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Ren Z, Zhang X, Fu YX. Facts and Hopes on Chimeric Cytokine Agents for Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2025-2038. [PMID: 38190116 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1160] [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] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are key mediators of immune responses that can modulate the antitumor activity of immune cells. Cytokines have been explored as a promising cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several challenges to cytokine therapy, especially a lack of tumor targeting, resulting in high toxicity and limited efficacy. To overcome these limitations, novel approaches have been developed to engineer cytokines with improved properties, such as chimeric cytokines. Chimeric cytokines are fusion proteins that combine different cytokine domains or link cytokines to antibodies (immunocytokines) or other molecules that can target specific receptors or cells. Chimeric cytokines can enhance the selectivity and stability of cytokines, leading to reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. In this review, we focus on two promising cytokines, IL2 and IL15, and summarize the current advances and challenges of chimeric cytokine design and application for cancer immunotherapy. Most of the current approaches focus on increasing the potency of cytokines, but another important goal is to reduce toxicity. Cytokine engineering is promising for cancer immunotherapy as it can enhance tumor targeting while minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuhao Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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2
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Gellert J, Jäkel A, Danielczyk A, Goletz C, Lischke T, Flechner A, Dix L, Günzl A, Kehler P. GT-00AxIL15, a Novel Tumor-Targeted IL-15-Based Immunocytokine for the Treatment of TA-MUC1-Positive Solid Tumors: Preclinical In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacodynamics and Biodistribution Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1406. [PMID: 38338686 PMCID: PMC10855649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031406] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
GT-00AxIL15 is a novel interleukin-15-based immunocytokine targeting a tumor-specific, glycosylated epitope of MUC1 (TA-MUC1). We characterized mode of action, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties and investigated the relevance of TA-MUC1 binding for the concept of delivering IL-15 to solid tumors. In vitro pharmacology was analyzed in binding and cell-based assays. The in vivo PK profile and IL-15-mediated PD effects of GT-00AxIL15 were investigated in tumor-free mice. Tumor accumulation, immune infiltration and anti-tumor activity were assessed in TA-MUC1+ syngeneic and xenogeneic murine tumor models. GT-00AxIL15 was shown to specifically bind TA-MUC1 on tumor cells via its mAb moiety, to IL-15 receptors on immune cells via its IL-15 fusion modules and to FcγRs via its functional Fc-part. In vitro, NK, NKT and CD8+ T cells were activated and proliferated, leading to anti-tumor cytotoxicity and synergism with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediating mAbs. In vivo, GT-00AxIL15 exhibited favorable PK characteristics with a serum half-life of 13 days and specifically accumulated in TA-MUC1+ tumors. In the tumor microenvironment, GT-00AxIL15 induced robust immune activation and expansion and mediated anti-metastatic and anti-tumor effects in syngeneic and xenograft tumor models. These results support the rationale to improve PK and anti-tumor efficacy of IL-15 by increasing local concentrations at the tumor site via conjugation to a TA-MUC1 binding mAb. The tumor-selective expression pattern of TA-MUC1, powerful immune activation and anti-tumor cytotoxicity, long serum half-life and tumor targeting properties, render GT-00AxIL15 a promising candidate for treatment of solid tumors with high medical need, e.g., ovarian, lung and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Gellert
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Anika Jäkel
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Antje Danielczyk
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Christoph Goletz
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Timo Lischke
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Anke Flechner
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Laura Dix
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | | | - Patrik Kehler
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
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Shakiba Y, Vorobyev PO, Yusubalieva GM, Kochetkov DV, Zajtseva KV, Valikhov MP, Kalsin VA, Zabozlaev FG, Semkina AS, Troitskiy AV, Baklaushev VP, Chumakov PM, Lipatova AV. Oncolytic therapy with recombinant vaccinia viruses targeting the interleukin-15 pathway elicits a synergistic response. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:158-168. [PMID: 37387795 PMCID: PMC10300409 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed recombinant variants of oncolytic vaccinia virus LIVP strain expressing interleukin-15 (IL-15) or its receptor subunit alpha (IL-15Rα) to stimulate IL-15-dependent immune cells. We evaluated their oncolytic activity either alone or in combination with each other in vitro and in vivo using the murine CT26 colon carcinoma and 4T1 breast carcinoma models. We demonstrated that the admixture of these recombinant variants could promote the generation of the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex. In vitro studies indicated that 4T1 breast cancer cells were more susceptible to the developed recombinant viruses. In vivo studies showed significant survival benefits and tumor regression in 4T1 breast cancer syngeneic mice that received a combination of LIVP-IL15-RFP with LIVP-IL15Ra-RFP. Histological analysis showed recruited lymphocytes at the tumor region, while no harmful effects to the liver or spleen of the animals were detected. Evaluating tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes represented profound activation of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages in mice receiving combination therapy. Thus, our experiments showed superior oncolytic effectiveness of simultaneous injection of LIVP-IL15-RFP and LIVP-IL15Ra-RFP in breast cancer-bearing mice. The combined therapy by these recombinant variants represents a potent and versatile approach for developing new immunotherapies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Shakiba
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Pavel O. Vorobyev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gaukhar M. Yusubalieva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, FMBA of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry V. Kochetkov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ksenia V. Zajtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marat P. Valikhov
- Department of Neurobiology, Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Kalsin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Fedor G. Zabozlaev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alevtina S. Semkina
- Department of Neurobiology, Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Troitskiy
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, FMBA of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Peter M. Chumakov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia V. Lipatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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4
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Shakiba Y, Vorobyev PO, Mahmoud M, Hamad A, Kochetkov DV, Yusubalieva GM, Baklaushev VP, Chumakov PM, Lipatova AV. Recombinant Strains of Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus for Cancer Immunotherapy. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:823-841. [PMID: 37748878 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792306010x] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer virotherapy is an alternative therapeutic approach based on the viruses that selectively infect and kill tumor cells. Vaccinia virus (VV) is a member of the Poxviridae, a family of enveloped viruses with a large linear double-stranded DNA genome. The proven safety of the VV strains as well as considerable transgene capacity of the viral genome, make VV an excellent platform for creating recombinant oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy. Furthermore, various genetic modifications can increase tumor selectivity and therapeutic efficacy of VV by arming it with the immune-modulatory genes or proapoptotic molecules, boosting the host immune system, and increasing cross-priming recognition of the tumor cells by T-cells or NK cells. In this review, we summarized the data on bioengineering approaches to develop recombinant VV strains for enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Shakiba
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Pavel O Vorobyev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Marah Mahmoud
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Azzam Hamad
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy V Kochetkov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Gaukhar M Yusubalieva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Federal Research Clinical Center for Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA), Moscow, 115682, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies of the FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Vladimir P Baklaushev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Federal Research Clinical Center for Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA), Moscow, 115682, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies of the FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Peter M Chumakov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Anastasia V Lipatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Dickerson LK, Carter JA, Kohli K, Pillarisetty VG. Emerging interleukin targets in the tumour microenvironment: implications for the treatment of gastrointestinal tumours. Gut 2023:gutjnl-2023-329650. [PMID: 37258094 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of antitumour immunity is dependent on intricate cytokine networks. Interleukins (ILs) are important mediators of complex interactions within the tumour microenvironment, including regulation of tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, migration and activation. Our evolving and increasingly nuanced understanding of the cell type-specific and heterogeneous effects of IL signalling has presented unique opportunities to fine-tune elaborate IL networks and engineer new targeted immunotherapeutics. In this review, we provide a primer for clinicians on the challenges and potential of IL-based treatment. We specifically detail the roles of IL-2, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-15 in shaping the tumour-immune landscape of gastrointestinal malignancies, paying particular attention to promising preclinical findings, early-stage clinical research and innovative therapeutic approaches that may properly place ILs to the forefront of immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason A Carter
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karan Kohli
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Flatiron Bio, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Venu G Pillarisetty
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Mortier E, Maillasson M, Quéméner A. Counteracting Interleukin-15 to Elucidate Its Modes of Action in Physiology and Pathology. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:2-22. [PMID: 36651845 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-15 belongs to the common gamma-dependent cytokine family, along with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-21. IL-15 is crucial for the homeostasis of Natural Killer (NK) and memory CD8 T cells, and to fight against cancer progression. However, dysregulations of IL-15 expression could occur and participate in the emergence of autoimmune inflammatory diseases as well as hematological malignancies. It is therefore important to understand the different modes of action of IL-15 to decrease its harmful action in pathology without affecting its beneficial effects in the immune system. In this review, we present the different approaches used by researchers to inhibit the action of IL-15, from most broad to the most selective. Indeed, it appears that it is important to selectively target the mode of action of the cytokine rather than the cytokine itself as they are involved in numerous biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Mortier
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Mike Maillasson
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Agnès Quéméner
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
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Zhang Y, Jiang W, Luo X. Remifentanil combined with dexmedetomidine on the analgesic effect of breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy and the influence of perioperative T lymphocyte subsets. Front Surg 2022; 9:1016690. [PMID: 36425893 PMCID: PMC9680973 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1016690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the analgesic effect of breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and the influence of perioperative T lymphocyte subsets by remifentanil combined with dexmedetomidine. METHODS 80 breast patients were divided into control group and research group based on the anesthesia protocol. Patients in control group was given remifentanil for anesthesia induction and maintenance, and patients in research group was given remifentanil and dexmedetomidine for anesthesia induction and maintenance. We compared the anesthesia time, operation time, surgical blood loss, postoperative wake-up time, extubation time, incidence of adverse reactions, VAS score and T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood in the two groups of patients. RESULTS The baseline data including age, height, weight and BMI, ASA classification, stage of breast cancer, frequency of neoadjuvant therapy, and surgical characteristics including anesthesia time, operation time and bleeding volume all have no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). Compared to control group, the time of wake up and extubation in patients of research group were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased MBP and HR after loading dose of dexmedetomidine in research group (P < 0.05). The VAS scores of patients at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h after surgery in the research group are all significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Before induction of anesthesia, there was no significant difference in the ratio of CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 1 h during operation and 24 h after operation, the ratio of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ cells in the research group was significantly higher than these of the control group (P < 0.05), while the ratio of CD8+ cells was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION For breast cancer patients undergoing MRM, the use of remifentanil combined with dexmedetomidine can enhance postoperative analgesia and reduce postoperative immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Responsiveness to interleukin-15 therapy is shared between tissue-resident and circulating memory CD8 + T cell subsets. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209021119. [PMID: 36260745 PMCID: PMC9618124 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209021119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is often considered a central regulator of memory CD8+ T cells, based primarily on studies of recirculating subsets. However, recent work identified IL-15-independent CD8+ T cell memory populations, including tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells (TRM) in some nonlymphoid tissues (NLTs). Whether this reflects the existence of IL-15-insensitive memory CD8+ T cells is unclear. We report that IL-15 complexes (IL-15c) stimulate rapid proliferation and expansion of both tissue-resident and circulating memory CD8+ T cell subsets across lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues with varying magnitude by tissue and memory subset, in some sites correlating with differing levels of the IL-2Rβ. This was conserved for memory CD8+ T cells recognizing distinct antigens and elicited by different pathogens. Following IL-15c-induced expansion, divided cells contracted to baseline numbers and only slowly returned to basal proliferation, suggesting a mechanism to transiently amplify memory populations. Through parabiosis, we showed that IL-15c drive local proliferation of TRM, with a degree of recruitment of circulating cells to some NLTs. Hence, irrespective of homeostatic IL-15 dependence, IL-15 sensitivity is a defining feature of memory CD8+ T cell populations, with therapeutic potential for expansion of TRM and other memory subsets in an antigen-agnostic and temporally controlled fashion.
