1
|
Development of a TGFβ-IL-2/15 Switch Receptor for Use in Adoptive Cell Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020459. [PMID: 36830995 PMCID: PMC9953633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy employing T cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is effective in hematological malignancies but not yet in solid cancers. CAR T cell activity in solid tumors is limited by immunosuppressive factors, including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Here, we describe the development of a switch receptor (SwR), in which the extracellular domains of the TGFβ receptor are fused to the intracellular domains from the IL-2/15 receptor. We evaluated the SwR in tandem with two variants of a CAR that we have developed against STEAP1, a protein highly expressed in prostate cancer. The SwR-CAR T cell activity was assessed against a panel of STEAP1+/- prostate cancer cell lines with or without over-expression of TGFβ, or with added TGFβ, by use of flow cytometry cytokine and killing assays, Luminex cytokine profiling, cell counts, and flow cytometry phenotyping. The results showed that the SwR-CAR constructs improved the functionality of CAR T cells in TGFβ-rich environments, as measured by T cell proliferation and survival, cytokine response, and cytotoxicity. In assays with four repeated target-cell stimulations, the SwR-CAR T cells developed an activated effector memory phenotype with retained STEAP1-specific activity. In conclusion, the SwR confers CAR T cells with potent and durable in vitro functionality in TGFβ-rich environments. The SwR may be used as an add-on construct for CAR T cells or other forms of adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bafaloukos D, Petraki K, Bousmpoukea A, Chatzichristou E, Pieris I, Koutserimpas C, Samonis G. Therapeutic Effect of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine on Melanoma Skin Metastases. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040525. [PMID: 35455274 PMCID: PMC9025412 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A unique case of multiple metastatic melanoma skin nodules regression in a heavily pretreated, 72-year-old Caucasian female, after administering the second dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, is presented. Two days after vaccination, all her melanoma skin nodules became painful and were significantly reduced in size. Physical examination and ultrasound imaging confirmed the patient’s observation. The effect was sustained, and further reduction of the nodules occurred after the third vaccine dose. One of the reduced nodules was removed, histologically examined, and its histopathology was compared to that of another such nodule removed and examined earlier. Distinct differences were observed between the two histopathologies, with the most notable the unexpected finding of the absence of infiltrating lymphocytes in the reducer nodule’s melanoma tissue. Based on this observation, the possible immunological mechanism(s) leading to the vaccine’s effect are speculated. More possible is the vaccine’s antitumor and apoptotic activity via stimulation of the Tol Like Receptors 3, 7, and 8, and (downstream) the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of the activated B cells pathway of the non-lymphocytic immune effector cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bafaloukos
- First Oncology Department, Metropolitan Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Athens, Greece; (D.B.); (A.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Kalliopi Petraki
- Department of Pathology, Metropolitan Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Athens, Greece;
| | - Aikaterini Bousmpoukea
- First Oncology Department, Metropolitan Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Athens, Greece; (D.B.); (A.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Eleni Chatzichristou
- First Oncology Department, Metropolitan Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Athens, Greece; (D.B.); (A.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Ioannis Pieris
- Department of Radiology, Metropolitan Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Athens, Greece;
| | - Christos Koutserimpas
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “251” Hellenic Air Force General Hospital, 18547 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Samonis
- First Oncology Department, Metropolitan Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Athens, Greece; (D.B.); (A.B.); (E.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-69-4443-7255
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kyte JA. Strategies for Improving the Efficacy of CAR T Cells in Solid Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030571. [PMID: 35158839 PMCID: PMC8833730 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cell therapy with genetically retargeted T cells shows strong clinical efficacy against leukaemia and lymphoma. To make this therapy efficient against solid cancers, a series of hurdles must be addressed. This includes the need to enable the T cells to survive long term in patients and to overcome immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumour. Further, it is essential to prevent tumour cells from escaping by losing the protein that is recognised by the infused cells. The present article provides an overview of the key strategies that are currently being investigated to overcome these hurdles. A series of approaches have been described in preclinical models, but these remain untested in patients. The further progress of the field will depend on evaluating more strategies in a proper clinical setting. Abstract Therapy with T cells equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) shows strong efficacy against leukaemia and lymphoma, but not yet against solid cancers. This has been attributed to insufficient T cell persistence, tumour heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. The present article provides an overview of key strategies that are currently investigated to overcome these hurdles. Basic aspects of CAR design are revisited, relevant for tuning the stimulatory signal to the requirements of solid tumours. Novel approaches for enhancing T cell persistence are highlighted, based on epigenetic or post-translational modifications. Further, the article describes CAR T strategies that are being developed for overcoming tumour heterogeneity and the escape of cancer stem cells, as well as for countering prevalent mechanisms of immune suppression in solid cancers. In general, personalised medicine is faced with a lack of drugs matching the patient’s profile. The advances and flexibility of modern gene engineering may allow for the filling of some of these gaps with tailored CAR T approaches addressing mechanisms identified as important in the individual patient. At this point, however, CAR T cell therapy remains unproved in solid cancers. The further progress of the field will depend on bringing novel strategies into clinical evaluation, while maintaining safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Amund Kyte
