although this needs to be tested in a two-armed immunogenicity trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Wellner
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Wohn
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
- Present Address: ErasmusMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Slagter-Jäger JG, Raney A, Lewis WE, DeBenedette MA, Nicolette CA, Tcherepanova IY. Evaluation of RNA Amplification Methods to Improve DC Immunotherapy Antigen Presentation and Immune Response. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e91. [PMID: 23653155 PMCID: PMC4817939 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with total amplified tumor cell RNA have the potential to induce broad antitumor immune responses. However, analytical methods required for quantitatively assessing the integrity, fidelity, and functionality of the amplified RNA are lacking. We have developed a series of assays including gel electrophoresis, northern blot, capping efficiency, and microarray analysis to determine integrity and fidelity and a model system to assess functionality after transfection into human DCs. We employed these tools to demonstrate that modifications to our previously reported total cellular RNA amplification process including the use of the Fast Start High Fidelity (FSHF) PCR enzyme, T7 Powerswitch primer, post-transcriptional capping and incorporation of a type 1 cap result in amplification of longer transcripts, greater translational competence, and a higher fidelity representation of the starting total RNA population. To study the properties of amplified RNA after transfection into human DCs, we measured protein expression levels of defined antigens coamplified with the starting total RNA populations and measured antigen-specific T cell expansion in autologous DC-T cell co-cultured in vitro. We conclude from these analyses that the improved RNA amplification process results in superior protein expression levels and a greater capacity of the transfected DCs to induce multifunctional antigen-specific memory T cells.Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e91; doi:10.1038/mtna.2013.18; published online 7 May 2013.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexa Raney
- Novartis, Holly Springs, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Van Lint S, Heirman C, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. mRNA: From a chemical blueprint for protein production to an off-the-shelf therapeutic. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:265-74. [PMID: 23291946 PMCID: PMC3859745 DOI: 10.4161/hv.22661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Two decades ago, mRNA became the focus of research in molecular medicine and was proposed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the therapy of cancer. In this regard, mRNA has been mainly used for ex vivo modification of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells (DCs). This vaccination strategy has proven to be safe, well tolerated and capable of inducing tumor antigen-specific immune responses. Recently, the direct application of mRNA for in situ modification of APCs, hence immunization was shown to be feasible and at least as effective as DC-based immunization in pre-clinical models. It is believed that application of mRNA as an off-the-shelf vaccine represents an important step in the development of future cancer immunotherapeutic strategies. Here, we will discuss the use of ex vivo mRNA-modified DCs and “naked mRNA” for cancer immunotherapy focusing on parameters such as the employed DC subtype, DC activation stimulus and route of immunization. In addition, we will provide an overview on the clinical trials published so far, trying to link their outcome to the aforementioned parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy; Department of Immunology-Physiology; Medical School of the "Vrije Universiteit Brussel"; Jette, Belgium
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yu Z, Qian J, Wu J, Gao J, Zhang M. Allogeneic mRNA-based electrotransfection of autologous dendritic cells and specific antitumor effects against osteosarcoma in rats. Med Oncol 2012; 29:3440-8. [PMID: 22843292 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0312-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with tumor-derived mRNA antigen has emerged as a promising strategy for generating protective immunity in mammals. However, the integration of allogeneic osteosarcoma mRNA and autologous DCs has not been fully examined. This study was designed to investigate the antitumor effects of tumor vaccine produced by autologous DCs transfected of allogeneic osteosarcoma mRNA through electroporation in tumor-bearing rats model. In the present study, extraction of Wistar rat tumor mRNA was performed as a two-step procedure. First, total RNA was extracted by use of Trizol; then, mRNA purification was performed by use of polyT-coated magnetic beads. Then, we transfected the allogeneic-derived tumor mRNA to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat bone marrow-derived DCs through electroporation. The tumor vaccine was applied to tumor-bearing rats model, and the specific antitumor effects of the tumor vaccine were observed. The immunization using autologous DCs electrotransfected with allogeneic osteosarcoma total RNA induced specific CTL responses, which were statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the cytotoxic activity was confirmed in cold target inhibition assays and using mAbs blocking MHC class I molecules. In in vivo experiments, 70 % of the rats immunized with allogeneic osteosarcoma RNA transfected to DCs were typically able to reject tumor challenge and remained tumor-free. Vaccinated survivors developed long immunological memory and were able to reject a subsequent rechallenge with the same tumor cells but not a syngeneic unrelated tumor line. In the present study, we demonstrated that allogeneic tumor mRNA isolated from rat osteosarcoma cell line could be applied to produce tumor vaccine inducing specific antitumor effects, especially in DC-based immunotherapy strategy. This study also provides the foundations for an effective and broadly applicable treatment to a wide range of cancer indications for which tumor-associated antigens have not been identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Yu
- Center of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedics Oncology Institute of Chinese PLA, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
mRNA-Lipoplex loaded microbubble contrast agents for ultrasound-assisted transfection of dendritic cells. Biomaterials 2011; 32:9128-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
16
|
Pang J, Gao X, Liu X, Wang K, Zhang Y, Feng L, Zhan H. Enhanced antitumor effects by the coculture of allotumor RNA-pulsed dendritic cells with autologous cytokine-induced killer cells on hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Cancer Invest 2011; 25:527-34. [PMID: 17952744 DOI: 10.1080/07357900701511789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated antitumor effects of allotumour RNA-transfected dendritic cells (DCs) cocultured with autologous cytokine-induced killer cells (CIKs) on hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The cocultured cells enhanced prostate cancer cytolysis from 26% (CIKs-induced cytolysis) to 80.8%. They also increased the productions of CD4(+) Th1 (IFN-γ(+)IL-4(-), 55.52%) and CD8(+) T (IFN-γ(+), 69.59%) cells determined by intracellular cytokines IFN-γ /IL-4 staining and reduced the rate of CD4(+) CD25(+) cells from 18.72% (in CIKs) to 9.72%. The cocultured cells significantly inhibited tumor growth in SCID mouse and induced cancer cells necrosis and apoptosis. Our study indicates that tumor RNA-pulsed DCs cocultured with autologous CIKs significantly enhance antitumor immunity, which can be induced by increased CD4(+) Th1 and CD8(+) T cells and decreased CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (T(reg)) cells. This provides a potential immunotherapy strategy for HRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Pang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Steele JC, Rao A, Marsden JR, Armstrong CJ, Berhane S, Billingham LJ, Graham N, Roberts C, Ryan G, Uppal H, Walker C, Young LS, Steven NM. Phase I/II trial of a dendritic cell vaccine transfected with DNA encoding melan A and gp100 for patients with metastatic melanoma. Gene Ther 2011; 18:584-93. [PMID: 21307889 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This trial tested a dendritic cell (DC) therapeutic cancer vaccine in which antigen is loaded using a novel non-viral transfection method enabling the uptake of plasmid DNA condensed with a cationic peptide. Proof of principle required the demonstration of diverse T lymphocyte responses following vaccination, including multiple reactivities restricted through both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II. Patients with advanced melanoma were offered four cycles of vaccination with autologous DC expressing melan A and gp100. Disease response was measured using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours. Circulating MHC class I- and II-restricted responses were measured against peptide and whole antigen targets using interferon-γ ELIspot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assays, respectively. Responses were analyzed across the trial population and presented descriptively for some individuals. Twenty-five patients received at least one cycle. Vaccination was well tolerated. Three patients had reduction in disease volume. Across the trial population, vaccination resulted in an expansion of effector responses to both antigens, to the human leukocyte antigen A2-restricted modified epitope, melan A ELAGIGILTV, and to a panel of MHC class I- and II-restricted epitopes. Vaccination with mature DC non-virally transfected with DNA encoding antigen had biological effect causing tumour regression and inducing diverse T lymphocyte responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Steele
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer is still challenging due to its resistance to conventional therapies, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Immunotherapeutic approaches with IL-2 and/or IFN-alpha have become standard regimens in treating metastatic renal cell cancer. Furthermore, molecularly targeted therapies, such as VEGF-pathway inhibition or use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, have demonstrated promising results and might become even more important in the following years. Finally, vaccination therapies have gained increasing interest and have been tested in multiple clinical trials. There is a vast choice of different application and production types of these vaccines, ranging from dendritic cell-based principals to the application of naked RNA. The development of new immune-enhancing strategies led to the option of interesting, potent combination regimes. This review has a focus on vaccination therapies in renal cell cancer, especially dendritic cell-based principals, and aims to give an overview of this rapidly changing field of investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annkristin Heine
- University of Bonn, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Wilhelmstrasse 35-7, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
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.
Collapse
|
20
|
Ilett EJ, Prestwich RJD, Melcher AA. The evolving role of dendritic cells in cancer therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:369-79. [PMID: 20132058 DOI: 10.1517/14712590903559830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Dendritic cells (DC) are a clear choice for use in cancer immunotherapy, and much research has focused on generating DC for clinical use. Although DC therapy has been successful in inducing specific anti-tumour immune responses, these have rarely translated into clinical efficacy. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW We examine some of the components of generating DC for therapy, including their culture, antigen loading and delivery, and discuss why DC therapy has not yet delivered substantial clinical benefit. We also examine more novel approaches, such as the potential for combination DC-based immunomodulatory strategies. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Given the highly immunosuppressive tumour environment, many of the approaches to DC vaccination are unlikely to result in effective therapy, as even successfully primed T cells may fail to infiltrate tumours or be anergized after entry. Broader approaches against multiple tumour-associated antigens in the context of overcoming tumour immune suppression are likely to prove more successful. The combination of oncolytic viral therapy with DC vaccines may promote an inflammatory tumour environment, inducing optimal DC activation, T cell priming and effective therapy. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Evolving DC-based therapeutic strategies addressing multiple components of tumour-immune system interactions may yield substantial benefits for patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E J Ilett
- University of Leeds, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, CRUK Clinical Centre, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Van Nuffel AMT, Corthals J, Neyns B, Heirman C, Thielemans K, Bonehill A. Immunotherapy of cancer with dendritic cells loaded with tumor antigens and activated through mRNA electroporation. Methods Mol Biol 2010; 629:405-52. [PMID: 20387165 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-657-3_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since decades, the main goal of tumor immunologists has been to increase the capacity of the immune system to mediate tumor regression. Considerable progress has been made in enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic anticancer vaccines. First, dendritic cells (DCs) have been identified as the key players in orchestrating primary immune responses. A better understanding of their biology and the development of procedures to generate vast amounts of DCs in vitro have accelerated the development of potent immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer. Second, tumor-associated antigens have been identified which are either selectively or preferentially expressed by tumor cells and can be recognized by the immune system. Finally, several studies have been performed on the genetic modification of DCs with tumor antigens. In this regard, loading the DCs with mRNA, which enables them to produce/process and present the tumor antigens themselves, has emerged as a promising strategy. Here, we will first overview the different aspects that must be taken into account when generating an mRNA-based DC vaccine and the published clinical studies exploiting mRNA-loaded DCs. Second, we will give a detailed description of a novel procedure to generate a vaccine consisting of tumor antigen-expressing dendritic cells with an in vitro superior capacity to induce anti-tumor immune responses. Here, immature DCs are electroporated with mRNAs encoding a tumor antigen, CD40 ligand (CD40L), CD70, and constitutively active (caTLR4) to generate mature antigen-presenting DCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An M T Van Nuffel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology - Immunology, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Van Gool S, Maes W, Ardon H, Verschuere T, Van Cauter S, De Vleeschouwer S. Dendritic cell therapy of high-grade gliomas. Brain Pathol 2009; 19:694-712. [PMID: 19744041 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2009.00316.