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Li W, Wei J, Cheng M, Liu M. Unveiling promising targets in gastric cancer therapy: A comprehensive review. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200857. [PMID: 39280587 PMCID: PMC11396074 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) poses a significant global health challenge, ranking fifth in incidence and third in mortality among all malignancies worldwide. Its insidious onset, aggressive growth, proclivity for metastasis, and limited treatment options have contributed to its high fatality rate. Traditional approaches for GC treatment primarily involve surgery and chemotherapy. However, there is growing interest in targeted therapies and immunotherapies. This comprehensive review highlights recent advancements in GC targeted therapy and immunotherapy. It delves into the mechanisms of various strategies, underscoring their potential in GC treatment. Additionally, the review evaluates the efficacy and safety of relevant clinical trials. Despite the benefits observed in numerous advanced GC patients with targeted therapies and immunotherapies, challenges persist. We discuss pertinent strategies to overcome these challenges, thereby providing a solid foundation for enhancing the clinical effectiveness of targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenke Li
- Gastric Cancer Center/Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Gastric Cancer Center/Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
| | - Mo Cheng
- Gastric Cancer Center/Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Gastric Cancer Center/Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
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Jeon SH, You G, Park J, Chung Y, Park K, Kim H, Jeon J, Kim Y, Son WC, Jeong DS, Shin EC, Lee JY, Han DH, Jung J, Park SH. Anti-4-1BB×PDL1 Bispecific Antibody Reinvigorates Tumor-Specific Exhausted CD8+ T Cells and Enhances the Efficacy of Anti-PD1 Blockade. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:4155-4166. [PMID: 38743752 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2864] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To overcome the limited efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade, there is a need to find novel cancer immunotherapeutic strategies for the optimal treatment of cancer. The novel anti-4-1BB×PDL1 bispecific antibody-ABL503 (also known as TJ-L14B)-was designed to simultaneously target PDL1 and 4-1BB and demonstrated strong antitumor T-cell responses without considerable toxicity. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which the combination of ABL503 and anti-PD1 blockade affected the reinvigoration of exhausted tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells (CD8+ TIL) and antitumor efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Single-cell suspensions of hepatocellular carcinoma and ovarian cancer tissues from treatment-naïve patients were used for immunophenotyping of CD8+ TILs and in vitro functional assays. Humanized hPD1/hPDL1/h4-1BB triple-knock-in mice were used to evaluate the effects of ABL503 and anti-PD1 blockade in vivo. RESULTS We observed that ABL503 successfully restored the functions of 4-1BB+ exhausted CD8+ TILs, which were enriched for tumor-specific T cells but unresponsive to anti-PD1 blockade. Importantly, compared with anti-PD1 blockade alone, the combination of ABL503 and anti-PD1 blockade further enhanced the functional restoration of human CD8+ TILs in vitro. Consistently, the combination of ABL503 with anti-PD1 in vivo significantly alleviated tumor growth and induced enhanced infiltration and activation of CD8+ TILs. CONCLUSIONS ABL503, a PDL1 and 4-1BB dual-targeting bispecific antibody, elicits pronounced additive tumor growth inhibition, with increased infiltration and functionality of exhausted CD8+ T cells, which in turn enhances the anticancer effects of anti-PD1 blockade. These promising findings suggest that ABL503 (TJ-L14B) in combination with PD1 inhibitors will likely further enhance therapeutic benefit in clinical trials. See related commentary by Molero-Glez et al., p. 3971.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Bispecific/therapeutic use
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Animals
- Humans
- Mice
- Female
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/antagonists & inhibitors
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/immunology
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- B7-H1 Antigen/immunology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Ovarian Neoplasms/immunology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyuck Jeon
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Gihoon You
- ABL Bio Inc., Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Junsik Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youseung Chung
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Woo-Chan Son
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Som Jeong
- Department of Medical Science, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dai Hoon Han
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeho Jung
- ABL Bio Inc., Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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3
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Molero-Glez P, Azpilikueta A, Mosteo L, Glez-Vaz J, Palencia B, Melero I. CD137 (4-1BB) and T-Lymphocyte Exhaustion. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:3971-3973. [PMID: 39120463 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-1568] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB) costimulation results in the potent activation of antitumor T lymphocytes and elicits antitumor efficacy that is synergistic with anti-PD(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors, especially when using bispecific constructs. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that 4-1BB ligation prevents and may revert T-cell exhaustion. See related article by Jeon et al., p. 4155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Molero-Glez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Laura Mosteo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Belen Palencia
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Medina JA, Ledezma DK, Ghofrani J, Chen J, Chin SJ, Balakrishnan PB, Lee NH, Sweeney EE, Fernandes R. Photothermal therapy co-localized with CD137 agonism improves survival in an SM1 melanoma model without hepatotoxicity. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39225150 DOI: 10.1080/17435889.2024.2389770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigate combining Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PBNPs), as photothermal therapy (PTT) agents, with agonistic CD137 antibodies (αCD137) on a single nanoparticle platform to deliver non-toxic, anti-tumor efficacy in SM1 murine melanoma.Methods: We electrostatically coated PBNPs with αCD137 (αCD137-PBNPs) and quantified their physicochemical characteristics, photothermal and co-stimulatory capabilities. Next, we tested the efficacy and hepatotoxicity of PTT using αCD137-PBNPs (αCD137-PBNP-PTT) in SM1 tumor-bearing mice.Results: The αCD137-PBNPs retained both the photothermal and agonistic properties of the PBNPs and αCD137, respectively. In vivo, SM1 tumor-bearing mice treated with αCD137-PBNP-PTT exhibited a significantly higher survival rate (50%) without hepatotoxicity, compared with control treatments.Conclusion: These data suggest the potential utility of co-localizing PBNP-PTT with αCD137-based agonism as a novel combination nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Medina
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, WA 20052, USA
| | - Debbie K Ledezma
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, WA 20052, USA
| | - Joshua Ghofrani
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, WA 20052, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, WA 20052, USA
| | - Samantha J Chin
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, WA 20052, USA