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Infiltration and Significance of CD103+CD8+ T Cells in Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7469041. [PMID: 36119930 PMCID: PMC9481308 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7469041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemical staining is a common technique to study tissue morphology and in situ protein expression. With the rise of immunotherapy, more and more markers in the tumor microenvironment have been discovered. In this paper, the multiplex immunofluorescence staining method was used to stain paraffin sections of 35 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma tissue and 35 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue and its adjacent tissue. The infiltration of CD8+ T cells and CD103+CD8+ T cells in the slices was detected by using the slice scanner to form the map and CaseViewer2.0 software analysis. The experimental results in this paper showed that compared with adjacent tissues, the infiltration degree of CD8+ T cells in gastric adenocarcinoma tissue was significantly lower (Z = 2.244, P = 0.025, P < 0.05), and the infiltration degree of cells was significantly lower (Z = 2.785, P = 0.005, P < 0.05). In gastric adenocarcinoma tissue, the infiltration of CD8+ T cells was correlated with the tumor diameter of gastric adenocarcinoma (P = 0.002). There was a statistically significant difference. The degree of CD103+CD8+ T cell infiltration was related to the survival of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (P = 0.002) and the degree of tumor differentiation (P = 0.004). The infiltration of CD103+CD8+ T cells in gastric cancer tissue and colorectal cancer tissue is related to the survival of patients. CD103+CD8+ T cells are thought to play a role in the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma. Experiments have shown that the more the CD103+CD8+ T cells, the better the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma, so the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma can be improved by increasing CD103+CD8+ T cells.
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Zhang W, Zhang Q, Yang N, Shi Q, Su H, Lin T, He Z, Wang W, Guo H, Shen P. Crosstalk between IL-15Rα + tumor-associated macrophages and breast cancer cells reduces CD8 + T cell recruitment. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:536-557. [PMID: 35615815 PMCID: PMC9198341 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) is a promising immunotherapeutic agent owing to its powerful immune‐activating effects. However, the clinical benefits of these treatments are limited. Crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells plays an important role in immune escape and immunotherapy drug resistance. Herein, this study aimed to obtain in‐depth understanding of crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for providing potential therapeutic strategies to prevent tumor progression. Methods T‐cell killing assays and co‐culture models were developed to determine the role of crosstalk between macrophages and tumor cells in breast cancer resistant to IL‐15. Western blotting, histological analysis, CRISPR‐Cas9 knockout, multi‐parameter flow cytometry, and tumor cell‐macrophage co‐injection mouse models were developed to examine the mechanism by which IL‐15Rα+ tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) regulate breast cancer cell resistance to IL‐15. Results We found that macrophages contributed to the resistance of tumor cells to IL‐15, and tumor cells induced macrophages to express high levels of the α subunit of the IL‐15 receptor (IL‐15Rα). Further investigation showed that IL‐15Rα+ TAMs reduced the protein levels of chemokine CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) in tumor cells to inhibit the recruitment of CD8+ T cells by releasing the IL‐15/IL‐15Rα complex (IL‐15Rc). Administration of an IL‐15Rc blocking peptide markedly suppressed breast tumor growth and overcame the resistance of cancer cells to anti‐ programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) antibody immunotherapy. Interestingly, Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GMCSF) induced γ chain (γc) expression to promote tumor cell‐macrophage crosstalk, which facilitated tumor resistance to IL‐15. Additionally, we observed that the non‐transcriptional regulatory function of hypoxia inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF‐1α) was essential for IL‐15Rc to regulate CX3CL1 expression in tumor cells. Conclusions The IL‐15Rc‐HIF‐1α‐CX3CL1 signaling pathway serves as a crosstalk between macrophages and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Targeting this pathway may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China.,Department of Urology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, P. R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Urology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, P. R. China
| | - Nanfei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Qian Shi
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229-3904, USA
| | - Huifang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Tingsheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, P. R. China
| | - Zhonglei He
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Eircode D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Eircode D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, P. R. China
| | - Pingping Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China.,Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
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Rubinstein MP, Williams C, Mart C, Beall J, MacPherson L, Azar J, Swiderska-Syn M, Manca P, Gibney BC, Robinson MD, Krieg C, Hill EG, Taha SA, Rock AD, Lee JH, Soon-Shiong P, Wrangle J. Phase I Trial Characterizing the Pharmacokinetic Profile of N-803, a Chimeric IL-15 Superagonist, in Healthy Volunteers. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1362-1370. [PMID: 35228263 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The oncotherapeutic promise of IL-15, a potent immunostimulant, is limited by a short serum t 1/2 The fusion protein N-803 is a chimeric IL-15 superagonist that has a >20-fold longer in vivo t 1/2 versus IL-15. This phase 1 study characterized the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and safety of N-803 after s.c. administration to healthy human volunteers. Volunteers received two doses of N-803, and after each dose, PK and safety were assessed for 9 d. The primary endpoint was the N-803 PK profile, the secondary endpoint was safety, and immune cell levels and immunogenicity were measures of interest. Serum N-803 concentrations peaked 4 h after administration and declined with a t 1/2 of ∼20 h. N-803 did not cause treatment-emergent serious adverse events (AEs) or grade ≥3 AEs. Injection site reactions, chills, and pyrexia were the most common AEs. Administration of N-803 was well tolerated and accompanied by proliferation of NK cells and CD8+ T cells and sustained increases in the number of NK cells. Our results suggest that N-803 administration can potentiate antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Rubinstein
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Cameron Williams
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Caroline Mart
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jonathan Beall
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Linda MacPherson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Joseph Azar
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Marzena Swiderska-Syn
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Paolo Manca
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Foundation - National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Barry C Gibney
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Mark D Robinson
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Krieg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Elizabeth G Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | | | | | | | | | - John Wrangle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC;
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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12
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Leem G, Jeon M, Kim KW, Jeong S, Choi SJ, Lee YJ, Kim ES, Lee JI, Ha SY, Park SH, Shim HS, Lee JG, Kang SM, Shin EC. Tumour-infiltrating bystander CD8 + T cells activated by IL-15 contribute to tumour control in non-small cell lung cancer. Thorax 2021; 77:769-780. [PMID: 34853159 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-217001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour-unrelated, virus-specific bystander CD8+ T cells were recently shown to be abundant among tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). However, their roles in tumour immunity have not been elucidated yet. METHODS We studied the characteristics of bystander CD8+ TILs from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues (N=66) and their activation by interleukin (IL)-15 to repurpose them for tumour immunotherapy. RESULTS We show that bystander CD8+ TILs specific to various viruses are present in human NSCLC tissues. We stimulated CD8+ TILs ex vivo using IL-15 without cognate antigens and found that IL-15 treatment upregulated NKG2D expression on CD8+ TILs, resulting in NKG2D-dependent production of interferon (IFN)-γ (p=0.0006). Finally, we tested whether IL-15 treatment can control tumour growth in a murine NSCLC model with or without a history of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection. IL-15 treatment reduced the number of tumour nodules in the lung only in mice with MCMV infection (p=0.0037). We confirmed that MCMV-specific bystander CD8+ TILs produced interferon (IFN)-γ after IL-15 treatment, and that IL-15 treatment in MCMV-infected mice upregulated tumour necrosis factor-α and IFN-γ responsive genes in tumour microenvironment. CONCLUSION Thus, the study demonstrates that bystander CD8+ TILs can be repurposed by IL-15 for tumour immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galam Leem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Minwoo Jeon
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Kun Woo Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seongju Jeong
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seong Jin Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yong Joon Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eui-Soon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jae-Ik Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seung Yeon Ha
- Department of Pathology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Hyo Sup Shim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jin Gu Lee
- Department of Pathology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Shin Myung Kang
- Division of Pulmonology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
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13
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Conlon K, Watson DC, Waldmann TA, Valentin A, Bergamaschi C, Felber BK, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Potter EL, Roederer M, McNeel DG, Thompson JA, Gupta S, Leidner R, Wang-Gillam A, Parikh NS, Long D, Kurtulus S, Ho Lee L, Chowdhury NR, Bender F, Pavlakis GN. Phase I study of single agent NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimeric IL-15 agonist, in adult patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003388. [PMID: 34799399 PMCID: PMC8606766 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NIZ985 is a recombinant heterodimer of physiologically active interleukin (IL-)15 and IL-15 receptor alpha. In preclinical models, NIZ985 promotes cytotoxic lymphocyte proliferation, killing function, and organ/tumor infiltration, with resultant anticancer effects. In this first-in-human study, we assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and immune effects of NIZ985 in patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. Methods Single agent NIZ985 dose escalation data are reported from a phase I dose escalation/expansion study of NIZ985 as monotherapy. Adult patients (N=14) received 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 µg/kg subcutaneous NIZ985 three times weekly (TIW) for the first 2 weeks of each 28-day cycle, in an accelerated 3+3 dose escalation trial design. IL-15 and endogenous cytokines were monitored by ELISA and multiplexed electrochemiluminescent assays. Multiparameter flow cytometry assessed the frequency, phenotype and proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Preliminary antitumor activity was assessed by overall response rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1). Results As of March 2, 2020, median treatment duration was 7.5 weeks (range 1.1–77.1). Thirteen patients had discontinued and one (uveal melanoma) remains on treatment with stable disease. Best clinical response was stable disease (3 of 14 patients; 21%). The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were circular erythematous injection site reactions (100%), chills (71%), fatigue (57%), and fever (50%). Treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs occurred in six participants (43%); treatment-related serious AEs (SAEs) in three (21%). The per-protocol maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Pharmacokinetic accumulation of serum IL-15 in the first week was followed by significantly lower levels in week 2, likely due to more rapid cytokine consumption by an expanding lymphocyte pool. NIZ985 treatment was associated with increases in several cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-18, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, and tumor necrosis factor-β, plus significant induction of cytotoxic lymphocyte proliferation (including natural killer and CD8+ T cells), increased CD16+ monocytes, and increased CD163+ macrophages at injection sites. Conclusions Subcutaneous NIZ985 TIW was generally well tolerated in patients with advanced cancer and produced immune activation paralleling preclinical observations, with induction of IFN-γ and proliferation of cytotoxic lymphocytes. Due to delayed SAEs at the two highest dose levels, administration is being changed to once-weekly in a revised protocol, as monotherapy and combined with checkpoint inhibitor spartalizumab. These alterations are expected to maximize the potential of NIZ985 as a novel immunotherapy. Trial registration number NCT02452268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dionysios C Watson