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Clinical Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin A, Zhang H, Meng H, Deng Z, Gu T, Luo P, Zhang J. TNF-Alpha Pathway Alternation Predicts Survival of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:667875. [PMID: 34603277 PMCID: PMC8481577 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.667875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational research on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been underway. However, in the unselected population, only a few patients benefit from ICIs. Therefore, screening predictive markers of ICI efficacy has become the current focus of attention. We collected mutation and clinical data from an ICI-treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cohort. Then, a univariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the relationship between tumor necrosis factor α signaling mutated (TNFα-MT) and the prognosis of immunotherapy for NSCLC. We retrospectively collected 36 NSCLC patients (local-cohort) from the Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and performed whole-exome sequencing (WES). The expression and mutation data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-NSCLC cohort were used to explore the association between TNFα-MT and the immune microenvironment. A local cohort was used to validate the association between TNFα-MT and immunogenicity. TNFα-MT was associated with significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients after receiving immunotherapy. Additionally, TNFα-MT is related to high immunogenicity (tumor mutational burden, neoantigen load, and DNA damage response signaling mutations) and enrichment of infiltrating immune cells. These results suggest that TNFα-MT may serve as a potential clinical biomarker for NSCLC patients receiving ICIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Lin
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongman Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Meng
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ze Deng
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianqi Gu
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vonderheide RH, Kraynyak KA, Shields AF, McRee AJ, Johnson JM, Sun W, Chintakuntlawar AV, Pawlicki J, Sylvester AJ, McMullan T, Samuels R, Kim JJ, Weiner D, Boyer JD, Morrow MP, Humeau L, Skolnik JM. Phase 1 study of safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of the human telomerase (hTERT)-encoded DNA plasmids INO-1400 and INO-1401 with or without IL-12 DNA plasmid INO-9012 in adult patients with solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003019. [PMID: 34230114 PMCID: PMC8261871 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is frequently classified as a ‘universal’ tumor associated antigen due to its expression in a vast number of cancers. We evaluated plasmid DNA-encoded hTERT as an immunotherapy across nine cancer types. Methods A phase 1 clinical trial was conducted in adult patients with no evidence of disease following definitive surgery and standard therapy, who were at high risk of relapse. Plasmid DNA encoding one of two hTERT variants (INO-1400 or INO-1401) with or without plasmid DNA encoding interleukin 12 (IL-12) (INO-9012) was delivered intramuscularly concurrent with the application of the CELLECTRA constant-current electroporation device 4 times across 12 weeks. Safety assessments and immune monitoring against native (germline, non-mutated, non-plasmid matched) hTERT antigen were performed. The largest cohort of patients enrolled had pancreatic cancer, allowing for additional targeted assessments for this tumor type. Results Of the 93 enrolled patients who received at least one dose, 88 had at least one adverse event; the majority were grade 1 or 2, related to injection site. At 18 months, 54.8% (51/93) patients were disease-free, with median disease-free survival (DFS) not reached by end of study. For patients with pancreatic cancer, the median DFS was 9 months, with 41.4% of these patients remaining disease-free at 18 months. hTERT immunotherapy induced a de novo cellular immune response or enhanced pre-existing cellular responses to native hTERT in 96% (88/92) of patients with various cancer types. Treatment with INO-1400/INO-1401±INO-9012 drove hTERT-specific IFN-γ production, generated hTERT-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing the activation marker CD38, and induced hTERT-specific activated CD8 +CTLs as defined by cells expressing perforin and granzymes. The addition of plasmid IL-12 adjuvant elicited higher magnitudes of cellular responses including IFN-γ production, activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and activated CD8+CTLs. In a subset analysis of pancreatic cancer patients, the presence of immunotherapy-induced activated CD8+ T cells expressing PD-1, granzymes and perforin correlated with survival. Conclusions Plasmid DNA-encoded hTERT/IL-12 DNA immunotherapy was well-tolerated, immune responses were noted across all tumor types, and a specific CD8+ phenotype increased by the immunotherapy was significantly correlated with survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Vonderheide
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Anthony F Shields
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Autumn J McRee
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer M Johnson
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Weijing Sun
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Jan Pawlicki