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with malignant glioma is poor in spite of multimodal treatment approaches consisting of neurosurgery, radiochemotherapy and maintenance chemotherapy. Among innovative treatment strategies like targeted therapy, antiangiogenesis and gene therapy approaches, immunotherapy emerges as a meaningful and feasible treatment approach for inducing long-term survival in at least a subpopulation of these patients. Setting up immunotherapy for an inherent immunosuppressive tumor located in an immune-privileged environment requires integration of a lot of scientific input and knowledge of both tumor immunology and neuro-oncology. The field of immunotherapy is moving into the direction of active specific immunotherapy using autologous dendritic cells (DCs) as vehicle for immunization. In the translational research program of the authors, the whole cascade from bench to bed to bench of active specific immunotherapy for malignant glioma is covered, including proof of principle experiments to demonstrate immunogenicity of patient-derived mature DCs loaded with autologous tumor lysate, preclinical in vivo experiments in a murine orthotopic glioma model, early phase I/II clinical trials for relapsing patients, a phase II trial for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) for whom immunotherapy is integrated in the current multimodal treatment, and laboratory analyses of patient samples. The strategies and results of this program are discussed in the light of the internationally available scientific literature in this fast-moving field of basic science and translational clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan Van Gool
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, and Department of Child & Woman, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wan Y, Ma X, Li X, Yi J. A novel immunotherapy to hepatocellular carcinoma: CD40-activated B lymphocytes transfected with AFPmRNA. Med Hypotheses 2009; 73:835-7. [PMID: 19632790 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/07/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is overexpressed in the majority of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), and thus may offer attractive target for immunotherapy against this neoplasm. CD40 ligand (CD40L) is the major signal that induces B cells to efficiently present antigen to T cells, and CD40-activated B (CD40-B) lymphocyte cells may boost cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) when they are pulsed with tumour antigens. CTL is considered to be a promising therapeutic means for the treatment of cancers. Here, we intend to build a plasmid pGEM4Z/AFP/A64 and to prepare AFPmRNA, then separate B lymphocyte cells. These CD40-B cells are pulsed with AFPmRNA, and they may boost robust T-cell responses, but more importantly, they also may prime naive T-cell responses against hepatocarcinoma. These CD40-B cells will be a powerful source of APCs generated by simple and reliable technology that may be applied to antigen responses, immune treatment for cancer, vaccination approaches, and ex vivo T-cell expansion for adoptive therapy. AFPmRNA-transfected B cells may represent a broadly applicable vaccine strategy to induce potentially therapeutic CTL responses against AFP-positive target cells in HCC. Vaccine strategies such as these may contribute to the effective future treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yafeng Wan
- Department of General surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Schuurhuis DH, Lesterhuis WJ, Kramer M, Looman MGM, van Hout-Kuijer M, Schreibelt G, Boullart ACI, Aarntzen EHJG, Benitez-Ribas D, Figdor CG, Punt CJA, de Vries IJM, Adema GJ. Polyinosinic polycytidylic acid prevents efficient antigen expression after mRNA electroporation of clinical grade dendritic cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:1109-15. [PMID: 19018531 PMCID: PMC11030274 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0626-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 10/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-derived peptides are used frequently as antigen (Ag) source in dendritic cell (DC) therapy in cancer patients. An alternative is to load DC with tumor-associated Ag (TAA)-encoding RNA. RNA-loading obviates prior knowledge of CTL and Th epitopes in the Ag. Multiple epitopes for many HLA alleles (both MHC class I and class II) are encoded by the RNA and loading is independent of the patient's HLA make-up. Herein, we determined the optimal conditions for mRNA-electroporation of monocyte-derived DC for clinical application in relation to different maturation cocktails. The data demonstrate that TAA carcinoembryonic antigen, gp100 and tyrosinase are expressed already 30 min after electroporation with the encoding mRNA. Moreover, gp100-specific CTL are activated by gp100 mRNA-electroporated DC. Importantly, we show here that the presence of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] in the maturation cocktail prevents effective protein expression of the electroporated mRNA as well as subsequent CTL recognition. This effect of poly(I:C) correlates with the induction of IFN-induced genes and innate anti-viral effector molecules in DC. Together these data show that electroporation of mature DC with TAA-encoding mRNA is attractive for use in DC vaccination protocols in cancer patients, but protein expression should be tested for each maturation cocktail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danita H Schuurhuis
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schuurhuis DH, Verdijk P, Schreibelt G, Aarntzen EHJG, Scharenborg N, de Boer A, van de Rakt MWMM, Kerkhoff M, Gerritsen MJP, Eijckeler F, Bonenkamp JJ, Blokx W, van Krieken JH, Boerman OC, Oyen WJG, Punt CJA, Figdor CG, Adema GJ, de Vries IJM. In situ expression of tumor antigens by messenger RNA-electroporated dendritic cells in lymph nodes of melanoma patients. Cancer Res 2009; 69:2927-34. [PMID: 19318559 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-3920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation of dendritic cells (DC) with mRNA encoding tumor-associated antigens (TAA) for cancer immunotherapy has been proved efficient and clinically safe. It obviates prior knowledge of CTL and Th epitopes in the antigen and leads to the presentation of multiple epitopes for several HLA alleles. Here we studied the migration capacity and the antigen expression of mRNA-electroporated DC (mRNA-DC) in lymph nodes after vaccination in melanoma patients. DC were electroporated with mRNA encoding gp100 or tyrosinase, labeled with indium-111 and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles, and injected intranodally in melanoma patients 24 to 48 hours before scheduled dissection of regional lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical analysis of the lymph nodes after surgery revealed that mRNA-DC migrated from the injection site into the T-cell areas of the same and subsequent lymph nodes, where they expressed the antigen encoded by the electroporated mRNA. Furthermore, vaccine-related CD8(+) T-cell responses could be detected in 7 of 11 patients vaccinated with mRNA-DC. Together these data show that mature DC electroporated with mRNA encoding TAA migrate and express antigens in the lymph nodes and induce specific immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danita H Schuurhuis
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Simon T, Fonteneau JF, Grégoire M. Dendritic cell preparation for immunotherapeutic interventions. Immunotherapy 2009; 1:289-302. [DOI: 10.2217/1750743x.1.2.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Much effort has been made over the last decade to use dendritic cells (DCs) in vaccines to induce specific antitumor immune responses. However, the great hope provided by in vitro and in vivo preclinical investigations was not translated to the clinic in terms of clinical efficacy. Thus, one of the challenges resides in optimizing DC-based therapy to give maximum clinical efficacy while using manufacturing processes that enable quality control and scale-up of consistent products. In this article, we review DC biology and the DC-based clinical trials performed to date and focus on the DC maturation status compatible with the goals of cancer immunotherapy. We also highlight the different approaches used in these clinical studies, such as the DC types or subtypes used and their preparation. Finally, we discuss the immunological and clinical outcomes in treated patients, with emphasis on the strategies that could be used to improve DC-based vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simon