| | | | - Norman H Lee
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, WA 20052, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Sweeney
- The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, WA 20052, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
| | - Rohan Fernandes
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
- The George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, WA 20052, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, WA 20037, USA
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5
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Cao Z, Wichmann CW, Burvenich IJG, Osellame LD, Guo N, Rigopoulos A, O'Keefe GJ, Scott FE, Lorensuhewa N, Lynch KP, Scott AM. Radiolabelling and preclinical characterisation of [ 89Zr]Zr-Df-ATG-101 bispecific to PD-L1/4-1BB. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:3202-3214. [PMID: 38730087 PMCID: PMC11368977 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06742-6] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE ATG-101, a bispecific antibody that simultaneously targets the immune checkpoint PD-L1 and the costimulatory receptor 4-1BB, activates exhausted T cells upon PD-L1 crosslinking. Previous studies demonstrated promising anti-tumour efficacy of ATG-101 in preclinical models. Here, we labelled ATG-101 with 89Zr to confirm its tumour targeting effect and tissue biodistribution in a preclinical model. We also evaluated the use of immuno-PET to study tumour uptake of ATG-101 in vivo. METHODS ATG-101, anti-PD-L1, and an isotype control were conjugated with p-SCN-Deferoxamine (Df). The Df-conjugated antibodies were radiolabelled with 89Zr, and their radiochemical purity, immunoreactivity, and serum stability were assessed. We conducted PET/MRI and biodistribution studies on [89Zr]Zr-Df-ATG-101 in BALB/c nude mice bearing PD-L1-expressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts for up to 10 days after intravenous administration of [89Zr]Zr-labelled antibodies. The specificity of [89Zr]Zr-Df-ATG-101 was evaluated through a competition study with unlabelled ATG-101 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies. RESULTS The Df-conjugation and [89Zr]Zr -radiolabelling did not affect the target binding of ATG-101. Biodistribution and imaging studies demonstrated biological similarity of [89Zr]Zr-Df-ATG-101 and [89Zr]Zr-Df-anti-PD-L1. Tumour uptake of [89Zr]Zr-Df-ATG-101 was clearly visualised using small-animal PET imaging up to 7 days post-injection. Competition studies confirmed the specificity of PD-L1 targeting in vivo. CONCLUSION [89Zr]Zr-Df-ATG-101 in vivo distribution is dependent on PD-L1 expression in the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model. Immuno-PET with [89Zr]Zr-Df-ATG-101 provides real-time information about ATG-101 distribution and tumour uptake in vivo. Our data support the use of [89Zr]Zr-Df-ATG-101 to assess tumour and tissue uptake of ATG-101.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Cao
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christian Werner Wichmann
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Chemistry - Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ingrid Julienne Georgette Burvenich
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Laura Danielle Osellame
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nancy Guo
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Rigopoulos
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Graeme Joseph O'Keefe
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fiona Elizabeth Scott
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Andrew Mark Scott
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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6
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Liu L, Chen F, Li S, Yang T, Chen S, Zhou Y, Lin Z, Zeng G, Feng P, Shu HB, Zhou Q, Ding K, Chen L. Human/mouse CD137 agonist, JNU-0921, effectively shrinks tumors through enhancing the cytotoxicity of CD8 + T cells in cis and in trans. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp8647. [PMID: 39178257 PMCID: PMC11343023 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
Agonistic antibodies against CD137 have been demonstrated to completely regress established tumors through activating T cell immunity. Unfortunately, current CD137 antibodies failed to benefit patients with cancer. Moreover, their antitumor mechanisms in vivo remain to be determined. Here, we report the development of a small molecular CD137 agonist, JNU-0921. JNU-0921 effectively activates both human and mouse CD137 through direct binding their extracellular domains to induce oligomerization and signaling and effectively shrinks tumors in vivo. Mechanistically, JNU-0921 enhances effector and memory function of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and alleviates their exhaustion. JNU-0921 also skews polarization of helper T cells toward T helper 1 type and enhances their activity to boost CTL function. Meanwhile, JNU-0921 attenuates the inhibitory function of regulatory T cells on CTLs. Our current work shows that JNU-0921 shrinks tumors by enhancing the cytotoxicity of CTLs in cis and in trans and sheds light on strategy for developing CD137 small molecular agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fenghua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shan Li
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310018 Zhejiang, China
| | - Tong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zejian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guandi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Pengju Feng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hong-Bing Shu
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ke Ding
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Shimozaki K, Fukuoka S, Ooki A, Yamaguchi K. HER2-low gastric cancer: is the subgroup targetable? ESMO Open 2024; 9:103679. [PMID: 39178538 PMCID: PMC11386020 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic developments in the targeting of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-expressing gastric cancer have followed the dramatic success of HER2-expressing breast cancer treatment, which has facilitated the expansion of indications for anti-HER2 agents to include not only conventional HER2-positive breast cancer, but also HER2-low and HER2-ultralow subgroups. The targetability of HER2-low gastric cancer, however, has yet to be established. Hence, further studies are needed to comprehensively understand the clinicopathological features, specific gene alterations, and distinct tumor immune microenvironment of HER2-low gastric cancer and compare them with those for HER2-positive or -negative gastric cancer. Antibody-drug conjugates for HER2 play an important role in making HER2-low gastric cancer targetable. In this context, a deeper understanding of the novel anti-HER2 agents, including antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engager antibodies, and a combination of these agents, as well as new forms of immunomodulatory agents are also required. Redefining and re-categorizing HER2 status through not only immunohistochemistry/fluorescence in situ hybridization but also evaluating ERRB2 copy number gain or protein overexpression levels measured using DNA or RNA sequencing might be helpful for identifying populations with HER2-expressing tumors who would ideally benefit from anti-HER2 treatment. The current paper reviewed recent clinical trials, focusing particularly on HER2-low gastric cancer together with basic/translational findings, and discuss perspectives on further therapeutic development in the treatment of this distinct subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shimozaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo; Keio Cancer Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Fukuoka
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo
| | - A Ooki
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo.