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Samuels
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph J Kim
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Weiner
- Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jean D Boyer
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Laurent Humeau
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dillard P, Köksal H, Maggadottir SM, Winge-Main A, Pollmann S, Menard M, Myhre MR, Mælandsmo GM, Flørenes VA, Gaudernack G, Kvalheim G, Wälchli S, Inderberg EM. Targeting Telomerase with an HLA Class II-Restricted TCR for Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2020; 29:1199-1213. [PMID: 33212301 PMCID: PMC7934585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cell therapy is a promising cancer treatment approach. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is overexpressed in the majority of tumors and a potential target for adoptive cell therapy. We isolated a novel hTERT-specific TCR sequence, named Radium-4, from a clinically responding pancreatic cancer patient vaccinated with a long hTERT peptide. Radium-4 TCR-redirected primary CD4+ and CD8+ T cells demonstrated in vitro efficacy, producing inflammatory cytokines and killing hTERT+ melanoma cells in both 2D and 3D settings, as well as malignant, patient-derived ascites cells. Importantly, T cells expressing Radium-4 TCR displayed no toxicity against bone marrow stem cells or mature hematopoietic cells. Notably, Radium-4 TCR+ T cells also significantly reduced tumor growth and improved survival in a xenograft mouse model. Since hTERT is a universal cancer antigen, and the very frequently expressed HLA class II molecules presenting the hTERT peptide to this TCR provide a very high (>75%) population coverage, this TCR represents an attractive candidate for immunotherapy of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Dillard
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hakan Köksal
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anna Winge-Main
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sylvie Pollmann
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mathilde Menard
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Renée Myhre
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunhild M Mælandsmo
- Department of Tumor Biology, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Vivi Ann Flørenes
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gustav Gaudernack
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Anti-cancer Immunotherapies Targeting Telomerase. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082260. [PMID: 32806719 PMCID: PMC7465444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase that maintains telomeres length, compensating for the attrition of chromosomal ends that occurs during each replication cycle. Telomerase is expressed in germ cells and stem cells, whereas it is virtually undetectable in adult somatic cells. On the other hand, telomerase is broadly expressed in the majority of human tumors playing a crucial role in the replicative behavior and immortality of cancer cells. Several studies have demonstrated that telomerase-derived peptides are able to bind to HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class I and class II molecules and effectively activate both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells subsets. Due to its broad and selective expression in cancer cells and its significant immunogenicity, telomerase is considered an ideal universal tumor-associated antigen, and consequently, a very attractive target for anti-cancer immunotherapy. To date, different telomerase targeting immunotherapies have been studied in pre-clinical and clinical settings, these approaches include peptide vaccination and cell-based vaccination. The objective of this review paper is to discuss the role of human telomerase in cancer immunotherapy analyzing recent developments and future perspectives in this field.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fernandes SG, Dsouza R, Pandya G, Kirtonia A, Tergaonkar V, Lee SY, Garg M, Khattar E. Role of Telomeres and Telomeric Proteins in Human Malignancies and Their Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1901. [PMID: 32674474 PMCID: PMC7409176 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are the ends of linear chromosomes comprised of repetitive nucleotide sequences in humans. Telomeres preserve chromosomal stability and genomic integrity. Telomere length shortens with every cell division in somatic cells, eventually resulting in replicative senescence once telomere length becomes critically short. Telomere shortening can be overcome by telomerase enzyme activity that is undetectable in somatic cells, while being active in germline cells, stem cells, and immune cells. Telomeres are bound by a shelterin complex that regulates telomere lengthening as well as protects them from being identified as DNA damage sites. Telomeres are transcribed by RNA polymerase II, and generate a long noncoding RNA called telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), which plays a key role in regulating subtelomeric gene expression. Replicative immortality and genome instability are hallmarks of cancer and to attain them cancer cells exploit telomere maintenance and telomere protection mechanisms. Thus, understanding the role of telomeres and their associated proteins in cancer initiation, progression and treatment is very important. The present review highlights the critical role of various telomeric components with recently established functions in cancer. Further, current strategies to target various telomeric components including human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as a therapeutic approach in human malignancies are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stina George Fernandes
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
| | - Rebecca Dsouza
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
| | - Gouri Pandya
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Anuradha Kirtonia
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (V.T.); (S.Y.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Sook Y. Lee
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (V.T.); (S.Y.L.)