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - E Lake Potter
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Douglas G McNeel
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Sumati Gupta
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rom Leidner
- Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nehal S Parikh
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Debby Long
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sema Kurtulus
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lang Ho Lee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Florent Bender
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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14
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Do-Thi VA, Lee H, Jeong HJ, Lee JO, Kim YS. Protective and Therapeutic Effects of an IL-15:IL-15Rα-Secreting Cell-Based Cancer Vaccine Using a Baculovirus System. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164039. [PMID: 34439192 PMCID: PMC8394727 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the use of the BacMam system to deliver and express self-assembling IL-15 and IL-15Rα genes to murine B16F10 melanoma and CT26 colon cancer cells. BacMam-based IL-15 and IL-15Rα were well-expressed and assembled to form the biologically functional IL-15:IL-15Rα complex. Immunization with this IL-15:IL-15Rα cancer vaccine delayed tumor growth in mice by inducing effector memory CD4+ and CD8+ cells and effector NK cells which are tumor-infiltrating. It caused strong antitumor immune responses of CD8+ effector cells in a tumor-antigen specific manner both in vitro and in vivo and significantly attenuated Treg cells which a control virus-infected cancer vaccine could induce. Post-treatment with this cancer vaccine after a live cancer cell injection also prominently delayed the growth of the tumor. Collectively, we demonstrate a vaccine platform consisting of BacMam virus-infected B16F10 or CT26 cancer cells that secrete IL-15:IL-15Rα. This study is the first demonstration of a functionally competent soluble IL-15:IL-15Rα complex-related cancer vaccine using a baculovirus system and advocates that the BacMam system can be used as a secure and rapid method of producing a protective and therapeutic cancer vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Anh Do-Thi
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea; (V.A.D.-T.); (H.J.J.)
| | - Hayyoung Lee
- Institute of Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
| | - Hye Jin Jeong
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea; (V.A.D.-T.); (H.J.J.)
| | - Jie-Oh Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea; (V.A.D.-T.); (H.J.J.)
- Correspondence: (J.-O.L.); (Y.S.K.)
| | - Young Sang Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.-O.L.); (Y.S.K.)
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15
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Ma R, Lu T, Li Z, Teng KY, Mansour AG, Yu M, Tian L, Xu B, Ma S, Zhang J, Barr T, Peng Y, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. An Oncolytic Virus Expressing IL15/IL15Rα Combined with Off-the-Shelf EGFR-CAR NK Cells Targets Glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3635-3648. [PMID: 34006525 PMCID: PMC8562586 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
IL15 is a pleiotropic cytokine with multiple roles that improve immune responses to tumor cells. Oncolytic viruses (OV) specifically lyse tumors and activate immune responses. Systemic administration of IL15 or its complex with the IL15Rα and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells are currently being tested in the clinic. Here, we generated a herpes simplex 1-based OV-expressing human IL15/IL15Rα sushi domain fusion protein (named OV-IL15C), as well as off-the-shelf EGFR-CAR NK cells, and studied their monotherapy and combination efficacy in vitro and in multiple glioblastoma (GBM) mouse models. In vitro, soluble IL15/IL15Rα complex was secreted from OV-IL15C-infected GBM cells, which promoted GBM cytotoxicity and improved survival of NK and CD8+ T cells. Frozen, readily available off-the-shelf EGFR-CAR NK cells showed enhanced killing of tumor cells compared with empty vector-transduced NK cells. In vivo, OV-IL15C significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival of GBM-bearing mice in the presence of CD8+ T cells compared with parental OV. OV-IL15C plus EGFR-CAR NK cells synergistically suppressed tumor growth and significantly improved survival compared with either monotherapy, correlating with increased intracranial infiltration and activation of NK and CD8+ T cells and elevated persistence of CAR NK cells in an immunocompetent model. Collectively, OV-IL15C and off-the-shelf EGFR-CAR NK cells represent promising therapeutic strategies for GBM treatment to improve the clinical management of this devastating disease. SIGNIFICANCE: The combination of an oncolytic virus expressing the IL15/IL15Rα complex and frozen, ready-to-use EGFR-CAR NK cells elicits strong antitumor responses in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhenlong Li
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kun-Yu Teng
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anthony G Mansour
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Melissa Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tasha Barr
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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16
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Bergamaschi C, Pandit H, Nagy BA, Stellas D, Jensen SM, Bear J, Cam M, Valentin A, Fox BA, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Heterodimeric IL-15 delays tumor growth and promotes intratumoral CTL and dendritic cell accumulation by a cytokine network involving XCL1, IFN-γ, CXCL9 and CXCL10. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000599. [PMID: 32461349 PMCID: PMC7254133 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes growth and activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and IL-15 receptor alpha chains (hetIL-15). Several preclinical models support the antitumor activity of hetIL-15 promoting its application in clinical trials. METHODS The antitumor activity of hetIL-15 produced from mammalian cells was tested in mouse tumor models (MC38 colon carcinoma and TC-1 epithelial carcinoma). The functional diversity of the immune infiltrate and the cytokine/chemokine network within the tumor was evaluated by flow cytometry, multicolor immunohistochemistry (IHC), gene expression profiling by Nanostring Technologies, and protein analysis by electrochemiluminescence and ELISA assays. RESULTS hetIL-15 treatment resulted in delayed primary tumor growth. Increased NK and CD8+ T cell tumoral infiltration with an increased CD8+/Treg ratio were found by flow cytometry and IHC in hetIL-15 treated animals. Intratumoral NK and CD8+ T cells showed activation features with enhanced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, proliferation (Ki67+), cytotoxic potential (Granzyme B+) and expression of the survival factor Bcl-2. Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses revealed complex effects on the tumor microenvironment triggered by hetIL-15 therapy, including increased levels of IFN-γ and XCL1 with intratumoral accumulation of XCR1+IRF8+CD103+ conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1). Concomitantly, the production of the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 by tumor-localized myeloid cells, including cDC1, was boosted by hetIL-15 in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. An increased frequency of circulating CXCR3+ NK and CD8+ T cells was found, suggesting their ability to migrate toward the tumors following the CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokine gradient. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that hetIL-15 administration enhances T cell entry into tumors, increasing the success rate of immunotherapy interventions. Our study further supports the incorporation of hetIL-15 in tumor immunotherapy approaches to promote the development of antitumor responses by favoring effector over regulatory cells and by promoting lymphocyte and DC localization into tumors through the modification of the tumor chemokine and cytokine milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Hrishikesh Pandit
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bethany A Nagy
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn M Jensen
- Robert W Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jenifer Bear
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Maggie Cam
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Robert W Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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17
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Xu H, Buhtoiarov IN, Guo H, Cheung NKV. A novel multimeric IL15/IL15Rα-Fc complex to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1893500. [PMID: 33763293 PMCID: PMC7954438 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1893500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of T cells in controlling human cancers is well known. Their success requires continued persistence in vivo and efficient trafficking to tumor sites, requirements shared by other effectors such as Natural Killer (NK) cells. To date, cytokine IL2 remains the only clinically approved cytokine therapy available to expand, maintain, and activate these effector lymphoid cells, but toxicities can be severe. Cytokine IL15 offers similar T cell proliferation and activation properties, but without the unwanted side-effects seen with IL2. Several IL15-cytokine fusion proteins have been developed to improve their in vivo function, typically exploiting the IL15Rα to complex with IL15, to extend serum half-life and increase affinity for IL15β receptor on immune cells. Here we describe a novel IL15 complex incorporating the full-length IL15Rα to complex with wild type IL15 to form spontaneous trimers of dimers (6 IL15 + 6 IL15Rα) during co-expression, resulting in a substantial increase in serum half-life and enhancement of in vivo cytokine effect on IgG or T cell engaging antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicities, when compared to alternative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ilia N Buhtoiarov
- Departments of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatric Hematology, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hongfen Guo
- Departments of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Departments of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Corbellari R, Stringhini M, Mock J, Ongaro T, Villa A, Neri D, De Luca R. A Novel Antibody-IL15 Fusion Protein Selectively Localizes to Tumors, Synergizes with TNF-based Immunocytokine, and Inhibits Metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:859-871. [PMID: 33632875 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
IL15 is an immunostimulatory cytokine that holds promises for cancer therapy, but its performance (alone or as partner for fusion proteins) has often been limited by suboptimal accumulation in the tumor and very rapid clearance from circulation. Most recently, the Sushi Domain (SD, the shortest region of IL15 receptor α, capable of binding to IL15) has been fused to IL15-based anticancer products to increase its biological activity. Here, we describe two novel antibody fusion proteins (termed F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15), specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin (a marker of tumor neoangiogenisis, expressed in the majority of solid and hematologic tumors, but absent in normal healthy tissues) and featuring the F8 antibody in single-chain diabody format (with a short linker between VH and VL, thus allowing the domains to pair with the complementary ones of another chain). Unlike previously described fusions of the F8 antibody with human IL15, F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15 exhibited a preferential uptake in solid tumors, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution analysis with radioiodinated protein preparations. Both products were potently active in vivo against mouse metastatic colon carcinomas and in sarcoma lesion in combination with targeted TNF. The results may be of clinical significance, as F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15 are fully human proteins, which recognize the cognate tumor-associated antigen with identical affinity in mouse and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Corbellari
- CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology), University of Trento, Povo, Trento, Italy.,Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jaqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Giehl E, Kosaka H, Liu Z, Feist M, Kammula US, Lotze MT, Ma C, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL. In Vivo Priming of Peritoneal Tumor-Reactive Lymphocytes With a Potent Oncolytic Virus for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:610042. [PMID: 33679747 PMCID: PMC7930493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.610042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) achieves durable clinical benefit for patients from whom these cells can be derived in advanced metastatic melanoma but is limited in most solid tumors as a result of immune escape and exclusion. A tumor microenvironment (TME) priming strategy to improve the quantity and quality of TIL represents an important tactic to explore. Oncolytic viruses expressing immune stimulatory cytokines induce a potent inflammatory response that may enhance infiltration and activation of T cells. In this study, we examined the ability of an attenuated oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing IL15/IL15Rα (vvDD-IL15/Rα) to enhance recovery of lavage T cells in peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). We found that intraperitoneal (IP) vvDD-IL15/Rα treatment of animals bearing PC resulted in a significant increase in cytotoxic function and memory formation in CD8+ T cells in peritoneal fluid. Using tetramers for vaccinia virus B8R antigen and tumor rejection antigen p15E, we found that the expanded population of peritoneal CD8+ T cells are specific for vaccinia or tumor with increased tumor-specificity over time, reinforced with viral clearance. Application of these vvDD-IL15/Rα induced CD8+ T cells in ACT of a lethal model of PC significantly increased survival. In addition, we found in patients with peritoneal metastases from various primary solid tumors that peritoneal T cells could be recovered but were exhausted with infrequent tumor-reactivity. If clinically translatable, vvDD-IL15/Rα in vivo priming would greatly expand the number of patients with advanced metastatic cancers responsive to T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Giehl
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hiromichi Kosaka
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Oncology Research Laboratories Oncology R&D Unit, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Zuqiang Liu
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mathilde Feist
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Surgery, CCM/CVK, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Udai S Kammula
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael T Lotze
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Congrong Ma
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David L Bartlett
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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20
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Heterodimeric IL-15 in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040837. [PMID: 33671252 PMCID: PMC7922495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rapidly expanding field of cancer immunotherapy uses diverse technologies, including cytokines, T cells, and antibody administration, with the aim to induce effective immune responses leading to tumor control. Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine discovered in 1994, supports the homeostasis of cytotoxic immune cells and shows promise as an anti-tumor agent. Many studies have elucidated IL-15 synthesis, regulation and biological function and explored its therapeutic efficacy in preclinical cancer models. Escherichia coli-derived single-chain IL-15 was tested in the first in-human trial in cancer patients. Its effects were limited by the biology of IL-15, which in vivo comprises a complex of the IL-15 chain with the IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) chain, together forming the IL-15 heterodimer (hetIL-15). Currently, single-chain IL-15 and several heterodimeric IL-15:IL-15Rα variants (hetIL-15, N-803 and RLI) are being tested in clinical trials. This review presents a summary of contemporary preclinical and clinical research on IL-15. Abstract Immunotherapy has emerged as a valuable strategy for the treatment of many cancer types. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes the growth and function of cytotoxic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. It also enhances leukocyte trafficking and stimulates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes expansion and activity. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and the so-called IL-15 receptor alpha chain that are together termed “heterodimeric IL-15” (hetIL-15). hetIL-15, closely resembling the natural form of the cytokine produced in vivo, and IL-15:IL-15Rα complex variants, such as hetIL-15Fc, N-803 and RLI, are the currently available IL-15 agents. These molecules have showed favorable pharmacokinetics and biological function in vivo in comparison to single-chain recombinant IL-15. Preclinical animal studies have supported their anti-tumor activity, suggesting IL-15 as a general method to convert “cold” tumors into “hot”, by promoting tumor lymphocyte infiltration. In clinical trials, IL-15-based therapies are overall well-tolerated and result in the expansion and activation of NK and memory CD8+ T cells. Combinations with other immunotherapies are being investigated to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of IL-15 agents in the clinic.
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21
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Hinterberger M, Giessel R, Fiore G, Graebnitz F, Bathke B, Wennier S, Chaplin P, Melero I, Suter M, Lauterbach H, Berraondo P, Hochrein H, Medina-Echeverz J. Intratumoral virotherapy with 4-1BBL armed modified vaccinia Ankara eradicates solid tumors and promotes protective immune memory. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001586. [PMID: 33579736 PMCID: PMC7883866 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human cancers are extraordinarily heterogeneous in terms of tumor antigen expression, immune infiltration and composition. A common feature, however, is the host′s inability to mount potent immune responses that prevent tumor growth effectively. Often, naturally primed CD8+ T cells against solid tumors lack adequate stimulation and efficient tumor tissue penetration due to an immune hostile tumor microenvironment. Methods To address these shortcomings, we cloned tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and the immune-stimulatory ligand 4-1BBL into the genome of modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) for intratumoral virotherapy. Results Local treatment with MVA-TAA-4-1BBL resulted in control of established tumors. Intratumoral injection of MVA localized mainly to the tumor with minimal leakage to the tumor-draining lymph node. In situ infection by MVA-TAA-4-1BBL triggered profound changes in the tumor microenvironment, including the induction of multiple proinflammatory molecules and immunogenic cell death. These changes led to the reactivation and expansion of antigen-experienced, tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that were essential for the therapeutic antitumor effect. Strikingly, we report the induction of a systemic antitumor immune response including tumor antigen spread by local MVA-TAA-4-1BBL treatment which controlled tumor growth at distant, untreated lesions and protected against local and systemic tumor rechallenge. In all cases, 4-1BBL adjuvanted MVA was superior to MVA. Conclusion Intratumoral 4-1BBL-armed MVA immunotherapy induced a profound reactivation and expansion of potent tumor-specific CD8+ T cells as well as favorable proinflammatory changes in the tumor microenvironment, leading to elimination of tumors and protective immunological memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mark Suter
- Bavarian Nordic GmbH, Planegg, Germany.,Vetsuisse Fakultät, Dekanat, Bereich Immunologie, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Henning Lauterbach
- Bavarian Nordic GmbH, Planegg, Germany.,Present address: Hookipa Pharma Inc, 350 Fifth Avenue, Room/Suite 7240, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
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22
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Guo S, Smeltz RB, Nanajian A, Heller R. IL-15/IL-15Rα Heterodimeric Complex as Cancer Immunotherapy in Murine Breast Cancer Models. Front Immunol 2021; 11:614667. [PMID: 33628206 PMCID: PMC7897681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.614667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) has been evaluated as a potential treatment for solid tumors in clinical trials, but the effectiveness of systemic IL-15 administration as a monotherapy has not been realized. IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) can stabilize IL-15 and enhance its bioactivity. The goal of this study was to examine the activity of IL-15/IL-15Rα complex (IL-15cx) to CD8+ T cells and evaluate its potential efficacy in murine breast cancer models. The antitumor efficacy was studied in mouse mammary carcinoma models (Her2/neu transgenic and 4T1-luc mammary cancers) treated with systemic recombinant protein with/without the depletion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells or intra-tumoral gene electrotransfer (GET). IL-15cx shows superior in vivo bioactivity to expand CD8 T cells in comparison to an equimolar single chain IL-15. T-bet is partially involved in CD8 T cell expansion ex vivo and in vivo due to IL-15 or IL-15cx. Intraperitoneal administration of IL-15cx results in a moderate inhibition of breast cancer growth that is associated with an increase in the frequency of cytotoxic CD8 T cells and the improvement of their function. The depletion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) has no impact on mouse breast cancer growth. IL-15cx treatment diminishes MDSCs in murine tumors. However, it also antagonizes the effects of anti-Gr-1 depleting antibodies. Intratumoral GET with plasmid IL-15/IL-15Rα leads to a long-term survival benefit in 4T1 mammary carcinoma model. An early increase of local cytotoxic cells correlates with GET treatment and an increase of long-term memory T cells results from animals with complete tumor regression. Systemic and local administration of IL-15cx shows two distinct therapeutic responses, a moderate tumor growth inhibition or heterogeneous tumor regressions with survival improvement. Further studies are warranted to improve the efficacy of IL-15cx as an immunotherapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Guo
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Ronald B Smeltz
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Anthony Nanajian
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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23
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Wang H, Sobral MC, Zhang DKY, Cartwright AN, Li AW, Dellacherie MO, Tringides CM, Koshy ST, Wucherpfennig KW, Mooney DJ. Metabolic labeling and targeted modulation of dendritic cells. NATURE MATERIALS 2020; 19:1244-1252. [PMID: 32424368 PMCID: PMC7748064 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-020-0680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Targeted immunomodulation of dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo will enable manipulation of T-cell priming and amplification of anticancer immune responses, but a general strategy has been lacking. Here we show that DCs concentrated by a biomaterial can be metabolically labelled with azido groups in situ, which allows for their subsequent tracking and targeted modulation over time. Azido-labelled DCs were detected in lymph nodes for weeks, and could covalently capture dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-bearing antigens and adjuvants via efficient Click chemistry for improved antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses and antitumour efficacy. We also show that azido labelling of DCs allowed for in vitro and in vivo conjugation of DBCO-modified cytokines, including DBCO-IL-15/IL-15Rα, to improve priming of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. This DC labelling and targeted modulation technology provides an unprecedented strategy for manipulating DCs and regulating DC-T-cell interactions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Miguel C Sobral
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David K Y Zhang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Adam N Cartwright
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aileen Weiwei Li
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Maxence O Dellacherie
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christina M Tringides
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Program in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sandeep T Koshy
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kai W Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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24
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Kupz A, Pai S, Giacomin PR, Whan JA, Walker RA, Hammoudi PM, Smith NC, Miller CM. Treatment of mice with S4B6 IL-2 complex prevents lethal toxoplasmosis via IL-12- and IL-18-dependent interferon-gamma production by non-CD4 immune cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13115. [PMID: 32753607 PMCID: PMC7403597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmic encephalitis is an AIDS-defining condition. The decline of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells in AIDS is a major contributing factor in reactivation of quiescent Toxoplasma gondii to an actively replicating stage of infection. Hence, it is important to characterize CD4-independent mechanisms that constrain acute T. gondii infection. We investigated the in vivo regulation of IFN-γ production by CD8+ T cells, DN T cells and NK cells in response to acute T. gondii infection. Our data show that processing of IFN-γ by these non-CD4 cells is dependent on both IL-12 and IL-18 and the secretion of bioactive IL-18 in response to T. gondii requires the sensing of viable parasites by multiple redundant inflammasome sensors in multiple hematopoietic cell types. Importantly, our results show that expansion of CD8+ T cells, DN T cells and NK cell by S4B6 IL-2 complex pre-treatment increases survival rates of mice infected with T. gondii and this is dependent on IL-12, IL-18 and IFN-γ. Increased survival is accompanied by reduced pathology but is independent of expansion of TReg cells or parasite burden. This provides evidence for a protective role of IL2C-mediated expansion of non-CD4 cells and may represent a promising lead to adjunct therapy for acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kupz
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia.
