1
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Locatelli F, del Bufalo F, Quintarelli C. Allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cells for children with relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2024; 109:1689-1699. [PMID: 38832424 PMCID: PMC11141659 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.284604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a breakthrough cancer therapy over the past decade. Remarkable outcomes in B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and multiple myeloma have been reported in both pivotal trials and real-word studies. Traditionally, the use of a patient's own (autologous) T cells to manufacture CAR products has been the standard practice. Nevertheless, this approach has some drawbacks, including manufacturing delays, dependence on the functional fitness of the patient's T cells, which can be compromised by both the disease and prior therapies, and contamination of the product with blasts. A promising alternative is offered by the development of allogeneic CAR-cell products. This approach has the potential to yield more efficient drug products and enables the use of effector cells with negligible alloreactive potential and a significant CAR-independent antitumor activity through their innate receptors (i.e., natural killer cells, γδ T cells and cytokine induced killer cells). In addition, recent advances in genome editing tools offer the potential to overcome the primary challenges associated with allogeneic CAR T-cell products, namely graft-versus-host disease and host allo-rejection, generating universal, off-the-shelf products. In this review, we summarize the current pre-clinical and clinical approaches based on allogeneic CAR T cells, as well as on alternative effector cells, which represent exciting opportunities for multivalent approaches and optimized antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy – IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome
| | - Francesca del Bufalo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy – IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome
| | - Concetta Quintarelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy – IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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2
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Song P, Zhang Q, Xu Z, Shi Y, Jing R, Luo D. CRISPR/Cas-based CAR-T cells: production and application. Biomark Res 2024; 12:54. [PMID: 38816881 PMCID: PMC11140991 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00602-z] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized the treatment approach for cancer, autoimmune disease, and heart disease. The integration of CAR into T cells is typically facilitated by retroviral or lentiviral vectors. However, the random insertion of CARs can lead to issues like clonal expansion, oncogenic transformation, variegated transgene expression, and transcriptional silencing. The advent of precise gene editing technology, like Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), allows for controlled and precise genome modification, facilitating the translation of CAR-T research to the clinical applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the application of CRISPR gene editing techniques in the context of precise deletion and insertion methodologies, with a specific focus on their potential for enhancing the development and utilization of CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Song
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, No. 261, Huansha Road, Shangcheng district, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu City, China
| | - Yueli Shi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu City, China
| | - Ruirui Jing
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dingcun Luo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, No. 261, Huansha Road, Shangcheng district, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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3
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Palaz F, Ozsoz M, Zarrinpar A, Sahin I. CRISPR in Targeted Therapy and Adoptive T Cell Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:975-995. [PMID: 38832119 PMCID: PMC11146628 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s456683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent therapeutic advancements, outcomes for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for novel treatments. The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene-editing technology offers innovative treatment approaches, involving genetic manipulation of either cancer cells or adoptive T cells to combat HCC. This review comprehensively assesses the applications of CRISPR systems in HCC treatment, focusing on in vivo targeting of cancer cells and the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells. We explore potential synergies between CRISPR-based cancer therapeutics and existing treatment options, discussing ongoing clinical trials and the role of CRISPR technology in improving HCC treatment outcomes with advanced safety measures. In summary, this review provides insights into the promising prospects and current challenges of using CRISPR technology in HCC treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the landscape of HCC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahreddin Palaz
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozsoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Near East University, Nicosia, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ilyas Sahin
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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4
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Taibi T, Cheon S, Perna F, Vu LP. mRNA-based therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00299-5. [PMID: 38702886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.035] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of medical research, the emergence of RNA-based therapeutics is paradigm shifting. It is mainly driven by the molecular adaptability and capacity to provide precision in targeting. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic crisis underscored the effectiveness of the mRNA therapeutic development platform and brought it to the forefront of RNA-based interventions. These RNA-based therapeutic approaches can reshape gene expression, manipulate cellular functions, and correct the aberrant molecular processes underlying various diseases. The new technologies hold the potential to engineer and deliver tailored therapeutic agents to tackle genetic disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases in a highly personalized and precisely tuned manner. The review discusses the most recent advancements in the field of mRNA therapeutics for cancer treatment, with a focus on the features of the most utilized RNA-based therapeutic interventions, current pre-clinical and clinical developments, and the remaining challenges in delivery strategies, effectiveness, and safety considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilelli Taibi
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sehyun Cheon
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fabiana Perna
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ly P Vu
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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5
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Balduzzi A. The CAR T-cell race: The rules of the game. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:1579-1581. [PMID: 38590088 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19452] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The management of paediatric patients with refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia eligible for the CAR T cell product tisagenlecleucel involves multiple decision points between the process of patient referral to product infusion. How to address the individual patient's circumstances, optimize apheresis yields and, above all, plan the best bridging chemotherapy is clearly detailed in these comprehensive and practical recommendations by Kumar Mishra and colleagues. Commentary on: Mishra et al. Practice guideline: Preparation for CAR T-cell therapy in children and young adults with B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1687-1696.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Balduzzi
- Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
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6
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Guijarro-Albaladejo B, Marrero-Cepeda C, Rodríguez-Arbolí E, Sierro-Martínez B, Pérez-Simón JA, García-Guerrero E. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T Cells in acute myeloid leukemia: limitations and expectations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1376554. [PMID: 38694825 PMCID: PMC11061469 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1376554] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis despite the advent of novel therapies. Consequently, a major need exists for new therapeutic options, particularly for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML. In recent years, it has been possible to individualize the treatment of a subgroup of patients, particularly with the emergence of multiple targeted therapies. Nonetheless, a considerable number of patients remain without therapeutic options, and overall prognosis remains poor because of a high rate of disease relapse. In this sense, cellular therapies, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, have dramatically shifted the therapeutic options for other hematologic malignancies, such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In contrast, effectively treating AML with CAR-based immunotherapy poses major biological and clinical challenges, most of them derived from the unmet need to identify target antigens with expression restricted to the AML blast without compromising the viability of the normal hematopoietic stem cell counterpart. Although those limitations have hampered CAR-T cell therapy translation to the clinic, there are several clinical trials where target antigens, such as CD123, CLL-1 or CD33 are being used to treat AML patients showing promising results. Moreover, there are continuing efforts to enhance the specificity and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in AML. These endeavors encompass the exploration of novel avenues, including the development of dual CAR-T cells and next-generation CAR-T cells, as well as the utilization of gene editing tools to mitigate off-tumor toxicities. In this review, we will summarize the ongoing clinical studies and the early clinical results reported with CAR-T cells in AML, as well as highlight CAR-T cell limitations and the most recent approaches to overcome these barriers. We will also discuss how and when CAR-T cells should be used in the context of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Guijarro-Albaladejo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Cristina Marrero-Cepeda
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Arbolí
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Belén Sierro-Martínez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pérez-Simón
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Estefanía García-Guerrero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
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7
