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Zhang H, Yao J, Ajmal I, Farooq MA, Jiang W. shRNA-mediated gene silencing of HDAC11 empowers CAR-T cells against prostate cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369406. [PMID: 38835760 PMCID: PMC11148219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in several cellular functions, and their role in the immune system is of prime importance. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are an important set of enzymes that regulate and catalyze the deacetylation process. HDACs have been proven beneficial targets for improving the efficacy of immunotherapies. HDAC11 is an enzyme involved in the negative regulation of T cell functions. Here, we investigated the potential of HDAC11 downregulation using RNA interference in CAR-T cells to improve immunotherapeutic outcomes against prostate cancer. We designed and tested four distinct short hairpin RNA (shRNA) sequences targeting HDAC11 to identify the most effective one for subsequent analyses. HDAC11-deficient CAR-T cells (shD-NKG2D-CAR-T) displayed better cytotoxicity than wild-type CAR-T cells against prostate cancer cell lines. This effect was attributed to enhanced activation, degranulation, and cytokine release ability of shD-NKG2D-CAR-T when co-cultured with prostate cancer cell lines. Our findings reveal that HDAC11 interference significantly enhances CAR-T cell proliferation, diminishes exhaustion markers PD-1 and TIM3, and promotes the formation of T central memory TCM populations. Further exploration into the underlying molecular mechanisms reveals increased expression of transcription factor Eomes, providing insight into the regulation of CAR-T cell differentiation. Finally, the shD-NKG2D-CAR-T cells provided efficient tumor control leading to improved survival of tumor-bearing mice in vivo as compared to their wild-type counterparts. The current study highlights the potential of HDAC11 downregulation in improving CAR-T cell therapy. The study will pave the way for further investigations focused on understanding and exploiting epigenetic mechanisms for immunotherapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Iqra Ajmal
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Asad Farooq
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Nasiri F, Farrokhi K, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Mahboubi Kancha M, Dashti Shokoohi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P. CAR-T cell immunotherapy for ovarian cancer: hushing the silent killer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1302307. [PMID: 38146364 PMCID: PMC10749368 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1302307] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most lethal gynecologic oncological indication, carcinoma of the ovary has been ranked as the 5th cause of cancer-related mortality in women, with a high percentage of the patients being diagnosed at late stages of the disease and a five-year survival of ~ 30%. Ovarian cancer patients conventionally undergo surgery for tumor removal followed by platinum- or taxane-based chemotherapy; however, a high percentage of patients experience tumor relapse. Cancer immunotherapy has been regarded as a silver lining in the treatment of patients with various immunological or oncological indications; however, mirvetuximab soravtansine (a folate receptor α-specific mAb) and bevacizumab (a VEGF-A-specific mAb) are the only immunotherapeutics approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer patients. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has achieved tremendous clinical success in the treatment of patients with certain B-cell lymphomas and leukemias, as well as multiple myeloma. In the context of solid tumors, CAR-T therapies face serious obstacles that limit their therapeutic benefit. Such hindrances include the immunosuppressive nature of solid tumors, impaired tumor infiltration, lack of qualified tumor-associated antigens, and compromised stimulation and persistence of CAR-Ts following administration. Over the past years, researchers have made arduous attempts to apply CAR-T therapy to ovarian cancer. In this review, we outline the principles of CAR-T therapy and then highlight its limitations in the context of solid tumors. Ultimately, we focus on preclinical and clinical findings achieved in CAR-T-mediated targeting of different ovarian cancer-associated target antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Nasiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Khadijeh Farrokhi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Pouya Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maral Mahboubi Kancha
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Setareh Dashti Shokoohi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooria Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Hojjatipour T, Sharifzadeh Z, Maali A, Azad M. Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells: a promising sword against insidious tumor cells. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1843-1864. [PMID: 37477869 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical component of innate immunity, particularly in initial cancer recognition and inhibition of additional tumor growth or metastasis propagation. NK cells recognize transformed cells without prior sensitization via stimulatory receptors and rapidly eradicate them. However, the protective tumor microenvironment facilitates tumor escaping via induction of an exhaustion state in immune cells, including NK cells. Hence, genetic manipulation of NK cells for specific identification of tumor-associated antigens or a more robust response against tumor cells is a promising strategy for NK cells' tumoricidal augmentation. Regarding the remarkable achievement of engineered CAR-T cells in treating hematologic malignancies, there is evolving interest in CAR-NK cell recruitment in cancer immunotherapy. Innate functionality of NK cells, higher safety, superior in vivo maintenance, and the off-the-shelf potential move CAR-NK-based therapy superior to CAR-T cells treatment. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the recent genetic manipulations of CAR-NK cell manufacturing regarding different domains of CAR constructs and their following delivery systems into diverse sources of NK cells. Then highlight the preclinical and clinical investigations of CAR-NK cells and examine the current challenges and prospects as an optimistic remedy in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciecnes, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, 3419759811, Iran.
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4
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Martyshkina YS, Tereshchenko VP, Bogdanova DA, Rybtsov SA. Reliable Hallmarks and Biomarkers of Senescent Lymphocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15653. [PMID: 37958640 PMCID: PMC10647376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of accumulation of senescent adaptive immunity cells in the elderly is attracting attention due to the increasing risk of global epidemics and aging of the global population. Elderly people are predisposed to various infectious and age-related diseases and are at higher risk of vaccination failure. The accumulation of senescent cells increases age-related background inflammation, "Inflammaging", causing lymphocyte exhaustion and cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and cancer diseases. Here, we present a comprehensive contemporary review of the mechanisms and phenotype of senescence in the adaptive immune system. Although modern research has not yet identified specific markers of aging lymphocytes, several sets of markers facilitate the separation of the aging population based on normal memory and exhausted cells for further genetic and functional analysis. The reasons for the higher predisposition of CD8+ T-lymphocytes to senescence compared to the CD4+ population are also discussed. We point out approaches for senescent-lymphocyte-targeting markers using small molecules (senolytics), antibodies and immunization against senescent cells. The suppression of immune senescence is the most relevant area of research aimed at developing anti-aging and anti-cancer therapy for prolonging the lifespan of the global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya S. Martyshkina
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, Sirius 354340, Krasnodar Region, Russia; (Y.S.M.)
| | - Valeriy P. Tereshchenko
- Resource Center for Cell Technology and Immunology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, Sirius 354340, Krasnodar Region, Russia
| | - Daria A. Bogdanova
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, Sirius 354340, Krasnodar Region, Russia; (Y.S.M.)