- INSERM U892, Institut de Biologie, 9 quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes Cedex 01, France
| | | | - Marc Grégoire
- INSERM U892, Institut de Biologie, 9 quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes Cedex 01, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zubkova I, Choi YH, Chang E, Pirollo K, Uren T, Watanabe H, Wells F, Kachko A, Krawczynski K, Major ME. T-cell vaccines that elicit effective immune responses against HCV in chimpanzees may create greater immune pressure for viral mutation. Vaccine 2009; 27:2594-602. [PMID: 19428866 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Revised: 12/18/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A prime/boost vaccine strategy that transfects antigen-presenting cells using ligand-modified immunoliposomes to efficiently deliver plasmid DNA, followed by boosting with non-replicating recombinant adenovirus was used in chimpanzees to generate HCV-specific memory T-cells. Three chimpanzees (two vaccines, one control) were immunized with immunoliposomes complexed with DNA expressing NS3-NS5B or complexed with empty vector. Animals were boosted with adenovirus expressing NS3-NS5B, or non-recombinant adenovirus (control). Using liposome delivery we were able to obtain specific HCV responses following DNA priming in the chimpanzees. This data and mouse immunization studies confirm this as a more efficient delivery system than direct intramuscular inoculations with naked DNA. Subsequent to the adenovirus boost significant increases in peripheral HCV-specific T-cell responses and intrahepatic IFN-gamma and CD3varepsilon mRNA were also observed in the two vaccinated animals. Following challenge (100 CID(50)) both vaccinated animals showed immediate and significant control of viral replication (peak titers 3.7x10(4) and 9x10(3)IU/mL at weeks 1 and 2), which coincided with increases in HCV-specific T-cell responses. Viral kinetics in the control animal were comparable to historical controls with exponential increases in titer during the first several weeks. One vaccinated animal developed a low-level persistent infection (2x10(3)IU/mL) which correlated with a decrease in HCV-specific T-cell responses. Circulating virus isolated from both vaccinated animals showed approximately 2-fold greater nonsynonymous mutation rates compared to controls and the nonsynonymous/synonymous mutation rate ratio was indicative of positive selection. These data suggest that although T-cell vaccines can induce immune responses capable of controlling HCV, they also induce high levels of immune pressure for the potential selection of escape mutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Zubkova
- Laboratory of Hepatitis Viruses, Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Narita M, Tochiki N, Saitoh A, Watanabe N, Kaji M, Satoh N, Yamahira A, Nakamura T, Masuko M, Furukawa T, Toba K, Fuse I, Aizawa Y, Takahashi M. Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes by using monocyte-derived DCs transfected with in vitro-transcribed WT1 or SART1 mRNA. Med Oncol 2008; 26:429-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-008-9142-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2008] [Accepted: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
29
|
Yokoyama Y, Grünebach F, Schmidt SM, Heine A, Häntschel M, Stevanovic S, Rammensee HG, Brossart P. Matrilysin (MMP-7) is a novel broadly expressed tumor antigen recognized by antigen-specific T cells. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:5503-11. [PMID: 18765542 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-4041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A prerequisite for the development of vaccination strategies is the identification and characterization of relevant tumor-associated antigen. Using microarray and reverse transcription-PCR analysis, we found matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 to be extensively up-regulated in renal cell carcinomas and expressed in a broad variety of malignant cells. MMP-7 can promote cancer invasion and angiogenesis by proteolytic cleavage of extracellular matrix and basement membrane proteins, thus making it a promising target in the context of immunotherapies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To analyze the possible use of MMP-7 as a tumor-associated antigen, specific CTLs were induced using monocyte-derived dendritic cells electroporated with MMP-7-mRNA. In addition, to better characterize the fine specificity of these CTLs, MMP-7 MHC class I ligands were isolated and characterized in renal cell carcinoma tissue, which overexpressed MMP-7, by mass spectrometry-based peptide sequencing. Using this approach, we identified a novel HLA-A3-binding antigenic MMP-7 peptide. CTLs generated from healthy donors by in vitro priming with dendritic cells, pulsed with the novel peptide, were used as effectors in (51)Cr-release assays. RESULTS The induced CTLs elicited an antigen-specific and HLA-restricted cytolytic activity against tumor cells endogenously expressing the MMP-7 protein. Furthermore, we were able to induce MMP-7-specific CTLs using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia capable of recognizing the autologous leukemic blasts while sparing nonmalignant cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study describes the identification of a novel broadly expressed T-cell epitope derived from the MMP-7 protein that represents an interesting candidate to be applied in immunotherapies of human malignancies targeting both tumor cells and neovascularization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Yokoyama
- Department Of Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology And Pulmology, University Of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Vaccination against tumor antigens has been shown to be a safe and efficacious prophylactic and therapeutic antitumor treatment in many animal models. Clinical studies in humans indicate that specific immunotherapy can also result in clinical benefits. The active pharmaceutical ingredient in such vaccines can be DNA, RNA, protein, or peptide and can be administered naked, encapsulated, or after delivery in vitro into cells that are then adoptively transferred. One of the easiest, most versatile and theoretically safest technologies relies on the direct injection of naked messenger RNA (mRNA) that code for tumor antigens. We and others have shown in mice that intradermal application of naked mRNA results in protein expression and the development of an immune response. We used this protocol to vaccinate 15 melanoma patients. For each patient a growing metastasis was removed, total RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed, amplified, and cloned. Libraries of cDNA were transcribed to produce unlimited amounts of copy mRNA. Autologous preparations were applied intradermally in combination with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor as adjuvant. We demonstrate here that such treatment is feasible and safe (phase 1 criteria). Furthermore, an increase in antitumor humoral immune response was seen in some patients. However, a demonstration of clinical effectiveness of direct injection of copy mRNA for antitumor immunotherapy was not shown in this study and must be evaluated in subsequent trials.