| | - K Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo
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8
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Herault A, Mak J, de la Cruz-Chuh J, Dillon MA, Ellerman D, Go M, Cosino E, Clark R, Carson E, Yeung S, Pichery M, Gador M, Chiang EY, Wu J, Liang Y, Modrusan Z, Gampa G, Sudhamsu J, Kemball CC, Cheung V, Nguyen TTT, Seshasayee D, Piskol R, Totpal K, Yu SF, Lee G, Kozak KR, Spiess C, Walsh KB. NKG2D-bispecific enhances NK and CD8+ T cell antitumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:209. [PMID: 39112670 PMCID: PMC11306676 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03795-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer immunotherapy approaches that elicit immune cell responses, including T and NK cells, have revolutionized the field of oncology. However, immunosuppressive mechanisms restrain immune cell activation within solid tumors so additional strategies to augment activity are required. METHODS We identified the co-stimulatory receptor NKG2D as a target based on its expression on a large proportion of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from breast cancer patient samples. Human and murine surrogate NKG2D co-stimulatory receptor-bispecifics (CRB) that bind NKG2D on NK and CD8+ T cells as well as HER2 on breast cancer cells (HER2-CRB) were developed as a proof of concept for targeting this signaling axis in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS HER2-CRB enhanced NK cell activation and cytokine production when co-cultured with HER2 expressing breast cancer cell lines. HER2-CRB when combined with a T cell-dependent-bispecific (TDB) antibody that synthetically activates T cells by crosslinking CD3 to HER2 (HER2-TDB), enhanced T cell cytotoxicity, cytokine production and in vivo antitumor activity. A mouse surrogate HER2-CRB (mHER2-CRB) improved in vivo efficacy of HER2-TDB and augmented NK as well as T cell activation, cytokine production and effector CD8+ T cell differentiation. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that targeting NKG2D with bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) is an effective approach to augment NK and CD8+ T cell antitumor immune responses. Given the large number of ongoing clinical trials leveraging NK and T cells for cancer immunotherapy, NKG2D-bispecifics have broad combinatorial potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelie Herault
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Judy Mak
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Josefa de la Cruz-Chuh
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Dillon
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Diego Ellerman
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - MaryAnn Go
- Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ely Cosino
- Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robyn Clark
- Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily Carson
- Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stacey Yeung
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melanie Pichery
- Immuno-Oncology-In Vitro Biology Department, Evotec, Toulouse, France
| | - Mylène Gador
- Immuno-Oncology-In Vitro Biology Department, Evotec, Toulouse, France
| | - Eugene Y Chiang
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jia Wu
- Department of Antibody Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuxin Liang
- Department of Next-GenSequencing, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Next-GenSequencing, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gautham Gampa
- Department of Development Sciences PTPK, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jawahar Sudhamsu
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher C Kemball
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victoria Cheung
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Dhaya Seshasayee
- Department of Antibody Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert Piskol
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Klara Totpal
- Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shang-Fan Yu
- Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Genee Lee
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine R Kozak
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christoph Spiess
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin B Walsh
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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9
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Eguren-Santamaría I, Rodríguez I, Herrero-Martin C, Fernández de Piérola E, Azpilikueta A, Sánchez-Gregorio S, Bolaños E, Gomis G, Molero-Glez P, Chacón E, Mínguez JÁ, Chiva S, Diez-Caballero F, de Andrea C, Teijeira Á, Sanmamed MF, Melero I. Short-term cultured tumor fragments to study immunotherapy combinations based on CD137 (4-1BB) agonism. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2373519. [PMID: 38988823 PMCID: PMC11236292 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2373519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy are an unmet medical need. The group of Daniela Thommen at the NKI recently reported on novel methodologies based on short-term cultures of patient-derived tumor fragments whose cytokine concentrations in the supernatants and activation markers on infiltrating T cells were associated with clinical response to PD-1 blockade. We set up a similar culture technology with tumor-derived fragments using mouse tumors transplanted into syngeneic immunocompetent mice to test an agonist anti-CD137 mAb and its combinations with anti-PD-1 and/or anti-TGF-β. Increases in IFNγ concentrations in the tissue culture supernatants were detected upon in-culture activation with the anti-CD137 and anti-PD-1 mAb combinations or concanavalin A as a positive control. No other cytokine from a wide array was informative of stimulation with these mAbs. Interestingly, increases in Ki67 and other activation markers were substantiated in lymphocytes from cell suspensions gathered at the end of 72 h cultures. In mice bearing bilateral tumors in which one was excised prior to in vivo anti-CD137 + anti-PD-1 treatment to perform the fragment culture evaluation, no association was found between IFNγ production from the fragments and the in vivo therapeutic outcome in the non-resected contralateral tumors. The experimental system permitted freezing and thawing of the fragments with similar functional outcomes. Using a series of patient-derived tumor fragments from excised solid malignancies, we showed IFNγ production in a fraction of the studied cases, that was conserved in frozen/thawed fragments. The small tumor fragment culture technique seems suitable to preclinically explore immunotherapy combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Eguren-Santamaría
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Rodríguez
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Herrero-Martin
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva Fernández de Piérola
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Gregorio
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gomis
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Paula Molero-Glez
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Chacón
- Gynecology & Obstetrics Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - José Ángel Mínguez
- Gynecology & Obstetrics Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Santiago Chiva
- Urology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Carlos de Andrea
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Pathology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Sanmamed
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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10
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Mikami H, Feng S, Matsuda Y, Ishii S, Naoi S, Azuma Y, Nagano H, Asanuma K, Kayukawa Y, Tsunenari T, Kamikawaji S, Iwabuchi R, Shinozuka J, Yamazaki M, Kuroi H, Ho SSW, Gan SW, Chichili P, Pang CL, Yeo CY, Shimizu S, Hironiwa N, Kinoshita Y, Shimizu Y, Sakamoto A, Muraoka M, Takahashi N, Kawa T, Shiraiwa H, Mimoto F, Kashima K, Kamata-Sakurai M, Ishikawa S, Aburatani H, Kitazawa T, Igawa T. Engineering CD3/CD137 Dual Specificity into a DLL3-Targeted T-Cell Engager Enhances T-Cell Infiltration and Efficacy against Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:719-730. [PMID: 38558120 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0638] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive cancer for which immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have had only limited success. Bispecific T-cell engagers are promising therapeutic alternatives for ICI-resistant tumors, but not all patients with SCLC are responsive. Herein, to integrate CD137 costimulatory function into a T-cell engager format and thereby augment therapeutic efficacy, we generated a CD3/CD137 dual-specific Fab and engineered a DLL3-targeted trispecific antibody (DLL3 trispecific). The CD3/CD137 dual-specific Fab was generated to competitively bind to CD3 and CD137 to prevent DLL3-independent cross-linking of CD3 and CD137, which could lead to systemic T-cell activation. We demonstrated that DLL3 trispecific induced better tumor growth control and a marked increase in the number of intratumoral T cells compared with a conventional DLL3-targeted bispecific T-cell engager. These findings suggest that DLL3 trispecific can exert potent efficacy by inducing concurrent CD137 costimulation and provide a promising therapeutic option for SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Mikami
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shu Feng
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmabody Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yutaka Matsuda
- Project & Lifecycle Management Unit, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Ishii
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sotaro Naoi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmabody Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yumiko Azuma
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagano
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmabody Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kentaro Asanuma
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoko Kayukawa
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Shogo Kamikawaji
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Iwabuchi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Junko Shinozuka
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masaki Yamazaki
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Haruka Kuroi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Siok Wan Gan
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmabody Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chai Ling Pang
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmabody Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chiew Ying Yeo
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmabody Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shun Shimizu
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naoka Hironiwa
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmabody Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yasuko Kinoshita