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Chen X, Zhong S, Zhan Y, Zhang X. CRISPR-Cas9 applications in T cells and adoptive T cell therapies. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:52. [PMID: 38609863 PMCID: PMC11010303 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00561-1] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell immunity is central to contemporary cancer and autoimmune therapies, encompassing immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T cell therapies. Their diverse characteristics can be reprogrammed by different immune challenges dependent on antigen stimulation levels, metabolic conditions, and the degree of inflammation. T cell-based therapeutic strategies are gaining widespread adoption in oncology and treating inflammatory conditions. Emerging researches reveal that clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) genome editing has enabled T cells to be more adaptable to specific microenvironments, opening the door to advanced T cell therapies in preclinical and clinical trials. CRISPR-Cas9 can edit both primary T cells and engineered T cells, including CAR-T and TCR-T, in vivo and in vitro to regulate T cell differentiation and activation states. This review first provides a comprehensive summary of the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in T cells and its applications in preclinical and clinical studies for T cell-based therapies. We also explore the application of CRISPR screen high-throughput technology in editing T cells and anticipate the current limitations of CRISPR-Cas9, including off-target effects and delivery challenges, and envisioned improvements in related technologies for disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Institute of Zhengzhou University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Shuhan Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yonghao Zhan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| | - Xuepei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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8
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Im SH, Jang M, Park JH, Chung HJ. Finely tuned ionizable lipid nanoparticles for CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein delivery and gene editing. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:175. [PMID: 38609947 PMCID: PMC11015636 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02427-2] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonviral delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system provides great benefits for in vivo gene therapy due to the low risk of side effects. However, in vivo gene editing by delivering the Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) is challenging due to the poor delivery into target tissues and cells. Here, we introduce an effective delivery method for the CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs by finely tuning the formulation of ionizable lipid nanoparticles. The LNPs delivering CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs (CrLNPs) are demonstrated to induce gene editing with high efficiencies in various cancer cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, we show that CrLNPs can be delivered into tumor tissues with high efficiency, as well as induce significant gene editing in vivo. The current study presents an effective platform for nonviral delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system that can be applied as an in vivo gene editing therapeutic for treating various diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- San Hae Im
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mincheol Jang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ho Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun Jung Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Huang J, Yang Q, Wang W, Huang J. CAR products from novel sources: a new avenue for the breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378739. [PMID: 38665921 PMCID: PMC11044028 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed cancer immunotherapy. However, significant challenges limit its application beyond B cell-driven malignancies, including limited clinical efficacy, high toxicity, and complex autologous cell product manufacturing. Despite efforts to improve CAR T cell therapy outcomes, there is a growing interest in utilizing alternative immune cells to develop CAR cells. These immune cells offer several advantages, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent function, tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation, and increased tissue infiltration capabilities. Currently, CAR products from various T cell subtypes, innate immune cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and even exosomes are being explored. These CAR products often show enhanced antitumor efficacy, diminished toxicity, and superior tumor penetration. With these benefits in mind, numerous clinical trials are underway to access the potential of these innovative CAR cells. This review aims to thoroughly examine the advantages, challenges, and existing insights on these new CAR products in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wen Wang
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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10
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Shao W, Yao Y, Yang L, Li X, Ge T, Zheng Y, Zhu Q, Ge S, Gu X, Jia R, Song X, Zhuang A. Novel insights into TCR-T cell therapy in solid neoplasms: optimizing adoptive immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:37. [PMID: 38570883 PMCID: PMC10988985 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00504-8] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy in the T cell landscape exhibits efficacy in cancer treatment. Over the past few decades, genetically modified T cells, particularly chimeric antigen receptor T cells, have enabled remarkable strides in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Besides, extensive exploration of multiple antigens for the treatment of solid tumors has led to clinical interest in the potential of T cells expressing the engineered T cell receptor (TCR). TCR-T cells possess the capacity to recognize intracellular antigen families and maintain the intrinsic properties of TCRs in terms of affinity to target epitopes and signal transduction. Recent research has provided critical insight into their capability and therapeutic targets for multiple refractory solid tumors, but also exposes some challenges for durable efficacy. In this review, we describe the screening and identification of available tumor antigens, and the acquisition and optimization of TCRs for TCR-T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the complete flow from laboratory to clinical applications of TCR-T cells. Last, we emerge future prospects for improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer world with combination therapies or TCR-T derived products. In conclusion, this review depicts our current understanding of TCR-T cell therapy in solid neoplasms, and provides new perspectives for expanding its clinical applications and improving therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihuan Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongxin Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyi Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Lu Q, Yang D, Li H, Zhu Z, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Yang N, Li J, Wang Z, Niu T, Tong A. Delivery of CD47-SIRPα checkpoint blocker by BCMA-directed UCAR-T cells enhances antitumor efficacy in multiple myeloma. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216660. [PMID: 38266806 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216660] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients, BCMA-directed autologous CAR-T cells have showed excellent anti-tumor activity. However, their widespread application is limited due to the arguably cost and time-consuming. Multiple myeloma cells highly expressed CD47 molecule and interact with the SIRPα ligand on the surface of macrophages, in which evade the clearance of macrophages through the activation of "don't eat me" signal. In this study, a BCMA-directed universal CAR-T cells, BC404-UCART, secreting a CD47-SIRPα blocker was developed using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system. BC404-UCART cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of mice in the xenograft model. The anti-tumor activity of BC404-UCART cells was achieved via two mechanisms, on the one hand, the UCAR-T cells directly killed tumor cells, on the other hand, the BC404-UCART cells enhanced the phagocytosis of macrophages by secreting anti-CD47 nanobody hu404-hfc fusion that blocked the "don't eat me" signal between macrophages and tumor cells, which provides a potential strategy for the development of novel "off-the-shelf" cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qizhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Donghui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Hexian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zongliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongdong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Nian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Niu
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Aiping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Salomonsson SE, Clelland CD. Building CRISPR Gene Therapies for the Central Nervous System: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2024; 81:283-290. [PMID: 38285472 PMCID: PMC11164426 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.4983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Importance Gene editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) holds the promise to arrest or cure monogenic disease if it can be determined which genetic change to create without inducing unintended cellular dysfunction and how to deliver this technology to the target organ reliably and safely. Clinical trials for blood and liver disorders, for which delivery of CRISPR is not limiting, show promise, yet no trials have begun for central nervous system (CNS) indications. Observations The CNS is arguably the most challenging target given its innate exclusion of large molecules and its defenses against bacterial invasion (from which CRISPR originates). Herein, the types of CRISPR editing (DNA cutting, base editing, and templated repair) and how these are applied to different genetic variants are summarized. The challenges of delivering genome editors to the CNS, including the viral and nonviral delivery vehicles that may ultimately circumvent these challenges, are discussed. Also, ways to minimize the potential in vivo genotoxic effects of genome editors through delivery vehicle design and preclinical off-target testing are considered. The ethical considerations of germline editing, a potential off-target outcome of any gene editing therapy, are explored. The unique regulatory challenges of a human-specific therapy that cannot be derisked solely in animal models are also discussed. Conclusions and Relevance An understanding of both the potential benefits and challenges of CRISPR gene therapy better informs the scientific, clinical, regulatory, and timeline considerations of developing CRISPR gene therapy for neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally E Salomonsson
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Claire D Clelland
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
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13
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Tao R, Han X, Bai X, Yu J, Ma Y, Chen W, Zhang D, Li Z. Revolutionizing cancer treatment: enhancing CAR-T cell therapy with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354825. [PMID: 38449862 PMCID: PMC10914996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354825] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy, a novel immunotherapy, has made significant breakthroughs in clinical practice, particularly in treating B-cell-associated leukemia and lymphoma. However, it still faces challenges such as poor persistence, limited proliferation capacity, high manufacturing costs, and suboptimal efficacy. CRISPR/Cas system, an efficient and simple method for precise gene editing, offers new possibilities for optimizing CAR-T cells. It can increase the function of CAR-T cells and reduce manufacturing costs. The combination of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and CAR-T cell therapy may promote the development of this therapy and provide more effective and personalized treatment for cancer patients. Meanwhile, the safety issues surrounding the application of this technology in CAR-T cells require further research and evaluation. Future research should focus on improving the accuracy and safety of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to facilitate the better development and application of CAR-T cell therapy. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in CAR-T cell therapy, including eliminating the inhibitory effect of immune checkpoints, enhancing the ability of CAR-T cells to resist exhaustion, assisting in the construction of universal CAR-T cells, reducing the manufacturing costs of CAR-T cells, and the security problems faced. The objective is to show the revolutionary role of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in CAR-T cell therapy for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyu Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaopeng Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Urology, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jianping Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Youwei Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Weikai Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhengkai Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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14
