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Oh J, Kirsh C, Hsin JP, Radecki KC, Zampieri A, Manry D, Ando Y, Miller S, Chan J, McLeod E, Cunningham KM, Wong LM, Xu H, Kamb A. NOT gated T cells that selectively target EGFR and other widely expressed tumor antigens. iScience 2024; 27:109913. [PMID: 38799557 PMCID: PMC11126980 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we show that a NOT gated cell therapy (Tmod) can exploit antigens such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) which are widely expressed on cancer cells. Noncancerous cells-despite high expression of these antigens-are protected from cytotoxicity by the action of an inhibitory receptor ("blocker") via a mechanism that involves blocker modulation of CAR surface expression. The blocker is triggered by the product of a polymorphic HLA allele (e.g., HLA-A∗02) deleted in a significant subset of solid tumors via loss of heterozygosity. Moreover, Tmod constructs that target mouse homologs of EGFR or HLA-E for activation, and a mouse-equivalent of HLA-A∗02 for inhibition, protect mice from toxicity caused by the CAR alone. The blocker also controls graft vs. host response in allogeneic T cells in vitro, consistent with the use of Tmod cells for off-the-shelf therapy without additional gene-editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julyun Oh
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Charles Kirsh
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Jing-Ping Hsin
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Kelly C. Radecki
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | | | - Diane Manry
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Yuta Ando
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Sara Miller
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Jamie Chan
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Ethan McLeod
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | | | - Lu Min Wong
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Han Xu
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Kamb
- A2 Biotherapeutics; 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills 91301, CA, USA
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2
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Ye J, Zheng L, He Y, Qi X. Human papillomavirus associated cervical lesion: pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e368. [PMID: 37719443 PMCID: PMC10501338 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.368] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus globally. Persistent high-risk HPV infection can result in cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer, with 70% of cervical cancer cases associated with high-risk types HPV16 and 18. HPV infection imposes a significant financial and psychological burden. Therefore, studying methods to eradicate HPV infection and halt the progression of precancerous lesions remains crucial. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms underlying HPV-related cervical lesions, including the viral life cycle, immune factors, epithelial cell malignant transformation, and host and environmental contributing factors. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of treatment methods for HPV-related cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Our focus is on immunotherapy, encompassing HPV therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and advanced adoptive T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the commonly employed drugs and other nonsurgical treatments currently utilized in clinical practice for managing HPV infection and associated cervical lesions. Gene editing technology is currently undergoing clinical research and, although not yet employed officially in clinical treatment of cervical lesions, numerous preclinical studies have substantiated its efficacy. Therefore, it holds promise as a precise treatment strategy for HPV-related cervical lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatian Ye
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lan Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Lab MedicineUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Yuedong He
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaorong Qi
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Silva AJD, de Moura IA, da Gama MATM, Leal LRS, de Pinho SS, Espinoza BCF, dos Santos DL, Santos VEP, Sena MGAMD, Invenção MDCV, de Macêdo LS, de França Neto PL, de Freitas AC. Advancing Immunotherapies for HPV-Related Cancers: Exploring Novel Vaccine Strategies and the Influence of Tumor Microenvironment. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1354. [PMID: 37631922 PMCID: PMC10458729 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the relationship between immunological responses and cancers, especially those related to HPV, has allowed for the study and development of therapeutic vaccines against these neoplasias. There is a growing number of studies about the composition and influence of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the progression or establishment of the most varied types of cancer. Hence, it has been possible to structure immunotherapy approaches based on therapeutic vaccines that are even more specific and directed to components of TME and the immune response associated with tumors. Among these components are dendritic cells (DCs), which are the main professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) already studied in therapy strategies for HPV-related cancers. On the other hand, tumor-associated macrophages are also potential targets since the profile present in tumor infiltrates, M1 or M2, influences the prognosis of some types of cancer. These two cell types can be targets for therapy or immunomodulation. In this context, our review aims to provide an overview of immunotherapy strategies for HPV-positive tumors, such as cervical and head and neck cancers, pointing to TME immune cells as promising targets for these approaches. This review also explores the potential of immunotherapy in cancer treatment, including checkpoint inhibitors, cytokine immunotherapies, immunotherapy vaccines, and cell therapies. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of understanding the TME and its effect on the design and achievement of immunotherapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antonio Carlos de Freitas
- Laboratory of Molecular Studies and Experimental Therapy—LEMTE, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil; (A.J.D.S.); (I.A.d.M.); (M.A.T.M.d.G.); (L.R.S.L.); (S.S.d.P.); (B.C.F.E.); (D.L.d.S.); (V.E.P.S.); (M.G.A.M.D.S.); (M.D.C.V.I.); (L.S.d.M.); (P.L.d.F.N.)