| | - Stanislav A. Rybtsov
- Resource Center for Cell Technology and Immunology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, Sirius 354340, Krasnodar Region, Russia
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5
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Wen J, Chen Y, Yang J, Dai C, Yu S, Zhong W, Liu L, He C, Zhang W, Yang T, Liu L, Hu J. Valproic acid increases CAR T cell cytotoxicity against acute myeloid leukemia. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006857. [PMID: 37524506 PMCID: PMC10391797 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of B cell malignancies has dramatically changed with the introduction of immunotherapy, especially chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. However, only limited efficacy is observed in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In the study, We detected CD123 and CLL-1 expression on leukaemia cells from Relapsed/Refractory AML (R/R AML) patients. Then, we constructed anti-CD123 CAR and CLL-1 CAR with different co-stimulation domains (CD28 or 4-1BB) and detected their anti-AML effects. To increase the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy, we tested different strategies, including application of combined checkpoint inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) in vivo and in vitro We found CD123 and CLL-1 were highly expressed on AML cells. The proportions of T cell subsets and NK cells involved in anti-tumour or anti-inflammation processes in AML patients significantly decreased when compared with healthy donors. Both CD123 CAR and CLL-1 CAR displayed specific anti-AML effects in vitro To improve the lysis effects of CAR-T cells, we combined CAR-T cell therapy with different agents. PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies only slightly improved the potency of CAR-T cell therapy (CD123 CAR-T 60.92% ± 2.9087% vs. 65.43% ± 2.1893%, 60.92% ± 2.9087% vs. 67.43% ± 3.4973%; 37.37% ± 3.908% vs. 41.89% ± 5.1568%, 37.37% ± 3.908% vs. 42.84% ± 4.2635%). However, one HDACi (valproic acid [VPA]) significantly improved CAR-T cell potency against AML cells (CLL-1 CAR-T 34.97% ± 0.3051% vs. 88.167% ± 1.5327%, p < 0.0001; CD123 CAR-T 26.87% ± 2.7010% vs. 82.56% ± 3.086%, p < 0.0001 in MV411; CLL-1 CAR-T 78.77% ± 1.2061% vs. 93.743% ± 1.2333%, p < 0.0001; CD123 CAR-T 64.10% ± 1.5130% vs. 94.427% ± 0.142%, p = 0.0001 in THP-1). Combination therapy prolonged the overall survival of mice when compared with single CD123 CAR-T cell therapy (median survival: 180 days vs. unfollowed). A possible mechanism is that activated CD8+T cells upregulate natural-killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), and VPA upregulates NKG2D ligand expression in AML cells, contributing to NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against tumour cells. In conclusion, CD123 and CLL-1 are promising targets for AML CAR-T cell therapy. A combination of VPA pre-treatment and CAR-T against AML exhibits synergic effects.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Valproic Acid/pharmacology
- Valproic Acid/therapeutic use
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Lymphoma, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxin Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunye Dai
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenjie Yu
- Department of Internal medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenting Zhong
- Department of Research and Development, ST Phi Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lilin Liu
- Department of Research and Development, ST Phi Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengguanng He
- Department of Research and Development, ST Phi Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenmin Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
- Pathological Diagnosis Center & Oncology Institution, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingfeng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianda Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
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6
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Trinh T, Adams WA, Calescibetta A, Tu N, Dalton R, So T, Wei M, Ward G, Kostenko E, Christiansen S, Cen L, McLemore A, Reed K, Whitting J, Gilvary D, Blanco NL, Segura CM, Nguyen J, Kandell W, Chen X, Cheng P, Wright GM, Cress WD, Liu J, Wright KL, Wei S, Eksioglu EA. CX3CR1 deficiency-induced TIL tumor restriction as a novel addition for CAR-T design in solid malignancies. iScience 2023; 26:106443. [PMID: 37070068 PMCID: PMC10105289 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the understanding of the tumor microenvironment have led to development of immunotherapeutic strategies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts). However, despite success in blood malignancies, CAR-T therapies in solid tumors have been hampered by their restricted infiltration. Here, we used our understanding of early cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration of human lymphocytes in solid tumors in vivo to investigate the receptors in normal, adjacent, and tumor tissues of primary non-small-cell lung cancer specimens. We found that CX3CL1-CX3CR1 reduction restricts cytotoxic cells from the solid-tumor bed, contributing to tumor escape. Based on this, we designed a CAR-T construct using the well-established natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) CAR-T expression together with overexpression of CX3CR1 to promote their infiltration. These CAR-Ts infiltrate tumors at higher rates than control-activated T cells or IL-15-overexpressing NKG2D CAR-Ts. This construct also had similar functionality in a liver-cancer model, demonstrating potential efficacy in other solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- ThuLe Trinh
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - William A. Adams
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alexandra Calescibetta
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nhan Tu
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Robert Dalton
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tina So
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Max Wei
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Grace Ward
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Elena Kostenko
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sean Christiansen
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ling Cen
- Bioinformatics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Amy McLemore
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kayla Reed
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Junmin Whitting
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Danielle Gilvary
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Neale Lopez Blanco
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Carlos Moran Segura
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan Nguyen
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Wendy Kandell
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Xianghong Chen
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Pingyan Cheng
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Wright
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - W. Douglas Cress
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jinghong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Wright
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sheng Wei
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Erika A. Eksioglu
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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7
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Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Ovarian Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1233-1249. [PMID: 36826026 PMCID: PMC9955550 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020081] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is gynecological cancer, and diagnosis and treatment are continuously advancing. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based diagnoses have emerged as novel methods for identifying molecules and pathways in cancer research. The NGS-based applications have expanded in OC research for early detection and identification of aberrant genes and dysregulation pathways, demonstrating comprehensive views of the entire transcriptome, such as fusion genes, genetic mutations, and gene expression profiling. Coinciding with advances in NGS-based diagnosis, treatment strategies for OC, such as molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have also advanced. Immunotherapy is effective against many other cancers, and its efficacy against OC has also been demonstrated at the clinical phase. In this review, we describe several NGS-based applications for therapeutic targets of OC, and introduce current immunotherapeutic strategies, including vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell transplantation, for effective diagnosis and treatment of OC.
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8
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Zhou Z, Li J, Hong J, Chen S, Chen M, Wang L, Lin W, Ye Y. Interleukin-15 and chemokine ligand 19 enhance cytotoxic effects of chimeric antigen receptor T cells using zebrafish xenograft model of gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1002361. [PMID: 36618357 PMCID: PMC9816141 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1002361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been proven effective for the treatment of B-cell-mediated malignancies. Currently, the development of efficient tools that supply CAR T cells for the treatment of other malignancies would have great impact. In this study, interleukin (IL)-15 and C-C motif chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) were introduced into natural killer group 2D (NKG2D)-based CARs to generate 15×19 CAR T cells, which remarkably increased T-cell expansion and promoted the production of central memory T (Tcm) cells. 15×19 CAR T cells showed greater cytotoxicity to gastric cell lines than conventional CAR T cells and produced higher levels of IL-15 and CCL-19, which resulted in increased responder T cell chemotaxis and reduced expression of T cell exhaustion markers. A live zebrafish model was used for single-cell visualization of local cytotoxicity and metastatic cancers. Administration of 15×19 CAR T cells resulted in significant shrinking of gastric cancer xenograft tumors and expansion of 15×19 CAR T cells in zebrafish models. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that 15×19 CAR T cells are highly efficient in killing gastric cancer cells, are effective to avoid off-target effects, and migrate to local and metastatic sites for long-term surveillance of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Zhou
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China
| | - Jieyu Li
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China
| | - Jingwen Hong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China
| | - Shuping Chen
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mingshui Chen
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wansong Lin
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Yunbin Ye, ; Wansong Lin,
| | - Yunbin Ye
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Yunbin Ye, ; Wansong Lin,
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9
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Asmamaw Dejenie T, Tiruneh G/Medhin M, Dessie Terefe G, Tadele Admasu F, Wale Tesega W, Chekol Abebe E. Current updates on generations, approvals, and clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2114254. [PMID: 36094837 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2114254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a novel, customized immunotherapy that is considered a 'living' and self-replicating drug to treat cancer, sometimes resulting in a complete cure. CAR T-cells are manufactured through genetic engineering of T-cells by equipping them with CARs to detect and target antigen-expressing cancer cells. CAR is designed to have an ectodomain extracellularly, a transmembrane domain spanning the cell membrane, and an endodomain intracellularly. Since its first discovery, the CAR structure has evolved greatly, from the first generation to the fifth generation, to offer new therapeutic alternatives for cancer patients. This treatment has achieved long-term and curative therapeutic efficacy in multiple blood malignancies that nowadays profoundly change the treatment landscape of lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. But CART-cell therapy is associated with several hurdles, such as limited therapeutic efficacy, little effect on solid tumors, adverse effects, expensive cost, and feasibility issues, hindering its broader implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Markeshaw Tiruneh G/Medhin
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Dessie Terefe
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Fitalew Tadele Admasu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Science Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwossen Wale Tesega
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Endeshaw Chekol Abebe
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Science Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
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10
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Hu X, Bian C, Zhao X, Yi T. Efficacy evaluation of multi-immunotherapy in ovarian cancer: From bench to bed. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034903. [PMID: 36275669 PMCID: PMC9582991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, one of the most common gynecological malignancies, is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy remain the mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment, and most women experience recurrence after standard care therapies. There is compelling evidence that ovarian cancer is an immunogenic tumor. For example, the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with increased survival, while increases in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells are correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, immunotherapies targeting components of the tumor microenvironment have been gradually integrated into the existing treatment options, including immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Immunotherapies have changed guidelines for maintenance treatment and established a new paradigm in ovarian cancer treatment. Despite single immunotherapies targeting DNA repair mechanisms, immune checkpoints, and angiogenesis bringing inspiring efficacy, only a subset of patients can benefit much from it. Thus, the multi-immunotherapy investigation remains an active area for ovarian cancer treatment. The current review provides an overview of various clinically oriented forms of multi-immunotherapy and explores potentially effective combinational therapies for ovarian cancer.
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11
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The challenge of selecting tumor antigens for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in ovarian cancer. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:232. [PMID: 36175774 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01824-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common cancers in women, with a high mortality rate and very few available and effective treatments. Evidence shows that immunotherapy in OC has not been very successful because immune checkpoint blockers have not achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes. On the other hand, as one of the effective treatment approaches, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has gained a moral position, especially in blood malignancies. Although in solid tumors, CAR T-cell therapy faces various complications and challenges. One of these challenges is selecting the appropriate tumor antigen targeted by CAR T cells, making the selection difficult due to the expression of antigens by tumor cells and normal cells. In addition, the rate of tumor antigen expression and CAR T-cell access to the desired antigen and proper stimulation of CAR T cells can be other important points in antigen selection. This review summarized common tumor antigens and the challenges of selecting them in CAR T cells therapy of OC.