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Deng R, Zhao R, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Yang M, Lin Y, Ye J, Li N, Qin H, Yan X, Shi J, Yuan F, Song S, Xu Z, Song Y, Fu J, Xu B, Nie G, Yu JK. Chondrocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles promote drug retention and halt cartilage damage in rat and canine osteoarthritis. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadh9751. [PMID: 38381849 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh9751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage. A challenge in the development of disease-modifying drugs is effective delivery to chondrocytes. The unique structure of the joint promotes rapid clearance of drugs through synovial fluid, and the dense and avascular cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) limits drug penetration. Here, we show that poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles coated in chondrocyte membranes (CM-NPs) were preferentially taken up by rat chondrocytes ex vivo compared with uncoated nanoparticles. Internalization of the CM-NPs was mediated primarily by E-cadherin, clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and micropinocytosis. These CM-NPs adhered to the cartilage ECM in rat knee joints in vivo and penetrated deeply into the cartilage matrix with a residence time of more than 34 days. Simulated synovial fluid clearance studies showed that CM-NPs loaded with a Wnt pathway inhibitor, adavivint (CM-NPs-Ada), delayed the catabolic metabolism of rat and human chondrocytes and cartilage explants under inflammatory conditions. In a surgical model of rat OA, drug-loaded CM-NPs effectively restored gait, attenuated periarticular bone remodeling, and provided chondroprotection against cartilage degeneration. OA progression was also mitigated by CM-NPs-Ada in a canine model of anterior cruciate ligament transection. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using chondrocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles to improve the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of anti-OA drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghui Deng
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Ruifang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zining Zhang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Yang Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Yixuan Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Nan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hao Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Jian Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Fuzhen Yuan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Shitang Song
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Zijie Xu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Yifan Song
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Jiangnan Fu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Kuo Yu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Orthopedic Sports Medicine Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, P. R. China
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Shin JW, Kim KH, Lee Y, Choi DE, Lee JM. Personalized allele-specific CRISPR-Cas9 strategies for myofibrillar myopathy 6. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.03.24302252. [PMID: 38352343 PMCID: PMC10863003 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.03.24302252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Myofibrillar myopathy 6 (MFM6) is a rare childhood-onset myopathy characterized by myofibrillar disintegration, muscle weakness, and cardiomyopathy. The genetic cause of MFM6 is p.Pro209Leu mutation (rs121918312-T) in the BAG3 gene, which generates the disease outcomes in a dominant fashion. Since the consequences of the BAG3 mutation are strong and rapidly progressing, most MFM6 patients are due to de novo mutation. There are no effective treatments for MFM6 despite its well-known genetic cause. Given p.Pro209Leu mutation is dominant, regenerative medicine approaches employing orthologous stem cells in which mutant BAG3 is inactivated offer a promising avenue. Here, we developed personalized allele-specific CRISPR-Cas9 strategies capitalizing on PAM-altering SNP and PAM-proximal SNP. In order to identify the disease chromosome carrying the de novo mutation in our two affected individuals, haplotype phasing through cloning-sequencing was performed. Based on the sequence differences between mutant and normal BAG3, we developed personalized allele-specific CRISPR-Cas9 strategies to selectively inactivate the mutant allele 1) by preventing the transcription of the mutant BAG3 and 2) by inducing nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) of mutant BAG3 mRNA. Subsequent experimental validation in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines showed complete allele specificities of our CRISPR-Cas9 strategies and molecular consequences attributable to inactivated mutant BAG3. In addition, mutant allele-specific CRISPR-Cas9 targeting did not alter the characteristics of iPSC or the capacity to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Together, our data demonstrate the feasibility and potential of personalized allele-specific CRISPR-Cas9 approaches to selectively inactivate the mutant BAG3 to generate cell resources for regenerative medicine approaches for MFM6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wan Shin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kyung-Hee Kim
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yukyeong Lee
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Doo Eun Choi
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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16
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Angelos MG, Patel RP, Ruella M, Barta SK. Progress and Pitfalls of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Immunotherapy against T Cell Malignancies. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:171-186. [PMID: 37866783 PMCID: PMC10873040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2023.10.013] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of relapsed and refractory B cell-derived hematologic malignancies. Currently, there are 6 Food and Drug Administration-approved commercial CAR-T products that target antigens exclusively expressed on malignant B cells or plasma cells. However, concurrent advancement for patients with rarer and more aggressive T cell-derived hematologic malignancies have not yet been achieved. CAR-T immunotherapies are uniquely limited by challenges related to CAR-T product manufacturing and intrinsic tumor biology. In this review tailored for practicing clinician-scientists, we discuss the major barriers of CAR-T implementation against T cell-derived neoplasms and highlight specific scientific advancements poised to circumvent these obstacles. We summarize salient early-stage clinical trials implementing novel CAR-T immunotherapies specifically for patients with relapsed and/or refractory T cell neoplasms. Finally, we highlight novel manufacturing and treatment strategies that are poised to have a meaningful future clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew G Angelos
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ruchi P Patel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marco Ruella
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Stefan K Barta
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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17
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Strzelec A, Helbig G. Are we ready for personalized CAR-T therapy? Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:174-183. [PMID: 37431655 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14039] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The future of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) therapy remains unclear. New studies are constantly being published confirming the efficacy and favorable safety profile of its innovative enhancements. Currently approved CAR-T drugs are manufactured exclusively for a specific patient from the recipient's own cells. This does not close the door to further modifications with subsequent personalization and better adaptation to the individual needs. Bringing such a drug to market would involve raising the already high costs, so it is necessary to lower the existing ones. On the other hand, so-called universal CAR-T are also getting closer to the patient's bed, but its implementation may struggle with multiple challenges, including development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and alloimmunity. However, that off-the-shelf therapy could prove useful as a quick solution for patients in very poor condition or excluded from current therapy due to manufacturing limitations. The introduction of currently tested solutions may undoubtedly change the current paradigm of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Strzelec
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Helbig
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Zhao M, Cheng X, Shao P, Dong Y, Wu Y, Xiao L, Cui Z, Sun X, Gao C, Chen J, Huang Z, Zhang J. Bacterial protoplast-derived nanovesicles carrying CRISPR-Cas9 tools re-educate tumor-associated macrophages for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:950. [PMID: 38296939 PMCID: PMC10830495 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44941-9] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas9 system offers substantial potential for cancer therapy by enabling precise manipulation of key genes involved in tumorigenesis and immune response. Despite its promise, the system faces critical challenges, including the preservation of cell viability post-editing and ensuring safe in vivo delivery. To address these issues, this study develops an in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 system targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We employ bacterial protoplast-derived nanovesicles (NVs) modified with pH-responsive PEG-conjugated phospholipid derivatives and galactosamine-conjugated phospholipid derivatives tailored for TAM targeting. Utilizing plasmid-transformed E. coli protoplasts as production platforms, we successfully load NVs with two key components: a Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein targeting Pik3cg, a pivotal molecular switch of macrophage polarization, and bacterial CpG-rich DNA fragments, acting as potent TLR9 ligands. This NV-based, self-assembly approach shows promise for scalable clinical production. Our strategy remodels the tumor microenvironment by stabilizing an M1-like phenotype in TAMs, thus inhibiting tumor growth in female mice. This in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 technology opens avenues for cancer immunotherapy, overcoming challenges related to cell viability and safe, precise in vivo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Xiaohui Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Pingwen Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yongjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Lin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Zhiying Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Xuedi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Chuancheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Jiangning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
