1
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Wang Y, Suarez ER, Kastrunes G, de Campos NSP, Abbas R, Pivetta RS, Murugan N, Chalbatani GM, D'Andrea V, Marasco WA. Evolution of cell therapy for renal cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:8. [PMID: 38195534 PMCID: PMC10775455 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01911-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has improved dramatically over the last decade, shifting from high-dose cytokine therapy in combination with surgical resection of tumors to targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapies. However, curative treatment, particularly for advanced-stage disease, remains rare. Cell therapy as a "living drug" has achieved hematological malignancy cures with a high response rate, and significant research efforts have been made to facilitate its translation to solid tumors. Herein, we overview the cellular therapies for RCC focusing on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, T cell receptor gene-modified T cells, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer (NK) cells, lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, γδ T cells, and dendritic cell vaccination. We have also included perspectives for using other recent approaches, such as CAR macrophages, dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer cells and regulatory CAR-T cells to shed light on preclinical development of cell therapy and advancing cell therapy into clinic to achieve cures for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Eloah Rabello Suarez
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Kastrunes
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Najla Santos Pacheco de Campos
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Rabia Abbas
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Renata Schmieder Pivetta
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Nithyassree Murugan
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | | | - Vincent D'Andrea
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Wayne A Marasco
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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2
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Han J, Zhang B, Zheng S, Jiang Y, Zhang X, Mao K. The Progress and Prospects of Immune Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Cancer. Cell Transplant 2024; 33:9636897241231892. [PMID: 38433349 PMCID: PMC10913519 DOI: 10.1177/09636897241231892] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune cell therapy as a revolutionary treatment modality, significantly transformed cancer care. It is a specialized form of immunotherapy that utilizes living immune cells as therapeutic reagents for the treatment of cancer. Unlike traditional drugs, cell therapies are considered "living drugs," and these products are currently customized and require advanced manufacturing techniques. Although chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have received tremendous attention in the industry regarding the treatment of hematologic malignancies, their effectiveness in treating solid tumors is often restricted, leading to the emergence of alternative immune cell therapies. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy, dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, and DC/CIK cell therapy are designed to use the body's natural defense mechanisms to target and eliminate cancer cells, and usually have fewer side effects or risks. On the other hand, cell therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell, T cell receptor (TCR)-T, chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer (CAR-NK), or CAR-macrophages (CAR-M) typically utilize either autologous stem cells, allogeneic or xenogeneic cells, or genetically modified cells, which require higher levels of manipulation and are considered high risk. These high-risk cell therapies typically hold special characteristics in tumor targeting and signal transduction, triggering new anti-tumor immune responses. Recently, significant advances have been achieved in both basic and clinical researches on anti-tumor mechanisms, cell therapy product designs, and technological innovations. With swift technological integration and a high innovation landscape, key future development directions have emerged. To meet the demands of cell therapy technological advancements in treating cancer, we comprehensively and systematically investigate the technological innovation and clinical progress of immune cell therapies in this study. Based on the therapeutic mechanisms and methodological features of immune cell therapies, we analyzed the main technical advantages and clinical transformation risks associated with these therapies. We also analyzed and forecasted the application prospects, providing references for relevant enterprises with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their R&D direction selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Han
- Shanghai Information Center for Life Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Shanghai Information Center for Life Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Senyu Zheng
- Shanghai Information Center for Life Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Shanghai Information Center for Life Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhang
- Shanghai World Trade Organization Affairs Consultation Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiyun Mao
- Shanghai Information Center for Life Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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3
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Malik JA, Kaur G, Agrewala JN. Revolutionizing medicine with toll-like receptors: A path to strengthening cellular immunity. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127252. [PMID: 37802429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors play a vital role in cell-mediated immunity, which is crucial for the immune system's defense against pathogens and maintenance of homeostasis. The interaction between toll-like-receptor response and cell-mediated immunity is complex and essential for effectively eliminating pathogens and maintaining immune surveillance. In addition to pathogen recognition, toll-like receptors serve as adjuvants in vaccines, as molecular sensors, and recognize specific patterns associated with pathogens and danger signals. Incorporating toll-like receptor ligands into vaccines can enhance the immune response to antigens, making them potent adjuvants. Furthermore, they bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems and improve antigen-presenting cells' capacity to process and present antigens to T cells. The intricate signaling pathways and cross-talk between toll-like-receptor and T cell receptor (TCR) signaling emphasize their pivotal role in orchestrating effective immune responses against pathogens, thus facilitating the development of innovative vaccine strategies. This article provides an overview of the current understanding of toll-like receptor response and explores their potential clinical applications. By unraveling the complex mechanisms of toll-like-receptor signaling, we can gain novel insights into immune responses and potentially develop innovative therapeutic approaches. Ongoing investigations into the toll-like-receptor response hold promise in the future in enhancing our ability to combat infections, design effective vaccines, and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonaid Ahmad Malik
- Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, Punjab 140001, India
| | - Gurpreet Kaur
- Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, Punjab 140001, India; Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Landran, Mohali, Punjab 140055, India
| | - Javed N Agrewala
- Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, Punjab 140001, India.