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Shimizu
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akihisa Sakamoto
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masaru Muraoka
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuya Kawa
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Futa Mimoto
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmabody Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kenji Kashima
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Shumpei Ishikawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Aburatani
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Tomoyuki Igawa
- Translational Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Navarro R, Frago S, Hangiu O, Erce-Llamazares A, Lázaro-Gorines R, Morcillo MA, Rodriguez-Peralto JL, Sanz L, Compte M, Alvarez-Vallina L. Pharmacokinetics and safety of LEAD-452, an EGFR-specific 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody in non-human primates. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 487:116961. [PMID: 38740095 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
LEAD-452 is a humanized bispecific EGFR-targeted 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody with a unique trimeric configuration compared to other 4-1BB-specific antibodies that are currently in development. Indeed, enhanced tumor-specific costimulation and very remarkable safety and efficacy profiles have been observed in mouse models. Here, we conducted for the first time a preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicity study in non-human primates (NHP) (Macaca fascicularis). LEAD-452 exhibits comparable binding affinity for human and macaque targets, indicating its pharmacological significance for safety testing across species. The NHP were administered LEAD-452 in a series of ascending doses, ranging from 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, and repeated doses up to 20 mg/kg. The administration of LEAD-452 was found to be clinically well tolerated, with no major related adverse effects observed. Furthermore, there have been no reported cases of liver toxicity, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, which are commonly associated with treatments using conventional anti-4-1BB IgG-based antibodies. In addition, neither IgM nor IgG-based anti-drug antibodies were detected in serum samples from NHP during the study, regardless of the dose of LEAD-452 administered. These results support the clinical development of LEAD-452 for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Navarro
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Frago
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oana Hangiu
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain; Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Erce-Llamazares
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain; Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Lázaro-Gorines
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain; H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Morcillo
- Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiations Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - José L Rodriguez-Peralto
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Department of Pathology, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Cutaneous Oncology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis Alvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain; H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Halpert MM, Burns BA, Rosario SR, Withers HG, Trivedi AJ, Hofferek CJ, Gephart BD, Wang H, Vazquez-Perez J, Amanya SB, Hyslop ST, Yang J, Kemnade JO, Sandulache VC, Konduri V, Decker WK. Multifactoral immune modulation potentiates durable remission in multiple models of aggressive malignancy. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23644. [PMID: 38738472 PMCID: PMC11155525 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302675r] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Tumors typically lack canonical danger signals required to activate adaptive immunity and also frequently employ substantial immunomodulatory mechanisms that downregulate adaptive responses and contribute to escape from immune surveillance. Given the variety of mechanisms involved in shielding tumors from immune recognition, it is not surprising that single-agent immunomodulatory approaches have been largely unsuccessful in generating durable antitumor responses. Here we report a unique combination of immunomodulatory and cytostatic agents that recondition the tumor microenvironment and eliminate complex and/or poor-prognosis tumor types including the non-immunogenic 4T-1 model of TNBC, the aggressive MOC-2 model of HNSCC, and the high-risk MYCN-amplified model of neuroblastoma. A course of therapy optimized for TNBC cured a majority of tumors in both ectopic and orthotopic settings and eliminated metastatic spread in all animals tested at the highest doses. Immune responses were transferable between therapeutic donor and naïve recipient through adoptive transfer, and a sizeable abscopal effect on distant, untreated lesions could be demonstrated experimentally. Similar results were observed in HNSCC and neuroblastoma models, with characteristic remodeling of the tumor microenvironment documented in all model systems. scRNA-seq analysis implicated upregulation of innate immune responses and antigen presentation in tumor cells and the myeloid cell compartment as critical early events. This analysis also highlighted the potential importance of the autonomic nervous system in the governance of inflammatory processes. The data indicate that the targeting of multiple pathways and mechanisms of action can result in substantial synergistic antitumor effects and suggest follow-up in the neoadjuvant setting may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- MM Halpert
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - BA Burns
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - SR Rosario
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
- Acquired Resistance to Therapy Network (ARTNet) U24/U54 Investigator, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - HG Withers
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - AJ Trivedi
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - CJ Hofferek
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - BD Gephart
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - H Wang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - J Vazquez-Perez
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - SB Amanya
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - ST Hyslop
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - J Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - JO Kemnade
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - VC Sandulache
- Acquired Resistance to Therapy Network (ARTNet) U24/U54 Investigator, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
- Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - V Konduri
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
| | - WK Decker
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
- Acquired Resistance to Therapy Network (ARTNet) U24/U54 Investigator, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 United States
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13
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Ziblat A, Horton BL, Higgs EF, Hatogai K, Martinez A, Shapiro JW, Kim DEC, Zha Y, Sweis RF, Gajewski TF. Batf3 + DCs and the 4-1BB/4-1BBL axis are required at the effector phase in the tumor microenvironment for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade efficacy. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114141. [PMID: 38656869 PMCID: PMC11229087 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114141] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The cellular source of positive signals that reinvigorate T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) for the therapeutic efficacy of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade has not been clearly defined. We now show that Batf3-lineage dendritic cells (DCs) are essential in this process. Flow cytometric analysis, gene-targeted mice, and blocking antibody studies revealed that 4-1BBL is a major positive co-stimulatory signal provided by these DCs within the TME that translates to CD8+ T cell functional reinvigoration and tumor regression. Immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics on human tumor samples revealed clustering of Batf3+ DCs and CD8+ T cells, which correlates with anti-PD-1 efficacy. In addition, proximity to Batf3+ DCs within the TME is associated with CD8+ T cell transcriptional states linked to anti-PD-1 response. Our results demonstrate that Batf3+ DCs within the TME are critical for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade efficacy and indicate a major role for the 4-1BB/4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) axis during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ziblat
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Brendan L Horton
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Emily F Higgs
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ken Hatogai
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Anna Martinez
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jason W Shapiro
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Danny E C Kim
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - YuanYuan Zha
- Human Immunological Monitoring Facility, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Randy F Sweis
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Thomas F Gajewski
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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14
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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15
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Yuwen H, Wang H, Li T, Ren Y, Zhang YK, Chen P, Sun A, Bian G, Li B, Flowers D, Presler M, Subramanian K, Xue J, Wang J, Lynch K, Mei J, He X, Shan B, Hou B. ATG-101 Is a Tetravalent PD-L1×4-1BB Bispecific Antibody That Stimulates Antitumor Immunity through PD-L1 Blockade and PD-L1-Directed 4-1BB Activation. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1680-1698. [PMID: 38501978 PMCID: PMC11094422 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have transformed cancer treatment. However, only a minority of patients achieve a profound response. Many patients are innately resistant while others acquire resistance to ICIs. Furthermore, hepatotoxicity and suboptimal efficacy have hampered the clinical development of agonists of 4-1BB, a promising immune-stimulating target. To effectively target 4-1BB and treat diseases resistant to ICIs, we engineered ATG-101, a tetravalent "2+2″ PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody. ATG-101 bound PD-L1 and 4-1BB concurrently, with a greater affinity for PD-L1, and potently activated 4-1BB+ T cells when cross-linked with PD-L1-positive cells. ATG-101 activated exhausted T cells upon PD-L1 binding, indicating a possible role in reversing T-cell dysfunction. ATG-101 displayed potent antitumor activity in numerous in vivo tumor models, including those resistant or refractory to ICIs. ATG-101 greatly increased the proliferation of CD8+ T cells, the infiltration of effector memory T cells, and the ratio of CD8+ T/regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), rendering an immunologically "cold" tumor "hot." Comprehensive characterization of the TME after ATG-101 treatment using single-cell RNA sequencing further revealed an altered immune landscape that reflected increased antitumor immunity. ATG-101 was well tolerated and did not induce hepatotoxicity in non-human primates. According to computational semimechanistic pharmacology modeling, 4-1BB/ATG-101/PD-L1 trimer formation and PD-L1 receptor occupancy were both maximized at around 2 mg/kg of ATG-101, providing guidance regarding the optimal biological dose for clinical trials. In summary, by localizing to PD-L1-rich microenvironments and activating 4-1BB+ immune cells in a PD-L1 cross-linking-dependent manner, ATG-101 safely inhibits growth of ICI resistant and refractory tumors. SIGNIFICANCE The tetravalent PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody ATG-101 activates 4-1BB+ T cells in a PD-L1 cross-linking-dependent manner, minimizing the hepatotoxicity of existing 4-1BB agonists and suppressing growth of ICI-resistant tumors. See related commentary by Ha et al., p. 1546.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yuwen