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen AC, Xu R, Wang T, Wei J, Yang XY, Liu CX, Lei G, Lyerly HK, Heiland T, Hartman ZC. HER2-LAMP vaccines effectively traffic to endolysosomal compartments and generate enhanced polyfunctional T cell responses that induce complete tumor regression. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2019-000258. [PMID: 32532838 PMCID: PMC7295440 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of immune checkpoint blockade antibodies has demonstrated that effective mobilization of T cell responses can cause tumor regression of metastatic cancers, although these responses are heterogeneous and restricted to certain histologic types of cancer. To enhance these responses, there has been renewed emphasis in developing effective cancer-specific vaccines to stimulate and direct T cell immunity to important oncologic targets, such as the oncogene human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), expressed in ~20% of breast cancers (BCs). METHODS In our study, we explored the use of alternative antigen trafficking through use of a lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP) domain to enhance vaccine efficacy against HER2 and other model antigens in both in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS We found that inclusion of this domain in plasmid vaccines effectively trafficked antigens to endolysosomal compartments, resulting in enhanced major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II presentation. Additionally, this augmented the expansion/activation of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and also led to elevated levels of antigen-specific polyfunctional CD8+ T cells. Significantly, vaccination with HER2-LAMP produced tumor regression in ~30% of vaccinated mice with established tumors in an endogenous model of metastatic HER2+ BC, compared with 0% of HER2-WT vaccinated mice. This therapeutic benefit is associated with enhanced tumor infiltration of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the potential of using LAMP-based endolysosomal trafficking as a means to augment the generation of polyfunctional, antigen-specific T cells in order to improve antitumor therapeutic responses using cancer antigen vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Chen Chen
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Renhuan Xu
- Department of R&D, Immunomic Therapeutics, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Junping Wei
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xiao-Yi Yang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cong-Xiao Liu
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gangjun Lei
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Herbert Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Teri Heiland
- Department of R&D, Immunomic Therapeutics, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Zachary Conrad Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA .,Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of genetically engineered T cell receptor (TCR) T cells is one of the burgeoning fields of immunotherapy, with promising results in current clinical trials. Presently, clinicaltrials.gov has over 200 active trials involving adoptive cell therapy. The ACT of genetically engineered T cells not only allows the ability to select for TCRs with desired properties such as high-affinity receptors and tumor reactivity but to further enhance those receptors allowing for better targeting and killing of cancer cells in patients. Moreover, the addition of genetic material, including cytokines and cytokine receptors, can increase the survival and persistence of the T cell allowing for complete and sustained remission of cancer targets. The potential for improvement in adoptive cell therapy is limitless, with genetic modifications targeting to improve weaknesses of ACT and to thus enhance receptor affinity and functional avidity of the genetically engineered T cells.