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4
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McCarthy D, Lofgren M, Watt A, Horton H, Kieffer-Kwon P, Ding J, Kobold S, Baeuerle PA, Hofmeister R, Gutierrez DA, Tighe R. Functional enhancement of mesothelin-targeted TRuC-T cells by a PD1-CD28 chimeric switch receptor. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:4195-4207. [PMID: 37848682 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
T cells expressing a mesothelin (MSLN)-specific T cell receptor fusion construct (TRuC®), called TC-210, have demonstrated robust antitumor activity in preclinical models of mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. However, they are susceptible to suppression by the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis and lack intrinsic costimulatory signaling elements. To enhance the function of anti-MSLN TRuC-T cells, chimeric switch receptors (CSRs) have been designed to co-opt the immunosuppressive PD-1/PD-L1 axis and to deliver a CD28-mediated costimulatory signal. Here, we report that coexpression of the PD1-CD28 CSR in TRuC-T cells enhanced T cell receptor signaling, increased proinflammatory effector cytokines, decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines, and sustained effector function in the presence of PD-L1 when compared with TC-210. Anti-MSLN TRuC-T cells engineered to coexpress PD1-CD28 CSRs comprising the ectodomain of PD-1 and the intracellular domain of CD28 linked by the transmembrane domain of PD-1 were selected for integration into an anti-MSLN TRuC-T cell therapy product called TC-510. In vitro, TC-510 showed significant improvements in persistence and resistance to exhaustion upon chronic stimulation by tumor cells expressing MSLN and PD-L1 when compared with TC-210. In vivo, TC-510 showed a superior ability to provide durable protection following tumor rechallenge, versus TC-210. These data demonstrate that integration of a PD1-CD28 CSR into TRuC-T cells improves effector function, resistance to exhaustion, and prolongs persistence. Based on these findings, TC-510 is currently being evaluated in patients with MSLN-expressing solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick McCarthy
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Suite 710, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Amy Watt
- Adaptimmune, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Holly Horton
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Suite 710, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Jian Ding
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Suite 710, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS‑M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Suite 710, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Institute of Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Hofmeister
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Suite 710, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Dario A Gutierrez
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Suite 710, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Robert Tighe
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Suite 710, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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5
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Schendel DJ. Evolution by innovation as a driving force to improve TCR-T therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1216829. [PMID: 37810959 PMCID: PMC10552759 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1216829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapies continually evolve through science-based innovation. Specialized innovations for TCR-T therapies are described here that are embedded in an End-to-End Platform for TCR-T Therapy Development which aims to provide solutions for key unmet patient needs by addressing challenges of TCR-T therapy, including selection of target antigens and suitable T cell receptors, generation of TCR-T therapies that provide long term, durable efficacy and safety and development of efficient and scalable production of patient-specific (personalized) TCR-T therapy for solid tumors. Multiple, combinable, innovative technologies are used in a systematic and sequential manner in the development of TCR-T therapies. One group of technologies encompasses product enhancements that enable TCR-T therapies to be safer, more specific and more effective. The second group of technologies addresses development optimization that supports discovery and development processes for TCR-T therapies to be performed more quickly, with higher quality and greater efficiency. Each module incorporates innovations layered onto basic technologies common to the field of immunology. An active approach of "evolution by innovation" supports the overall goal to develop best-in-class TCR-T therapies for treatment of patients with solid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores J. Schendel
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, Planegg, Germany
- Medigene AG, Planegg, Germany
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6
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Lorenzini T, Cadilha BL, Obeck H, Benmebarek MR, Märkl F, Michaelides S, Strzalkowski T, Briukhovetska D, Müller PJ, Nandi S, Winter P, Majed L, Grünmeier R, Seifert M, Rausch S, Feuchtinger T, Endres S, Kobold S. Rational design of PD-1-CD28 immunostimulatory fusion proteins for CAR T cell therapy. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:696-705. [PMID: 37400680 PMCID: PMC10421897 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many situations, the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cells is limited due to immune suppression and poor persistence. Immunostimulatory fusion protein (IFP) constructs have been advanced as a tool to convert suppressive signals into stimulation and thus promote the persistence of T cells, but no universal IFP design has been established so far. We now took advantage of a PD-1-CD28 IFP as a clinically relevant structure to define key determinants of IFP activity. METHODS We compared different PD-1-CD28 IFP variants in a human leukemia model to assess the impact of distinctive design choices on CAR T cell performance in vitro and a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS We observed that IFP constructs that putatively exceed the extracellular length of PD-1 induce T-cell response without CAR target recognition, rendering them unsuitable for tumour-specific therapy. IFP variants with physiological PD-1 length ameliorated CAR T cell effector function and proliferation in response to PD-L1+ tumour cells in vitro and prolonged survival in vivo. Transmembrane or extracellular CD28 domains were found to be replaceable by corresponding PD-1 domains for in vivo efficacy. CONCLUSION PD-1-CD28 IFP constructs must mimic the physiological interaction of PD-1 with PD-L1 to retain selectivity and mediate CAR-conditional therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Lorenzini
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno L Cadilha
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Hannah Obeck
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Mohamed-Reda Benmebarek
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Florian Märkl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanos Michaelides
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Thaddäus Strzalkowski
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Daria Briukhovetska
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Jie Müller
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Sayantan Nandi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Pia Winter
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Lina Majed
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Ruth Grünmeier
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Seifert
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Svenja Rausch
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Feuchtinger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner University Children's Hospital, LMU University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Endres
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany.