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12
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Karvouni M, Vidal-Manrique M, Lundqvist A, Alici E. Engineered NK Cells Against Cancer and Their Potential Applications Beyond. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825979. [PMID: 35242135 PMCID: PMC8887605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative therapeutic concept where viable cells are implanted, infused, or grafted into a patient to treat impaired or malignant tissues. The term was first introduced circa the 19th century and has since resulted in multiple breakthroughs in different fields of medicine, such as neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Lately, cell and gene therapy are merging to provide cell products with additional or enhanced properties. In this context, adoptive transfer of genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes has emerged as a novel treatment option for cancer patients. To this day, five cell therapy products have been FDA approved, four of which for CD19-positive malignancies and one for B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-positive malignancies. These are personalized immunotherapies where patient T cells are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with the aim to redirect the cells against tumor-specific antigens. CAR-T cell therapies show impressive objective response rates in clinical trials that, in certain instances, may reach up to 80%. However, the life-threatening side effects associated with T cell toxicity and the manufacturing difficulties of developing personalized therapies hamper their widespread use. Recent literature suggests that Natural Killer (NK) cells, may provide a safer alternative and an 'off-the-shelf' treatment option thanks to their potent antitumor properties and relatively short lifespan. Here, we will discuss the potential of NK cells in CAR-based therapies focusing on the applications of CAR-NK cells in cancer therapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karvouni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcos Vidal-Manrique
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Bulter SE, Brog RA, Chang CH, Sentman CL, Huang YH, Ackerman ME. Engineering a natural ligand-based CAR: directed evolution of the stress-receptor NKp30. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:165-176. [PMID: 34046711 PMCID: PMC8626535 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02971-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
B7H6, a stress-induced ligand which binds to the NK cell receptor NKp30, has recently emerged as a promising candidate for immunotherapy due to its tumor-specific expression on a broad array of human tumors. NKp30 can function as a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) extracellular domain but exhibits weak binding with a fast on and off rate to B7H6 compared to the TZ47 anti-B7H6 single-chain variable fragment (scFv). Here, directed evolution using yeast display was employed to isolate novel NKp30 variants that bind to B7H6 with higher affinity compared to the native receptor but retain its fast association and dissociation profile. Two variants, CC3 and CC5, were selected for further characterization and were expressed as soluble Fc-fusion proteins and CARs containing CD28 and CD3ς intracellular domains. We observed that Fc-fusion protein forms of NKp30 and its variants were better able to bind tumor cells expressing low levels of B7H6 than TZ47, and that the novel variants generally exhibited improved in vitro tumor cell killing relative to NKp30. Interestingly, CAR T cells expressing the engineered variants produced unique cytokine signatures in response to multiple tumor types expressing B7H6 compared to both NKp30 and TZ47. These findings suggest that natural CAR receptors can be fine-tuned to produce more desirable signaling outputs while maintaining evolutionary advantages in ligand recognition relative to scFvs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah E. Bulter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Rachel A. Brog
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Cheryl H. Chang
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Charles L. Sentman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Yina H. Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Margaret E. Ackerman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA,Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA,Corresponding author: Margaret E. Ackerman, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, 14 Engineering Dr, Hanover, NH 03755 USA, (ph) 603 646 9922,
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14
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Leivas A, Valeri A, Córdoba L, García-Ortiz A, Ortiz A, Sánchez-Vega L, Graña-Castro O, Fernández L, Carreño-Tarragona G, Pérez M, Megías D, Paciello ML, Sánchez-Pina J, Pérez-Martínez A, Lee DA, Powell DJ, Río P, Martínez-López J. NKG2D-CAR-transduced natural killer cells efficiently target multiple myeloma. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11:146. [PMID: 34392311 PMCID: PMC8364555 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00537-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CAR-T-cell therapy against MM currently shows promising results, but usually with serious toxicities. CAR-NK cells may exert less toxicity when redirected against resistant myeloma cells. CARs can be designed through the use of receptors, such as NKG2D, which recognizes a wide range of ligands to provide broad target specificity. Here, we test this approach by analyzing the antitumor activity of activated and expanded NK cells (NKAE) and CD45RA- T cells from MM patients that were engineered to express an NKG2D-based CAR. NKAE cells were cultured with irradiated Clone9.mbIL21 cells. Then, cells were transduced with an NKG2D-4-1BB-CD3z-CAR. CAR-NKAE cells exhibited no evidence of genetic abnormalities. Although memory T cells were more stably transduced, CAR-NKAE cells exhibited greater in vitro cytotoxicity against MM cells, while showing minimal activity against healthy cells. In vivo, CAR-NKAE cells mediated highly efficient abrogation of MM growth, and 25% of the treated mice remained disease free. Overall, these results demonstrate that it is feasible to modify autologous NKAE cells from MM patients to safely express a NKG2D-CAR. Additionally, autologous CAR-NKAE cells display enhanced antimyeloma activity demonstrating that they could be an effective strategy against MM supporting the development of NKG2D-CAR-NK-cell therapy for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Leivas
- H12O-CNIO Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Valeri
- H12O-CNIO Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Córdoba
- H12O-CNIO Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena García-Ortiz
- H12O-CNIO Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Ortiz
- H12O-CNIO Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-Vega
- H12O-CNIO Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lucía Fernández
- H12O-CNIO Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Carreño-Tarragona
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Pérez
- Confocal Microscopy Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Megías
- Confocal Microscopy Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Liz Paciello
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Sánchez-Pina
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Dean A Lee
- Cellular Therapy and Cancer Immunology Program, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula Río
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIEMAT/CIBERER), Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Joaquín Martínez-López
- H12O-CNIO Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Zam W, Assaad A. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CARs) in cancer treatment. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:532-546. [PMID: 34382510 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210811150255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation were the main cancer treatment approaches for several years but due to their limited effectiveness, there was a constant search for new therapeutic approaches. Cancer immunotherapy that utilizes and enhances the normal capacity of the patient's immune system was used to fight against cancer. Genetically engineered T-cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) showed remarkable anti-tumor activity against hematologic malignancies and is now being investigated in a variety of solid tumors. The use of this therapy in the last few years has been successful, achieving a great success in improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival time of patients with a reduction in remission rates. However, many challenges still need to be resolved in order for this technology to gain widespread adoption. <P> Objective: This review summarizes various experimental approaches towards the use of CAR T-cells in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. <P> Conclusion: Finally, we address the challenges posed by CAR T-cells and discuss strategies for improving the performance of these T cells in fighting cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Zam
- Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Wadi International University, Homs. Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Amany Assaad
- 2. Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy,Tartous University, Tartous. Syrian Arab Republic
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16
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Park CH. Making Potent CAR T Cells Using Genetic Engineering and Synergistic Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133236. [PMID: 34209505 PMCID: PMC8269169 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are emerging as powerful weapons for the treatment of malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have shown dramatic clinical results in patients with hematological malignancies. However, it is still challenging for CAR T cell therapy to be successful in several types of blood cancer and most solid tumors. Many attempts have been made to enhance the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy by modifying the CAR construct using combination agents, such as compounds, antibodies, or radiation. At present, technology to improve CAR T cell therapy is rapidly developing. In this review, we particularly emphasize the most recent studies utilizing genetic engineering and synergistic agents to improve CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Hoon Park
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34114, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-42-860-7416; Fax: +82-42-861-4246
- Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
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17
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Tay JC, Wang J, Du Z, Ng YY, Li Z, Ren Y, Zhang C, Zhu J, Xu XH, Wang S. Manufacturing NKG2D CAR-T cells with piggyBac transposon vectors and K562 artificial antigen-presenting cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:107-120. [PMID: 33816644 PMCID: PMC8005737 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Non-viral platforms can be applied rapidly and cost-effectively for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell manufacturing. In the present paper, we describe in detail a clinically relevant manufacturing process for NKG2D CAR-T cells through electroporation of CAR-encoding piggyBac transposon plasmids and in vitro expansion with K562 artificial antigen-presenting cells. With an optimized protocol, we generated the final cell therapy products with 89.2% ± 10.2% NKG2D CAR-positive cells and achieved the corresponding antigen-dependent expansion between 50,000 and 60,000 folds within 4 weeks. To facilitate repeated CAR-T cell infusions, we evaluated the practicality of cryopreservation followed by post-thaw expansion and an extended manufacturing process for up to 9 rounds of weekly K562 cell stimulation. We found that neither compromised the in vitro anti-tumor activity of NKG2D CAR-T cells. Interestingly, the expression of T cell exhaustion markers TIGIT, TIM3, and LAG3 was reduced with extended manufacturing. To enhance the safety profile of the NKG2D CAR-T cells, we incorporated a full-length CD20 transgene in tandem with the CAR construct and demonstrated that autologous NK cells could mediate efficient antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity to remove these CAR-T cells. Collectively, our study illustrates a protocol that generates large numbers of efficacious NKG2D CAR-T cells suitable for multiple rounds of infusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan C.K. Tay
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Junjian Wang
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, P.R. China
| | - Zhicheng Du
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yu Yang Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhendong Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yuefang Ren
- Department of Gynaecology, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Chang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, P.R. China
| | - Jianqing Zhu
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, P.R. China
| | - Xue Hu Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, P.R. China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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18
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Tahmasebi S, Elahi R, Khosh E, Esmaeilzadeh A. Programmable and multi-targeted CARs: a new breakthrough in cancer CAR-T cell therapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 23:1003-1019. [PMID: 32997278 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02490-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy, as a novel immunotherapy approach, has indicated successful results in the treatment of hematological malignancies; however, distinct results have been achieved regarding solid tumors. Tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment has been identified as the most critical barrier in CAR-T cell therapy of solid tumors. Developing novel strategies to augment the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cells could be useful to overcome the solid tumor hurdles. Similar to other cancer treatments, CAR-T cell therapy can cause some side effects, which can disturb the healthy tissues. In the current review, we will discuss the practical breakthroughs in CAR-T cell therapy using the multi-targeted and programmable CARs instead of conventional types. These superior types of CAR-T cells have been developed to increase the function and safety of T cells in a controllable manner, which would diminish the incidence of relevant side effects. Moreover, we will describe the capability of these powerful CARs in targeting multiple tumor antigens, redirecting the CAR-T cells to specific target cells, incrementing the safety of CARs, and other advantages that lead to promising outcomes in cancer CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tahmasebi
- Department of Immunology, Health Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - R Elahi
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - E Khosh
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - A Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran.