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Chen X, Tan B, Xing H, Zhao X, Ping Y, Zhang Z, Huang J, Shi X, Zhang N, Lin B, Cao W, Li X, Zhang X, Li L, Jiang Z, Zhang M, Li W, Liu M, Du B, Zhang Y. Allogeneic CAR-T cells with of HLA-A/B and TRAC disruption exhibit promising antitumor capacity against B cell malignancies. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:13. [PMID: 38231412 PMCID: PMC10794471 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03586-1] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have been proven to be an effective way of treating B cell malignancies, a lot of patients could not benefit from it because of failure in CAR-T cell manufacturing, disease progression, and unaffordable price. The study aimed to explore universal CAR-T cell products to extend the clinical accessibility. METHODS The antitumor activity of CRISPR/Cas9-edited allogeneic anti-CD19 CAR-T (CAR-T19) cells was assessed in vitro, in animal models, and in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute B cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) or diffuse large B cell lymphoma. RESULTS B2M-/TRAC- universal CAR-T19 (U-CAR-T19) cells exhibited powerful anti-leukemia abilities both in vitro and in animal models, as did primary CD19+ leukemia cells from leukemia patients. However, expansion, antitumor efficacy, or graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) was not observed in six patients with R/R B cell malignancies after U-CAR-T19 cell infusion. Accordingly, significant activation of natural killer (NK) cells by U-CAR-T19 cells was proven both clinically and in vitro. HLA-A-/B-/TRAC- novel CAR-T19 (nU-CAR-T19) cells were constructed with similar tumoricidal capacity but resistance to NK cells in vitro. Surprisingly, robust expansion of nU-CAR-T19 cells, along with rapid eradication of CD19+ abnormal B cells, was observed in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of another three patients with R/R B-ALL. The patients achieved complete remission with no detectable minimal residual disease 14 days after the infusion of nU-CAR-T19 cells. Two of the three patients had grade 2 cytokine release syndrome, which were managed using an IL-6 receptor blocker. Most importantly, GvHD was not observed in any patient, suggesting the safety of TRAC-disrupted CAR-T cells generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 method for clinical application. CONCLUSIONS The nU-CAR-T19 cells showed a strong response in R/R B-ALL. nU-CAR-T19 cells have the potential to be a promising new approach for treating R/R B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinfeng Chen
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Binghe Tan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
- BRL Medicine Inc, Shanghai, 201109, China
| | - Haizhou Xing
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yu Ping
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jianmin Huang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | | | - Na Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Boxu Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Weijie Cao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xin Li
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ling Li
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Wei Li
- BRL Medicine Inc, Shanghai, 201109, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Bing Du
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Engineering Key Laboratory for Cell Therapy of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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20
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Zhang P, Liu X, Gu Z, Jiang Z, Zhao S, Song Y, Yu J. Targeting TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions. Biomark Res 2024; 12:7. [PMID: 38229100 PMCID: PMC10790541 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00543-z] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
As a newly identified checkpoint, T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) is highly expressed on CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). TIGIT has been associated with NK cell exhaustion in vivo and in individuals with various cancers. It not only modulates NK cell survival but also mediates T cell exhaustion. As the primary ligand of TIGIT in humans, CD155 may be the main target for immunotherapy due to its interaction with TIGIT. It has been found that the anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment response in cancer immunotherapy is correlated with CD155 but not TIGIT. Anti-TIGIT alone and in combination with anti-PD-1 agents have been tested for cancer immunotherapy. Although two clinical studies on advanced lung cancer had positive results, the TIGIT-targeted antibody, tiragolumab, recently failed in two new trials. In this review, we highlight the current developments on TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy and discuss the characteristics and functions of TIGIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Thoracic Oncology, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhuoyu Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Thoracic Oncology, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Jifeng Yu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
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21
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Moradi V, Omidkhoda A, Ahmadbeigi N. The paths and challenges of "off-the-shelf" CAR-T cell therapy: An overview of clinical trials. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115888. [PMID: 37979380 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115888] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) has made a tremendous revolution in the era of cancer immunotherapy, so that since 2017 eight CAR-T cell products have been granted marketing authorization. All of these approved products are generated from autologous sources, but this strategy faces several challenges such as time-consuming and expensive manufacturing process and reduced anti-tumor potency of patients' T cells due to the disease or previous therapies. The use of an allogeneic source can overcome these issues and provide an industrial, scalable, and standardized manufacturing process that reduces costs and provides faster treatment for patients. Nevertheless, for using allogeneic CAR-T cells, we are faced with the challenge of overcoming two formidable impediments: severe life-threatening graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) caused by allogeneic CAR-T cells, and allorejection of allogeneic CAR-T cells by host immune cells which is called "host versus graft" (HvG). In this study, we reviewed recent registered clinical trials of allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy to analyze different approaches to achieve a safe and efficacious "off-the-shelf" source for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Moradi
- Hematology and blood transfusion science department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Omidkhoda
- Hematology and blood transfusion science department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Naser Ahmadbeigi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Assis AJB, Santana BLDO, Gualberto ACM, Pittella-Silva F. Therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 mediated targeted gene editing in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: current perspectives, future challenges, and clinical implications. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1322937. [PMID: 38130408 PMCID: PMC10733529 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1322937] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the predominant hematological malignancy in pediatric populations, originating from B- or T-cell precursors within the bone marrow. The disease exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity, both at the molecular level and in terms of clinical presentation. A complex interplay between inherited and acquired genetic alterations contributes to disease pathogenesis, often resulting in the disruption of cellular functions integral to the leukemogenic process. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 as a gene editing tool has revolutionized biological research, underscoring its potential to modify specific genomic loci implicated in cancer. Enhanced understanding of molecular alterations in ALL has facilitated significant advancements in therapeutic strategies. In this review, we scrutinize the application of CRISPR/Cas9 as a tool for identifying genetic targets to improve therapy, circumvent drug resistance, and facilitate CAR-T cell-based immunotherapy. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 applications in ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fabio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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23
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Chen Z, Hu Y, Mei H. Advances in CAR-Engineered Immune Cell Generation: Engineering Approaches and Sourcing Strategies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303215. [PMID: 37906032 PMCID: PMC10724421 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a highly efficacious treatment modality for refractory and relapsed hematopoietic malignancies in recent years. Furthermore, CAR technologies for cancer immunotherapy have expanded from CAR-T to CAR-natural killer cell (CAR-NK), CAR-cytokine-induced killer cell (CAR-CIK), and CAR-macrophage (CAR-MΦ) therapy. Nevertheless, the high cost and complex manufacturing processes of ex vivo generation of autologous CAR products have hampered broader application. There is an urgent need to develop an efficient and economical paradigm shift for exploring new sourcing strategies and engineering approaches toward generating CAR-engineered immune cells to benefit cancer patients. Currently, researchers are actively investigating various strategies to optimize the preparation and sourcing of these potent immunotherapeutic agents. In this work, the latest research progress is summarized. Perspectives on the future of CAR-engineered immune cell manufacturing are provided, and the engineering approaches, and diverse sources used for their development are focused upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaozhao Chen
- Institute of HematologyUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology1277 Jiefang AvenueWuhanHubei430022China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic DiseaseWuhan430022China
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of HematologyUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology1277 Jiefang AvenueWuhanHubei430022China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic DiseaseWuhan430022China
| | - Heng Mei
- Institute of HematologyUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology1277 Jiefang AvenueWuhanHubei430022China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic DiseaseWuhan430022China
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24
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Mustafa MI, Mohammed A. Nanobodies: A Game-Changer in Cell-Mediated Immunotherapy for Cancer. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:358-364. [PMID: 37634615 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanobodies are small, single-domain antibodies that have emerged as a promising tool in cancer immunotherapy. These molecules can target specific antigens on cancer cells and trigger an immune response against them. In this mini-review article, we highlight the potential of nanobodies in cell-mediated immunotherapy for cancer treatment. We discuss the advantages of nanobodies over conventional antibodies, their ability to penetrate solid tumors, and their potential to enhance the efficacy of other immunotherapeutic agents. We also provide an overview of recent preclinical and clinical studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of nanobody-based immunotherapy in various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujahed I Mustafa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Applied and Industrial Sciences, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - Ahmed Mohammed
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan
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25