Collapse
|
11
|
Telomerase-Targeted Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081823. [PMID: 31013796 PMCID: PMC6515163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of telomeres, is activated in many cancer cells and is involved in the maintenance of telomeres. The activity of telomerase allows cancer cells to replicate and proliferate in an uncontrolled manner, to infiltrate tissue, and to metastasize to distant organs. Studies to date have examined the mechanisms involved in the survival of cancer cells as targets for cancer therapeutics. These efforts led to the development of telomerase inhibitors as anticancer drugs, drugs targeting telomere DNA, viral vectors carrying a promoter for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) genome, and immunotherapy targeting hTERT. Among these novel therapeutics, this review focuses on immunotherapy targeting hTERT and discusses the current evidence and future perspectives.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kyte JA, Fåne A, Pule M, Gaudernack G. Transient redirection of T cells for adoptive cell therapy with telomerase-specific T helper cell receptors isolated from long term survivors after cancer vaccination. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1565236. [PMID: 30906659 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1565236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with retargeted T cells has produced remarkable clinical responses against cancer, but also serious toxicity. Telomerase is overexpressed in most cancers, but also expressed in some normal cells, raising safety concerns. We hypothesize that ACT with T-helper cell receptors may overcome tumour tolerance, mobilize host immune cells and induce epitope spreading, with limited toxicity. From long term survivors after cancer vaccination, we have isolated telomerase-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) from T-helper cells. Herein, we report the development of transient retargeting of T cells with mRNA-based TCRs. This strategy allows for safer clinical testing and meaningful dose escalation. DP4 is the most common HLA molecule. We cloned two telomerase-specific, DP4-restricted TCRs into the mRNA expression vector pCIpA102, together with the sorter/marker/suicide gene RQR8. Donor T cells were electroporated with mRNA encoding TCR_RQR8. The results showed that both TCR_RQR8 constructs were expressed in >90% of T cells. The transfected T cells specifically recognized the relevant peptide, as well as naturally processed epitopes from a 177aa telomerase protein fragment, and remained functional for six days. A polyfunctional and Th1-like cytokine profile was observed. The TCRs were functional in both CD4+and CD8+recipient T cells, even though DP4-restricted. The findings demonstrate that the cloned TCRs confer recipient T cells with the desired telomerase-specificity and functionality. Preclinical experiments may provide limited information on the efficacy and toxicity of T-helper TCRs, as these mobilize the host immune system. We therefore intend to use the mRNA-based TCRs for a first-in-man trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Amund Kyte
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Section for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Research Institute, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Fåne
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Pule
- Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gustav Gaudernack
- Section for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Research Institute, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mercier-Letondal P, Marton C, Deschamps M, Ferrand C, Vauchy C, Chenut C, Baguet A, Adotévi O, Borg C, Galaine J, Godet Y. Isolation and Characterization of an HLA-DRB1*04-Restricted HPV16-E7 T Cell Receptor for Cancer Immunotherapy. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1202-1212. [PMID: 30136612 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a causal factor in oropharyngeal and gynecological malignancies, and development of HPV-targeted immunotherapy could be used to treat patients with these cancers. T cell-mediated adoptive immunotherapy targeting E6 and E7, two HPV16 proteins consistently expressed in tumor cells, appears to be both attractive and safe. However, isolation of HPV-specific T cells is difficult owing to the low frequency of these cell precursors in the peripheral blood. In addition, HPV-positive cancer cells often down-regulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression ex vivo, limiting the efficacy of MHC class I-restricted approaches. Of particular interest is that both CD4 and CD8 T cells can mediate the responses. Given that CD4 T cells play a critical role in coordinating effective antitumor responses, the generation of a T helper response in patients with HPV16-associated malignancies would unleash the ultimate potential of immunotherapy. In this view, T-cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer could be a relevant strategy to generate HPV16-E7-specific and MHC class II-restricted T cells in sufficient numbers. An HPV16-E7/HLA-DRB1*04 TCR has been isolated from a cancer patient with complete response, and retroviral particles encoding this TCR have been produced. The transgenic TCR is highly expressed in transduced T cells, with a functional inducible caspase-9 suicide gene safety cassette. TCR transgenic T cells are HPV16-E770-89 specific and HLA-DRB1*04 restricted, as determined by interferon (IFN)-γ secretion. CD8 and CD4 T cells are equivalently transduced and secrete interleukin-2 and IFN-γ when cultured with appropriate targets. We also demonstrate that TCR transgenic T cells recognize the endogenously processed and presented HPV16-E770-89 peptide. In conclusion, our data indicate that the production of MHC class II-restricted HPV16-E7-specific T cells is feasible through TCR gene transfer and could be used for immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Mercier-Letondal
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Chrystel Marton
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Marina Deschamps
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Ferrand
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Charline Vauchy
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Clément Chenut
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Aurélie Baguet
- 2 EA3181, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , F-25000 Besançon, France; and Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Olivier Adotévi
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France .,3 University Hospital of Besançon , Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Borg
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France .,3 University Hospital of Besançon , Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Jeanne Galaine
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Yann Godet
- 1 Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25000 Besançon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, F-25000 Besançon, France
| |
Collapse
|