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7
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Zhang K, Chen H, Li F, Huang S, Chen F, Li Y. Bright future or blind alley? CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1045024. [PMID: 36761757 PMCID: PMC9902507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1045024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells therapy has emerged as a significant breakthrough in adoptive immunotherapy for hematological malignancies with FDA approval. However, the application of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors remains challenging, mostly due to lack of suitable CAR-T target antigens, insufficient trafficking and extravasation to tumor sites, and limited CAR-T survival in the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we reviewed the development of CARs and the clinical trials in solid tumors. Meanwhile, a "key-and-lock" relationship was used to describe the recognition of tumor antigen via CAR T cells. Some strategies, including dual-targets and receptor system switches or filter, have been explored to help CAR T cells matching targets specifically and to minimize on-target/off-tumor toxicities in normal tissues. Furthermore, the complex TME restricts CAT T cells activity through dense extracellular matrix, suppressive immune cells and cytokines. Recent innovations in engineered CARs to shield the inhibitory signaling molecules were also discussed, which efficiently promote CAR T functions in terms of expansion and survival to overcome the hurdles in the TME of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan, China,Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fuqiang Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Cancer Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan, China,Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Yi Li,
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8
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Jiang G, Ng YY, Tay JCK, Du Z, Xiao L, Wang S, Zhu J. Dual CAR-T cells to treat cancers co-expressing NKG2D and PD1 ligands in xenograft models of peritoneal metastasis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:223-234. [PMID: 35809118 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
While the expression of either NKG2D ligands or PD-1 ligands has been reported in various types of cancers, the co-expression of the two sets of ligands in the same tumour tissues is still un-investigated. After examining 68 primary ovarian cancer samples, we observed around 80% of the co-expression in low grade serous and endometrioid ovarian cancer samples. We then constructed a dual CAR system that splits the conventional single-input of a 2nd generation CAR into two independent chimeric receptors, one composed of the NKG2D extracellular domain linked with DAP12 for T cell activation and another using the PD-1 extracellular domain linked with 4-1BB for costimulatory signal 2 input. Given the limitation of the low-affinity PD-1 receptor in recognizing cancer cells with low levels of PD-1 ligands, we also used a high-affinity scFv specific to PD-L1 in our combinatorial approach to expand the range of target cancer cells with different expression levels of PD-L1. The two types of dual CAR-T cells were generated through electroporation of non-viral piggyBac transposon plasmids and were effective in eliminating the target cancer cells. Especially, the dual CAR-T cells with anti-PD-L1 scFv were capable of eradicating established tumors in mouse models of peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer. Since both NKG2D ligands and PD-1 ligands have been marked as favourable cancer therapeutic targets, the new dual CAR-T cells developed in this study hold attractive application potential in treating metastatic peritoneal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyi Jiang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Yang Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Johan C K Tay
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhicheng Du
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Lin Xiao
- Cheetah Cell Therapeutics, #501, No 2 Avenue, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Jianqing Zhu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Sun J, Li X, Chen P, Gao Y. From Anti-HER-2 to Anti-HER-2-CAR-T Cells: An Evolutionary Immunotherapy Approach for Gastric Cancer. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:4061-4085. [PMID: 35873388 PMCID: PMC9304417 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s368138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Current Therapeutic modalities provide no survival advantage to gastric cancer (GC) patients. Targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) is a viable therapeutic strategy against advanced HER-2 positive GC. Antibody-drug conjugates, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and bispecific antibodies are emerging as novel drug forms that may abrogate the resistance to HER-2-specific drugs and monoclonal antibodies. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T) targeting HER-2 have shown considerable therapeutic potential in GC and other solid tumors. However, due to the high heterogeneity along with the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) of GC that often leads to immune escape, the immunological treatment of GC still faces many challenges. Here, we reviewed and discussed the current progress in the research of anti-HER-2-CAR-T cell immunotherapy against GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangang Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongshun Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
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10
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Blaeschke F, Ortner E, Stenger D, Mahdawi J, Apfelbeck A, Habjan N, Weißer T, Kaeuferle T, Willier S, Kobold S, Feuchtinger T. Design and Evaluation of TIM-3-CD28 Checkpoint Fusion Proteins to Improve Anti-CD19 CAR T-Cell Function. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845499. [PMID: 35464394 PMCID: PMC9018974 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of inhibitory checkpoint molecules in combination with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is currently investigated in a variety of clinical studies for treatment of hematologic and solid malignancies. However, the impact of co-inhibitory axes and their therapeutic implication remains understudied for the majority of acute leukemias due to their low immunogenicity/mutational load. The inhibitory exhaustion molecule TIM-3 is an important marker for the interaction of T cells with leukemic cells. Moreover, inhibitory signals from malignant cells could be transformed into stimulatory signals by synthetic fusion molecules with extracellular inhibitory receptors fused to an intracellular stimulatory domain. Here, we designed a variety of different TIM-3-CD28 fusion proteins to turn inhibitory signals derived by TIM-3 engagement into T-cell activation through CD28. In the absence of anti-CD19 CAR, two TIM-3-CD28 fusion receptors with large parts of CD28 showed strongest responses in terms of cytokine secretion and proliferation upon stimulation with anti-CD3 antibodies compared to controls. We then combined these two novel TIM-3-CD28 fusion proteins with first- and second-generation anti-CD19 CAR T cells and found that the fusion receptor can increase proliferation, activation, and cytotoxic capacity of conventional anti-CD19 CAR T cells. These additionally armed CAR T cells showed excellent effector function. In terms of safety considerations, the fusion receptors showed exclusively increased cytokine release, when the CAR target CD19 was present. We conclude that combining checkpoint fusion proteins with anti-CD19 CARs has the potential to increase T-cell proliferation capacity with the intention to overcome inhibitory signals during the response against malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Blaeschke
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Ortner