Collapse
|
32
|
Yu H, Babiuk LA, van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk S. Strategies for loading dendritic cells with hepatitis C NS5a antigen and inducing protective immunity. J Viral Hepat 2008; 15:459-70. [PMID: 18221298 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2008.00959.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination strategies are promising for the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases including hepatitis C virus (HCV). As the induction of T cell-mediated immune responses by DC vaccination is highly dependent on efficient antigen loading of the DCs, the purpose of this study was to identify an optimal nonviral DC loading strategy for HCV NS5a. Furthermore, the efficacy of immunization with the NS5a-loaded DCs in comparison to plasmid encoding NS5a and NS5a protein was evaluated. Transfection of DCs with mRNA was most efficient with close to 100% of DCs expressing NS5a, whereas approximately 10% of protein-pulsed DCs and <1% of plasmid-transfected DCs expressed NS5a, suggesting remarkably different loading efficiencies. Vaccination of mice with NS5a mRNA-transfected DCs or NS5a protein-pulsed DCs resulted in significantly stronger CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses and protection from challenge with vaccinia virus expressing NS3/NS4/NS5, in comparison to vaccination with NS5a DNA-transfected DCs, plasmid encoding NS5 or rNS5a protein formulated with alum. Furthermore, vaccination with NS5a mRNA-transfected DCs was superior to vaccination with rNS5a-pulsed DCs. These data have important clinical implications, with mRNA-transfected DCs providing a safe and effective vaccination strategy against hepatitis C and possibly other pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Yu
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Schierer S, Hesse A, Müller I, Kämpgen E, Curiel DT, Schuler G, Steinkasserer A, Nettelbeck DM. Modulation of viability and maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells by oncolytic adenoviruses. Int J Cancer 2007; 122:219-29. [PMID: 17764070 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Adenoviral oncolysis is a promising new modality for treatment of cancer based on selective viral replication in tumor cells. However, tumor cell killing by adenoviral oncolysis needs to be improved to achieve therapeutic benefit in the clinic. Towards this end, the activation of anti-tumor immunity by adenoviral oncolysis might constitute a potent mechanism for systemic killing of uninfected tumor cells, thereby effectively complementing direct tumor cell killing by the virus. Knowledge of anti-tumor immune induction by adenoviral oncolysis, however, is lacking mostly due to species-specificity of adenovirus replication, which has hampered studies of human oncolytic adenoviruses in animals. We suggest the analysis of interactions of oncolytic adenoviruses with human immune cells as rational basis for the implementation of adenoviral oncolysis-induced anti-tumor immune activation. The goal of our study was to investigate how oncolytic adenoviruses affect human dendritic cells (DCs), key regulators of innate and adoptive immunity that are widely investigated as tumor vaccines. We report that melanoma-directed oncolytic adenoviruses, like replication-deficient adenoviruses but unlike adenoviruses with unrestricted replication potential, are not toxic to monocyte-derived immature DCs and do not block DC maturation by external stimuli. Of note, this is in contrast to reports for other viruses/viral vectors and represents a prerequisite for anti-tumor immune activation by adenoviral oncolysis. Furthermore, we show that these oncolytic adenoviruses alone do not or only partially induce DC maturation. Thus additional signals are required for optimal immune activation. These could be delivered, for example, by inserting immunoregulatory transgenes into the oncolytic adenovirus genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Schierer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nencioni A, Grünebach F, Schmidt SM, Müller MR, Boy D, Patrone F, Ballestrero A, Brossart P. The use of dendritic cells in cancer immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2007; 65:191-9. [PMID: 18055210 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2007.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2007] [Revised: 10/04/2007] [Accepted: 10/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy aims at eliciting an immune response directed against tumor antigens to help fight off residual tumor cells and thereby improve survival and quality of life of cancer patients. Different immunotherapeutic approaches share the use of dendritic cells (DCs) to present tumor-associated antigens to T-lymphocytes. Ex vivo generated DCs can be loaded with antigens and re-infused to the patients, or they can be used for ex vivo expansion of antitumor lymphocytes. Alternatively, methods exist to target antigens to DCs in vivo without need for ex vivo cell manipulations. The clinical studies have shown that DC administration to patients is safe and induces antigen-specific immunity. However, it seldom elicits objective clinical responses in patients with advanced-stage malignancies. Novel insights into DC and lymphocyte regulation are expected to lead to more effective vaccines in the near future. Meanwhile, efforts are directed at identifying the most appropriate clinical targets for active specific immunotherapies. Data suggests that vaccinations may indeed be beneficial when given in the adjuvant setting rather than to treat metastatic cancers. These issues are discussed here together with an overview of the DC-based antitumor immunotherapy studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Nencioni
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
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.
Collapse
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
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina N Boss
- Department of Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Weck MM, Appel S, Werth D, Sinzger C, Bringmann A, Grünebach F, Brossart P. hDectin-1 is involved in uptake and cross-presentation of cellular antigens. Blood 2007; 111:4264-72. [PMID: 17698636 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-10-051375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Dectin-1 (hDectin-1) is a member of the C-type lectin-like receptor family that was shown to be the major receptor for fungal beta-glucans and to play an important role in the cellular responses mediated by these carbohydrates. In this study, we demonstrate that hDectin-1 is involved in the uptake and cross-presentation of cellular antigens. Furthermore, activation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDCs) with toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand but not with TLR2 ligand or TLR7 ligand resulted in down-regulation of hDectin-1 expression and reduced phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells as well as presentation of pp65-derived T-cell epitopes upon engulfment of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected human foreskin fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus M Weck
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology and Pneumology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Landi A, Babiuk LA, van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk S. High transfection efficiency, gene expression, and viability of monocyte-derived human dendritic cells after nonviral gene transfer. J Leukoc Biol 2007; 82:849-60. [PMID: 17626798 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0906561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are bone marrow-originated, professional antigen-capturing cells and APCs, which can function as vaccine carriers. Although efficient transfection of human DCs has been achieved with viral vectors, viral gene products may influence cellular functions. In contrast, nonviral methods have generally resulted in inefficient gene transfer, low levels of gene expression, and/or low cell viability. Monocyte-derived DCs are the most common source of DCs for in vitro studies and for in vivo applications. We hypothesized that reduction of the time to generate immature DCs (iDCs) might result in higher viability after transfection. Therefore, we established a protocol to generate human iDCs from CD14(+) monocytes within 3 days. These "fast" iDCs were phenotypically and functionally indistinguishable from conventional iDCs, showing high endocytic ability and low antigen-presenting capacity. Furthermore, the fast iDCs matured normally and had similar antigen-presenting capacity to conventional mature DCs. To optimize transfection of iDCs, we compared nonviral transfection of plasmid DNA and in vitro-transcribed (IVT) RNA with transfection reagents, electroporation, and nucleofection. Nucleofection of IVT RNA with the X1 program of an Amaxa Co. Nucleofector resulted in the most efficient transfection, with an average of 93% transfected iDCs, excellent long-term viability, and strong protein expression. Furthermore, the IVT RNA-transfected iDCs retained all phenotypic and functional characteristics of iDCs. This method is applicable to most purposes, including in vitro functional assays, in vivo DC immunotherapy, and DC-based vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdolamir Landi