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Camperi J, Devarajan S, McKay A, Tarighat S, Chen D, Hu Z. Assessing TCR identity, knock-in efficiency, and potency for individualized TCR-T cell therapy. J Immunol Methods 2023; 517:113491. [PMID: 37187316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2023.113491] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Advances in mass spectrometry, genome sequencing techniques, and bioinformatic strategies have accelerated the discovery of cancer-specific neoantigens. Tumors express multiple immunogenic neoantigens, and neoantigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) can be identified in peripheral blood's mononuclear cells in cancer patients. Therefore, individualized TCR-based therapies are a promising approach whereby multiple neoantigen-specific TCRs can be selected in each patient, potentially leading to a highly effective treatment for cancer patients. We developed three multiplex analytical assays to determine the quality attributes of the TCR-T cell drug product with a mixture of five engineered TCRs. The identity of each TCR was determined by two NGS-based methods, Illumina MiSeq and PacBio platforms. This approach not only confirms the expected TCR sequences but also differentiates them by their variable regions. The five individual TCR and total TCR knock-in efficiencies were measured by droplet digital PCR using specific reverse primers. A potency assay based on transfection of antigen-encoding-RNA was developed to assess the dose-dependent activation of T cells for each TCR by measuring the surface activation marker CD137 expression and cytokine secretion. This work provides new assays to characterize individualized TCR-T cell products and insights into quality attributes for the control strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Camperi
- Cell Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Srinidhi Devarajan
- Cell Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Andrew McKay
- Molecular Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 04080, USA
| | - Somayeh Tarighat
- Cell Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Dayue Chen
- Cell Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Zhilan Hu
- Cell Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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5
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Jimeno A, Baranda J, Iams WT, Park JC, Mita M, Gordon MS, Taylor M, Dhani N, Leal AD, Neupane P, Eng C, Yeku O, Mita A, Moser JC, Butler M, Loughhead SM, Jennings J, Miselis NR, Ji RR, Nair N, Kornacker M, Zwirtes RF, Bernstein H, Sharei A. Phase 1 study to determine the safety and dosing of autologous PBMCs modified to present HPV16 antigens (SQZ-PBMC-HPV) in HLA-A*02+ patients with HPV16+ solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:284-295. [PMID: 36867316 PMCID: PMC10140074 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01342-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a dose escalation Phase 1 study of autologous PBMCs loaded by microfluidic squeezing (Cell Squeeze® technology) with HPV16 E6 and E7 antigens (SQZ-PBMC-HPV), in HLA-A*02+ patients with advanced/metastatic HPV16+ cancers. Preclinical studies in murine models had shown such cells resulted in stimulation and proliferation of antigen specific CD8+ cells, and demonstrated antitumor activity. Administration of SQZ-PBMC-HPV was every 3 weeks. Enrollment followed a modified 3+3 design with primary objectives to define safety, tolerability, and the recommended Phase 2 dose. Secondary and exploratory objectives were antitumor activity, manufacturing feasibility, and pharmacodynamic evaluation of immune responses. Eighteen patients were enrolled at doses ranging from 0.5 × 106 to 5.0 × 106 live cells/kg. Manufacture proved feasible and required < 24 h within the overall vein-to-vein time of 1 - 2 weeks; at the highest dose, a median of 4 doses were administered. No DLTs were observed. Most related TEAEs were Grade 1 - 2, and one Grade 2 cytokine release syndrome SAE was reported. Tumor biopsies in three patients showed 2 to 8-fold increases in CD8+ tissue infiltrating lymphocytes, including a case that exhibited increased MHC-I+ and PD-L1+ cell densities and reduced numbers of HPV+ cells. Clinical benefit was documented for the latter case. SQZ-PBMC-HPV was well tolerated; 5.0 × 106 live cells/kg with double priming was chosen as the recommended Phase 2 dose. Multiple participants exhibited pharmacodynamic changes consistent with immune responses supporting the proposed mechanism of action for SQZ-PBMC-HPV, including patients previously refractory to checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jimeno
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Room L18-8101B, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | | | - Wade T Iams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Monica Mita
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Gordon
- Pinnacle Oncology Hematology, Arizona Center for Cancer Care, HonorHealth Research Institute Clinical Trials Program, Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | | | - Neesha Dhani
- University Health Network Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alexis D Leal
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Room L18-8101B, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | | | - Cathy Eng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Alain Mita
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Justin C Moser