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran.
- Immunotherapy Research and Technology Group, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran.
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19
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Xie Y, Hu Y, Zhou N, Yao C, Wu L, Liu L, Chen F. CAR T-cell therapy for triple-negative breast cancer: Where we are. Cancer Lett 2020; 491:121-131. [PMID: 32795486 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most complex and challenging breast cancer subtype to treat, and chemotherapy remains the standard of care. Clinically, TNBC has a relatively high rate of recurrence and poor prognosis, which leads to a significant effort to discover novel strategies to treat patients with these tumors. Currently, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based immunotherapy redirects the patient's immune system directly to recognize and eradicate tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) expressing tumor cells being explored as a treatment for TNBC. A steadily increasing research in CAR T-cell therapy targeting different TAAs in TNBC has reported. In this review, we introduce the CAR technology and summarize the potential TAAs, available CARs, the antitumor activity, and the related toxicity of CARs currently under investigation for TNBC. We also highlight the potential strategies to prevent/reduce potential "on target, off tumor" toxicity induced by CAR T-cell therapy. This review will help to explore proper targets to expand further the CAR T-cell therapy for TNBCs in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuetao Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Nawu Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Cuicui Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Lixin Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Everest Medical Care, 2010 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA, 19083, USA
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China.
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20
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Benard E, Casey NP, Inderberg EM, Wälchli S. SJI 2020 special issue: A catalogue of Ovarian Cancer targets for CAR therapy. Scand J Immunol 2020; 92:e12917. [PMID: 32557659 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian Cancer (OC) is currently difficult to cure, mainly due to its late detection and the advanced state of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, conventional treatments such as debulking surgery and combination chemotherapy are rarely able to control progression of the tumour, and relapses are frequent. Alternative therapies are currently being evaluated, including immunotherapy and advanced T cell-based therapy. In the present review, we will focus on a description of those Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) that have been validated in the laboratory or are being tested in the clinic. Numerous target antigens have been defined due to the identification of OC biomarkers, and many are being used as CAR targets. We provide an exhaustive list of these constructs and their current status. Despite being innovative and efficient, the OC-specific CARs face a barrier to their clinical efficacy: the tumour microenvironment (TME). Indeed, effector cells expressing CARs have been shown to be severely inhibited, rendering the CAR T cells useless once at the tumour site. Herein, we give a thorough description of the highly immunosuppressive OC TME and present recent studies and innovations that have enabled CAR T cells to counteract this negative environment and to destroy tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Benard
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicholas P Casey
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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21
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Miniati M, Conversano C, Palagini L, Buccianelli B, Fabrini M, Mancino M, Laliscia C, Marazziti D, Paiar F, Gemignani A. Bipolar Disorder Treatments and Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2020; 17:300-313. [PMID: 34909008 PMCID: PMC8629050 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20200508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We reviewed literature on drugs for bipolar disorders (BD), utilized in ovarian cancer (OC). METHOD We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in completion of this systematic review. RESULTS We identified 73 papers. Thirty-two studies were finally included. BD is rarely diagnosed in OC patients. Limited finding from case reports is available. Drugs used to treat BD (mainly lithium and valproic acid) have been extensively studied in add-on to chemotherapy for treatment-resistant OC cells or in animal models, with promising results in vitro but not in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The clinical underestimation of BD in OC has leaded to the almost complete absence of evidences for a soundly based clinical guidance in this field. There is a urgent need for a systematic multi-disciplinary approach to OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Miniati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 57 Via Roma, Italy,(E-MAIL:)
| | - Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 57 Via Roma, Pisa, Italy,(E-MAIL:)
| | - Laura Palagini
- Corresponding author Laura Palagini, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa 57 Via Roma, Pisa, Italy E-mail:
| | | | - Mariagrazia Fabrini
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Pisa, 57 Via Roma, Pisa, Italy,(E-MAIL:)
| | - Maricia Mancino
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Pisa, 57 Via Roma, Pisa, Italy,(E-MAIL:)
| | - Concetta Laliscia
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Pisa, 57 Via Roma, Pisa, Italy,(E-MAIL:)
| | | | - Fabiola Paiar
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Pisa, 57 Via Roma, Pisa, Italy,(E-MAIL:)
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 57 Via Roma, Pisa, Italy,(E-MAIL:)
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22
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Lazarova M, Wels WS, Steinle A. Arming cytotoxic lymphocytes for cancer immunotherapy by means of the NKG2D/NKG2D-ligand system. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:1491-1501. [PMID: 32726145 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1803273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The activating NKG2D receptor plays a central role in the immune recognition and elimination of abnormal self-cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes. NKG2D binding to cell stress-inducible ligands (NKG2DL) up-regulated on cancer cells facilitates their immunorecognition. Yet tumor cells utilize various escape mechanisms to avert NKG2D-based immunosurveillance. Hence, therapeutic strategies targeting the potent NKG2D/NKG2DL axis and such immune escape mechanisms become increasingly attractive in cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED This perspective provides a brief introduction into the NKG2D/NKG2DL axis and its relevance for cancer immune surveillance. Subsequently, the most advanced therapeutic approaches targeting the NKG2D system are presented focusing on NKG2D-CAR engineered immune cells and antibody-mediated strategies to inhibit NKG2DL shedding by tumors. EXPERT OPINION Thus far, NKG2D-CAR engineered lymphocytes represent the most advanced therapeutic approach utilizing the NKG2D system. Similarly to other tumor-targeting CAR approaches, NKG2D-CAR cells demonstrate powerful on-target activity, but may also cause off-tumor toxicities or lose efficacy, if NKG2DL expression by tumors is reduced. However, NKG2D-CAR cells also act on the tumor microenvironment curtailing its immunosuppressive properties, thus providing an independent therapeutic benefit. The potency of tumoricidal NKG2D-expressing lymphocytes can be further boosted by enhancing NKG2DL expression through small molecules and therapeutic antibodies inhibiting tumor-associated shedding of NKG2DL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Lazarova
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy , Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz , Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alexander Steinle
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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23
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Zajc CU, Salzer B, Taft JM, Reddy ST, Lehner M, Traxlmayr MW. Driving CARs with alternative navigation tools - the potential of engineered binding scaffolds. FEBS J 2020; 288:2103-2118. [PMID: 32794303 PMCID: PMC8048499 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
T cells that are genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T cells) have shown impressive clinical efficacy against B‐cell malignancies. In contrast to these highly potent CD19‐targeting CAR T cells, many of those directed against other tumor entities and antigens currently suffer from several limitations. For example, it has been demonstrated that many scFvs used as antigen‐binding domains in CARs show some degree of oligomerization, which leads to tonic signaling, T cell exhaustion, and poor performance in vivo. Therefore, in many cases alternatives to scFvs would be beneficial. Fortunately, due to the development of powerful protein engineering technologies, also non‐immunoglobulin‐based scaffolds can be engineered to specifically recognize antigens, thus eliminating the historical dependence on antibody‐based binding domains. Here, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such engineered binding scaffolds, in particular with respect to their application in CARs. We review recent studies, collectively showing that there is no functional or biochemical aspect that necessitates the use of scFvs in CARs. Instead, antigen recognition can also be mediated efficiently by engineered binding scaffolds, as well as natural ligands or receptors fused to the CAR backbone. Finally, we critically discuss the risk of immunogenicity and show that the extent of nonhuman amino acid stretches in engineered scaffolds—even in those based on nonhuman proteins—is more similar to humanized scFvs than might be anticipated. Together, we expect that engineered binding scaffolds and natural ligands and receptors will be increasingly used for the design of CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte U Zajc
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Salzer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria.,St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joseph M Taft
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sai T Reddy
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Lehner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria.,St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pediatrics, St. Anna Kinderspital, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael W Traxlmayr
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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24
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Shen J, Sun X, Zhou J. Insights Into the Role of Mesothelin as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1263. [PMID: 32983962 PMCID: PMC7485315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian malignancies remain the leading cause of death in female gynecological tumors. More than 70% of patients are diagnosed with advanced stage with extensive metastatic lesions in abdominal cavity due to lack of symptoms in early stage and sensitive diagnostic approaches. Mesothelin (MSLN), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane glycoprotein, participates in cell adhesion, tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Despite this, the mechanism is still poorly understood. The differential expression pattern of MSLN in normal and cancer tissues makes it a promising target for diagnosis and therapeutic applications. Several clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MSLN-targeted drugs, including CAR T cells, immunotoxin, antibody-drug conjugates, and vaccine. This review is aimed to briefly discuss the characteristics of MSLN and the latest progress in MSLN targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Shen