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Elsallab M, Maus MV. Expanding access to CAR T cell therapies through local manufacturing. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1698-1708. [PMID: 37884746 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01981-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are changing the therapeutic landscape for hematological malignancies. To date, all six CAR T cell products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are autologous and centrally manufactured. As the numbers of approved products and indications continue to grow, new strategies to increase cell-manufacturing capacity are urgently needed to ensure patient access. Distributed manufacturing at the point of care or at other local manufacturing sites would go a long way toward meeting the rising demand. To ensure successful implementation, it is imperative to harness novel technologies to achieve uniform product quality across geographically dispersed facilities. This includes the use of automated cell-production systems, in-line sensors and process simulation for enhanced quality control and efficient supply chain management. A comprehensive effort to understand the critical quality attributes of CAR T cells would enable better definition of widely attainable release criteria. To supplement oversight by national regulatory agencies, we recommend expansion of the role of accreditation bodies. Moreover, regulatory standards may need to be amended to accommodate the unique characteristics of distributed manufacturing models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdi Elsallab
- Harvard-MIT Center for Regulatory Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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26
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Miliotou AN, Georgiou-Siafis SK, Ntenti C, Pappas IS, Papadopoulou LC. Recruiting In Vitro Transcribed mRNA against Cancer Immunotherapy: A Contemporary Appraisal of the Current Landscape. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9181-9214. [PMID: 37998753 PMCID: PMC10670245 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110576] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 100 innovative in vitro transcribed (IVT)-mRNAs are presently undergoing clinical trials, with a projected substantial impact on the pharmaceutical market in the near future. Τhe idea behind this is that after the successful cellular internalization of IVT-mRNAs, they are subsequently translated into proteins with therapeutic or prophylactic relevance. Simultaneously, cancer immunotherapy employs diverse strategies to mobilize the immune system in the battle against cancer. Therefore, in this review, the fundamental principles of IVT-mRNA to its recruitment in cancer immunotherapy, are discussed and analyzed. More specifically, this review paper focuses on the development of mRNA vaccines, the exploitation of neoantigens, as well as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cells, showcasing their clinical applications and the ongoing trials for the development of next-generation immunotherapeutics. Furthermore, this study investigates the synergistic potential of combining the CAR immunotherapy and the IVT-mRNAs by introducing our research group novel, patented delivery method that utilizes the Protein Transduction Domain (PTD) technology to transduce the IVT-mRNAs encoding the CAR of interest into the Natural Killer (NK)-92 cells, highlighting the potential for enhancing the CAR NK cell potency, efficiency, and bioenergetics. While IVT-mRNA technology brings exciting progress to cancer immunotherapy, several challenges and limitations must be acknowledged, such as safety, toxicity, and delivery issues. This comprehensive exploration of IVT-mRNA technology, in line with its applications in cancer therapeutics, offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges in the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy, setting the stage for future advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androulla N. Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- Department of Health Sciences, KES College, 1055 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sofia K. Georgiou-Siafis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Charikleia Ntenti
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- 1st Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S. Pappas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Lefkothea C. Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
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27
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Zhang S, Wang Y, Mao D, Wang Y, Zhang H, Pan Y, Wang Y, Teng S, Huang P. Current trends of clinical trials involving CRISPR/Cas systems. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1292452. [PMID: 38020120 PMCID: PMC10666174 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1292452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful genome editing tool that has made enormous impacts on next-generation molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, especially for genetic disorders that traditional therapies cannot cure. Currently, CRISPR-based gene editing is widely applied in basic, preclinical, and clinical studies. In this review, we attempt to identify trends in clinical studies involving CRISPR techniques to gain insights into the improvement and contribution of CRISPR/Cas technologies compared to traditional modified modalities. The review of clinical trials is focused on the applications of the CRISPR/Cas systems in the treatment of cancer, hematological, endocrine, and immune system diseases, as well as in diagnostics. The scientific basis underlined is analyzed. In addition, the challenges of CRISPR application in disease therapies and recent advances that expand and improve CRISPR applications in precision medicine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dezhi Mao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yihan Pan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuezeng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuzhi Teng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ping Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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28
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Zhou X, Renauer PA, Zhou L, Fang SY, Chen S. Applications of CRISPR technology in cellular immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:199-216. [PMID: 37449673 PMCID: PMC10787818 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR technology has transformed multiple fields, including cancer and immunology. CRISPR-based gene editing and screening empowers direct genomic manipulation of immune cells, opening doors to unbiased functional genetic screens. These screens aid in the discovery of novel factors that regulate and reprogram immune responses, offering novel drug targets. The engineering of immune cells using CRISPR has sparked a transformation in the cellular immunotherapy field, resulting in a multitude of ongoing clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the development and applications of CRISPR and related gene editing technologies in immune cells, focusing on functional genomics screening, gene editing-based cell therapies, as well as future directions in this rapidly advancing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul A. Renauer
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Liqun Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shao-Yu Fang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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29
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Callahan C, Haas L, Smith L. CAR-T cells for pediatric malignancies: Past, present, future and nursing implications. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2023; 10:100281. [PMID: 38023730 PMCID: PMC10661550 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100281] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment landscape for pediatric cancers over the last 11 years has undergone a dramatic change, especially with relapsed and refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), due to the introduction of chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy. Because of the success of CAR-T cell therapy in patients with relapsed and refractory B-cell ALL, this promising therapy is undergoing trials in multiple other pediatric malignancies. This article will focus on the introduction of CAR-T cell therapy in pediatric B-cell ALL and discuss past and current trials. We will also discuss trials for CAR-T cell therapy in other pediatric malignancies. This information was gathered through a comprehensive literature review along with using first hand institutional experience. Due to the potential severe toxicities related to CAR-T cell therapy, safe practices and monitoring are key. These authors demonstrate that nurses have a profound responsibility in preparing and caring for patients and families, monitoring and managing side effects in these patients, ensuring that study guidelines are followed, and providing continuity for patients, families, and referring providers. Education of nurses is crucial for improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Callahan
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Lauren Haas
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Laura Smith
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
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30
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Nakamura S, Morohoshi K, Inada E, Sato Y, Watanabe S, Saitoh I, Sato M. Recent Advances in In Vivo Somatic Cell Gene Modification in Newborn Pups. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15301. [PMID: 37894981 PMCID: PMC10607593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015301] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline manipulation at the zygote stage using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been extensively employed for creating genetically modified animals and maintaining established lines. However, this approach requires a long and laborious task. Recently, many researchers have attempted to overcome these limitations by generating somatic mutations in the adult stage through tail vein injection or local administration of CRISPR reagents, as a new strategy called "in vivo somatic cell genome editing". This approach does not require manipulation of early embryos or strain maintenance, and it can test the results of genome editing in a short period. The newborn is an ideal stage to perform in vivo somatic cell genome editing because it is immune-privileged, easily accessible, and only a small amount of CRISPR reagents is required to achieve somatic cell genome editing throughout the entire body, owing to its small size. In this review, we summarize in vivo genome engineering strategies that have been successfully demonstrated in newborns. We also report successful in vivo genome editing through the neonatal introduction of genome editing reagents into various sites in newborns (as exemplified by intravenous injection via the facial vein), which will be helpful for creating models for genetic diseases or treating many genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Kazunori Morohoshi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Emi Inada
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Yoko Sato
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka 420-0881, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba 305-0901, Japan;
| | - Issei Saitoh
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho 501-0296, Japan;
| | - Masahiro Sato
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
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31
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Khlidj Y. What did CRISPR-Cas9 accomplish in its first 10 years? Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2023; 33:030601. [PMID: 37545694 PMCID: PMC10373057 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2023.030601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It's been 10 years now from the debut of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) era in which gene engineering has never been so accessible, precise and efficient. This technology, like a refined surgical procedure, has offered the ability of removing different types of disease causing mutations and restoring key proteins activity with ease of outperforming the previous resembling methods: zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 systems can systematically introduce genetic sequences to the specific sites in the human genome allowing to stimulate desired functions such as anti-tumoral and anti-infectious faculties. The present brief review provides an updated resume of CRISPR-Cas9's top achievements from its first appearance to the current date focusing on the breakthrough research including in vitro, in vivo and human studies. This enables the evaluation of the previous phase 'the proof-of-concept phase' and marks the beginning of the next phase which will probably bring a spate of clinical trials.