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Huajing Wang
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Tengteng Li
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yijing Ren
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | - Peng Chen
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ao Sun
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Gang Bian
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bohua Li
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | - Jia Xue
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang, P.R. China
| | | | | | - Jay Mei
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowen He
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bo Shan
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Bing Hou
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
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16
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Zhu X, Feng Y, Fan P, Dong D, Yuan J, Chang C, Wang R. Increased co-expression of 4-1BB with PD-1 on CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with improved prognosis and immunotherapy response in cervical cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1381381. [PMID: 38756662 PMCID: PMC11096482 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1381381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The combination of agonistic antibodies with immune checkpoint inhibitors presents a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy. Our objective is to explore the co-expression of 4-1BB, ICOS, CD28, with PD-1 on CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood and tumor tissue of cervical cancer(CC) patients, with a specific focus on the association between the co-expression levels of 4-1BB with PD-1 and clinical features, prognosis as well as immunotherapy response. The goal is to offer valuable insights into cervical cancer immunotherapy. Methods In this study, 50 treatment-naive patients diagnosed with CC were enrolled. Flow cytometry was used to detect PD-1/4-1BB, PD-1/ICOS and PD-1/CD28 co-expression on CD8+ T cells. Subsequent analysis aimed to investigate the differential co-expression between peripheral blood and cancer tissue, and also the correlation between co-expression and clinical features in these patients. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, The IMvigor210 cohort, The BMS038cohort and Immunophenoscores were utilized to investigate the correlation between PD-1/4-1BB and the immune microenvironment, prognosis, immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity in cervical cancer. Results The co-expression levels of PD-1/4-1BB, PD-1/ICOS, and PD-1/CD28 on CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were significantly higher in cervical cancer patients compared to those in peripheral blood. Clinical feature analysis reveals that on CD8+ TILs, the co-expression of PD-1/4-1BB is more closely correlated with clinical characteristics compared to PD-1/ICOS, PD-1/CD28, PD-1, and 4-1BB. Pseudo-time analysis and cell communication profiling reveal close associations between the subgroups harboring 4-1BB and PD-1. The prognosis, tumor mutation burden, immune landscape, and immunotherapy response exhibit statistically significant variations between the high and low co-expression groups of PD-1/4-1BB. The high co-expression group of PD-1/4-1BB is more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Conclusion PD-1/4-1BB, PD-1/ICOS, and PD-1/CD28 exhibit elevated co-expression on CD8+TILs of cervical cancer, while demonstrating lower expression in circulating T cells. The co-expression patterns of PD-1/4-1BB significantly contributed to the prediction of immune cell infiltration characteristics, prognosis, and tailored immunotherapy tactics. PD-1/4-1BB exhibits potential as a target for combination immunotherapy in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Zhu
- The Third Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yaning Feng
- Key Laboratory of Oncology of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Peiwen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Danning Dong
- Department of Head and Neck Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jianlin Yuan
- The Third Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Cheng Chang
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ruozheng Wang
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Radiotherapy Clinical Research and Training Center, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Clinical Key Specialty of the Health Commission, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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17
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Blake SJ, Wolf Y, Boursi B, Lynn DJ. Role of the microbiota in response to and recovery from cancer therapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:308-325. [PMID: 37932511 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00951-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of how the microbiota affects the balance between response to and failure of cancer treatment by modulating the tumour microenvironment and systemic immune system has advanced rapidly in recent years. Microbiota-targeting interventions in patients with cancer are an area of intensive investigation. Promisingly, phase I-II clinical trials have shown that interventions such as faecal microbiota transplantation can overcome resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with melanoma, improve therapeutic outcomes in treatment-naive patients and reduce therapy-induced immunotoxicities. Here, we synthesize the evidence showing that the microbiota is an important determinant of both cancer treatment efficacy and treatment-induced acute and long-term toxicity, and we discuss the complex and inter-related mechanisms involved. We also assess the potential of microbiota-targeting interventions, including bacterial engineering and phage therapy, to optimize the response to and recovery from cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Blake
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yochai Wolf
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-oncology and Skin Cancer, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben Boursi
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David J Lynn
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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18
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Lim SH, Beers SA, Al-Shamkhani A, Cragg MS. Agonist Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy: History, Hopes, and Challenges. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1712-1723. [PMID: 38153346 PMCID: PMC7615925 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1014] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is among the most promising new treatment modalities to arise over the last two decades; antibody drugs are delivering immunotherapy to millions of patients with many different types of cancer. Initial success with antibody therapeutics came in the form of direct targeting or cytotoxic antibodies, such as rituximab and trastuzumab, which bind directly to tumor cells to elicit their destruction. These were followed by immunomodulatory antibodies that elicit antitumor responses by either stimulating immune cells or relieving tumor-mediated suppression. By far the most successful approach in the clinic to date has been relieving immune suppression, with immune checkpoint blockade now a standard approach in the treatment of many cancer types. Despite equivalent and sometimes even more impressive effects in preclinical models, agonist antibodies designed to stimulate the immune system have lagged behind in their clinical translation. In this review, we document the main receptors that have been targeted by agonist antibodies, consider the various approaches that have been evaluated to date, detail what we have learned, and consider how their anticancer potential can be unlocked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean H. Lim
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Stephen A. Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mark S. Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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19
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Wang J, Dong T, Gong X, Li D, Sun J, Luo Y, Wu H. Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assessment of the FIC CLDN18.2/4-1BB Bispecific Antibody in Rhesus Monkeys. Int J Toxicol 2024; 43:291-300. [PMID: 38115178 DOI: 10.1177/10915818231221282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, particularly in China, with over half a million new cases and over 400 thousand deaths in 2022. Zolbetuximab, a first-in-class investigational monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting tumor-associated antigen CLDN18.2 which is highly expressed on gastric cancer cells, was recently reported to meet the primary endpoint in Phase III trial as first-line treatment in CLDN18.2 positive and HER2-negative gastric cancers. In the present study, we developed a humanized bispecific antibody (bsAb) CLDN18.2/4-1BB named PM1032. PM1032 activates immune cells via CLDN18.2 mediated crosslinking of 4-1BB, a potent stimulator of T/NK cells. It induced strong immunological memory in multiple tumor-bearing animal models, indicating significant potential as an effective treatment for CLDN18.2 positive cancers such as gastric cancer. Since liver and gastrointestinal (GI) related toxicities were reported in 4-1BB and CLDN18.2 targeting programs during the clinical development, respectively, extensive pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety profile characterization of PM1032 was performed in rhesus monkeys. PM1032 had a half-life comparable to a conventional IgG1 mAb, and serum drug concentration increased in a dose-dependent pattern. Furthermore, PM1032 was generally well tolerated, with no significant abnormalities observed in toxicity studies, including the liver and stomach. In summary, PM1032 demonstrated good PK and an exceptional safety profile in rhesus monkeys supporting further investigation in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- TriApex Laboratories Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiantian Dong