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Obajdin J, Davies DM, Maher J. Engineering of chimeric natural killer cell receptors to develop precision adoptive immunotherapies for cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 202:11-27. [PMID: 32544282 PMCID: PMC7488126 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effectors which play a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating virally infected and cancerous cells. They effectively distinguish between healthy and distressed self through the integration of signals delivered by germline‐encoded activating and inhibitory cell surface receptors. The frequent up‐regulation of stress markers on genetically unstable cancer cells has prompted the development of novel immunotherapies that exploit such innate receptors. One prominent example entails the development of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) that detect cell surface ligands bound by NK receptors, coupling this engagement to the delivery of tailored immune activating signals. Here, we review strategies to engineer CARs in which specificity is conferred by natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) or other NK receptor types. Multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated the remarkable ability of chimeric NK receptor‐targeted T cells and NK cells to effectively and specifically eliminate cancer cells and to reject established tumour burdens. Importantly, such systems act not only acutely but, in some cases, they also incite immunological memory. Moreover, CARs targeted with the NKG2D ligand binding domain have also been shown to disrupt the tumour microenvironment, through the targeting of suppressive T regulatory cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and tumour vasculature. Collectively, these findings have led to the initiation of early‐phase clinical trials evaluating both autologous and allogeneic NKG2D‐targeted CAR T cells in the haematological and solid tumour settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Obajdin
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CAR Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D M Davies
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CAR Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J Maher
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CAR Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Eastbourne, UK.,Leucid Bio Ltd, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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26
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Li T, Wang J. Therapeutic effect of dual CAR-T targeting PDL1 and MUC16 antigens on ovarian cancer cells in mice. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:678. [PMID: 32689954 PMCID: PMC7372885 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07180-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More favorable treatment against epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is urgently needed because of its insidious nature at an early stage and a low rate of five-year survival. The current primary treatment, extensive surgery combined with chemotherapy, exhibits limited benefits for improving prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell technology as novel immunotherapy has made breakthrough progress in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, and there were also benefits shown in a partial solid tumor in previous research. Therefore, CAR-T cell technology may be a promising candidate as an immunotherapeutic tool against EOC. However, there are some weaknesses in targeting one antigen from the previous preclinical assay, such as on-target off-tumor cytotoxicity. The dual-target CAR-T cell may be a better choice. METHODS We constructed tandem PD1-antiMUC16 dual-CAR, PD1 single-CAR, and anti-MUC16 single-CAR fragments by PCR and genetic engineering, followed by preparing CAR-T cells via lentiviral infection. The expression of CAR molecules on single and dual CAR-T cells was detected by flow cytometry. The killing capacity and activation of CAR-T cells were measured by cytotoxic assays and cytokines release assays in vitro. The therapeutic capacity of CAR-T cells was assessed by tumor-bearing mice model assay in vivo. RESULTS We successfully constructed CARs lentiviral expression vectors and obtained single and dual CAR-T cells. CAR-T cells demonstrated robust killing capacity against OVCAR-3 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, CAR-T cells released plenty of cytokines such as interleukin-2(IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). CAR-T cells showed a therapeutic benefit against OVCAR-3 tumor-bearing mice and significantly prolonged the survival time. Dual CAR-T cells were shown to be two to four times more efficacious than single CAR-T cells in terms of survival time. CONCLUSION Although exhibiting a similar ability as single CAR-T cells against OVCAR-3 cells in vitro, dual CAR-T cells demonstrated enhanced killing capacity against OVCAR-3 cells as compared to single CAR-T cells in vivo and significantly prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. PD1-antiMUC16 CAR-T cells showed more potent antitumor activity than single CAR-T cells in vivo. The present experimental data may support further research work that will have the potential to lead to clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100006, China.
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27
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Co-Expression of IL-7 Improves NKG2D-Based CAR T Cell Therapy on Prostate Cancer by Enhancing the Expansion and Inhibiting the Apoptosis and Exhaustion. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071969. [PMID: 32698361 PMCID: PMC7409228 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a promising approach in treating solid tumors but the therapeutic effect is limited. Prostate cancer is a typical solid malignancy with invasive property and a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Ligands for the NKG2D receptor are primarily expressed on many cancer cells, including prostate cancer. In this study, we utilized NKG2D-based CAR to treat prostate cancer, and improved the therapeutic effect by co-expression of IL-7. The results showed that NKG2D-CAR T cells performed significantly increased cytotoxicity against prostate cancer compared to non-transduced T cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the introduction of the IL-7 gene into the NKG2D-CAR backbone enhanced the production of IL-7 in an antigen-dependent manner. NKG2DIL7-CAR T cells exhibited better antitumor efficacy at 16 h and 72 h in vitro, and inhibited tumor growth in xenograft models more effectively. In mechanism, enhanced proliferation and Bcl-2 expression in CD8+ T cells, decreased apoptosis and exhaustion, and increased less-differentiated cell phenotype may be the reasons for the improved persistence and survival of NKG2DIL7-CAR T cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that NKG2D is a promising option for CAR T-cell therapy on prostate cancer, and IL-7 has enhanced effect on NKG2D-based CAR T-cell immunotherapy, providing a novel adoptive cell therapy for prostate cancer either alone or in combination with IL-7.
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28
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Li Z, Chi Z, Ang WX, Chen C, Tay JC, Ng YY, Xu X, Wang J, Zhu J, Wang S. Experimental treatment of colorectal cancer in mice with human T cells electroporated with NKG2D RNA CAR. Immunotherapy 2020; 12:733-748. [PMID: 32571133 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Peritoneal metastasis is often present in end-stage neoplastic diseases, including recurrent colorectal cancer and is associated with decreased overall survival. Novel methods are needed. Materials & methods: We constructed first-, second- and third-generation chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specific for NKG2D ligands and modified human T cells with mRNA electroporation. Results: NKG2D CAR expression was detectable for at least 6 days postelectroporation and mediated efficient cytotoxicity against NKG2DL+ tumor cells, but not NKG2DL-cells. Multiple infusions of the first-generation CAR-T cells into immunodeficient mice bearing established peritoneal colorectal xenografts led to significantly reduced tumor burden. Conclusion: mRNA CAR is an economical way to test new CARs and potentiates controlling on-target/off-tumor toxicity and cytokine storms. The use of NKG2D RNA CARs to treat colorectal peritoneal metastasis warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore
| | - Zhixia Chi
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore
| | - Wei-Xia Ang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore.,Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, 138669 Singapore
| | - Can Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore
| | - Johan Ck Tay
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore
| | - Yu-Yang Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore
| | - Xuehu Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Junjian Wang
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Cancer Hospital of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, PR China
| | - Jianqing Zhu
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Cancer Hospital of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, PR China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore.,Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, 138669 Singapore
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29
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Ang WX, Ng YY, Xiao L, Chen C, Li Z, Chi Z, Tay JCK, Tan WK, Zeng J, Toh HC, Wang S. Electroporation of NKG2D RNA CAR Improves Vγ9Vδ2 T Cell Responses against Human Solid Tumor Xenografts. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 17:421-430. [PMID: 32462079 PMCID: PMC7240063 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-based anticancer immunotherapy has shown some promise in early-phase clinical trials but there is still large room for improvement. Using the extracellular domain of the human NKG2D, a stimulatory receptor expressed by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, we constructed NKG2D ligand-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). We adopted a non-viral CAR approach via mRNA electroporation to modify Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and demonstrated that, upon interaction with the NKG2D ligand-positive cancer cells, the CARs substantially enhanced the cytotoxic activity of the modified cells toward multiple cultured solid tumor cell lines, including those resistant to Zometa treatment. Repeated doses of the CAR-expressing cells resulted in tumor regression in mice with established tumors, extending median survival time by up to 132% as compared to the PBS control group. The findings suggest clinical potential for RNA CAR-modified Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to treat a wide variety of NKG2D ligand-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xia Ang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.,Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Yu Yang Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.,Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Lin Xiao
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Can Chen
- Tessa Therapeutics, Singapore 239351, Singapore
| | - Zhendong Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhixia Chi
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Johan Chin-Kang Tay
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Wee Kiat Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.,Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Jieming Zeng
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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30
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Minutolo NG, Sharma P, Poussin M, Shaw LC, Brown DP, Hollander EE, Smole A, Rodriguez-Garcia A, Hui JZ, Zappala F, Tsourkas A, Powell DJ. Quantitative Control of Gene-Engineered T-Cell Activity through the Covalent Attachment of Targeting Ligands to a Universal Immune Receptor. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:6554-6568. [PMID: 32191035 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b11622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Universal immune receptors represent a rapidly emerging form of adoptive T-cell therapy with the potential to overcome safety and antigen escape challenges faced by conventional chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. By decoupling antigen recognition and T-cell signaling domains via bifunctional antigen-specific targeting ligands, universal immune receptors can regulate T-cell effector function and target multiple antigens with a single receptor. Here, we describe the development of the SpyCatcher immune receptor, the first universal immune receptor that allows for the post-translational covalent attachment of targeting ligands at the T-cell surface through the application of SpyCatcher-SpyTag chemistry. The SpyCatcher immune receptor redirected primary human T cells against a variety of tumor antigens via the addition of SpyTag-labeled targeting ligands, both in vitro and in vivo. SpyCatcher T-cell activity relied upon the presence of both target antigen and SpyTag-labeled targeting ligand, allowing for dose-dependent control of function. The mutational disruption of covalent bond formation between the receptor and the targeting ligand still permitted redirected T-cell function but significantly compromised antitumor function. Thus, the SpyCatcher immune receptor allows for rapid antigen-specific receptor assembly, multiantigen targeting, and controllable T-cell activity.