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32
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Almaeen AH, Abouelkheir M. CAR T-Cells in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Current Status and Future Prospects. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2693. [PMID: 37893067 PMCID: PMC10604728 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102693] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The currently available treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is mainly dependent on the combination of chemotherapy, steroids, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, refractoriness and relapse (R/R) after initial complete remission may reach up to 20% in pediatrics. This percentage may even reach 60% in adults. To overcome R/R, a new therapeutic approach was developed using what is called chimeric antigen receptor-modified (CAR) T-cell therapy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has so far approved four CAR T-cells for the treatment of ALL. Using this new therapeutic strategy has shown a remarkable success in treating R/R ALL. However, the use of CAR T-cells is expensive, has many imitations, and is associated with some adverse effects. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) are two common examples of these adverse effects. Moreover, R/R to CAR T-cell therapy can take place during treatment. Continuous development of this therapeutic strategy is ongoing to overcome these limitations and adverse effects. The present article overviews the use of CAR T-cell in the treatment of ALL, summarizing the results of relevant clinical trials and discussing future prospects intended to improve the efficacy of this therapeutic strategy and overcome its limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman H. Almaeen
- Department of Pathology, Pathology Division, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohamed Abouelkheir
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Chiesa R, Georgiadis C, Syed F, Zhan H, Etuk A, Gkazi SA, Preece R, Ottaviano G, Braybrook T, Chu J, Kubat A, Adams S, Thomas R, Gilmour K, O'Connor D, Vora A, Qasim W. Base-Edited CAR7 T Cells for Relapsed T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:899-910. [PMID: 37314354 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2300709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytidine deamination that is guided by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) can mediate a highly precise conversion of one nucleotide into another - specifically, cytosine to thymine - without generating breaks in DNA. Thus, genes can be base-edited and rendered inactive without inducing translocations and other chromosomal aberrations. The use of this technique in patients with relapsed childhood T-cell leukemia is being investigated. METHODS We used base editing to generate universal, off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Healthy volunteer donor T cells were transduced with the use of a lentivirus to express a CAR with specificity for CD7 (CAR7), a protein that is expressed in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We then used base editing to inactivate three genes encoding CD52 and CD7 receptors and the β chain of the αβ T-cell receptor to evade lymphodepleting serotherapy, CAR7 T-cell fratricide, and graft-versus-host disease, respectively. We investigated the safety of these edited cells in three children with relapsed leukemia. RESULTS The first patient, a 13-year-old girl who had relapsed T-cell ALL after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation, had molecular remission within 28 days after infusion of a single dose of base-edited CAR7 (BE-CAR7). She then received a reduced-intensity (nonmyeloablative) allogeneic stem-cell transplant from her original donor, with successful immunologic reconstitution and ongoing leukemic remission. BE-CAR7 cells from the same bank showed potent activity in two other patients, and although fatal fungal complications developed in one patient, the other patient underwent allogeneic stem-cell transplantation while in remission. Serious adverse events included cytokine release syndrome, multilineage cytopenia, and opportunistic infections. CONCLUSIONS The interim results of this phase 1 study support further investigation of base-edited T cells for patients with relapsed leukemia and indicate the anticipated risks of immunotherapy-related complications. (Funded by the Medical Research Council and others; ISRCTN number, ISRCTN15323014.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Chiesa
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Christos Georgiadis
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Farhatullah Syed
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Hong Zhan
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Annie Etuk
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Soragia Athina Gkazi
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Roland Preece
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Giorgio Ottaviano
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Toni Braybrook
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Jan Chu
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Agnieszka Kubat
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Stuart Adams
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Rebecca Thomas
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Kimberly Gilmour
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - David O'Connor
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Ajay Vora
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
| | - Waseem Qasim
- From Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (R.C., G.O., T.B., J.C., S.A., R.T., K.G., D.O., A.V., W.Q.) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (C.G., F.S., H.Z., A.E., S.A.G., R.P., A.K., W.Q.) - both in London
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Nasrullah M, Meenakshi Sundaram DN, Claerhout J, Ha K, Demirkaya E, Uludag H. Nanoparticles and cytokine response. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1243651. [PMID: 37701495 PMCID: PMC10493271 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1243651] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) are non-viral equivalents of viral gene delivery systems that are actively explored to deliver a spectrum of nucleic acids for diverse range of therapies. The success of the nanoparticulate delivery systems, in the form of efficacy and safety, depends on various factors related to the physicochemical features of the NPs, as well as their ability to remain "stealth" in the host environment. The initial cytokine response upon exposure to nucleic acid bearing NPs is a critical component of the host response and, unless desired, should be minimized to prevent the unintended consequences of NP administration. In this review article, we will summarize the most recent literature on cytokine responses to nanoparticulate delivery systems and identify the main factors affecting this response. The NP features responsible for eliciting the cytokine response are articulated along with other factors related to the mode of therapeutic administration. For diseases arising from altered cytokine pathophysiology, attempts to silence the individual components of cytokine response are summarized in the context of different diseases, and the roles of NP features on this respect are presented. We finish with the authors' perspective on the possibility of engineering NP systems with controlled cytokine responses. This review is intended to sensitize the reader with important issues related to cytokine elicitation of non-viral NPs and the means of controlling them to design improved interventions in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nasrullah
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Jillian Claerhout
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khanh Ha
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Erkan Demirkaya
- Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Hasan Uludag
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Zhang P, Zhang G, Wan X. Challenges and new technologies in adoptive cell therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:97. [PMID: 37596653 PMCID: PMC10439661 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapies (ACTs) have existed for decades. From the initial infusion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to the subsequent specific enhanced T cell receptor (TCR)-T and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies, many novel strategies for cancer treatment have been developed. Owing to its promising outcomes, CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized the field of ACTs, particularly for hematologic malignancies. Despite these advances, CAR-T cell therapy still has limitations in both autologous and allogeneic settings, including practicality and toxicity issues. To overcome these challenges, researchers have focused on the application of CAR engineering technology to other types of immune cell engineering. Consequently, several new cell therapies based on CAR technology have been developed, including CAR-NK, CAR-macrophage, CAR-γδT, and CAR-NKT. In this review, we describe the development, advantages, and possible challenges of the aforementioned ACTs and discuss current strategies aimed at maximizing the therapeutic potential of ACTs. We also provide an overview of the various gene transduction strategies employed in immunotherapy given their importance in immune cell engineering. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility that strategies capable of creating a positive feedback immune circuit, as healthy immune systems do, could address the flaw of a single type of ACT, and thus serve as key players in future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Guizhong Zhang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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Qureshi A, Connolly JB. Bioinformatic and literature assessment of toxicity and allergenicity of a CRISPR-Cas9 engineered gene drive to control Anopheles gambiae the mosquito vector of human malaria. Malar J 2023; 22:234. [PMID: 37580703 PMCID: PMC10426224 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04665-5] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population suppression gene drive is currently being evaluated, including via environmental risk assessment (ERA), for malaria vector control. One such gene drive involves the dsxFCRISPRh transgene encoding (i) hCas9 endonuclease, (ii) T1 guide RNA (gRNA) targeting the doublesex locus, and (iii) DsRed fluorescent marker protein, in genetically-modified mosquitoes (GMMs). Problem formulation, the first stage of ERA, for environmental releases of dsxFCRISPRh previously identified nine potential harms to the environment or health that could occur, should expressed products of the transgene cause allergenicity or toxicity. METHODS Amino acid sequences of hCas9 and DsRed were interrogated against those of toxins or allergens from NCBI, UniProt, COMPARE and AllergenOnline bioinformatic databases and the gRNA was compared with microRNAs from the miRBase database for potential impacts on gene expression associated with toxicity or allergenicity. PubMed was also searched for any evidence of toxicity or allergenicity of Cas9 or DsRed, or of the donor organisms from which these products were originally derived. RESULTS While Cas9 nuclease activity can be toxic to some cell types in vitro and hCas9 was found to share homology with the prokaryotic toxin VapC, there was no evidence from previous studies of a risk of toxicity to humans and other animals from hCas9. Although hCas9 did contain an 8-mer epitope found in the latex allergen Hev b 9, the full amino acid sequence of hCas9 was not homologous to any known allergens. Combined with a lack of evidence in the literature of Cas9 allergenicity, this indicated negligible risk to humans of allergenicity from hCas9. No matches were found between the gRNA and microRNAs from either Anopheles or humans. Moreover, potential exposure to dsxFCRISPRh transgenic proteins from environmental releases was assessed as negligible. CONCLUSIONS Bioinformatic and literature assessments found no convincing evidence to suggest that transgenic products expressed from dsxFCRISPRh were allergens or toxins, indicating that environmental releases of this population suppression gene drive for malaria vector control should not result in any increased allergenicity or toxicity in humans or animals. These results should also inform evaluations of other GMMs being developed for vector control and in vivo clinical applications of CRISPR-Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alima Qureshi
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK
| | - John B Connolly
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, UK.