| | - Saparna Pai
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Paul R Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Whan
- Advanced Analytical Centre, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Robert A Walker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Pierre-Mehdi Hammoudi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas C Smith
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Parramatta South Campus, Sydney, NSW, 2116, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Catherine M Miller
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia.,Discipline of Biomedicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
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25
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Knudson KM, Hodge JW, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Rationale for IL-15 superagonists in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:705-709. [PMID: 32159390 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1738379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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26
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Tang B, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL, Yan DZ, Schane CP, Thomas DL, Liu J, McFadden G, Shisler JL, Roy EJ. Synergistic Combination of Oncolytic Virotherapy and Immunotherapy for Glioma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2216-2230. [PMID: 32019860 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We hypothesized that the combination of a local stimulus for activating tumor-specific T cells and an anti-immunosuppressant would improve treatment of gliomas. Virally encoded IL15Rα-IL15 as the T-cell activating stimulus and a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor as the anti-immunosuppressant were combined with adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Two oncolytic poxviruses, vvDD vaccinia virus and myxoma virus, were each engineered to express the fusion protein IL15Rα-IL15 and a fluorescent protein. Viral gene expression (YFP or tdTomato Red) was confirmed in the murine glioma GL261 in vitro and in vivo. GL261 tumors in immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice were treated with vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP vaccinia virus or vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr combined with other treatments, including vaccination with GARC-1 peptide (a neoantigen for GL261), rapamycin, celecoxib, and adoptive T-cell therapy. RESULTS vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP and vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr each infected and killed GL261 cells in vitro. In vivo, NK cells and CD8+ T cells were increased in the tumor due to the expression of IL15Rα-IL15. Each component of a combination treatment contributed to prolonging survival: an oncolytic virus, the IL15Rα-IL15 expressed by the virus, a source of T cells (whether by prevaccination or adoptive transfer), and prostaglandin inhibition all synergized to produce elimination of gliomas in a majority of mice. vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP occasionally caused ventriculitis-meningitis, but vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr was safe and effective, causing a strong infiltration of tumor-specific T cells and eliminating gliomas in 83% of treated mice. CONCLUSIONS IL15Rα-IL15-armed oncolytic poxviruses provide potent antitumor effects against brain tumors when combined with adoptive T-cell therapy, rapamycin, and celecoxib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingtao Tang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David L Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David Z Yan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Claire P Schane
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Diana L Thomas
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Grant McFadden
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Joanna L Shisler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Edward J Roy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.
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27
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Thi VAD, Jeon HM, Park SM, Lee H, Kim YS. Cell-Based IL-15:IL-15Rα Secreting Vaccine as an Effective Therapy for CT26 Colon Cancer in Mice. Mol Cells 2019; 42:869-883. [PMID: 31760731 PMCID: PMC6939657 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2019.0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-15 is an essential immune-modulator with high potential for use in cancer treatment. Natural IL-15 has a low biological potency because of its short half-life and difficulties in mass-production. IL-15Rα, a member of the IL-15 receptor complex, is famous for its high affinity to IL-15 and its ability to lengthen the half-life of IL-15. We have double-transfected IL-15 and its truncated receptor IL-15Rα into CT26 colon cancer cells to target them for intracellular assembly. The secreted IL-15:IL-15Rα complexes were confirmed in ELISA and Co-IP experiments. IL-15:IL15Rα secreting clones showed a higher anti-tumor effect than IL-15 secreting clones. Furthermore, we also evaluated the vaccine and therapeutic efficacy of the whole cancercell vaccine using mitomycin C (MMC)-treated IL-15:IL15Rα secreting CT26 clones. Three sets of experiments were evaluated; (1) therapeutics, (2) vaccination, and (3) longterm protection. Wild-type CT26-bearing mice treated with a single dose of MMC-inactivated secreted IL-15:IL-15Rα clones prolonged survival compared to the control group. Survival of MMC-inactivated IL-15:IL-15Rα clone-vaccinated mice (without any further adjuvant) exceeded up to 100%. This protection effect even lasted for at least three months after the immunization. Secreted IL-15:IL-15Rα clones challenging trigger anti-tumor response via CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and natural killer (NK) cell-dependent cytotoxicity. Our result suggested that cell-based vaccine secreting IL-15:IL-15Rα, may offer the new tools for immunotherapy to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Anh Do Thi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
| | - Hyung Min Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
| | - Sang Min Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
| | - Hayyoung Lee
- Institute of Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
| | - Young Sang Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
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28
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Berger A, Colpitts SJ, Seabrook MSS, Furlonger CL, Bendix MB, Moreau JM, McKillop WM, Medin JA, Paige CJ. Interleukin-15 in cancer immunotherapy: IL-15 receptor complex versus soluble IL-15 in a cancer cell-delivered murine leukemia model. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:355. [PMID: 31856922 PMCID: PMC6924073 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0777-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines of the common γ-chain receptor family such as IL-15 are vital with respect to activating immune cells, sustaining healthy immune functions, and augmenting the anti-tumor activity of effector cells, making them ideal candidates for cancer immunotherapy. IL-15, either in its soluble form (IL-15sol) or complexed with IL-15Rα (IL-15Rc), has been shown to exhibit potent anti-tumor activities in various experimental cancer studies. Here we describe the impact of intraperitoneal IL-15 in a cancer cell-delivered IL-15 immunotherapy approach using the 70Z/3-L leukemia mouse model. Whereas both forms of IL-15 led to significantly improved survival rates compared to the parent cell line, there were striking differences in the extent of the improved survival: mice receiving cancer cells secreting IL-15sol showed significantly longer survival and protective long-term immunity compared to those producing IL-15Rc. Interestingly, injection of leukemia cells secreting IL-15sol lead to heightened expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations in the peritoneum compared to IL-15Rc. Cell-secreted IL-15Rc resulted in an influx and/or expansion of NK1.1+ cells in the peritoneum which was much less pronounced in the IL-15sol model. Furthermore, IL-15Rc but not IL-15sol lead to T-cell exhaustion and disease progression. To our knowledge, this is the first study detailing a significantly different biological effect of cell-delivered IL-15sol versus IL-15Rc in a mouse cancer immunotherapy study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Berger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Sarah J Colpitts
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Melanie S S Seabrook
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Caren L Furlonger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Maura B Bendix
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Joshua M Moreau
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - William M McKillop
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Medin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher J Paige
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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29
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Burrack KS, Hart GT, Hamilton SE. Contributions of natural killer cells to the immune response against Plasmodium. Malar J 2019; 18:321. [PMID: 31533835 PMCID: PMC6751859 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2953-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important innate effector cells that are well described in their ability to kill virally-infected cells and tumors. However, there is increasing appreciation for the role of NK cells in the control of other pathogens, including intracellular parasites such as Plasmodium, the cause of malaria. NK cells may be beneficial during the early phase of Plasmodium infection—prior to the activation and expansion of antigen-specific T cells—through cooperation with myeloid cells to produce inflammatory cytokines like IFNγ. Recent work has defined how Plasmodium can activate NK cells to respond with natural cytotoxicity, and inhibit the growth of parasites via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mechanisms (ADCC). A specialized subset of adaptive NK cells that are negative for the Fc receptor γ chain have enhanced ADCC function and correlate with protection from malaria. Additionally, production of the regulatory cytokine IL-10 by NK cells prevents overt pathology and death during experimental cerebral malaria. Now that conditional NK cell mouse models have been developed, previous studies need to be reevaluated in the context of what is now known about other immune populations with similarity to NK cells (i.e., NKT cells and type I innate lymphoid cells). This brief review summarizes recent findings which support the potentially beneficial roles of NK cells during Plasmodium infection in mice and humans. Also highlighted are how the actions of NK cells can be explored using new experimental strategies, and the potential to harness NK cell function in vaccination regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina S Burrack
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Hart
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Sara E Hamilton
- Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA.