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31
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Fernández L, Fernández A, Mirones I, Escudero A, Cardoso L, Vela M, Lanzarot D, de Paz R, Leivas A, Gallardo M, Marcos A, Romero AB, Martínez-López J, Pérez-Martínez A. GMP-Compliant Manufacturing of NKG2D CAR Memory T Cells Using CliniMACS Prodigy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2361. [PMID: 31649672 PMCID: PMC6795760 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) is a natural killer (NK) cell-activating receptor that recognizes different stress-induced ligands that are overexpressed in a variety of childhood and adult tumors. NKG2D chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown potent anticancer effects against different cancer types. A second-generation NKG2D CAR was generated by fusing full-length human NKG2D to 4-1BB costimulatory molecule and CD3ζ signaling domain. Patient-derived CAR T cells show limitations including inability to manufacture CAR T cells from the patients' own T cells, disease progression, and death prior to return of engineered cells. The use of allogeneic T cells for CAR therapy could be an attractive alternative, although undesirable graft vs. host reactions may occur. To avoid such adverse effects, we used CD45RA− memory T cells, a T-cell subset with less alloreactivity, as effector cells to express NKG2D CAR. In this study, we developed a protocol to obtain large-scale NKG2D CAR memory T cells for clinical use by using CliniMACS Prodigy, an automated closed system compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. CD45RA+ fraction was depleted from healthy donors' non-mobilized apheresis using CliniMACS CD45RA Reagent and CliniMACS Plus device. A total of 108 CD45RA− cells were cultured in TexMACS media supplemented with 100 IU/mL IL-2 and activated at day 0 with T Cell TransAct. Then, we used NKG2D-CD8TM-4-1BB-CD3ζ lentiviral vector for cell transduction (MOI = 2). NKG2D CAR T cells expanded between 10 and 13 days. Final cell products were analyzed to comply with the specifications derived from the quality and complementary controls carried out in accordance with the instructions of the Spanish Regulatory Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) for the manufacture of investigational advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). We performed four validations. The manufacturing protocol here described achieved large numbers of viable NKG2D CAR memory T cells with elevated levels of NKG2D CAR expression and highly cytotoxic against Jurkat and 531MII tumor target cells. CAR T cell final products met release criteria, except for one showing myc overexpression and another with viral copy number higher than five. Manufacturing of clinical-grade NKG2D CAR memory T cells using CliniMACS Prodigy is feasible and reproducible, widening clinical application of CAR T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Fernández
- Hematological Malignancies H12O, Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Fernández
- Hematological Malignancies H12O, Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Mirones
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Escudero
- Pediatric Molecular Hemato-Oncology Department, Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leila Cardoso
- Pediatric Molecular Hemato-Oncology Department, Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Vela
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Lanzarot
- Applications Department, Miltenyi Biotec S.L., Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel de Paz
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Leivas
- Hematological Malignancies H12O, Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.,Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Gallardo
- Hematological Malignancies H12O, Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.,Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Marcos
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Romero
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Martínez-López
- Hematological Malignancies H12O, Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.,Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
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32
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Li D, Li X, Zhou WL, Huang Y, Liang X, Jiang L, Yang X, Sun J, Li Z, Han WD, Wang W. Genetically engineered T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2019; 4:35. [PMID: 31637014 PMCID: PMC6799837 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells in the immune system protect the human body from infection by pathogens and clear mutant cells through specific recognition by T cell receptors (TCRs). Cancer immunotherapy, by relying on this basic recognition method, boosts the antitumor efficacy of T cells by unleashing the inhibition of immune checkpoints and expands adaptive immunity by facilitating the adoptive transfer of genetically engineered T cells. T cells genetically equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or TCRs have shown remarkable effectiveness in treating some hematological malignancies, although the efficacy of engineered T cells in treating solid tumors is far from satisfactory. In this review, we summarize the development of genetically engineered T cells, outline the most recent studies investigating genetically engineered T cells for cancer immunotherapy, and discuss strategies for improving the performance of these T cells in fighting cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Lin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058 Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Laboratory of Stem cell and Immunotherapy Engineering, 310058 Zhejing, China
| | - Zonghai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 200032 Shanghai, China
- CARsgen Therapeutics, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Dong Han
- Molecular & Immunological Department, Biotherapeutic Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, 100853 Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
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33
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Nersesian S, Glazebrook H, Toulany J, Grantham SR, Boudreau JE. Naturally Killing the Silent Killer: NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1782. [PMID: 31456796 PMCID: PMC6699519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is diagnosed in ~22,000 women in the US each year and kills 14,000 of them. Often, patients are not diagnosed until the later stages of disease, when treatment options are limited, highlighting the urgent need for new and improved therapies for precise cancer control. An individual's immune function and interaction with tumor cells can be prognostic of the response to cancer treatment. Current emerging therapies for OC include immunotherapies, which use antibodies or drive T cell-mediated cancer recognition and elimination. In OC, these have been limited by adverse side effects and tumor characteristics including inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity, lack of targetable antigens, loss of tumor human leukocyte antigen expression, high levels of immunosuppressive factors, and insufficient immune cell trafficking. Natural killer (NK) cells may be ideal as primary or collateral effectors to these nascent immunotherapies. NK cells exhibit multiple functions that combat immune escape and tumor relapse: they kill targets and elicit inflammation through antigen-independent pathways and detect loss of HLA as a signal for activation. NK cells are efficient mediators of tumor immune surveillance and control, suppressed by the tumor microenvironment and rescued by immune checkpoint blockade. NK cells are regulated by a variety of activating and inhibitory receptors and already known to be central effectors across an array of existing therapies. In this article, we highlight interactions between NK cells and OC and their potential to change the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and participate in durable immune control of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Haley Glazebrook
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jay Toulany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stephanie R Grantham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jeanette E Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Wang Z, Chen W, Zhang X, Cai Z, Huang W. A long way to the battlefront: CAR T cell therapy against solid cancers. J Cancer 2019; 10:3112-3123. [PMID: 31289581 PMCID: PMC6603378 DOI: 10.7150/jca.30406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are engineered synthetic receptors that redirect and reprogram T cells to tumor surface antigens for subsequent eradication. The unprecedented efficacy of CD19-CAR T cells against B-cell malignancies has inspired oncologists to extend these efforts for the treatment of solid tumors. However, limited success has been achieved so far, partially due to some of the formidable challenges, e.g. suppression of full activation, inhibition of T cell localization, lacking of ideal targets, inefficient trafficking and infiltration, immunosuppression of microenvironment, and the probability of off targets and associated side effects. Significant progresses have being made recently. Thus, an updated summary is urgently needed. Here in this review, we discuss the advantages and some of the key hurdles encountered by CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors as well as the strategies adopted to improve therapeutic outcomes of this approach. Continuing efforts to increase therapeutic potential and decrease the adverse effects of adaptive cell transfer are suggested as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicai Wang
- Department of Medical Melanoma and Sarcoma, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Medical Melanoma and Sarcoma, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China.,Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518039, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Weiren Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518039, China.,Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518039, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen 518035, China
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35
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Deng X, Gao F, Li N, Li Q, Zhou Y, Yang T, Cai Z, Du P, Chen F, Cai J. Antitumor activity of NKG2D CAR-T cells against human colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:945-958. [PMID: 31218103 PMCID: PMC6556598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, as it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success and emerged as one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in multiple malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor activity of NKG2D CAR-T cells against human colorectal cancer cells. A non-viral third-generation NKG2D CAR was constructed, and subsequently transduced into T cells to obtain the NKG2D CAR-T cells. In vitro, NKG2D CAR-T cells showed cytotoxicity against human colorectal cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner compared with untransduced T cells. In addition, IL-2 and IFN-γ secreted by these cells were significantly higher than those by untransduced T cells. In vivo, NKG2D CAR-T cells significantly suppressed tumor growth, reduced tumor sizes and extended overall survival of mice in a xenograft model of HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, human NKG2D-positive lymphocytes infiltration could be found in the tumor sections of NKG2D CAR-T cells-treated mice. There were no severe pathological changes found in vital organs in any of the treatment groups. NKG2D CAR-T cells showed excellent killing effect and represented a promising immunotherapeutic strategy against human colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinna Deng
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of Oncology and Immunotherapy, Hebei General HospitalShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Oncology and Immunotherapy, Hebei General HospitalShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Gynecology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qingxia Li
- Department of Oncology and Immunotherapy, Hebei General HospitalShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- Department of Oncology and Immunotherapy, Hebei General HospitalShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Hebei General HospitalShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ziqi Cai
- Hebei Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Hebei HOFOY Biotech Corporation Ltd.Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Pingping Du
- Hebei Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Hebei HOFOY Biotech Corporation Ltd.Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Fan Chen
- Hebei Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Hebei HOFOY Biotech Corporation Ltd.Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jianhui Cai
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of Oncology and Immunotherapy, Hebei General HospitalShijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Therapy, Hebei HOFOY Biotech Corporation Ltd.Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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36
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Xiao L, Cen D, Gan H, Sun Y, Huang N, Xiong H, Jin Q, Su L, Liu X, Wang K, Yan G, Dong T, Wu S, Zhou P, Zhang J, Liang W, Ren J, Teng Y, Chen C, Xu XH. Adoptive Transfer of NKG2D CAR mRNA-Engineered Natural Killer Cells in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1114-1125. [PMID: 30962163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
By fusing the extracellular domain of the natural killer (NK) cell receptor NKG2D to DAP12, we constructed a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to improve NK cell tumor responses. An RNA electroporation approach that provides transient expression of the CAR was adopted as a risk mitigation strategy. Expression of the NKG2D RNA CAR significantly augmented the cytolytic activity of NK cells against several solid tumor cell lines in vitro and provided a clear therapeutic benefit to mice with established solid tumors. Three patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were then treated with local infusion of the CAR-NK cells. Reduction of ascites generation and a marked decrease in number of tumor cells in ascites samples were observed in the first two patients treated with intraperitoneal infusion of low doses of the CAR-NK cells. The third patient with metastatic tumor sites in the liver was treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous injection, followed by intraperitoneal infusion of the CAR-NK cells. Rapid tumor regression in the liver region was observed with Doppler ultrasound imaging and complete metabolic response in the treated liver lesions was confirmed by positron emission tomography (PET)- computed tomographic (CT) scanning. Our results highlight a promising therapeutic potential of using RNA CAR-modified NK cells to treat metastatic colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Dongzhi Cen
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Haining Gan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Nanqi Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Hanzhen Xiong
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Qiongmei Jin
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Liqun Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Xuejuan Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Kejian Wang
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation at The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Guangrong Yan
- Biomedicine Research Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Tianfa Dong
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Shangbiao Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Pengzhi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Jinshan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Weixiang Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Junlan Ren
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health-Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510320, China
| | - Yaoshu Teng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Affiliated Hangzhou First's People Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Can Chen
- Hangzhou Youshan Biomedical Co., Ltd., 459 Qianmo Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Xue Hu Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China.