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Wei W, Chen ZN, Wang K. CRISPR/Cas9: A Powerful Strategy to Improve CAR-T Cell Persistence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12317. [PMID: 37569693 PMCID: PMC10418799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As an emerging treatment strategy for malignant tumors, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has been widely used in clinical practice, and its efficacy has been markedly improved in the past decade. However, the clinical effect of CAR-T therapy is not so satisfying, especially in solid tumors. Even in hematologic malignancies, a proportion of patients eventually relapse after receiving CAR-T cell infusions, owing to the poor expansion and persistence of CAR-T cells. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has provided an effective approach to promoting the proliferation and persistence of CAR-T cells in the body. This technology has been utilized in CAR-T cells to generate a memory phenotype, reduce exhaustion, and screen new targets to improve the anti-tumor potential. In this review, we aim to describe the major causes limiting the persistence of CAR-T cells in patients and discuss the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in promoting CAR-T cell persistence and its anti-tumor function. Finally, we investigate clinical trials for CRISPR/Cas9-engineered CAR-T cells for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhi-Nan Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China;
| | - Ke Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China;
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Guo C, Yu C, Gao W, Ren D, Zhang Y, Zheng P. A novel classifier combining G protein-coupled receptors and the tumor microenvironment is associated with survival status in glioblastoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1093263. [PMID: 37560473 PMCID: PMC10407249 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1093263] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have highlighted the crucial role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling and their correlation with tumor progression. However, the association between GPCRs and the TME in glioblastoma (GBM) remains largely unexplored. Methods: In this study, we investigated the expression profile of GPCRs in GBM using integrated data from single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk sequencing. Surgical samples obtained from meningioma and GBM patients underwent single-cell RNA sequencing to examine GPCR levels and cell-cell interactions. Tumor microenvironment (TME) score is calculated by the infiltrated immune cells with CIBERSORT. Results: Our findings revealed a predominantly increased expression of GPCRs in GBM, and demonstrated that the classification of GPCRs and TME is an independent risk factor in GBM. Patients with high GPCR expression in the tumor tissue and low TME score exhibited the worst outcomes, suggesting a potentially aggressive tumor phenotype. On the other hand, patients with low GPCR expression in the tumor tissue and high TME score showed significantly better outcomes, indicating a potentially more favorable tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the study found that T cells with high GPCR levels displayed extensive cell-cell connections with other tumor and immune cells in the single cell RNA analysis, indicating their potential involvement in immune escape. Conclusion: In conclusion, GPCRs in combination with TME classification can serve as prognostic markers for GBM. GPCRs play an essential role in tumor progression and the TME in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Weizhen Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dabin Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yisong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Lv Z, Luo F, Chu Y. Strategies for overcoming bottlenecks in allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1199145. [PMID: 37554322 PMCID: PMC10405079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a revolutionary breakthrough in immunotherapy and has made impressive progress in both preclinical and clinical studies. However, autologous CAR-T cells still have notable drawbacks in clinical manufacture, such as long production time, variable cell potency and possible manufacturing failures. Allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy is significantly superior to autologous CAR-T cell therapy in these aspects. The use of allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy may provide simplified manufacturing process and allow the creation of 'off-the-shelf' products, facilitating the treatments of various types of tumors at less delivery time. Nevertheless, severe graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or host-mediated allorejection may occur in the allogeneic setting, implying that addressing these two critical issues is urgent for the clinical application of allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize the current approaches to overcome GvHD and host rejection, which empower allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy with a broader future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Lv
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Luo
- Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Chu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Qian D, Li J, Huang M, Cui Q, Liu X, Sun K. Dendritic cell vaccines in breast cancer: Immune modulation and immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114685. [PMID: 37058818 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, the efficacy and side effects of traditional treatment methods are still unsatisfactory. In recent years, immunotherapy including tumor vaccine has achieved great success in the treatment of BC. Dendritic cells (DCs) are multifunctional antigen-presenting cells that play an important role in the initiation and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Numerous studies have shown that DC-based treatments might have a potential effect on BC. Among them, the clinical study of DC vaccine in BC has demonstrated considerable anti-tumor effect, and some DC vaccines have entered the stage of clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the immunomodulatory effects and related mechanisms of DC vaccine in breast cancer as well as the progress of clinical trials to propose possible challenges of DC vaccines and new development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Qian
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery-Hand Surgery, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changshu 215500, China
| | - Jialu Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu 215500, China
| | - Mingyao Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Qiuxia Cui
- Department of Breast Surgery, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu 215500, China.
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Kailv Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changshu 215500, China.
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Bhokisham N, Laudermilch E, Traeger LL, Bonilla TD, Ruiz-Estevez M, Becker JR. CRISPR-Cas System: The Current and Emerging Translational Landscape. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081103. [PMID: 37190012 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas technology has rapidly changed life science research and human medicine. The ability to add, remove, or edit human DNA sequences has transformative potential for treating congenital and acquired human diseases. The timely maturation of the cell and gene therapy ecosystem and its seamless integration with CRISPR-Cas technologies has enabled the development of therapies that could potentially cure not only monogenic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and muscular dystrophy, but also complex heterogenous diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Here, we review the current landscape of clinical trials involving the use of various CRISPR-Cas systems as therapeutics for human diseases, discuss challenges, and explore new CRISPR-Cas-based tools such as base editing, prime editing, CRISPR-based transcriptional regulation, CRISPR-based epigenome editing, and RNA editing, each promising new functionality and broadening therapeutic potential. Finally, we discuss how the CRISPR-Cas system is being used to understand the biology of human diseases through the generation of large animal disease models used for preclinical testing of emerging therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ethan Laudermilch
- Corporate Research Material Labs, 3M Center, 3M Company, Maplewood, MN 55144, USA
| | - Lindsay L Traeger
- Corporate Research Material Labs, 3M Center, 3M Company, Maplewood, MN 55144, USA
| | - Tonya D Bonilla
- Corporate Research Material Labs, 3M Center, 3M Company, Maplewood, MN 55144, USA
| | | | - Jordan R Becker
- Corporate Research Material Labs, 3M Center, 3M Company, Maplewood, MN 55144, USA
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Yang L, Li H, Han Y, Song Y, Wei M, Fang M, Sun Y. CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing System Can Alter Gene Expression and Induce DNA Damage Accumulation. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040806. [PMID: 37107564 PMCID: PMC10138046 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and the associated protein (Cas) gene editing can induce P53 activation, large genome fragment deletions, and chromosomal structural variations. Here, gene expression was detected in host cells using transcriptome sequencing following CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. We found that the gene editing reshaped the gene expression, and the number of differentially expressed genes was correlated with the gene editing efficiency. Moreover, we found that alternative splicing occurred at random sites and that targeting a single site for gene editing may not result in the formation of fusion genes. Further, gene ontology and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that gene editing altered the fundamental biological processes and pathways associated with diseases. Finally, we found that cell growth was not affected; however, the DNA damage response protein—γH2AX—was activated. This study revealed that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing may induce cancer-related changes and provided basic data for research on the safety risks associated with the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