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Dana Stenger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Jasmin Mahdawi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia Apfelbeck
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Nicola Habjan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Weißer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Kaeuferle
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany.,National Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Semjon Willier
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany.,Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Feuchtinger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany.,National Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
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11
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Wei F, Cheng XX, Xue JZ, Xue SA. Emerging Strategies in TCR-Engineered T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850358. [PMID: 35432319 PMCID: PMC9006933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer has made tremendous progress in recent years, as demonstrated by the remarkable clinical responses obtained from adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of patient-derived tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T) and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells (TCR-T). TCR-T uses specific TCRS optimized for tumor engagement and can recognize epitopes derived from both cell-surface and intracellular targets, including tumor-associated antigens, cancer germline antigens, viral oncoproteins, and tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that are largely sequestered in the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells. Moreover, as TCRS are naturally developed for sensitive antigen detection, they are able to recognize epitopes at far lower concentrations than required for CAR-T activation. Therefore, TCR-T holds great promise for the treatment of human cancers. In this focused review, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical insights into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-T. We review emerging strategies used in current ACT, point out limitations, and propose possible solutions. We highlight the importance of targeting tumor-specific neoAgs and outline a strategy of combining neoAg vaccines, checkpoint blockade therapy, and adoptive transfer of neoAg-specific TCR-T to produce a truly tumor-specific therapy, which is able to penetrate into solid tumors and resist the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We believe such a combination approach should lead to a significant improvement in cancer immunotherapies, especially for solid tumors, and may provide a general strategy for the eradication of multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wei
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Cheng
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - John Zhao Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Shao-An Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
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12
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Sailer N, Fetzer I, Salvermoser M, Braun M, Brechtefeld D, Krendl C, Geiger C, Mutze K, Noessner E, Schendel DJ, Bürdek M, Wilde S, Sommermeyer D. T-Cells Expressing a Highly Potent PRAME-Specific T-Cell Receptor in Combination with a Chimeric PD1-41BB Co-Stimulatory Receptor Show a Favorable Preclinical Safety Profile and Strong Anti-Tumor Reactivity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081998. [PMID: 35454906 PMCID: PMC9030144 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The development of effective adoptive T-cell therapies (ATCs) to treat solid tumors has several challenges: the choice of a suitable target antigen, the generation of a specific T-cell receptor (TCR) directed against this target, and the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). The cancer/testis antigen Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) is a promising target for ATCs since it is highly expressed in several solid tumor indications, while its expression in normal tissues is mainly restricted to the testis. Using our well-established high throughput TCR generation and characterization process, we identified a highly potent PRAME-specific TCR. To convert the inhibitory PD-1 signal in T-cells to an activating signal, we designed a chimeric receptor consisting of the extracellular domain of PD-1 and the signaling domain of 4-1BB. Combining this PD1-41BB receptor with our lead PRAME-TCR generated a very promising T-cell product with a favorable preclinical in vitro safety profile and enhanced in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy. Abstract The hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major challenge for the treatment of solid tumors with T-cell receptor (TCR)-modified T-cells (TCR-Ts), as it negatively influences T-cell efficacy, fitness, and persistence. These negative influences are caused, among others, by the inhibitory checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) is a highly relevant cancer/testis antigen for TCR-T immunotherapy due to broad expression in multiple solid cancer indications. A TCR with high specificity and sensitivity for PRAME was isolated from non-tolerized T-cell repertoires and introduced into T-cells alongside a chimeric PD1-41BB receptor, consisting of the natural extracellular domain of PD-1 and the intracellular signaling domain of 4-1BB, turning an inhibitory pathway into a T-cell co-stimulatory pathway. The addition of PD1-41BB to CD8+ T-cells expressing the transgenic PRAME-TCR enhanced IFN-γ secretion, improved cytotoxic capacity, and prevented exhaustion upon repetitive re-challenge with tumor cells in vitro without altering the in vitro safety profile. Furthermore, a single dose of TCR-Ts co-expressing PD1-41BB was sufficient to clear a hard-to-treat melanoma xenograft in a mouse model, whereas TCR-Ts without PD1-41BB could not eradicate the PD-L1-positive tumors. This cutting-edge strategy supports development efforts to provide more effective TCR-T immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Sailer
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Ina Fetzer
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Melanie Salvermoser
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Monika Braun
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Doris Brechtefeld
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Christian Krendl
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Christiane Geiger
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Kathrin Mutze
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Elfriede Noessner
- Immunoanalytics-Research Group Tissue Control of Immunocytes (TCI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Dolores J. Schendel
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
- Medigene AG, 82152 Planegg, Germany
- Correspondence: or
| | - Maja Bürdek
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Susanne Wilde
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Daniel Sommermeyer
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
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13
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Zur RT, Adler G, Shamalov K, Tal Y, Ankri C, Cohen CJ. Adoptive T-cell Immunotherapy: Perfecting Self-Defenses. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:253-294. [PMID: 35165867 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As an important part of the immune system, T lymphocytes exhibit undoubtedly an important role in targeting and eradicating cancer. However, despite these characteristics, their natural antitumor response may be insufficient. Numerous clinical trials in terminally ill cancer patients testing the design of novel and efficient immunotherapeutic approaches based on the adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-specific T lymphocytes have shown encouraging results. Moreover, this also led to the approval of engineered T-cell therapies in patients. Herein, we will expand on the development and the use of such strategies using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or genetically engineered T-cells. We will also comment on the requirements and potential hurdles encountered when elaborating and implementing such treatments as well as the exciting prospects for this kind of emerging personalized medicine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Toledano Zur