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37
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Lazarova M, Steinle A. The NKG2D axis: an emerging target in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:281-294. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1580693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Lazarova
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alexander Steinle
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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38
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Schmiedel D, Mandelboim O. NKG2D Ligands-Critical Targets for Cancer Immune Escape and Therapy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2040. [PMID: 30254634 PMCID: PMC6141707 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage, oncogene activation and excessive proliferation, chromatin modulations or oxidative stress are all important hallmarks of cancer. Interestingly, all of these abnormalities also induce a cellular stress response. By upregulating “stress-induced ligands,” damaged or transformed cells can be recognized by immune cells and cleared. The human genome encodes eight functional “stress-induced ligands”: MICA, MICB, and ULBP1-6. All of them are recognized by a single receptor, NKG2D, which is expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T cells and other T cell subsets. The NKG2D ligand/NKG2D-axis is well-recognized as an important mediator of anti-tumor activity; however, patient data about the role of NKG2D ligands in immune surveillance and escape appears conflicting. As these ligands are often actively transcribed, tumor cells are urged to manipulate the expression of these ligands on post-transcriptional or post-translational level. Although our knowledge on the regulation of NKG2D ligand expression remains fragmentary, research of the past years revealed multiple cellular mechanisms that are adopted by tumor cells to reduce the expression of “stress-induced ligands” and therefore escape immune recognition. Here, we review the post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms by which NKG2D ligands are modulated in cancer cells and their impact on patient prognosis.We discuss controversies and approaches to apply our understanding of the NKG2D ligand/NKG2D-axis for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Schmiedel
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The BioMedical Research Institute Israel Canada of the Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The BioMedical Research Institute Israel Canada of the Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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39
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Klymenko Y, Nephew KP. Epigenetic Crosstalk between the Tumor Microenvironment and Ovarian Cancer Cells: A Therapeutic Road Less Traveled. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E295. [PMID: 30200265 PMCID: PMC6162502 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10090295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) predominantly occurs through direct cell shedding from the primary tumor into the intra-abdominal cavity that is filled with malignant ascitic effusions. Facilitated by the fluid flow, cells distribute throughout the cavity, broadly seed and invade through peritoneal lining, and resume secondary tumor growth in abdominal and pelvic organs. At all steps of this unique metastatic process, cancer cells exist within a multidimensional tumor microenvironment consisting of intraperitoneally residing cancer-reprogramed fibroblasts, adipose, immune, mesenchymal stem, mesothelial, and vascular cells that exert miscellaneous bioactive molecules into malignant ascites and contribute to EOC progression and metastasis via distinct molecular mechanisms and epigenetic dysregulation. This review outlines basic epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA regulators, and summarizes current knowledge on reciprocal interactions between each participant of the EOC cellular milieu and tumor cells in the context of aberrant epigenetic crosstalk. Promising research directions and potential therapeutic strategies that may encompass epigenetic tailoring as a component of complex EOC treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Klymenko
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Program, Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46617, USA.
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Program, Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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40
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Li Y, Hermanson DL, Moriarity BS, Kaufman DS. Human iPSC-Derived Natural Killer Cells Engineered with Chimeric Antigen Receptors Enhance Anti-tumor Activity. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 23:181-192.e5. [PMID: 30082067 PMCID: PMC6084450 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 565] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) significantly enhance the anti-tumor activity of immune effector cells. Although most studies have evaluated CAR expression in T cells, here we evaluate different CAR constructs that improve natural killer (NK) cell-mediated killing. We identified a CAR containing the transmembrane domain of NKG2D, the 2B4 co-stimulatory domain, and the CD3ζ signaling domain to mediate strong antigen-specific NK cell signaling. NK cells derived from human iPSCs that express this CAR (NK-CAR-iPSC-NK cells) have a typical NK cell phenotype and demonstrate improved anti-tumor activity compared with T-CAR-expressing iPSC-derived NK cells (T-CAR-iPSC-NK cells) and non-CAR-expressing cells. In an ovarian cancer xenograft model, NK-CAR-iPSC-NK cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival compared with PB-NK cells, iPSC-NK cells, or T-CAR-iPSC-NK cells. Additionally, NK-CAR-iPSC-NK cells demonstrate in vivo activity similar to that of T-CAR-expressing T cells, although with less toxicity. These NK-CAR-iPSC-NK cells now provide standardized, targeted "off-the-shelf" lymphocytes for anti-cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Moores Cancer Center and Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David L Hermanson
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center and Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Dan S Kaufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Moores Cancer Center and Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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41
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McCloskey CW, Rodriguez GM, Galpin KJC, Vanderhyden BC. Ovarian Cancer Immunotherapy: Preclinical Models and Emerging Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10080244. [PMID: 30049987 PMCID: PMC6115831 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10080244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for ovarian cancer treatment. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key factor to consider when stimulating antitumoral responses as it consists largely of tumor promoting immunosuppressive cell types that attenuate antitumor immunity. As our understanding of the determinants of the TME composition grows, we have begun to appreciate the need to address both inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, mutation/neoantigen burden, immune landscape, and stromal cell contributions. The majority of immunotherapy studies in ovarian cancer have been performed using the well-characterized murine ID8 ovarian carcinoma model. Numerous other animal models of ovarian cancer exist, but have been underutilized because of their narrow initial characterizations in this context. Here, we describe animal models that may be untapped resources for the immunotherapy field because of their shared genomic alterations and histopathology with human ovarian cancer. We also shed light on the strengths and limitations of these models, and the knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to enhance the utility of preclinical models for testing novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis W McCloskey
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
| | - Galaxia M Rodriguez
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
| | - Kristianne J C Galpin
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
| | - Barbara C Vanderhyden
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
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42
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Han Y, Xie W, Song DG, Powell DJ. Control of triple-negative breast cancer using ex vivo self-enriched, costimulated NKG2D CAR T cells. J Hematol Oncol 2018; 11:92. [PMID: 29980239 PMCID: PMC6035420 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0635-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease that currently lacks effective targeted therapy. NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) are expressed on various tumor types and immunosuppressive cells within tumor microenvironments, providing suitable targets for cancer therapy. Methods We applied a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) approach for the targeting of NKG2DLs expressed on human TNBCs. Lentiviral vectors were used to express the extracellular domain of human NKG2D that binds various NKG2DLs, fused to signaling domains derived from T cell receptor CD3 zeta alone or with CD27 or 4-1BB (CD137) costimulatory domain. Results Interleukin-2 (IL-2) promoted the expansion and self-enrichment of NKG2D-redirected CAR T cells in vitro. High CD25 expression on first-generation NKG2D CAR T cells was essential for the self-enrichment effect in the presence of IL-2, but not for CARs containing CD27 or 4-1BB domains. Importantly, self-enriched NKG2D CAR T cells effectively recognized and eliminated TNBC cell lines in vitro, and adoptive transfer of T cells expressing NKG2D CARs with CD27 or 4-1BB specifically enhanced NKG2D CAR surface expression, T cell persistence, and the regression of established MDA-MB-231 TNBC in vivo. NKG2D-z CAR T cells lacking costimulatory domains were less effective, highlighting the need for costimulatory signals. Conclusions These results demonstrate that CD27 or 4-1BB costimulated, self-enriched NKG2D CAR-redirected T cells mediate anti-tumor activity against TNBC tumor, which represent a promising immunotherapeutic approach to TNBC treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13045-018-0635-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Han
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - De-Gang Song
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Present address: Janssen R&D, LLC, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA, 19477, USA.