- Pinnacle Oncology Hematology, Arizona Center for Cancer Care, HonorHealth Research Institute Clinical Trials Program, Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Marcus Butler
- University Health Network Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Rui-Ru Ji
- SQZ Biotechnologies, Watertown, MA, USA
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6
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Hewavisenti RV, Arena J, Ahlenstiel CL, Sasson SC. Human papillomavirus in the setting of immunodeficiency: Pathogenesis and the emergence of next-generation therapies to reduce the high associated cancer risk. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112513. [PMID: 36960048 PMCID: PMC10027931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus infecting mucosal or cutaneous stratified epithelia, is implicated in the rising of associated cancers worldwide. While HPV infection can be cleared by an adequate immune response, immunocompromised individuals can develop persistent, treatment-refractory, and progressive disease. Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) associated with HPV-related disease include inborn errors of GATA, EVER1/2, and CXCR4 mutations, resulting in defective cellular function. People living with secondary immunodeficiency (e.g. solid-organ transplants recipients of immunosuppression) and acquired immunodeficiency (e.g. concurrent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection) are also at significant risk of HPV-related disease. Immunocompromised people are highly susceptible to the development of cutaneous and mucosal warts, and cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal carcinomas. The specific mechanisms underlying high-risk HPV-driven cancer development in immunocompromised hosts are not well understood. Current treatments for HPV-related cancers include surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, with clinical trials underway to investigate the use of anti-PD-1 therapy. In the setting of HIV co-infection, persistent high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia can occur despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy, resulting in an ongoing risk for transformation to overt malignancy. Although therapeutic vaccines against HPV are under development, the efficacy of these in the setting of PID, secondary- or acquired- immunodeficiencies remains unclear. RNA-based therapeutic targeting of the HPV genome or mRNA transcript has become a promising next-generation therapeutic avenue. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of HPV pathogenesis, immune evasion, and malignant transformation, with a focus on key PIDs, secondary immunodeficiencies, and HIV infection. Current management and vaccine regimes are outlined in relation to HPV-driven cancer, and specifically, the need for more effective therapeutic strategies for immunocompromised hosts. The recent advances in RNA-based gene targeting including CRISPR and short interfering RNA (siRNA), and the potential application to HPV infection are of great interest. An increased understanding of both the dysregulated immune responses in immunocompromised hosts and of viral persistence is essential for the design of next-generation therapies to eliminate HPV persistence and cancer development in the most at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana V. Hewavisenti
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua Arena
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW RNA Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chantelle L. Ahlenstiel
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW RNA Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah C. Sasson
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Sarah C. Sasson,
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7
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Immunological Aspects of Human Papilloma Virus-Related Cancers Always Says, “I Am like a Box of Complexity, You Never Know What You Are Gonna Get”. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050731. [PMID: 35632488 PMCID: PMC9144219 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause different cancers in both men and women. The virus interferes with functions of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus in the anogenital area, breast, and head and neck cancer due to the local lesions. The tumors lead to death if not treated as a result of distant metastasis to internal organs and brain. Moreover, HPV attenuates the immune system during chronic infection and releases viral antigens into the tumor microenvironment. The tumors know how difficult is to win the battle with a strong united army of immune cells that are equipped with cytokines and enzymes. They confuse the immune cells with secreting viral antigens. The immune system is equipped with cytokines, a complement system, antibodies, and other secretory proteins to overcome the foreign invaders and viral antigens. However, the majority of the time, tumors win the battle without having all the equipment of the immune cells. Thus, in this review, we describe the recent progression in cellular and humoral immunity studies during the progression of HPV-related cancers. First of all, we describe the role of B, plasmoid cells, and B regulatory cells (Breg) in their functions in the tumor microenvironment. Then, different subtypes of T cells such as T CD8, CD4, T regulatory (Treg) cells were studied in recently published papers. Furthermore, NK cells and their role in tumor progression and prevention were studied. Finally, we indicate the breakthroughs in immunotherapy techniques for HPV-related cancers.