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Galit Adler
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Katerina Shamalov
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yair Tal
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Chen Ankri
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Cyrille J Cohen
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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14
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Olguín-Contreras LF, Mendler AN, Popowicz G, Hu B, Noessner E. Double Strike Approach for Tumor Attack: Engineering T Cells Using a CD40L:CD28 Chimeric Co-Stimulatory Switch Protein for Enhanced Tumor Targeting in Adoptive Cell Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750478. [PMID: 34912334 PMCID: PMC8666660 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of co-stimulatory pathways in cytotoxic T lymphocytes expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have proven to boost effector activity, tumor rejection and long-term T cell persistence. When using antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCR) instead of CARs, the lack of co-stimulatory signals hampers robust antitumoral response, hence limiting clinical efficacy. In solid tumors, tumor stroma poses an additional hurdle through hindrance of infiltration and active inhibition. Our project aimed at generating chimeric co-stimulatory switch proteins (CSP) consisting of intracellular co-stimulatory domains (ICD) fused to extracellular protein domains (ECD) for which ligands are expressed in solid tumors. The ECD of CD40L was selected for combination with the ICD from the CD28 protein. With this approach, it was expected to not only provide co-stimulation and strengthen the TCR signaling, but also, through the CD40L ECD, facilitate the activation of tumor-resident antigen-presenting cells (APCs), modulate activation of tumor endothelium and induce TCR-MHC independent apoptotic effect on tumor cells. Since CD28 and CD40L belong to different classes of transmembrane proteins (type I and type II, respectively), creating a chimeric protein presented a structural and functional challenge. We present solutions to this challenge describing different CSP formats that were successfully expressed in human T cells along with an antigen-specific TCR. The level of surface expression of the CSPs depended on their distinct design and the state of T cell activation. In particular, CSPs were upregulated by TCR stimulation and downregulated following interaction with CD40 on target cells. Ligation of the CSP in the context of TCR-stimulation modulated intracellular signaling cascades and led to improved TCR-induced cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity. Moreover, the CD40L ECD exhibited activity as evidenced by effective maturation and activation of B cells and DCs. CD40L:CD28 CSPs are a new type of switch proteins designed to exert dual beneficial antitumor effect by acting directly on the gene-modified T cells and simultaneously on tumor cells and tumor-supporting cells of the TME. The observed effects suggest that they constitute a promising tool to be included in the engineering process of T cells to endow them with complementary features for improved performance in the tumor milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna N. Mendler
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Grzegorz Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bin Hu
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elfriede Noessner
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Immunoanalytics Research Group - Tissue Control of Immunocytes, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
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15
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Watanabe K, Nishikawa H. Engineering strategies for broad application of TCR-T and CAR-T cell therapies. Int Immunol 2021; 33:551-562. [PMID: 34374779 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy, including the transfer of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes after in vitro expansion or T cells redirected to tumor antigens using antigen-specific transgenic T cell receptor T cells (TCR-T cells) or chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells), has shown a significant clinical impact. Particularly, several types of CAR-T cell therapies have been approved for the treatment of hematological malignancies. The striking success of CAR-T cell therapies in hematological malignancies motivates their further expansion to a wide range of solid tumors, yet multiple obstacles, including the lack of proper target antigens exhibiting a tumor-specific expression pattern and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) impairing the effector functions of adoptively transferred T cells, have prevented clinical application. Gene engineering technologies such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system have enabled flexible reprograming of TCR/CAR-T cell signaling or loading genes that are targets of the tumor immunosuppression as a payload to overcome the difficulties. Here, we discuss recent advances in TCR/CAR-T cell engineering: various promising approaches to enhance the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred T cells in the TME for maximizing the efficacy and the safety of adoptive cell therapy are now being tested in the clinic, especially targeting solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Watanabe
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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16
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Guo J, Kent A, Davila E. Chimeric non-antigen receptors in T cell-based cancer therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002628. [PMID: 34344725 PMCID: PMC8336119 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002628] [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] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptively transferred T cell-based cancer therapies have shown incredible promise in treatment of various cancers. So far therapeutic strategies using T cells have focused on manipulation of the antigen-recognition machinery itself, such as through selective expression of tumor-antigen specific T cell receptors or engineered antigen-recognition chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). While several CARs have been approved for treatment of hematopoietic malignancies, this kind of therapy has been less successful in the treatment of solid tumors, in part due to lack of suitable tumor-specific targets, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and the inability of adoptively transferred cells to maintain their therapeutic potentials. It is critical for therapeutic T cells to overcome immunosuppressive environmental triggers, mediating balanced antitumor immunity without causing unwanted inflammation or autoimmunity. To address these hurdles, chimeric receptors with distinct signaling properties are being engineered to function as allies of tumor antigen-specific receptors, modulating unique aspects of T cell function without directly binding to antigen themselves. In this review, we focus on the design and function of these chimeric non-antigen receptors, which fall into three broad categories: ‘inhibitory-to-stimulatory’ switch receptors that bind natural ligands, enhanced stimulatory receptors that interact with natural ligands, and synthetic receptor-ligand pairs. Our intent is to offer detailed descriptions that will help readers to understand the structure and function of these receptors, as well as inspire development of additional novel synthetic receptors to improve T cell-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitao Guo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew Kent