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Papaioannou NY, Patsali P, Naiisseh B, Papasavva PL, Koniali L, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, Christou S, Sitarou M, Mussolino C, Cathomen T, Kleanthous M, Lederer CW. High-efficiency editing in hematopoietic stem cells and the HUDEP-2 cell line based on in vitro mRNA synthesis. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1141618. [PMID: 36969374 PMCID: PMC10030607 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1141618] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas, TALE nucleases and, more recently, double-strand-break-independent editors, have been successfully used for gene therapy and reverse genetics. Among various challenges in the field, tolerable and efficient delivery of editors to target cells and sites, as well as independence from commercially available tools for flexibility and fast adoption of new editing technology are the most pressing. For many hematopoietic research applications, primary CD34+ cells and the human umbilical cord-derived progenitor erythroid 2 (HUDEP-2) cell line are highly informative substrates and readily accessible for in vitro manipulation. Moreover, ex vivo editing of CD34+ cells has immediate therapeutic relevance. Both cell types are sensitive to standard transfection procedures and reagents, such as lipofection with plasmid DNA, calling for more suitable methodology in order to achieve high efficiency and tolerability of editing with editors of choice. These challenges can be addressed by RNA delivery, either as a mixture of guide RNA and mRNA for CRISRP/Cas-based systems or as a mixture of mRNAs for TALENs. Compared to ribonucleoproteins or proteins, RNA as vector creates flexibility by removing dependence on commercial availability or laborious in-house preparations of novel editor proteins. Compared to DNA, RNA is less toxic and by obviating nuclear transcription and export of mRNA offers faster kinetics and higher editing efficiencies. Methods: Here, we detail an in vitro transcription protocol based on plasmid DNA templates with the addition of Anti-Reverse Cap Analog (ARCA) using T7 RNA polymerase, and poly (A) tailing using poly (A) polymerase, combined with nucleofection of HUDEP-2 and patient-derived CD34+ cells. Our protocol for RNA-based delivery employs widely available reagents and equipment and can easily be adopted for universal in vitro delivery of genome editing tools. Results and Discussion: Drawing on a common use case, we employ the protocol to target a β-globin mutation and to reactivate γ-globin expression as two potential therapies for β-hemoglobinopathies, followed by erythroid differentiation and functional analyses. Our protocol allows high editing efficiencies and unimpaired cell viability and differentiation, with scalability, suitability for functional assessment of editing outcomes and high flexibility in the application to different editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Y. Papaioannou
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Petros Patsali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Basma Naiisseh
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panayiota L. Papasavva
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Lola Koniali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Research and Development Department, Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Soteroula Christou
- Thalassaemia Centre, State Health Services Organisation of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Sitarou
- Thalassaemia Centre, State Health Services Organisation of Cyprus, Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Claudio Mussolino
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Qasim W. Genome-edited allogeneic donor "universal" chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Blood 2023; 141:835-845. [PMID: 36223560 PMCID: PMC10651779 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
αβ T cell receptor (TCRαβ) T cells modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), are now available as authorized therapies for certain B-cell malignancies. However the process of autologous harvest and generation of patient-specific products is costly, with complex logistics and infrastructure requirements. Premanufactured banks of allogeneic donor-derived CAR T cells could help widen applicability if the challenges of HLA-mismatched T-cell therapy can be addressed. Genome editing is being applied to overcome allogeneic barriers, most notably, by disrupting TCRαβ to prevent graft-versus-host disease, and multiple competing editing technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9 and base editing, have reached clinical phase testing. Improvements in accuracy and efficiency have unlocked applications for a wider range of blood malignancies, with multiplexed editing incorporated to target HLA molecules, shared antigens and checkpoint pathways. Clinical trials will help establish safety profiles and determine the durability of responses as well as the role of consolidation with allogeneic transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Qasim
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research, London, United Kingdom
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Brudno JN, Kochenderfer JN. Off-the-shelf CAR T cells for multiple myeloma. Nat Med 2023; 29:303-304. [PMID: 36690813 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02195-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Brudno
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - James N Kochenderfer
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Off-the-shelf T cells deliver remissions for certain kinds of leukemia. Cancer 2023; 129:332. [PMID: 36602938 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Spotlight on CYP4B1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032038. [PMID: 36768362 PMCID: PMC9916508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032038] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP4B1 can bioactivate a wide range of xenobiotics, such as its defining/hallmark substrate 4-ipomeanol leading to tissue-specific toxicities. Similar to other members of the CYP4 family, CYP4B1 has the ability to hydroxylate fatty acids and fatty alcohols. Structural insights into the enigmatic role of CYP4B1 with functions in both, xenobiotic and endobiotic metabolism, as well as its unusual heme-binding characteristics are now possible by the recently solved crystal structures of native rabbit CYP4B1 and the p.E310A variant. Importantly, CYP4B1 does not play a major role in hepatic P450-catalyzed phase I drug metabolism due to its predominant extra-hepatic expression, mainly in the lung. In addition, no catalytic activity of human CYP4B1 has been observed owing to a unique substitution of an evolutionary strongly conserved proline 427 to serine. Nevertheless, association of CYP4B1 expression patterns with various cancers and potential roles in cancer development have been reported for the human enzyme. This review will summarize the current status of CYP4B1 research with a spotlight on its roles in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds, structural properties, and cancer association, as well as its potential application in suicide gene approaches for targeted cancer therapy.
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Rothemejer FH, Lauritsen NP, Juhl AK, Schleimann MH, König S, Søgaard OS, Bak RO, Tolstrup M. Development of HIV-Resistant CAR T Cells by CRISPR/Cas-Mediated CAR Integration into the CCR5 Locus. Viruses 2023; 15:202. [PMID: 36680242 PMCID: PMC9862650 DOI: 10.3390/v15010202] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has been highly successful in treating B cell malignancies and holds great potential as a curative strategy for HIV infection. Recent advances in the use of anti-HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have provided vital information for optimal antigen targeting of CAR T cells. However, CD4+ CAR T cells are susceptible to HIV infection, limiting their therapeutic potential. In the current study, we engineered HIV-resistant CAR T cells using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated integration of a CAR cassette into the CCR5 locus. We used a single chain variable fragment (scFv) of the clinically potent bNAb 10-1074 as the antigen-targeting domain in our anti-HIV CAR T cells. Our anti-HIV CAR T cells showed specific lysis of HIV-infected cells in vitro. In a PBMC humanized mouse model of HIV infection, the anti-HIV CAR T cells expanded and transiently limited HIV infection. In conclusion, this study provides proof-of-concept for developing HIV-resistant CAR T cells using CRISPR/Cas9 targeted integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Holm Rothemejer
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna Pi Lauritsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna Karina Juhl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mariane Høgsbjerg Schleimann
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Saskia König
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Schmeltz Søgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rasmus O. Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martin Tolstrup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
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Cockey JR, Leifer CA. Racing CARs to veterinary immuno-oncology. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1130182. [PMID: 36876006 PMCID: PMC9982037 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1130182] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have demonstrated remarkable promise in human oncology over the past two decades, yet similar strategies in veterinary medicine are still in development. CARs are synthetically engineered proteins comprised of a specific antigen-binding single chain variable fragment (ScFv) fused to the signaling domain of a T cell receptor and co-receptors. Patient T cells engineered to express a CAR are directed to recognize and kill target cells, most commonly hematological malignancies. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved multiple human CAR T therapies, but translation of these therapies into veterinary medicine faces many challenges. In this review, we discuss considerations for veterinary use including CAR design and cell carrier choice, and discuss the future promise of translating CAR therapy into veterinary oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Cockey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Cynthia A Leifer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Howley E, Davies EG, Kreins AY. Congenital Athymia: Unmet Needs and Practical Guidance. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2023; 19:239-254. [PMID: 36935770 PMCID: PMC10022451 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s379673] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function which are associated with congenital athymia result in life-threatening immunodeficiency with susceptibility to infections and autoimmunity. Athymic patients can be treated by thymus transplantation using cultured donor thymus tissue. Outcomes in patients treated at Duke University Medical Center and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) over the past three decades have shown that sufficient T-cell immunity can be recovered to clear and prevent infections, but post-treatment autoimmune manifestations are relatively common. Whilst thymus transplantation offers the chance of long-term survival, significant challenges remain to optimise the outcomes for the patients. In this review, we will discuss unmet needs and offer practical guidance based on the experience of the European Thymus Transplantation programme at GOSH. Newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and routine use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have improved early recognition of congenital athymia and increasing numbers of patients are being referred for thymus transplantation. Nevertheless, there remain delays in diagnosis, in particular when the cause is genetically undefined, and treatment accessibility needs to be improved. The majority of athymic patients have syndromic features with acute and chronic complex health issues, requiring life-long multidisciplinary and multicentre collaboration to optimise their medical and social care. Comprehensive follow up after thymus transplantation including monitoring of immunological results, management of co-morbidities and patient and family quality-of-life experience, is vital to understanding long-term outcomes for this rare cohort of patients. Alongside translational research into improving strategies for thymus replacement therapy, patient-focused clinical research will facilitate the design of strategies to improve the overall care for athymic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evey Howley
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - E Graham Davies
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Y Kreins
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, University College London, London, UK
- Correspondence: Alexandra Y Kreins, Email
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