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Sandberg ML, Wang X, Martin AD, Nampe DP, Gabrelow GB, Li CZ, McElvain ME, Lee WH, Shafaattalab S, Martire S, Fisher FA, Ando Y, Liu E, Ju D, Wong LM, Xu H, Kamb A. A carcinoembryonic antigen-specific cell therapy selectively targets tumor cells with HLA loss of heterozygosity in vitro and in vivo. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabm0306. [PMID: 35235342 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abm0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The CEACAM5 gene product [carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)] is an attractive target for colorectal cancer because of its high expression in virtually all colorectal tumors and limited expression in most healthy adult tissues. However, highly active CEA-directed investigational therapeutics have been reported to be toxic, causing severe colitis because CEA is expressed on normal gut epithelial cells. Here, we developed a strategy to address this toxicity problem: the Tmod dual-signal integrator. CEA Tmod cells use two receptors: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) activated by CEA and a leukocyte Ig-like receptor 1 (LIR-1)-based inhibitory receptor triggered by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02. CEA Tmod cells exploit instances of HLA heterozygous gene loss in tumors to protect the patient from on-target, off-tumor toxicity. CEA Tmod cells potently killed CEA-expressing tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. But in contrast to a traditional CEA-specific T cell receptor transgenic T cell, Tmod cells were highly selective for tumor cells even when mixed with HLA-A*02-expressing cells. These data support further development of the CEA Tmod construct as a therapeutic candidate for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Sandberg
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Xueyin Wang
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Aaron D Martin
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Daniel P Nampe
- Process Development, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Grant B Gabrelow
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Chuck Z Li
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Michele E McElvain
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Wen-Hua Lee
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Sanam Shafaattalab
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | | | - Fernando A Fisher
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Yuta Ando
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Edwin Liu
- Process Development, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - David Ju
- Process Development, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Lu Min Wong
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Han Xu
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
| | - Alexander Kamb
- Discovery Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc., 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA
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Tokatlian T, Asuelime GE, Mock JY, DiAndreth B, Sharma S, Toledo Warshaviak D, Daris ME, Bolanos K, Luna BL, Naradikian MS, Deshmukh K, Hamburger AE, Kamb A. Mesothelin-specific CAR-T cell therapy that incorporates an HLA-gated safety mechanism selectively kills tumor cells. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003826. [PMID: 35091455 PMCID: PMC8804709 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesothelin (MSLN) is a classic tumor-associated antigen that is expressed in lung cancer and many other solid tumors. However, MSLN is also expressed in normal mesothelium which creates a significant risk of serious inflammation for MSLN-directed therapeutics. We have developed a dual-receptor (Tmod™) system that exploits the difference between tumor and normal tissue in a subset of patients with defined heterozygous gene loss (LOH) in their tumors. Methods T cells engineered with the MSLN CAR Tmod construct described here contain (1) a novel MSLN-activated CAR and (2) an HLA-A*02-gated inhibitory receptor (blocker). A*02 binding is intended to override T-cell cytotoxicity, even in the presence of MSLN. The Tmod system is designed to treat heterozygous HLA class I patients, selected for HLA LOH. When A*02 is absent from tumors selected for LOH, the MSLN Tmod cells are predicted to mediate potent killing of the MSLN(+)A*02(−) malignant cells. Results The sensitivity of the MSLN Tmod cells is comparable with a benchmark MSLN CAR-T that was active but toxic in the clinic. Unlike MSLN CAR-T cells, the Tmod system robustly protects surrogate “normal” cells even in mixed-cell populations in vitro and in a xenograft model. The MSLN CAR can also be paired with other HLA class I blockers, supporting extension of the approach to patients beyond A*02 heterozygotes. Conclusions The Tmod mechanism exemplified by the MSLN CAR Tmod construct provides an alternative route to leverage solid-tumor antigens such as MSLN in safer, more effective ways than previously possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shruti Sharma
- A2 Biotherapeutics Inc, Agoura Hills, California, USA
| | | | - Mark E Daris
- A2 Biotherapeutics Inc, Agoura Hills, California, USA
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10