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Rd., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E3, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Because of the large preexisting antigenic load and immunosuppressive environment within a tumor, inducing therapeutically useful antitumor immunity in cancer patients requires the development of powerful vaccination protocols. An approach gaining increasing popularity in the tumor vaccine field is to immunize cancer patients with their own DCs loaded ex vivo with tumor antigens. The underlying premise of this approach is that the efficiency and control over the vaccination process provided by ex vivo manipulation of the DCs generates an optimally potent APC and a superior method for stimulating antitumor immunity in vivo compared with the more conventional direct vaccination methods, offsetting the added cost and complexity associated with this form of customized cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 NW 10th Avenue Medical Campus, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Brauer KM, Werth D, von Schwarzenberg K, Bringmann A, Kanz L, Grünebach F, Brossart P. BCR-ABL Activity Is Critical for the Immunogenicity of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells. Cancer Res 2007; 67:5489-97. [PMID: 17545631 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder caused by excessive granulopoiesis due to the formation of the constitutively active tyrosine kinase BCR-ABL. An effective drug against CML is imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor acting on Abl kinases, c-KIT, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Recently, a study revealed that patients treated with imatinib showed impaired CTL responses compared with patients treated with IFN-alpha, which might be due to a treatment-induced reduction in immunogenicity of CML cells or immunosuppressive effects. In our study, we found that inhibition of BCR-ABL leads to a down-regulation of immunogenic antigens on the CML cells in response to imatinib treatment, which results in the inhibition of CML-directed immune responses. By treating CML cells with imatinib, we could show that the resulting inhibition of BCR-ABL leads to a decreased expression of tumor antigens, including survivin, adipophilin, hTERT, WT-1, Bcl-x(L), and Bcl-2 in correlation to a decreased development of CML-specific CTLs. In contrast, this reduction in immunogenicity was not observed when a CML cell line resistant to the inhibitory effects of imatinib was used, but could be confirmed by transfection with specific small interfering RNA against BCR-ABL or imatinib treatment of primary CML cells.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Antigens, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Benzamides
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Down-Regulation
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/antagonists & inhibitors
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/immunology
- Humans
- Imatinib Mesylate
- K562 Cells
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/immunology
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Piperazines/pharmacology
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Brauer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Rheumatology, and Pulmonology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhang HM, Zhang LW, Liu WC, Cheng J, Si XM, Ren J. Comparative analysis of DC fused with tumor cells or transfected with tumor total RNA as potential cancer vaccines against hepatocellular carcinoma. Cytotherapy 2007; 8:580-8. [PMID: 17148035 DOI: 10.1080/14653240600991353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DC vaccination with the use of tumor cells provides the potential to generate a polyclonal immune response to multiple known and unknown tumor Ag. Our study comparatively analyzed DC fused with tumor cells or transfected with tumor total RNA as potential cancer vaccines against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Immature DC generated from PBMC of patients with HCC were fused with HepG2-GFP (HepG2 cell line transfected stably with plasmid pEGFP-C3) cells or transfected with their total RNA. Matured DC were used to stimulate autologous T cells, and the resultant Ag-specific effector T cells were analyzed by IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay. RESULTS DC were capable of further differentiation into mature DC after fusion with HepG2-GFP cells or transfection with HepG2-GFP cell total RNA, and were able to elicit specific T-cell responses in vitro. Both methods of Ag loading could result in stimulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but with the indication that fusion loading was more efficient than RNA loading in priming the Th1 response, while RNA loading was more effective in CTL priming. DISCUSSION Our results indicate that DC fused with tumor cells or transfected with tumor total RNA represent promising strategies for the development of cancer vaccines for treatment of HCC. They may have potential as an adjuvant immunotherapy for patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Mei Zhang
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 15 Chang-Le West Road, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Gao L, Fan HH, Lu HZ, Nie XX, Liu Y, Yang YM, Qian KC, Gao F. Impact of transfection with total RNA of K562 cells upon antigen presenting, maturation, and function of human dendritic cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Transfusion 2007; 47:256-65. [PMID: 17302772 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2007.01098.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination of dendritic cells (DCs) with tumor antigens is a potential strategy to induce tumor-specific immunity in tumor-bearing patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether human monocyte-derived DCs were able to present P210(Bcr-Ab1) protein and induce antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in vitro after transfected with total RNA of K562 cells (K562-RNA). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS DCs derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were transfected with K562-RNA with electroporation or DOTAP lipofection. The successful transfection was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The phenotypes of the DCs were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM), and cytotoxicity of CTL was assessed by propidium iodide staining followed by FCM analysis. The CD1a expression and purity of DCs were measured by FCM. RESULTS The Bcr-Abl fusion gene was detected in the DCs with 24 hours after the transfection. The transfected cell expressed increased levels of CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR. Moreover, the transfected DCs strongly stimulated the T lymphocytes to gain cytotoxic activity against K562 cells. Culture medium containing 1 percent human plasma was the most effective for DC growth. CONCLUSION Human DCs transfected with K562-RNA effectively induce specific immune responses. This method can be used to induce tumor-specific immune response and may have potential application in immunotherapy of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Blood Engineering Laboratory, Transfusion Institute of Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ito Y, Demachi-Okamura A, Ohta R, Akatsuka Y, Nishida K, Tsujimura K, Morishima Y, Takahashi T, Kuzushima K. Full-length EBNA1 mRNA-transduced dendritic cells stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognizing a novel HLA-Cw*0303- and -Cw*0304-restricted epitope on EBNA1-expressing cells. J Gen Virol 2007; 88:770-780. [PMID: 17325349 