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30
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Frutoso M, Mortier E. NK Cell Hyporesponsiveness: More Is Not Always Better. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184514. [PMID: 31547251 PMCID: PMC6770168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocytes that play an important role in the innate immune system. They are of particular interest for their role in elimination of intracellular pathogens, viral infection and tumor cells. As such, numerous strategies are being investigated in order to potentiate their functions. One of these techniques aims at promoting the function of their activating receptors. However, different observations have revealed that providing activation signals could actually be counterproductive and lead to NK cells’ hyporesponsiveness. This phenomenon can occur during the NK cell education process, under pathological conditions, but also after treatment with different agents, including cytokines, that are promising tools to boost NK cell function. In this review, we aim to highlight the different circumstances where NK cells become hyporesponsive and the methods that could be used to restore their functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frutoso
- CRCINA, CNRS, Inserm, University of Nantes, F-44200 Nantes, France.
- LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.
| | - Erwan Mortier
- CRCINA, CNRS, Inserm, University of Nantes, F-44200 Nantes, France.
- LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.
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31
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Clark SE, Burrack KS, Jameson SC, Hamilton SE, Lenz LL. NK Cell IL-10 Production Requires IL-15 and IL-10 Driven STAT3 Activation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2087. [PMID: 31552035 PMCID: PMC6736993 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can produce IFNγ or IL-10 to regulate inflammation and immune responses but the factors driving NK cell IL-10 secretion are poorly-defined. Here, we identified NK cell-intrinsic STAT3 activation as vital for IL-10 production during both systemic Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection and following IL-15 cytokine/receptor complex (IL15C) treatment for experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). In both contexts, conditional Stat3 deficiency in NK cells abrogated production of IL-10. Initial NK cell STAT3 phosphorylation was driven by IL-15. During Lm infection, this required capture or presentation of IL-15 by NK cell IL-15Rα. Persistent STAT3 activation was required to drive measurable IL-10 secretion and required NK cell expression of IL-10Rα. Survival-promoting effects of IL-15C treatment in ECM were dependent on NK cell Stat3 while NK cell-intrinsic deficiency for Stat3, Il15ra, or Il10ra abrogated NK cell IL-10 production and increased resistance against Lm. NK cell Stat3 deficiency did not impact production of IFNγ, indicating the STAT3 activation initiated by IL-15 and amplified by IL-10 selectively drives the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 by responding NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Clark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kristina S Burrack
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Stephen C Jameson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Sara E Hamilton
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Laurel L Lenz
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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32
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Design and characterisation of a novel interleukin-15 receptor alpha fusion protein and analysis of interleukin-15 complexation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219313. [PMID: 31348785 PMCID: PMC6660064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL15) is one of the most important cytokines currently being considered for cancer therapy applications. It is thought that by administering IL15 in complex with its cognate receptor alpha chain (IL15Rα) its biological activity could be increased manifold. We produced a fusion protein of mouse IL15Rα and the F8 antibody, that targets the alternatively-spliced extra-domain A (EDA) of fibronectin, which is overexpressed in many types of cancer. The fusion protein F8IL15Rα was cloned, expressed and characterized in vitro and its ability to bind to mouse IL15 was assessed with both size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments. Furthermore, mouse and human IL15 and their corresponding Fc fused IL15Rα subunits were purchased, characterized and used to compare the capacity of F8IL15Rα to generate complexes. Surprisingly, none of the IL15Rα fusion proteins showed IL15 complexation on SEC. However, on SPR, F8IL15Rα displayed the ability to bind IL15. In a cell-based activity assay none of the IL15Rα fusions were able to increase cellular proliferation in combination with IL15 compared to IL15 alone. A better understanding of the molecular requirements for effective IL15 signalling are likely to be important for the development of IL15-based biopharmaceuticals.
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33
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Sanseviero E, O'Brien EM, Karras JR, Shabaneh TB, Aksoy BA, Xu W, Zheng C, Yin X, Xu X, Karakousis GC, Amaravadi RK, Nam B, Turk MJ, Hammerbacher J, Rubinstein MP, Schuchter LM, Mitchell TC, Liu Q, Stone EL. Anti-CTLA-4 Activates Intratumoral NK Cells and Combined with IL15/IL15Rα Complexes Enhances Tumor Control. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1371-1380. [PMID: 31239316 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies targeting CTLA-4 induce durable responses in some patients with melanoma and are being tested in a variety of human cancers. However, these therapies are ineffective for a majority of patients across tumor types. Further understanding the immune alterations induced by these therapies may enable the development of novel strategies to enhance tumor control and biomarkers to identify patients most likely to respond. In several murine models, including colon26, MC38, CT26, and B16 tumors cotreated with GVAX, anti-CTLA-4 efficacy depends on interactions between the Fc region of CTLA-4 antibodies and Fc receptors (FcR). Anti-CTLA-4 binding to FcRs has been linked to depletion of intratumoral T regulatory cells (Treg). In agreement with previous studies, we found that Tregs infiltrating CT26, B16-F1, and autochthonous Braf V600E Pten -/- melanoma tumors had higher expression of surface CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) than other T-cell subsets, and anti-CTLA-4 treatment led to FcR-dependent depletion of Tregs infiltrating CT26 tumors. This Treg depletion coincided with activation and degranulation of intratumoral natural killer cells. Similarly, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma patient-derived tumor tissue, Tregs had higher sCTLA-4 expression than other intratumoral T-cell subsets, and Tregs infiltrating NSCLC expressed more sCTLA-4 than circulating Tregs. Patients with cutaneous melanoma who benefited from ipilimumab, a mAb targeting CTLA-4, had higher intratumoral CD56 expression, compared with patients who received little to no benefit from this therapy. Furthermore, using the murine CT26 model we found that combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 plus IL15/IL15Rα complexes enhanced tumor control compared with either monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Sanseviero
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Wistar Cancer Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erin M O'Brien
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Wistar Cancer Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jenna R Karras
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Wistar Cancer Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tamer B Shabaneh
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Bulent Arman Aksoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Wei Xu
- Melanoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Cathy Zheng
- Melanoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiangfan Yin
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Wistar Cancer Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Melanoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Giorgos C Karakousis
- Melanoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Melanoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian Nam
- The Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware
| | - Mary Jo Turk
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Jeff Hammerbacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Lynn M Schuchter
- Melanoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tara C Mitchell
- Melanoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Qin Liu
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Wistar Cancer Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erica L Stone
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Wistar Cancer Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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34
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Xiao R, Mansour AG, Huang W, Chrislip LA, Wilkins RK, Queen NJ, Youssef Y, Mao HC, Caligiuri MA, Cao L. Adipocytes: A Novel Target for IL-15/IL-15Rα Cancer Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2019; 27:922-932. [PMID: 30833178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-15 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an essential role in the development and activation of natural killer (NK) cells. Adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organ that secretes cytokines and is an important reservoir for lymphocytes. We hypothesized that activation of the IL-15 signaling in adipose tissue will activate and expand the NK cell population and control tumor growth. We recently developed an adipocyte-targeting recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector with minimal off-target transgene expression in the liver. Here, we used this rAAV system to deliver an IL-15/IL-15Rα complex to the abdominal fat by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Adipose IL-15/IL-15Rα complex gene transfer led to the expansion of NK cells in the adipose tissue and spleen in normal mice without notable side effects. The i.p. injection of rAAV-IL-15/IL-15Rα complex significantly suppressed the growth of Lewis lung carcinoma implanted subcutaneously and exerted a significant survival advantage in a B16-F10 melanoma metastasis model. The antitumor effects were associated with the expansion of the NK cells in the blood, spleen, abdominal fat, and tumor, as well as the enhancement of NK cell maturity. Our proof-of-concept preclinical studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the adipocyte-specific IL-15/IL-15Rα complex vector as a novel cancer immune gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Xiao
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anthony G Mansour
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Logan A Chrislip
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ryan K Wilkins
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nicholas J Queen
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Youssef Youssef
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Pathology, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hsiaoyin C Mao
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - Lei Cao
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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35
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Kowalsky SJ, Liu Z, Feist M, Berkey SE, Ma C, Ravindranathan R, Dai E, Roy EJ, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL. Superagonist IL-15-Armed Oncolytic Virus Elicits Potent Antitumor Immunity and Therapy That Are Enhanced with PD-1 Blockade. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2476-2486. [PMID: 30064894 PMCID: PMC6171074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic immunotherapy is a promising novel therapeutic for cancer, and further preclinical studies may maximize its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we construct a novel oncolytic vaccinia virus (VV) expressing a superagoinst IL-15, a fusion protein of IL-15 and IL-15Ralpha. This virus, named vvDD-IL15-Rα, possesses similar replication efficiency as the parental virus vvDD yet leads to significantly more regression of the disease and extends the survival of mice bearing MC38 colon or ID8 ovarian cancer. This novel virus elicits potent adaptive antitumor immunity as shown by ELISPOT assays for interferon-gamma-secreting CD8+ T cells and by the rejection of tumor implants upon re-challenge in the mice, which were previously cured by vvDD-IL15-Rα treatment. In vivo cell depletion assays with antibodies showed that this antitumor activity is highly dependent on CD8+ T cells but much less so on CD4+ T cells and NK cells. Finally, the combination of the oncolytic immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 antibody dramatically improves the therapeutic outcome compared to either anti-PD-1 alone or vvDD-IL15-Rα alone. These results demonstrate that the IL-15-IL-15Rα fusion protein-expressing OV elicits potent antitumor immunity, and rational combination with PD-1 blockade leads to dramatic tumor regression and prolongs the survival of mice bearing colon or ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy J Kowalsky
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zuqiang Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mathilde Feist
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Surgery, CCM/CVK, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara E Berkey
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Congrong Ma
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Roshni Ravindranathan
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Enyong Dai
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Edward J Roy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - David L Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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36
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Distinct human circulating NKp30 +FcεRIγ +CD8 + T cell population exhibiting high natural killer-like antitumor potential. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E5980-E5989. [PMID: 29895693 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1720564115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are considered prototypical cells of adaptive immunity. Here, we uncovered a distinct CD8+ T cell population expressing the activating natural killer (NK) receptor NKp30 in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals. We revealed that IL-15 could de novo induce NKp30 expression in a population of CD8+ T cells and drive their differentiation toward a broad innate transcriptional landscape. The adaptor FcεRIγ was concomitantly induced and was shown to be crucial to enable NKp30 cell-surface expression and function in CD8+ T cells. FcεRIγ de novo expression required promoter demethylation and was accompanied by acquisition of the signaling molecule Syk and the "innate" transcription factor PLZF. IL-15-induced NKp30+CD8+ T cells exhibited high NK-like antitumor activity in vitro and were able to synergize with T cell receptor signaling. Importantly, this population potently controlled tumor growth in a preclinical xenograft mouse model. Our study, while blurring the borders between innate and adaptive immunity, reveals a unique NKp30+FcεRIγ+CD8+ T cell population with high antitumor therapeutic potential.