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Tokatlian T, Asuelime GE, Naradikian MS, Mock JY, Daris ME, Martin AD, Toledo Warshaviak D, Kamb A, Hamburger AE. Chimeric Antigen Receptors Directed at Mutant KRAS Exhibit an Inverse Relationship Between Functional Potency and Neoantigen Selectivity. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:58-65. [PMID: 36860694 PMCID: PMC9973398 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neoantigens are among the most intriguing potential immuno-oncology targets because, unlike many cancer targets that are expressed on normal tissues, they are by definition restricted to cancer cells. Medicines directed at common neoantigens such as mutant KRAS are especially interesting because they may offer the convenience and cost of an off-the-shelf therapy. However, all common KRAS mutations produce proteins that differ from the wild type at a single amino acid, creating challenges for molecular discrimination. We have undertaken an effort to optimize single-chain variable fragments (scFv) against peptide/major histocompatibility antigen complexes composed of HLA-A*11 and either G12V- or G12D-mutant KRAS peptides. These scFvs could in principle be used in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for selected patients whose tumors bear either of these mutations. Here we show that optimization of such CARs involves a trade-off between potency and selectivity. We further show that targeting this family without high selectivity engenders risks of cross-reactivity against other members of the G-protein family to which KRAS belongs. Significance We report an effort to generate high potency, selective CARs directed at mutant KRAS peptides. Although the heavily optimized CARs maintain high selectivity against wild-type KRAS, they lose selectivity against other KRAS-related peptides derived from human proteins. To our knowledge, this work is the first to examine the trade-off between potency and selectivity with regard to KRAS pMHC-directed CARs, illustrating the challenge to achieve both sufficient potency and high selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mark E. Daris
- Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Agoura Hills, California
| | | | | | | | - Agnes E. Hamburger
- Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, Agoura Hills, California.,Corresponding Author: Agnes E. Hamburger, Research, A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Phone: 805-491-1988; E-mail:
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11
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Wang X, Wong LM, McElvain ME, Martire S, Lee WH, Li CZ, Fisher FA, Maheshwari RL, Wu ML, Imun MC, Murad R, Warshaviak DT, Yin J, Kamb A, Xu H. A rational approach to assess off-target reactivity of a dual-signal integrator for T cell therapy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 437:115894. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Wang X, Martin AD, Negri KR, McElvain ME, Oh J, Wu ML, Lee WH, Ando Y, Gabrelow GB, Toledo Warshaviak D, Sandberg ML, Xu H, Kamb A. Extensive functional comparisons between chimeric antigen receptors and T cell receptors highlight fundamental similarities. Mol Immunol 2021; 138:137-149. [PMID: 34419823 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.07.018] [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: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Though TCRs have been subject to limited engineering in the context of therapeutic design and optimization, they are used largely as found in nature. On the other hand, CARs are artificial, composed of different segments of proteins that function in the immune system. This characteristic raises the possibility of altered response to immune regulatory stimuli. Here we describe a large-scale, systematic comparison of CARs and TCRs across 5 different pMHC targets, with a total of 19 constructs examined in vitro. These functional measurements include CAR- and TCR-mediated activation, proliferation, and cytotoxicity in both acute and chronic settings. Surprisingly, we find no consistent difference between CARs and TCRs as receptor classes with respect to their relative sensitivity to major regulators of T cell activation: PD-L1, CD80/86 and IL-2. Though TCRs often emerge from human blood directly as potent, selective receptors, CARs must be heavily optimized to attain these properties for pMHC targets. Nonetheless, when iteratively improved and compared head to head in functional tests, CARs appear remarkably similar to TCRs with respect to immune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyin Wang
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Aaron D Martin
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Kathleen R Negri
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Michele E McElvain
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Julyun Oh
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Ming-Lun Wu
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Wen-Hua Lee
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Yuta Ando
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Grant B Gabrelow
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | | | - Mark L Sandberg
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States
| | - Han Xu
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States.
| | - Alexander Kamb
- A2 Biotherapeutics, 30301 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA, 91301, United States.
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