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Eduardo Davila
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA .,Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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17
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Oda SK, Anderson KG, Ravikumar P, Bonson P, Garcia NM, Jenkins CM, Zhuang S, Daman AW, Chiu EY, Bates BM, Greenberg PD. A Fas-4-1BB fusion protein converts a death to a pro-survival signal and enhances T cell therapy. J Exp Med 2021; 217:152059. [PMID: 32860705 PMCID: PMC7953733 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) with genetically modified T cells has shown impressive results against some hematologic cancers, but efficacy in solid tumors can be limited by restrictive tumor microenvironments (TMEs). For example, Fas ligand is commonly overexpressed in TMEs and induces apoptosis in tumor-infiltrating, Fas receptor–positive lymphocytes. We engineered immunomodulatory fusion proteins (IFPs) to enhance ACT efficacy, combining an inhibitory receptor ectodomain with a costimulatory endodomain to convert negative into positive signals. We developed a Fas-4-1BB IFP that replaces the Fas intracellular tail with costimulatory 4-1BB. Fas-4-1BB IFP-engineered murine T cells exhibited increased pro-survival signaling, proliferation, antitumor function, and altered metabolism in vitro. In vivo, Fas-4-1BB ACT eradicated leukemia and significantly improved survival in the aggressive KPC pancreatic cancer model. Fas-4-1BB IFP expression also enhanced primary human T cell function in vitro. Thus, Fas-4-1BB IFP expression is a novel strategy to improve multiple T cell functions and enhance ACT against solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon K Oda
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Kristin G Anderson
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Pranali Ravikumar
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Patrick Bonson
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Nicolas M Garcia
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Cody M Jenkins
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Summer Zhuang
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Andrew W Daman
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Edison Y Chiu
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Breanna M Bates
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Philip D Greenberg
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.,Department of Medicine/Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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18
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Raj D, Nikolaidi M, Garces I, Lorizio D, Castro NM, Caiafa SG, Moore K, Brown NF, Kocher HM, Duan X, Nelson BH, Lemoine NR, Marshall JF. CEACAM7 Is an Effective Target for CAR T-cell Therapy of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:1538-1552. [PMID: 33479048 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether CEACAM7 represents a novel therapeutic target for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to generate CEACAM7-targeting CAR T cells to test this hypothesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We identified CEACAM7 (CGM2), a member of the CEA family of proteins with expression restricted to the colon and pancreas, as a potential CAR T-cell target for PDAC. We probed a panel of PDAC tumor sections as well as patient-derived PDAC cell cultures for CEACAM7 expression. We generated CAR-targeting CEACAM7, and assessed antitumor efficacy of CEACAM7 CAR T cells using in vitro and in vivo models. RESULTS We show here that CEACAM7 is expressed in a large subset of PDAC tumors, with low to undetectable expression in all normal tissues tested. CEACAM7 is also expressed in primary PDAC cultures isolated from patient-derived tumors, with high expression within the cancer stem cell-enriched subset. CAR T cells targeting CEACAM7 are capable of targeting antigen-expressing tumor cells, and mediate remission in patient-derived xenograft tumors. CONCLUSIONS We identify CEACAM7 as a potential therapeutic target in PDAC and describe the development of CEACAM7-targeted CAR T cells with efficacy against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Raj
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Nikolaidi
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Garces
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Lorizio
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia M Castro
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sabrina G Caiafa
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Moore
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas F Brown
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hemant M Kocher
- Director of the Barts Pancreatic Cancer Tissue Bank, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaobo Duan
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Victoria, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Brad H Nelson
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Victoria, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nicholas R Lemoine
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Director, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence
| | - John F Marshall
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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19
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Davari K, Holland T, Prassmayer L, Longinotti G, Ganley KP, Pechilis LJ, Diaconu I, Nambiar PR, Magee MS, Schendel DJ, Sommermeyer D, Ellinger C. Development of a CD8 co-receptor independent T-cell receptor specific for tumor-associated antigen MAGE-A4 for next generation T-cell-based immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002035. [PMID: 33771892 PMCID: PMC7996660 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cancer-testis antigen MAGE-A4 is an attractive target for T-cell-based immunotherapy, especially for indications with unmet clinical need like non-small cell lung or triple-negative breast cancer. METHODS An unbiased CD137-based sorting approach was first used to identify an immunogenic MAGE-A4-derived epitope (GVYDGREHTV) that was properly processed and presented on human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 molecules encoded by the HLA-A*02:01 allele. To isolate high-avidity T cells via subsequent multimer sorting, an in vitro priming approach using HLA-A2-negative donors was conducted to bypass central tolerance to this self-antigen. Pre-clinical parameters of safety and activity were assessed in a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS A MAGE-A4-reactive, HLA-A2-restricted T-cell receptor (TCR) was isolated from primed T cells of an HLA-A2-negative donor. The respective TCR-T-cell (TCR-T) product bbT485 was demonstrated pre-clinically to have a favorable safety profile and superior in vivo potency compared with TCR-Ts expressing a TCR derived from a tolerized T-cell repertoire to self-antigens. This natural high-avidity TCR was found to be CD8 co-receptor independent, allowing effector functions to be elicited in transgenic CD4+ T helper cells. These CD4+ TCR-Ts supported an anti-tumor response by direct killing of MAGE-A4-positive tumor cells and upregulated hallmarks associated with helper function, such as CD154 expression and release of key cytokines on tumor-specific stimulation. CONCLUSION The extensive pre-clinical assessment of safety and in vivo potency of bbT485 provide the basis for its use in TCR-T immunotherapy studies. The ability of this non-mutated high-avidity, co-receptor-independent TCR to activate CD8+ and CD4+ T cells could potentially provide enhanced cellular responses in the clinical setting through the induction of functionally diverse T-cell subsets that goes beyond what is currently tested in the clinic.