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.82519-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-encoded nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is an attractive target for immunotherapy against EBV-associated malignancies because it is expressed in all EBV-positive cells. Although CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope presentation is largely prevented by its glycine–alanine-repeat domain (GAr), the use of mRNA-transduced dendritic cells (DCs) would offer the advantage of priming EBNA1-specific CTLs. After stimulation with GAr-containing EBNA1-transduced monocyte-derived DCs, two EBNA1-specific CTL clones, B5 and C6, were isolated successfully from a healthy donor. These CTLs recognize peptides in the context of HLA-B*3501 and HLA-Cw*0303, respectively. A novel epitope, FVYGGSKTSL, was then identified, presented by both HLA-Cw*0303 and -Cw*0304, which are expressed by >35 % of Japanese, >20 % of Northern Han Chinese and >25 % of Caucasians. The mixed lymphocyte–peptide culture method revealed that FVYGGSKTSL-specific CTL-precursor frequencies in HLA-Cw*0303- or -Cw*0304-positive donors were between 1×10−5 and 1×10−4 CD8+ T cells. Moreover, both CTL clones inhibited growth of HLA-matched EBV-transformed B lymphocytes in vitro, and B5 CTLs produced a gamma interferon response to EBNA1-expressing gastric carcinoma cells in the context of HLA-Cw*0303. These data demonstrate that EBNA1 mRNA-transduced DCs may be useful tools for inducing EBNA1-specific CTLs that might be of clinical interest for CTL therapy of EBV-associated malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Ito
- Division of Immunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Rieko Ohta
- Division of Immunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Akatsuka
- Division of Immunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keiko Nishida
- Division of Immunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kunio Tsujimura
- Division of Immunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuo Morishima
- Department of Cell Therapy, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshitada Takahashi
- Division of Immunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Kuzushima
- Division of Immunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Milano F, van Baal JWPM, Rygiel AM, Bergman JJGHM, Van Deventer SJH, Kapsenberg ML, Peppelenbosch MP, Krishnadath KK. An improved protocol for generation of immuno-potent dendritic cells through direct electroporation of CD14+ monocytes. J Immunol Methods 2007; 321:94-106. [PMID: 17336322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2007.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2006] [Revised: 01/09/2007] [Accepted: 01/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study we demonstrate a novel protocol showing that electroporation of CD14+ monocytes directly isolated from blood with green fluorescent protein (GFP) RNA results in a 3-fold higher yield of antigen presenting dendritic cells (DCs) when compared to conventional methods employing immature DCs for electroporation. We further show a stable electroporation efficacy resulting in 60% of GFP positive cells. Expression of co-stimulatory molecules and maturation markers such as CD80, CD86, CD83 as well of the chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) was found in 90% of the mature DCs. Importantly, production of IL-12p70 was 10 times higher in cells electroporated at the monocyte stage compared to cells electroporated at the immature DC stage. Stimulation of autologous naïve lymphocytes by DCs electroporated at monocytes stage elicited proliferation of CD8+ T-cell with 7-fold increase in IFN-gamma release. Blocking of the MHC-Class I molecules significantly inhibited the IFN-gamma release, indicating that antigen presentation was MHC-Class I mediated. In summary, electroporation of CD14+ monocytes with RNA results in a high yield of antigen presenting DCs with high immuno-stimulatory capacity and antigen presentation on MHC-Class I molecules. This improved method may represent an attractive approach for RNA-based DC immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Milano
- Department of Experimental Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines are an important experimental immunotherapy for renal cell carcinomas. DC vaccines have proven safe, but only minimal clinical efficacy has been observed to date. DC vaccine strategies reflect the continually evolving understanding of DC biology. The use of mature DCs is particularly important to avoid the induction of regulatory T cells. Better defined sources of immunizing antigens and more efficient antigen-loading will contribute to DC vaccines of better quality. Improved clinical efficacy may also be achieved using DCs that secrete biologically active IL-12, which fosters innate immunity and polarizes T helper type 1 responses that contribute to optimal antitumor immunity. Furthermore, combination therapies that treat systemic immune suppression will be crucial for obtaining improved clinical responses to DC vaccines in patients with advanced disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dolores J Schendel
- GSF National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Molecular Immunology and the Clinical Cooperation Group Immune Monitoring, Marchioninistrasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hsu AKW, Kerr BM, Jones KL, Lock RB, Hart DNJ, Rice AM. RNA loading of leukemic antigens into cord blood-derived dendritic cells for immunotherapy. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2006; 12:855-67. [PMID: 16864056 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2006.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The manipulation of dendritic cells (DCs) ex vivo to present tumor-associated antigens for the activation and expansion of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) attempts to exploit these cells' pivotal role in immunity. However, significant improvements are needed if this approach is to have wider clinical application. We optimized a gene delivery protocol via electroporation for cord blood (CB) CD34(+) DCs using in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA. We achieved > 90% transfection of DCs with IVT-enhanced green fluorescent protein mRNA with > 90% viability. Electroporation of IVT-mRNA up-regulated DC costimulatory molecules. DC processing and presentation of mRNA-encoded proteins, as major histocompatibility complex/peptide complexes, was established by CTL assays using transfected DCs as targets. Along with this, we also generated specific antileukemic CTLs using DCs electroporated with total RNA from the Nalm-6 leukemic cell line and an acute lymphocytic leukemia xenograft. This significant improvement in DC transfection represents an important step forward in the development of immunotherapy protocols for the treatment of malignancy.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigen Presentation/genetics
- Antigen Presentation/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Dendritic Cells/cytology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Electroporation/methods
- Fetal Blood/cytology
- Fetal Blood/immunology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Lymphocyte Activation/genetics
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Mice
- Neoplasm Transplantation/methods
- Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/immunology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/immunology
- RNA, Neoplasm/isolation & purification
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Transplantation, Heterologous
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andy K W Hsu