- New Drug Technology Department, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
- TriApex Laboratories Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinjiang Gong
- New Drug Technology Department, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
- TriApex Laboratories Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Deli Li
- TriApex Laboratories Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Joanne Sun
- New Drug Technology Department, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Yi Luo
- New Drug Discovery and Development, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huazhang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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20
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Haugh A, Daud AI. Therapeutic Strategies in BRAF V600 Wild-Type Cutaneous Melanoma. Am J Clin Dermatol 2024; 25:407-419. [PMID: 38329690 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
There have been many recent advances in melanoma therapy. While 50% of melanomas have a BRAF mutation and are a target for BRAF inhibitors, the remaining 50% are BRAF wild-type. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and lymphocyte activated gene-3 (Lag-3) are all approved for the treatment of patients with advanced BRAF wild-type melanoma; however, treatment of this patient population following initial immune checkpoint blockade is a current therapeutic challenge given the lack of other efficacious options. Here, we briefly review available US FDA-approved therapies for BRAF wild-type melanoma and focus on developing treatment avenues for this heterogeneous group of patients. We review the basics of genomic features of both BRAF mutant and BRAF wild-type melanoma as well as efforts underway to develop new targeted therapies involving the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway for patients with BRAF wild-type tumors. We then focus on novel immunotherapies, including developing checkpoint inhibitors and agonists, cytokine therapies, oncolytic viruses and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, all of which represent potential therapeutic avenues for patients with BRAF wild-type melanoma who progress on currently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Haugh
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 6809, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adil I Daud
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 6809, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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21
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Archer S, Brailey PM, Song M, Bartlett PD, Figueiredo I, Gurel B, Guo C, Brucklacher-Waldert V, Thompson HL, Akinwale J, Boyle SE, Rossant C, Birkett NR, Pizzey J, Maginn M, Legg J, Williams R, Johnston CM, Bland-Ward P, de Bono JS, Pierce AJ. CB307: A Dual Targeting Costimulatory Humabody VH Therapeutic for Treating PSMA-Positive Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1595-1606. [PMID: 38593226 PMCID: PMC11016891 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE CD137 is a T- and NK-cell costimulatory receptor involved in consolidating immunologic responses. The potent CD137 agonist urelumab has shown clinical promise as a cancer immunotherapeutic but development has been hampered by on-target off-tumor toxicities. A CD137 agonist targeted to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), frequently and highly expressed on castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (mCRPC) tumor cells, could bring effective immunotherapy to this immunologically challenging to address disease. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We designed and manufactured CB307, a novel half-life extended bispecific costimulatory Humabody VH therapeutic to elicit CD137 agonism exclusively in a PSMA-high tumor microenvironment (TME). The functional activity of CB307 was assessed in cell-based assays and in syngeneic mouse antitumor pharmacology studies. Nonclinical toxicology and toxicokinetic properties of CB307 were assessed in a good laboratory practice (GLP) compliant study in cynomolgus macaques. RESULTS CB307 provides effective CD137 agonism in a PSMA-dependent manner, with antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, and additional activity when combined with checkpoint inhibitors. A validated novel PSMA/CD137 IHC assay demonstrated a higher prevalence of CD137-positive cells in the PSMA-expressing human mCRPC TME with respect to primary lesions. CB307 did not show substantial toxicity in nonhuman primates and exhibited a plasma half-life supporting weekly clinical administration. CONCLUSIONS CB307 is a first-in-class immunotherapeutic that triggers potent PSMA-dependent T-cell activation, thereby alleviating toxicologic concerns against unrestricted CD137 agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Archer
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip M. Brailey
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Minjung Song
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip D. Bartlett
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ines Figueiredo
- Cancer Biomarkers Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bora Gurel
- Cancer Biomarkers Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Guo
- Cancer Biomarkers Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapies Group, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jude Akinwale
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha E. Boyle
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Rossant
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Neil R. Birkett
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Pizzey
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Maginn
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James Legg
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Williams
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Colette M. Johnston
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Bland-Ward
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Johann S. de Bono
- Cancer Biomarkers Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapies Group, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Pierce
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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22
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Klein C, Brinkmann U, Reichert JM, Kontermann RE. The present and future of bispecific antibodies for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:301-319. [PMID: 38448606 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00896-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) enable novel mechanisms of action and/or therapeutic applications that cannot be achieved using conventional IgG-based antibodies. Consequently, development of these molecules has garnered substantial interest in the past decade and, as of the end of 2023, 14 bsAbs have been approved: 11 for the treatment of cancer and 3 for non-oncology indications. bsAbs are available in different formats, address different targets and mediate anticancer function via different molecular mechanisms. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of bsAbs for cancer therapy. We focus on bsAbs that are approved or in clinical development, including bsAb-mediated dual modulators of signalling pathways, tumour-targeted receptor agonists, bsAb-drug conjugates, bispecific T cell, natural killer cell and innate immune cell engagers, and bispecific checkpoint inhibitors and co-stimulators. Finally, we provide an outlook into next-generation bsAbs in earlier stages of development, including trispecifics, bsAb prodrugs, bsAbs that induce degradation of tumour targets and bsAbs acting as cytokine mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Klein
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | | | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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23
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Zhang H, Wang Q, Yalavarthi S, Pekar L, Shamnoski S, Hu L, Helming L, Zielonka S, Xu C. Development of a c-MET x CD137 bispecific antibody for targeted immune agonism in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2024; 39:100805. [PMID: 38492435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting the costimulatory receptor CD137 has shown promise as a therapeutic approach for cancer immunotherapy, resulting in anti-tumor efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials. However, the initial CD137 agonistic antibodies, urelumab and utomilumab, faced challenges in clinical trials due to the liver toxicity or lack of efficacy, respectively. Concurrently, c-MET has been identified as a highly expressed tumor-associated antigen (TAA) in various solid and soft tumors. METHODS In this study, we aimed to develop a bispecific antibody (BsAb) that targets both c-MET and CD137, optimizing the BsAb format and CD137 binder for efficient delivery of the CD137 agonist to the tumor microenvironment (TME). We employed a monovalent c-MET motif and a trimeric CD137 Variable Heavy domain of Heavy chain (VHH) for the BsAb design. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that the c-MET x CD137 BsAb provides co-stimulation to T cells through cross-linking by c-MET-expressing tumor cells. Functional immune assays confirmed the enhanced efficacy and potency of the c-MET x CD137 BsAb, as indicated by activation of CD137 signaling, target cell killing, and cytokine release in various tumor cell lines. Furthermore, the combination of c-MET x CD137 BsAb with Pembrolizumab showed a dose-dependent enhancement of target-induced T cell cytokine release. CONCLUSION Overall, the c-MET x CD137 BsAb exhibits a promising developability profile as a tumor-targeted immune agonist by minimizing off-target effects while effectively delivering immune agonism. It has the potential to overcome resistance to anti-PD-(L)1 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research Center, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Qun Wang
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research Center, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Sireesha Yalavarthi
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research Center, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Lukas Pekar
- Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Steven Shamnoski
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research Center, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Liufang Hu
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research Center, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Laura Helming
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research Center, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Chunxiao Xu
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono Research Center, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA.