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MESH Headings
- A549 Cells
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- CD8 Antigens/genetics
- CD8 Antigens/immunology
- CD8 Antigens/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Female
- HEK293 Cells
- HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology
- HLA-A2 Antigen/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunodominant Epitopes
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- K562 Cells
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/immunology
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Phenotype
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Tumor Burden
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Davari
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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20
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Toll-like receptor-2/7-mediated T cell activation: An innate potential to augment CD8 + T cell cytokine production. Scand J Immunol 2021; 93:e13019. [PMID: 33377182 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are critical to combat pathogens and eradicate malignantly transformed cells. To exert their effector function and kill target cells, T cells produce copious amounts of effector molecules, including the pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon γ, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 2. TCR triggering alone is sufficient to induce cytokine secretion by effector and memory CD8+ T cells. However, T cells can also be directly activated by pathogen-derived molecules, such as through the triggering of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLR-mediated pathogen sensing by T cells results in the production of only interferon γ. However, in particular when the antigen load on target cells is low, or when TCR affinity to the antigen is limited, antigen-experienced T cells can benefit from costimulatory signals. TLR stimulation can also function in a costimulatory fashion to enhance TCR triggering. Combined TCR and TLR triggering enhances the proliferation, memory formation and effector function of T cells, resulting in enhanced production of interferon γ, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 2. Therefore, TLR ligands or the exploitation of TLR signalling could provide novel opportunities for immunotherapy approaches. In fact, CD19 CAR T cells bearing an intracellular TLR2 costimulatory domain were recently employed to treat cancer patients in a clinical trial. Here, the current knowledge regarding TLR2/7 stimulation-induced cytokine production by T cells is reviewed. Specifically, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional pathways engaged upon TLR2/7 sensing and TLR2/7 signalling are discussed. Finally, the potential uses of TLRs to enhance the anti-tumor effector function of T cells are explored.
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21
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Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Exhaustion during Treatment for Hematological Malignancies. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8765028. [PMID: 33150182 PMCID: PMC7603553 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8765028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy, especially based on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, has achieved prominent success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, approximately 30-50% of patients will have disease relapse following remission after receiving CD19-targeting CAR-T cells, with failure of maintaining a long-term effect. Mechanisms underlying CAR-T therapy inefficiency consist of loss or modulation of target antigen and CAR-T cell poor persistence which mostly results from T cell exhaustion. The unique features and restoration strategies of exhausted T cells (Tex) have been well described in solid tumors. However, the overview associated with CAR-T cell exhaustion is relatively rare in hematological malignancies. In this review, we summarize the characteristics, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of Tex cells as well as approaches to reverse CAR-T cell exhaustion in hematological malignancies, providing novel strategies for immunotherapies.
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22
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Overhauling CAR T Cells to Improve Efficacy, Safety and Cost. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092360. [PMID: 32825533 PMCID: PMC7564591 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is now surpassing 30 years of clinical experience and in that time a variety of approaches has been applied for the treatment of a wide range of pathologies. While the promise of gene therapy was over-stated in the 1990’s, the following decades were met with polar extremes between demonstrable success and devastating setbacks. Currently, the field of gene therapy is enjoying the rewards of overcoming the hurdles that come with turning new ideas into safe and reliable treatments, including for cancer. Among these modalities, the modification of T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) has met with clear success and holds great promise for the future treatment of cancer. We detail a series of considerations for the improvement of the CAR-T cell approach, including the design of the CAR, routes of gene transfer, introduction of CARs in natural killer and other cell types, combining the CAR approach with checkpoint blockade or oncolytic viruses, improving pre-clinical models as well as means for reducing cost and, thus, making this technology more widely available. While CAR-T cells serve as a prime example of translating novel ideas into effective treatments, certainly the lessons learned will serve to accelerate the current and future development of gene therapy drugs.
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23
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Rath JA, Arber C. Engineering Strategies to Enhance TCR-Based Adoptive T Cell Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1485. [PMID: 32570906 PMCID: PMC7349724 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-based adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) hold great promise for the treatment of cancer, as TCRs can cover a broad range of target antigens. Here we summarize basic, translational and clinical results that provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-based ACT. We review the characteristics of target antigens and conventional αβ-TCRs, and provide a summary of published clinical trials with TCR-transgenic T cell therapies. We discuss how synthetic biology and innovative engineering strategies are poised to provide solutions for overcoming current limitations, that include functional avidity, MHC restriction, and most importantly, the tumor microenvironment. We also highlight the impact of precision genome editing on the next iteration of TCR-transgenic T cell therapies, and the discovery of novel immune engineering targets. We are convinced that some of these innovations will enable the field to move TCR gene therapy to the next level.