- Bone Marrow Transplant Team, Biotherapy Program, Mater Medical Research Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Putz T, Ramoner R, Gander H, Rahm A, Bartsch G, Thurnher M. Antitumor action and immune activation through cooperation of bee venom secretory phospholipase A2 and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2006; 55:1374-83. [PMID: 16485125 PMCID: PMC11030777 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-006-0143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2005] [Accepted: 01/27/2006] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated tumor cell growth modulation by bee venom secretory phospholipase A2 (bv-sPLA2) and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate as well as potential cooperative effects. In addition, the immunomodulatory impact of tumor cell treatment was examined by monitoring changes in phenotype and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) cocultured with pretreated tumor cells. Bv-sPLA2 or phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate alone displayed moderate effects on the proliferation of A498 renal cell carcinoma cells, T-47D breast cancer cells, DU145 prostate cancer cells and BEAS-2B transformed lung cells. However, when bv-sPLA2 was coadministered with phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate a potent inhibition of [3H] thymidine incorporation into all tested cell lines occurred. This inhibition was due to massive cell lysis that reduced the number of cells with proliferative capacity. Importantly, tumor cell lysates generated with bv-sPLA2 plus phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate induced maturation of human moDCs demonstrated by enhanced expression of CD83 and improved stimulation in allogeneic mixed leukocyte reactions. Our data demonstrate that bv-sPLA2 and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate synergistically generate tumor lysates which enhance the maturation of immunostimulatory human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Such tumor lysates which represent complex mixtures of tumor antigens and simultaneously display potent adjuvant properties meet all requirements of a tumor vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Putz
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhold Ramoner
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubert Gander
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Rahm
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Bartsch
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Thurnher
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Holtkamp S, Kreiter S, Selmi A, Simon P, Koslowski M, Huber C, Türeci O, Sahin U. Modification of antigen-encoding RNA increases stability, translational efficacy, and T-cell stimulatory capacity of dendritic cells. Blood 2006; 108:4009-17. [PMID: 16940422 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-04-015024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with in vitro-transcribed, RNA-encoding, tumor-associated antigens has recently entered clinical testing as a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy. However, pharmacokinetic exploration of RNA as a potential drug compound and a key aspect of clinical development is still pending. While investigating the impact of different structural modifications of RNA molecules on the kinetics of the encoded protein in DCs, we identified components located 3' of the coding region that contributed to a higher transcript stability and translational efficiency. With the use of quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and eGFP variants to measure transcript amounts and protein yield, we showed that a poly(A) tail measuring 120 nucleotides compared with a shorter one, an unmasked poly(A) tail with a free 3' end rather than one extended with unrelated nucleotides, and 2 sequential beta-globin 3' untranslated regions cloned head to tail between the coding region and the poly(A) tail each independently enhanced RNA stability and translational efficiency. Consecutively, the density of antigen-specific peptide/MHC complexes on the transfected cells and their potency to stimulate and expand antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were also increased. In summary, our data provide a strategy for optimizing RNA-transfected DC vaccines and a basis for defining release criteria for such vaccine preparations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Holtkamp
- Division of Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg University, Obere Zahlbacherstr. 63, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wierecky J, Müller MR, Wirths S, Halder-Oehler E, Dörfel D, Schmidt SM, Häntschel M, Brugger W, Schröder S, Horger MS, Kanz L, Brossart P. Immunologic and clinical responses after vaccinations with peptide-pulsed dendritic cells in metastatic renal cancer patients. Cancer Res 2006; 66:5910-8. [PMID: 16740731 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-3905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A phase I trial was conducted to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a dendritic cell-based vaccination in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Autologous mature dendritic cells derived from peripheral blood monocytes were pulsed with the HLA-A2-binding MUC1 peptides (M1.1 and M1.2). For the activation of CD4(+) T-helper lymphocytes, dendritic cells were further incubated with the PAN-DR-binding peptide PADRE. Dendritic cell vaccinations were done s.c. every 2 weeks for four times and repeated monthly until tumor progression. After five dendritic cell injections, patients additionally received three injections weekly of low-dose interleukin-2 (1 million IE/m(2)). The induction of vaccine-induced T-cell responses was monitored using enzyme-linked immunospot and Cr release assays. Twenty patients were included. The treatment was well tolerated with no severe side effects. In six patients, regression of the metastatic sites was induced after vaccinations with three patients achieving an objective response (one complete response, two partial responses, two mixed responses, and one stable disease). Additional four patients were stable during the treatment for up to 14 months. MUC1 peptide-specific T-cell responses in vivo were detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the six patients with objective responses. Interestingly, in patients responding to the treatment, T-cell responses to antigens not used for vaccinations, such as adipophilin, telomerase, or oncofetal antigen, could be detected, indicating that epitope spreading might occur. This study shows that MUC1 peptide-pulsed dendritic cells can induce clinical and immunologic responses in patients with metastatic RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Wierecky
- Department of Hematology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
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.
Collapse
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
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Grünebach
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
RNA is a key macromolecule for the mobilisation and interpretation of genetic information. Research has sought to exploit the inherent properties of RNA, such as the direct production of proteins in the cytoplasm without the need for nuclear translocation. This property makes the delivery of genes into postmitotic cells especially attractive. Recently, RNA transfer into postmitotic dendritic cells (DCs) has emerged as a potential new therapeutic agent in the area of immunotherapy. DCs are the most important regulators of the immune system. Thus, transfecting DCs with RNA allows the specific manipulation of immune responses and, thereby, the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as cancer. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that RNA-transduced DCs efficiently stimulate antigen-specific T cell responses in vitro and in animal tumour models. In addition, the clinical data from Phase I and II trials of tumour patients indicate that RNA-transduced DCs represent a promising approach for the development of future vaccination strategies. The use of RNA molecules as therapeutic agents is a relatively new approach in the treatment of diseases, such as cancer, but has received increasing attention during the past decade. Especially in the field of immunotherapy, the inherent properties of RNA molecules in combination with immunostimulating dendritic cells (DCs) are being investigated at present for their beneficial therapeutic effect. Immunotherapy is based on the stimulation of the patient's immune system to recognise and eliminate infected cells or tumour cells in an antigen-specific manner. Current approaches focus on the stimulation of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, as well as on the induction of CD4(+) T helper cell responses, in order to obtain optimal and sustained immune responses capable of eliminating altered cells. This review mainly focuses on the potential use of RNA-transduced DCs as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cancer, as current studies on the treatment of infectious diseases are just beginning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana C Gust
- Charité, Laboratory of Inflammation and Gene Therapy, Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Krahmerstrasse 6-10, 12207 Berlin, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|