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24
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Na K, Lee S, Kim DK, Kim YS, Hwang JY, Kang SS, Baek S, Lee CY, Yang SM, Han YJ, Kim MH, Han H, Kim Y, Kim JH, Jeon S, Byeon Y, Lee JB, Lim SM, Hong MH, Pyo KH, Cho BC. CD81 and CD82 expressing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in the NSCLC tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in T-cell activation and cytokine production. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336246. [PMID: 38515751 PMCID: PMC10954780 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction To understand the immune system within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is crucial to elucidate the characteristics of molecules associated with T cell activation. Methods We conducted an in-depth analysis using single-cell RNA sequencing data obtained from tissue samples of 19 NSCLC patients. T cells were classified based on the Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) within the tumor region, and molecular markers associated with activation and exhaustion were analyzed in T cells from high TPS areas. Results Notably, tetraspanins CD81 and CD82, belonging to the tetraspanin protein family, were found to be expressed in activated T cells, particularly in cytotoxic T cells. These tetraspanins showed strong correlations with activation and exhaustion markers. In vitro experiments confirmed increased expression of CD81 and CD82 in IL-2-stimulated T cells. T cells were categorized into CD81highCD82high and CD81lowCD82low groups based on their expression levels, with CD81highCD82high T cells exhibiting elevated activation markers such as CD25 and CD69 compared to CD81lowCD82low T cells. This trend was consistent across CD3+, CD8+, and CD4+ T cell subsets. Moreover, CD81highCD82high T cells, when stimulated with anti-CD3, demonstrated enhanced secretion of cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2, along with an increase in the proportion of memory T cells. Bulk RNA sequencing results after sorting CD81highCD82high and CD81lowCD82low T cells consistently supported the roles of CD81 and CD82. Experiments with overexpressed CD81 and CD82 showed increased cytotoxicity against target cells. Discussion These findings highlight the multifaceted roles of CD81 and CD82 in T cell activation, cytokine production, memory subset accumulation, and target cell cytolysis. Therefore, these findings suggest the potential of CD81 and CD82 as promising candidates for co-stimulatory molecules in immune therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment within the intricate TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangmin Na
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Lee
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Kwon Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Seob Kim
- Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Yeon Hwang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-San Kang
- JEUK Institute for Cancer Research, JEUK Co., Ltd., Gumi-City, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujeong Baek
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chai Young Lee
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Yang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Han
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Hyun Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heekyung Han
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngtaek Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyun Jeon
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseon Byeon
- Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jii Bum Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Min Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hee Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Chul Cho
- Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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25
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Khushalani NI, Ott PA, Ferris RL, Cascone T, Schadendorf D, Le DT, Sharma MR, Barlesi F, Sharfman W, Luke JJ, Melero I, Lathers D, Neely J, Suryawanshi S, Sanyal A, Holloway JL, Suryawanshi R, Ely S, Segal NH. Final results of urelumab, an anti-CD137 agonist monoclonal antibody, in combination with cetuximab or nivolumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007364. [PMID: 38458639 PMCID: PMC10921538 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007364] [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] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted treatments for cancer is common; thus, novel immunotherapy agents are needed. Urelumab is a monoclonal antibody agonist that binds to CD137 receptors expressed on T cells. Here, we report two studies that evaluated urelumab in combination with cetuximab or nivolumab in patients with select, advanced solid tumors. METHODS CA186-018: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) were treated in a dose-evaluation phase with urelumab 0.1 mg/kg (urelumab-0.1) every 3 weeks (Q3W)+cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (cetuximab-250) weekly; and in a dose-expansion phase with urelumab 8 mg flat dose (urelumab-8) Q3W+cetuximab-250 weekly. CA186-107: The dose-escalation phase included patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors (or treated or treatment-naive melanoma); patients received urelumab 3 mg flat dose (urelumab-3) or urelumab-8 every 4 weeks+nivolumab 3 mg/kg (nivolumab-3) or 240 mg (nivolumab-240) every 2 weeks. In the expansion phase, patients with melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, or SCCHN were treated with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, and the secondary endpoint included efficacy assessments. RESULTS CA186-018: 66 patients received study treatment. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were fatigue (75%; n=3) with urelumab-0.1+cetuximab-250 and dermatitis (45%; n=28) with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250. Three patients (5%) discontinued due to TRAE(s) (with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250). One patient with SCCHN had a partial response (objective response rate (ORR) 5%, with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250).CA186-107: 134 patients received study treatment. Fatigue was the most common TRAE (32%; n=2 with urelumab-3+nivolumab-3; n=1 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-3; n=40 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Nine patients (7%) discontinued due to TRAE(s) (n=1 with urelumab-3+nivolumab-3; n=8 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Patients with melanoma naive to anti-PD-1 therapy exhibited the highest ORR (49%; n=21 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Intratumoral gene expression in immune-related pathways (CD3, CD8, CXCL9, GZMB) increased on treatment with urelumab+nivolumab. CONCLUSIONS Although the addition of urelumab at these doses was tolerable, preliminary response rates did not indicate an evident additive benefit. Nevertheless, the positive pharmacodynamics effects observed with urelumab and the high response rate in treatment-naive patients with melanoma warrant further investigation of other anti-CD137 agonist agents for treatment of cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCT02110082; NCT02253992.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil I Khushalani
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick A Ott
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tina Cascone
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dung T Le
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Fabrice Barlesi
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Hopital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jason J Luke
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ignacio Melero
- CIBERONC, and Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Deanne Lathers
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jaclyn Neely
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - James L Holloway
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Scott Ely
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Neil H Segal
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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26