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Rm 8-103 Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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43
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Zhang M, Zhang DB, Shi H. Application of chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells in ovarian cancer therapy. Immunotherapy 2018; 9:851-861. [PMID: 28877629 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the critical role of T cells in the immune surveillance of ovarian cancer, adoptive T-cell therapies are receiving increased attention as an immunotherapeutic approach for ovarian cancer. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), constructed by incorporating the single-chain Fv fragment to a T-cell signaling domain such as CD3 ζ or Fc receptor γ chain, endow T cell with nonmajor histocompatibility complex-restricted specificity. Dual specificity, trans-signaling CARs and affinity-tuned single-chain Fv fragment have broadened the applicability of CAR-engineered T-cell therapy and may be considered preferential to T cell receptor T-cell therapy in clinical care. As new insights into the CAR-engineered T cells have emerged over the last decade, we review the development of CAR T-cell therapy and discuss the progress and safety concerns regarding its translation from basic research into clinical care of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dr Bin Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University,1 Jianshe Road, Erqi, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Huirong Shi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Murad JM, Graber DJ, Sentman CL. Advances in the use of natural receptor- or ligand-based chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in haematologic malignancies. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2018; 31:176-183. [PMID: 29909918 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-T cell therapy has recently made promising advances towards treatment of B-cell malignancies. This approach makes use of an antibody-derived single chain variable fragment (scFv)-based CAR to target the CD19 antigen. Currently scFvs are the most common strategy for creation of CARs, but tumor cells can also be targeted using non-antibody based approaches with designs focused on the interaction between natural receptors and their ligands. This emerging strategy has been used in unique ways to target multiple tumor types, including solid and haematological malignancies. In this review, we will highlight the performance of receptor-ligand combinations as designs for CARs to treat cancer, with a particular focus on haematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M Murad
- Celdara Medical LLC, Lebanon, NH, 16 Cavendish Ct Suite 240, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA.
| | - David J Graber
- Center for Synthetic Immunity and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, NH 03765, USA.
| | - Charles L Sentman
- Center for Synthetic Immunity and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, NH 03765, USA.
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45
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Genta S, Ghisoni E, Giannone G, Mittica G, Valabrega G. Reprogramming T-cells for adoptive immunotherapy of ovarian cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:359-367. [PMID: 29307234 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1425679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common cause of death among gynecological malignancies. Despite surgical and pharmacological efforts to improve patients' outcome, persistent and recurrent EOC remains an un-eradicable disease. Chimeric associated antigens (CAR) T cells are T lymphocytes expressing an engineered T cell receptor that activate the immune response after an MHC unrestricted recognition of specific antigens, including tumor associated antigens (TAAs). CART cells have been shown to be effective in the treatment of hematologic tumors even if frequently associated with potentially severe toxicity and high production costs. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will focus on preclinical and clinical studies evaluating CART activity in EOC in order to identify possible difficulties and advantages of their use in this particular setting. EXPERT OPINION The pattern of diffusion within the peritoneal cavity, the tumor microenvironment and the high rate of TAAs make EOC a particularly interesting model for CART cells use. Data from preclinical studies indicate a potential activity of CARTs in EOC, but robust clinical data are still awaited. Further studies are needed to determine the best methods of administration and the most effective CAR type to treat EOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Genta
- a Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS , Turin , Italy .,b Department of Oncology , University of Torino , Turin , Italy
| | - Eleonora Ghisoni
- a Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS , Turin , Italy .,b Department of Oncology , University of Torino , Turin , Italy
| | - Gaia Giannone
- a Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS , Turin , Italy .,b Department of Oncology , University of Torino , Turin , Italy
| | - Gloria Mittica
- a Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS , Turin , Italy .,b Department of Oncology , University of Torino , Turin , Italy
| | - Giorgio Valabrega
- a Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO- IRCCS , Turin , Italy .,b Department of Oncology , University of Torino , Turin , Italy
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Ding H, Yang X, Wei Y. Fusion Proteins of NKG2D/NKG2DL in Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010177. [PMID: 29316666 PMCID: PMC5796126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
NKG2D (natural killer group 2, member D) is an important activating receptor in natural killer (NK) cells and some T cells. NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) are specifically expressed on most tumor cells. The engagement of these ligands on tumor cells to NKG2D on NK cells will induce cell-mediated cytotoxicity and have target cells destroyed. This gives NKG2D/NKG2DLs great potential in cancer therapeutic application. The creation of NKG2D/NKG2DL-based multi-functional fusion proteins is becoming one of the most promising strategies in immunotherapy for cancer. Antibodies, cytokines, and death receptors have been fused with NKG2D or its ligands to produce many powerful fusion proteins, including NKG2D-based chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). In this article, we review the recent developments of the fusion proteins with NKG2D/NKG2DL ligands in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings Street, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings Street, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Yanzhang Wei
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings Street, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
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Cifaldi L, Locatelli F, Marasco E, Moretta L, Pistoia V. Boosting Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy with Anticancer Drugs: a Perspective. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:1156-1175. [PMID: 29133133 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells efficiently recognize and kill tumor cells through several mechanisms including the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors on target cells. Different clinical trials indicate that NK cell-based immunotherapy represents a promising antitumor treatment. However, tumors develop immune-evasion strategies, including downregulation of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors, that can negatively affect antitumor activity of NK cells, which either reside endogenously, or are adoptively transferred. Thus, restoration of the expression of NK cell-activating ligands on tumor cells represents a strategic therapeutic goal. As discussed here, various anticancer drugs can fulfill this task via different mechanisms. We envision that the combination of selected chemotherapeutic agents with NK cell adoptive transfer may represent a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emiliano Marasco
- Department of Rheumatology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Research Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Pistoia
- Immunology Research Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Zhu X, Cai H, Zhao L, Ning L, Lang J. CAR-T cell therapy in ovarian cancer: from the bench to the bedside. Oncotarget 2017; 8:64607-64621. [PMID: 28969098 PMCID: PMC5610030 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy and is responsible for most gynecological cancer deaths. Apart from conventional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cells as a representative of adoptive cellular immunotherapy have received considerable attention in the research field of cancer treatment. CARs combine antigen specificity and T-cell-activating properties in a single fusion molecule. Several preclinical experiments and clinical trials have confirmed that adoptive cell immunotherapy using typical CAR-engineered T cells for OC is a promising treatment approach with striking clinical efficacy; moreover, the emerging CAR-Ts targeting various antigens also exert great potential. However, such therapies have side effects and toxicities, such as cytokine-associated and “on-target, off-tumor” toxicities. In this review, we systematically detail and highlight the present knowledge of CAR-Ts including the constructions, vectors, clinical applications, development challenges, and solutions of CAR-T-cell therapy for OC. We hope to provide new insight into OC treatment for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Wound Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Han Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Ning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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49
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Gilham DE, Maher J. 'Atypical' CAR T cells: NKG2D and Erb-B as examples of natural receptor/ligands to target recalcitrant solid tumors. Immunotherapy 2017; 9:723-733. [PMID: 28771104 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has recently been recommended for approval for certain B-cell malignancies bringing the approach closer to mainstream cancer treatment. This rapid rise to prominence has been driven by impressive clinical results and the means to successfully commercialize the approach now being actively pursued. The current success of CAR T cells in B-cell malignancies relies upon the absolute lineage specificity of the CD19 antigen. CARs can also be targeted using non-antibody approaches, including the use of receptors and ligands to provide target specificity that have different specificities and binding kinetics. The specific examples of NKG2D and Erb-B are used that provide different characteristics and target profiles for CAR T-cell therapy of cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Leukemia, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, B-Cell/therapy
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/metabolism
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
- Receptor, ErbB-2/immunology
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/physiology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Gilham
- Research & Development, Celyad S.A., Axis Business Park, Rue Edouard Belin 2, B-1435 Mont Saint Guibert, Belgium
| | - John Maher
- King's College London, Division of Cancer Studies, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UD, UK
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Fernández L, Metais JY, Escudero A, Vela M, Valentín J, Vallcorba I, Leivas A, Torres J, Valeri A, Patiño-García A, Martínez J, Leung W, Pérez-Martínez A. Memory T Cells Expressing an NKG2D-CAR Efficiently Target Osteosarcoma Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:5824-5835. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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