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37
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Borrelli C, Ricci B, Vulpis E, Fionda C, Ricciardi MR, Petrucci MT, Masuelli L, Peri A, Cippitelli M, Zingoni A, Santoni A, Soriani A. Drug-Induced Senescent Multiple Myeloma Cells Elicit NK Cell Proliferation by Direct or Exosome-Mediated IL15 Trans-Presentation. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:860-869. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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38
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New interleukin-15 superagonist (IL-15SA) significantly enhances graft-versus-tumor activity. Oncotarget 2018; 8:44366-44378. [PMID: 28574833 PMCID: PMC5546486 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a potent cytokine that increases CD8+ T and NK cell numbers and function in experimental models. However, obstacles remain in using IL-15 therapeutically, specifically its low potency and short in vivo half-life. To help overcome this, a new IL-15 superagonist complex comprised of an IL-15N72D mutation and IL-15RαSu/Fc fusion (IL-15SA, also known as ALT-803) was developed. IL-15SA exhibits a significantly longer serum half-life and increased in vivo activity against various tumors. Herein, we evaluated the effects of IL-15SA in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Weekly administration of IL-15SA to transplant recipients significantly increased the number of CD8+ T cells (specifically CD44+ memory/activated phenotype) and NK cells. Intracellular IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion by CD8+ T cells increased in the IL-15SA-treated group. IL-15SA also upregulated NKG2D expression on CD8+ T cells. Moreover, IL-15SA enhanced proliferation and cytokine secretion of adoptively transferred CFSE-labeled T cells in syngeneic and allogeneic models by specifically stimulating the slowly proliferative and nonproliferative cells into actively proliferating cells. We then evaluated IL-15SA's effects on anti-tumor activity against murine mastocytoma (P815) and murine B cell lymphoma (A20). IL-15SA enhanced graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity in these tumors following T cell infusion. Interestingly, IL-15 SA administration provided GVT activity against A20 lymphoma cells in the murine donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) model without increasing graft versus host disease. In conclusion, IL-15SA could be a highly potent T- cell lymphoid growth factor and novel immunotherapeutic agent to complement stem cell transplantation and adoptive immunotherapy.
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39
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Burrack KS, Huggins MA, Taras E, Dougherty P, Henzler CM, Yang R, Alter S, Jeng EK, Wong HC, Felices M, Cichocki F, Miller JS, Hart GT, Johnson AJ, Jameson SC, Hamilton SE. Interleukin-15 Complex Treatment Protects Mice from Cerebral Malaria by Inducing Interleukin-10-Producing Natural Killer Cells. Immunity 2018; 48:760-772.e4. [PMID: 29625893 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is a deadly complication of Plasmodium infection and involves blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption following infiltration of white blood cells. During experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), mice inoculated with Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected red blood cells develop a fatal CM-like disease caused by CD8+ T cell-mediated pathology. We found that treatment with interleukin-15 complex (IL-15C) prevented ECM, whereas IL-2C treatment had no effect. IL-15C-expanded natural killer (NK) cells were necessary and sufficient for protection against ECM. IL-15C treatment also decreased CD8+ T cell activation in the brain and prevented BBB breakdown without influencing parasite load. IL-15C induced NK cells to express IL-10, which was required for IL-15C-mediated protection against ECM. Finally, we show that ALT-803, a modified human IL-15C, mediates similar induction of IL-10 in NK cells and protection against ECM. These data identify a regulatory role for cytokine-stimulated NK cells in the prevention of a pathogenic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina S Burrack
- Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Matthew A Huggins
- Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Emily Taras
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Philip Dougherty
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Christine M Henzler
- Supercomputing Institute for Advanced Computational Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Rendong Yang
- Supercomputing Institute for Advanced Computational Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Sarah Alter
- Altor BioScience Corporation, Miramar, FL 33025, USA
| | - Emily K Jeng
- Altor BioScience Corporation, Miramar, FL 33025, USA
| | - Hing C Wong
- Altor BioScience Corporation, Miramar, FL 33025, USA
| | - Martin Felices
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Frank Cichocki
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Hart
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Aaron J Johnson
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Stephen C Jameson
- Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Sara E Hamilton
- Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA.
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Wrangle JM, Patterson A, Johnson CB, Neitzke DJ, Mehrotra S, Denlinger CE, Paulos CM, Li Z, Cole DJ, Rubinstein MP. IL-2 and Beyond in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2018; 38:45-68. [PMID: 29443657 PMCID: PMC5815463 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2017.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the T- and natural killer (NK) cell growth factor IL-2 has been a sentinel force ushering in the era of immunotherapy in cancer. With the advent of clinical grade recombinant IL-2 in the mid-1980s, oncologists could for the first time directly manipulate lymphocyte populations with systemic therapy. By itself, recombinant IL-2 can induce clinical responses in up to 15% of patients with metastatic cancer or renal cell carcinoma. When administered with adoptively transferred tumor-reactive lymphocytes, IL-2 promotes T cell engraftment and response rates of up to 50% in metastatic melanoma patients. Importantly, these IL-2-driven responses can yield complete and durable responses in a subset of patients. However, the use of IL-2 is limited by toxicity and concern of the expansion of T regulatory cells. To overcome these limitations and improve response rates, other T cell growth factors, including IL-15 and modified forms of IL-2, are in clinical development. Administering T cell growth factors in combination with other agents, such as immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors, may also improve efficacy. In this study, we review the development of T- and NK cell growth factors and highlight current combinatorial approaches based on these reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Wrangle
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Alicia Patterson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - C. Bryce Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Daniel J. Neitzke
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Chadrick E. Denlinger
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Chrystal M. Paulos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - David J. Cole
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mark P. Rubinstein
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Tumor growth suppressive effect of IL-4 through p21-mediated activation of STAT6 in IL-4Rα overexpressed melanoma models. Oncotarget 2018; 7:23425-38. [PMID: 26993600 PMCID: PMC5029637 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the significance of interleukin 4 (IL-4) in tumor development, we compared B16F10 melanoma growth in IL-4-overespressing transgenic mice (IL-4 mice) and non-transgenic mice. In IL-4 mice, reduced tumor volume and weight were observed when compared with those of non-transgenic mice. Significant activation of DNA binding activity of STAT6, phosphorylation of STAT6 as well as IL-4, IL-4Rα and p21 expression were found in the tumor tissues of IL-4 mice compared to non-transgenic mice. Higher expression of IL-4, STAT6 and p21 in human melanoma tissue compared to normal human skin tissue was also found. Higher expression of apoptotic protein such as cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, cleaved caspase-9, Bax, p53 and p21, but lower expression levels of survival protein such as Bcl-2 were found in the tumor of IL-4 mice. In vitro study, we found that overexpression of IL-4 significantly inhibited SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cell and B16F10 murine melanoma cell growth via p21-mediated activation of STAT6 pathway as well as increased expression of apoptotic cell death proteins. Moreover, p21 knockdown with siRNA abolished IL-4 induced activation of STAT6 and expression of p53 and p21 accompanied with reduced IL-4 expression as well as melanoma cell growth inhibition. Therefore, these results showed that IL-4 overexpression suppressed tumor development through p21-mediated activation of STAT6 pathways in melanoma models.
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Valedkarimi Z, Nasiri H, Aghebati-Maleki L, Majidi J. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins for improving efficacy and safety of cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:731-742. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Equilibrium, Proliferative and Antiproliferative Balance: The Role of Cytokines in Multiple Myeloma. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:1852517. [PMID: 29089667 PMCID: PMC5635476 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1852517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is typically exemplified by a desynchronized cytokine system with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. We focused on the contrast between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory systems by assessing the role of cytokines and their influence on MM. The aim of this review is to summarize the available information to date concerning this equilibrium to provide an overview of the research exploring the roles of serum cytokines in MM. However, the association between MM and inflammatory cytokines appears to be inadequate, and other functions, such as pro-proliferative or antiproliferative effects, can assume the role of cytokines in the genesis and progression of MM. It is possible that inflammation, when guided by cancer-specific Th1 cells, may inhibit tumour onset and progression. In a Th1 microenvironment, proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6 and IL-1) may contribute to tumour eradication by attracting leucocytes from the circulation and by increasing CD4 + T cell activity. Hence, caution should be used when considering therapies that target factors with pro- or anti-inflammatory activity. Drugs that may reduce the tumour-suppressive Th1-driven inflammatory immune response should be avoided. A better understanding of the relationship between inflammation and myeloma will ensure more effective therapeutic interventions.