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MESH Headings
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Engineering
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/adverse effects
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/trends
- Gene Editing
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/trends
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Safety
- Synthetic Biology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Translational Research, Biomedical
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Arber
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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24
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Qin L, Zhao R, Chen D, Wei X, Wu Q, Long Y, Jiang Z, Li Y, Wu H, Zhang X, Wu Y, Cui S, Wei W, Yao H, Liu Z, Cao S, Yao Y, Zhang Z, Li P. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting PD-L1 suppress tumor growth. Biomark Res 2020; 8:19. [PMID: 32514352 PMCID: PMC7268496 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-020-00198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) therapy has been well recognized for treating B cell-derived malignancy. However, the efficacy of CAR-T cells against solid tumors remains dissatisfactory, partially due to the heterogeneity of solid tumors and T cell exhaustion in tumor microenvironment. PD-L1 is up-regulated in multiple solid tumors, resulting in T cell exhaustion upon binding to its receptor PD-1. Methods Here, we designed a dominant-negative form of PD-1, dPD1z, a vector containing the extracellular and transmembrane regions of human PD-1, and a CAR vector against PD-L1, CARPD-L1z, a vector employs a high-affinity single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against human PD-L1. These two vectors shared the same intracellular structure, including 4-1BB and TLR2 co-stimulatory domains, and the CD3ζ signaling domain. Results dPD1z T and CARPD-L1z T cells efficiently lysed PD-L1+ tumor cells and had enhanced cytokine secretion in vitro and suppressed the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gastric cancer and hepatoma carcinoma in patient-derived xenograft (PDX). However, the combination of anti-mesothelin CAR-T cells (CARMSLNz T) with dPD1z T or CARPD-L1z T cells did not repress tumor growth synergistically in PDX, as CARMSLNz T cells upregulated PD-L1 expression upon activation and were subsequently attacked by dPD1z T or CARPD-L1z T cells. Conclusions In conclusion, we demonstrate CAR-T cells targeting PD-L1 were effective for suppressing the growth of multiple types of solid tumors in PDX models though their safety needs to be carefully examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruocong Zhao
- Institute of Hematology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinru Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youguo Long
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Institute of Hematology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haipeng Wu
- Guangdong Zhaotai InVivo Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuchao Zhang
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilong Wu
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuzhong Cui
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Guangdong Cord Blood Bank, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huihui Yao
- The 91th Military Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Zixia Liu
- The 91th Military Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Su Cao
- The 91th Military Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Yao Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GD), Guangzhou, China
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25
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Hoogi S, Eisenberg V, Mayer S, Shamul A, Barliya T, Cohen CJ. A TIGIT-based chimeric co-stimulatory switch receptor improves T-cell anti-tumor function. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:243. [PMID: 31500665 PMCID: PMC6734436 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0721-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumors can employ different mechanisms to evade immune surveillance and function. Overexpression of co-inhibitory ligands that bind to checkpoint molecules on the surface of T-cells can greatly impair the function of latter. TIGIT (T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains) is such a co-inhibitory receptor expressed by T and NK cells which, upon binding to its ligand (e.g., CD155), can diminish cytokine production and effector function. Additionally, the absence of positive co-stimulation at the tumor site can further dampen T-cell response. Methods As T-cell genetic engineering has become clinically-relevant in the recent years, we devised herein a strategy aimed at enhancing T-cell anti-tumor function by diverting T-cell coinhibitory signals into positive ones using a chimeric costimulatory switch receptor (CSR) composed of the TIGIT exodomain fused to the signaling domain of CD28. Results After selecting an optimized TIGIT-28 CSR, we co-transduced it along with tumor-specific TCR or CAR into human T-cells. TIGIT-28-equipped T-cells exhibited enhanced cytokine secretion and upregulation of activation markers upon co-culture with tumor cells. TIGIT-28 enhancing capability was also demonstrated in an original in vitro model of T-cell of hypofunction induction upon repetitive antigen exposure. Finally, we tested the function of this molecule in the context of a xenograft model of established human melanoma tumors and showed that TIGIT-28-engineered human T-cells demonstrated superior anti-tumor function. Conclusion Overall, we propose that TIGIT-based CSR can substantially enhance T-cell function and thus contribute to the improvement of engineered T cell-based immunotherapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-019-0721-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiran Hoogi
- The Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 52900-02, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Vasyl Eisenberg
- The Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 52900-02, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shimrit Mayer
- The Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 52900-02, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Astar Shamul
- The Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 52900-02, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tilda Barliya
- The Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 52900-02, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Cyrille J Cohen
- The Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 52900-02, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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26
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Eisenberg V, Hoogi S, Shamul A, Barliya T, Cohen CJ. T-cells "à la CAR-T(e)" - Genetically engineering T-cell response against cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:23-40. [PMID: 30653988 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The last decade will be remembered as the dawn of the immunotherapy era during which we have witnessed the approval by regulatory agencies of genetically engineered CAR T-cells and of checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment. Understandably, T-lymphocytes represent the essential player in these approaches. These cells can mediate impressive tumor regression in terminally-ill cancer patients. Moreover, they are amenable to genetic engineering to improve their function and specificity. In the present review, we will give an overview of the most recent developments in the field of T-cell genetic engineering including TCR-gene transfer and CAR T-cells strategies. We will also elaborate on the development of other types of genetic modifications to enhance their anti-tumor immune response such as the use of co-stimulatory chimeric receptors (CCRs) and unconventional CARs built on non-antibody molecules. Finally, we will discuss recent advances in genome editing and synthetic biology applied to T-cell engineering and comment on the next challenges ahead.
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27
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Ti D, Niu Y, Wu Z, Fu X, Han W. Genetic engineering of T cells with chimeric antigen receptors for hematological malignancy immunotherapy. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 61:1320-1332. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9411-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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28
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Tay JC, Zha S, Wang S. Chimeric switch receptor: switching for improved adoptive T-cell therapy against cancers. Immunotherapy 2018; 9:1339-1349. [PMID: 29185393 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T-lymphocyte transfer-based immunotherapy for cancers has seen huge leaps with both CARs and engineered TCRs. Despite this, issues relating to safety and efficacy persist. To address this, chimeric switch receptors have been created to reverse the outcomes of their original signaling pathways in order to confer immune cells with the ability to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and to allow them to have greater in vivo persistence. Activating switch receptors exploit the inhibitory molecules expressed by cancer cells to further stimulate the tumor antigen-specific T lymphocytes. On the other hand, inhibitory switch receptors inhibit the effects of tumor-reactive T lymphocytes on unintended targets. This paper reviews the switch receptors reported thus far, and lists out potential improvements and future works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ck Tay
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Shijun Zha
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Shu Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, Singapore 138669.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
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29
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Ho P, Chen YY. Synthetic Biology in Immunotherapy and Stem Cell Therapy Engineering. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527688104.ch17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ho
- University of California; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; 420 Westwood Plaza, Boelter Hall 5532, Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Yvonne Y. Chen
- University of California; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; 420 Westwood Plaza, Boelter Hall 5532, Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
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