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Guo Y, Luan L, Patil NK, Sherwood ER. Immunobiology of the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex as an antitumor and antiviral agent. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 38:10-21. [PMID: 28888485 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-15 is essential for natural killer (NK), NKT and memory (m) CD8+ T cell development and function, and is currently under investigation as an immunotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer. Recently, the creation of IL-15 superagonist by complexing IL-15 and its high affinity receptor alpha (IL-15 Rα) in solution, inspired by the natural trans-presentation of IL-15, advances the potential of IL-15-based tumor immunotherapy. IL-15 superagonist shows promising advantages over monomeric IL-15 such as sustaining high circulating concentrations due to prolonged half-life and more potently stimulating NK and CD8+ T effector lymphocytes. So far, there are three different forms of recombinant IL-15 superagonist fusion protein based on configurational modifications. Gene therapy using engineered cells co-expressing IL-15/IL-15 Rα complex for cancer treatment is also emerging. All forms have demonstrated efficacy in causing tumor regression in animal studies, which provides strong rationale for advancing IL-15 superagonist through clinical trials. To date, there are fourteen phase I/II IL-15 superagonist trials in cancer patients and one phase I trial in HIV patients. Information generated by ongoing trials regarding the toxicity and efficacy of IL-15 superagonist is awaited. Finally, we elaborate on immunotoxicity caused by IL-15 superagonist in preclinical studies and discuss important safety considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Guo
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Anesthesiology. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Liming Luan
- Department of Anesthesiology. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Naeem K Patil
- Department of Anesthesiology. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Edward R Sherwood
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Anesthesiology. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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The potential and promise of IL-15 in immuno-oncogenic therapies. Immunol Lett 2017; 190:159-168. [PMID: 28823521 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This review provides an in-depth description of the preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness and limitations of IL-15 and IL-15 analogs given as an exogenous immuno-oncology agent. IL-15 is a cytokine that primarily stimulates the proliferation and cytotoxic functions of CD8T cells and NK cells leading to enhanced anti-tumor responses. While initially showing promise as a cancer therapeutic, the efficacy of IL-15 was limited by its short in vivo half-life. More recently, various approaches have been developed to improve the in vivo half-life and efficacy of IL-15, largely by generating IL-15/IL-15Rα conjugates. These new IL-15 based agents renew the prospect of IL-15 as a cancer immunotherapeutic agent. While having some efficacy in inducing tumor regression as a monotherapy, IL-15 agents also show great potential in being used in combination with other immuno-oncological therapies. Indeed, IL-15 used in combination therapy yields even better anti-tumor responses and prolongs survival than IL-15 treatment alone in numerous murine cancer models. The promising results from these preclinical studies have led to the implementation of several clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of IL-15-based agents as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies to treat both advanced solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
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46
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Interleukin-15 and cisplatin co-encapsulated thermosensitive polypeptide hydrogels for combined immuno-chemotherapy. J Control Release 2017; 255:81-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Sackstein R, Schatton T, Barthel SR. T-lymphocyte homing: an underappreciated yet critical hurdle for successful cancer immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2017; 97:669-697. [PMID: 28346400 PMCID: PMC5446300 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in cancer immunotherapy have offered new hope for patients with metastatic disease. This unfolding success story has been exemplified by a growing arsenal of novel immunotherapeutics, including blocking antibodies targeting immune checkpoint pathways, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy (ACT). Nonetheless, clinical benefit remains highly variable and patient-specific, in part, because all immunotherapeutic regimens vitally hinge on the capacity of endogenous and/or adoptively transferred T-effector (Teff) cells, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, to home efficiently into tumor target tissue. Thus, defects intrinsic to the multi-step T-cell homing cascade have become an obvious, though significantly underappreciated contributor to immunotherapy resistance. Conspicuous have been low intralesional frequencies of tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes (TILs) below clinically beneficial threshold levels, and peripheral rather than deep lesional TIL infiltration. Therefore, a Teff cell 'homing deficit' may arguably represent a dominant factor responsible for ineffective immunotherapeutic outcomes, as tumors resistant to immune-targeted killing thrive in such permissive, immune-vacuous microenvironments. Fortunately, emerging data is shedding light into the diverse mechanisms of immune escape by which tumors restrict Teff cell trafficking and lesional penetrance. In this review, we scrutinize evolving knowledge on the molecular determinants of Teff cell navigation into tumors. By integrating recently described, though sporadic information of pivotal adhesive and chemokine homing signatures within the tumor microenvironment with better established paradigms of T-cell trafficking under homeostatic or infectious disease scenarios, we seek to refine currently incomplete models of Teff cell entry into tumor tissue. We further summarize how cancers thwart homing to escape immune-mediated destruction and raise awareness of the potential impact of immune checkpoint blockers on Teff cell homing. Finally, we speculate on innovative therapeutic opportunities for augmenting Teff cell homing capabilities to improve immunotherapy-based tumor eradication in cancer patients, with special focus on malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sackstein
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Program of Excellence in Glycosciences, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Rm 671, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tobias Schatton
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Steven R. Barthel
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Correspondence to: Dr. Steven R. Barthel, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Rm. 673B, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115;
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Liu Z, Hao X, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Carey CD, Falo LD, Storkus WJ, You Z. Intratumoral delivery of tumor antigen-loaded DC and tumor-primed CD4 + T cells combined with agonist α-GITR mAb promotes durable CD8 + T-cell-dependent antitumor immunity. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1315487. [PMID: 28680744 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1315487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive tumor microenvironment (TME) coordinately supports tumor cell expansion and metastasis, while it antagonizes the survival and (poly-)functionality of antitumor T effector cells. There remains a clear need to develop novel therapeutic strategies that can transform the TME into a pro-inflammatory niche that recruits and sustains protective immune cell populations. While intravenous treatment with tumor-primed CD4+ T cells combined with intraperitoneal delivery of agonist anti-glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor (α-GITR) mAb results in objective antitumor responses in murine early stage disease models, this approach is ineffective against more advanced tumors. Further subcutaneous co-administration of a vaccine consisting of tumor antigen-loaded dendritic cells (DC) failed to improve the antitumor efficacy of this approach. Remarkably, these same three therapeutic agents elicited significant antitumor benefits when the antitumor CD4+ T cells and tumor antigen-loaded DC were co-injected directly into tumors along with intratumoral or intraperitoneal delivery of α-GITR mAb. This latter protocol induced the production of an array of antitumor cytokines and chemokines within the TME, supporting increased tumor-infiltration by antitumor CD8+ T cells capable of mediating tumor regression and extended overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuqiang Liu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xingxing Hao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiying Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Cara D Carey
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Louis D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhaoyang You
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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49
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Ng SSM, Nagy BA, Jensen SM, Hu X, Alicea C, Fox BA, Felber BK, Bergamaschi C, Pavlakis GN. Heterodimeric IL15 Treatment Enhances Tumor Infiltration, Persistence, and Effector Functions of Adoptively Transferred Tumor-specific T Cells in the Absence of Lymphodepletion. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 23:2817-2830. [PMID: 27986749 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-1808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a promising immunotherapeutic approach for cancer. Host lymphodepletion is associated with favorable ACT therapy outcomes, but it may cause detrimental effects in humans. We tested the hypothesis that IL15 administration enhances ACT in the absence of lymphodepletion. We previously showed that bioactive IL15 in vivo comprises a stable complex of the IL15 chain with the IL15 receptor alpha chain (IL15Rα), termed heterodimeric IL15 (hetIL15).Experimental Design: We evaluated the effects of the combination regimen ACT + hetIL15 in the absence of lymphodepletion by transferring melanoma-specific Pmel-1 T cells into B16 melanoma-bearing mice.Results: hetIL15 treatment delayed tumor growth by promoting infiltration and persistence of both adoptively transferred Pmel-1 cells and endogenous CD8+ T cells into the tumor. In contrast, persistence of Pmel-1 cells was severely reduced following irradiation in comparison with mice treated with hetIL15. Importantly, we found that hetIL15 treatment led to the preferential enrichment of Pmel-1 cells in B16 tumor sites in an antigen-dependent manner. Upon hetIL15 administration, tumor-infiltrating Pmel-1 cells showed a "nonexhausted" effector phenotype, characterized by increased IFNγ secretion, proliferation, and cytotoxic potential and low level of PD-1. hetIL15 treatment also resulted in an improved ratio of Pmel-1 to Treg in the tumor.Conclusions: hetIL15 administration improves the outcome of ACT in lymphoreplete hosts, a finding with significant implications for improving cell-based cancer immunotherapy strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); 2817-30. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinnie Sin Man Ng
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Bethany A Nagy
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland.,Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Shawn M Jensen
- Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
| | - Xintao Hu
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Candido Alicea
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland.
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland.
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50
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Boldajipour B, Nelson A, Krummel MF. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are dynamically desensitized to antigen but are maintained by homeostatic cytokine. JCI Insight 2016; 1:e89289. [PMID: 27942588 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.89289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells that enter tumors are largely tolerized, but how that process is choreographed and how the ensuing "dysfunctional" tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are maintained are poorly understood and are difficult to assess in spontaneous disease. We exploited an autochthonous model of breast cancer for high-resolution imaging of the early and later stages of tumor residence to understand the relationships between cellular behaviors and cellular phenotypes. "Dysfunctional" differentiation began within the first days of tumor residence with an initial phase in which T cells arrest, largely on tumor-associated macrophages. Within 10 days, cellular motility increased and resembled a random walk, suggesting a relative absence of TCR signaling. We then studied the concurrent and apparently contradictory phenomenon that many of these cells express molecular markers of activation and were visualized undergoing active cell division. We found that whereas proliferation did not require ongoing TCR/ZAP70 signaling, instead this is driven in part by intratumoral IL-15 cytokine. Thus, TILs undergo sequential reprogramming by the tumor microenvironment and are actively retained, even while being antigen insensitive. We conclude that this program effectively fills the niche with ineffective yet cytokine-dependent TILs, and we propose that these might compete with new clones, when they arise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew F Krummel
- Department of Pathology and.,Biological Imaging Development Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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