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Palmeri JR, Lax BM, Peters JM, Duhamel L, Stinson JA, Santollani L, Lutz EA, Pinney W, Bryson BD, Dane Wittrup K. CD8 + T cell priming that is required for curative intratumorally anchored anti-4-1BB immunotherapy is constrained by Tregs. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1900. [PMID: 38429261 PMCID: PMC10907589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45625-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Although co-stimulation of T cells with agonist antibodies targeting 4-1BB (CD137) improves antitumor immune responses in preclinical studies, clinical success has been limited by on-target, off-tumor activity. Here, we report the development of a tumor-anchored ɑ4-1BB agonist (ɑ4-1BB-LAIR), which consists of a ɑ4-1BB antibody fused to the collagen-binding protein LAIR. While combination treatment with an antitumor antibody (TA99) shows only modest efficacy, simultaneous depletion of CD4+ T cells boosts cure rates to over 90% of mice. Mechanistically, this synergy depends on ɑCD4 eliminating tumor draining lymph node regulatory T cells, resulting in priming and activation of CD8+ T cells which then infiltrate the tumor microenvironment. The cytotoxic program of these newly primed CD8+ T cells is then supported by the combined effect of TA99 and ɑ4-1BB-LAIR. The combination of TA99 and ɑ4-1BB-LAIR with a clinically approved ɑCTLA-4 antibody known for enhancing T cell priming results in equivalent cure rates, which validates the mechanistic principle, while the addition of ɑCTLA-4 also generates robust immunological memory against secondary tumor rechallenge. Thus, our study establishes the proof of principle for a clinically translatable cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Palmeri
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brianna M Lax
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joshua M Peters
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lauren Duhamel
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jordan A Stinson
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luciano Santollani
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emi A Lutz
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - William Pinney
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryan D Bryson
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - K Dane Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA.
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27
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Kiem D, Ocker M, Greil R, Neureiter D, Melchardt T. Enhancing anti-CD274 (PD-L1) targeting through combinatorial immunotherapy with bispecific antibodies and fusion proteins: from preclinical to phase II clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:229-242. [PMID: 38354028 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2319317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved great success in the treatment of many different types of cancer. Programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1, CD274) is a major immunosuppressive immune checkpoint and a target for several already approved monoclonal antibodies. Despite this, novel strategies are under development, as the overall response remains low. AREAS COVERED In this review, an overview of the current biomarkers for response to PD-L1 inhibitor treatment is given, followed by a discussion of potential novel biomarkers, including tumor mutational burden and circulating tumor DNA. Combinatorial immunotherapy is a potential novel strategy to increase the response to PD-L1 inhibitor treatment and currently, several interesting bispecific antibodies as well as bispecific fusion proteins are undergoing early clinical investigation. We focus on substances targeting PD-L1 and a secondary target, and a secondary immunomodulatory target like CTLA-4, TIGIT, or CD47. EXPERT OPINION Overall, the presented studies show anti-tumor activity of these combinatorial immunotherapeutic approaches. However, still relatively low response rates suggest a need for better biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Kiem
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Campus, Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- EO Translational Insights Consulting GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Greil
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University, University Hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Melchardt
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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28
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Ma Y, Luo F, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Xue J, Huang Y, Zhao Y, Yang Y, Fang W, Zhou T, Chen G, Cao J, Chen Q, She X, Luo P, Liu G, Zhang L, Zhao H. Preclinical characterization and phase 1 results of ADG106 in patients with advanced solid tumors and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101414. [PMID: 38330942 PMCID: PMC10897605 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
ADG106, a ligand-blocking agonistic antibody targeting CD137 (4-1BB), exhibits promising results in preclinical studies, demonstrating tumor suppression in various animal models and showing a balanced profile between safety and efficacy. This phase 1 study enrolls 62 patients with advanced malignancies, revealing favorable tolerability up to the 5.0 mg/kg dose level. Dose-limiting toxicity occurs in only one patient (6.3%) at 10.0 mg/kg, resulting in grade 4 neutropenia. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events include leukopenia (22.6%), neutropenia (22.6%), elevated alanine aminotransferase (22.6%), rash (21.0%), itching (17.7%), and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (17.7%). The overall disease control rates are 47.1% for advanced solid tumors and 54.5% for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Circulating biomarkers suggest target engagement by ADG106 and immune modulation of circulating T, B, and natural killer cells and cytokines interferon γ and interleukin-6, which may affect the probability of clinical efficacy. ADG106 has a manageable safety profile and preliminary anti-tumor efficacy in patients with advanced cancers (this study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03802955).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Ma
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Fan Luo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Qianwen Liu
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jinhui Xue
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yunpeng Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Qun Chen
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.
| | - Hongyun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.
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29
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Rakké YS, Buschow SI, IJzermans JNM, Sprengers D. Engaging stimulatory immune checkpoint interactions in the tumour immune microenvironment of primary liver cancers - how to push the gas after having released the brake. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1357333. [PMID: 38440738 PMCID: PMC10910082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1357333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are the first and second most common primary liver cancer (PLC). For decades, systemic therapies consisting of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or chemotherapy have formed the cornerstone of treating advanced-stage HCC and CCA, respectively. More recently, immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has shown anti-tumour reactivity in some patients. The combination regimen of anti-PD-L1 and anti-VEGF antibodies has been approved as new first-line treatment of advanced-stage HCC. Furthermore, gemcibatine plus cisplatin (GEMCIS) with an anti-PD-L1 antibody is awaiting global approval for the treatment of advanced-stage CCA. As effective anti-tumour reactivity using ICI is achieved in a minor subset of both HCC and CCA patients only, alternative immune strategies to sensitise the tumour microenvironment of PLC are waited for. Here we discuss immune checkpoint stimulation (ICS) as additional tool to enhance anti-tumour reactivity. Up-to-date information on the clinical application of ICS in onco-immunology is provided. This review provides a rationale of the application of next-generation ICS either alone or in combination regimen to potentially enhance anti-tumour reactivity in PLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick S. Rakké
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sonja I. Buschow
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan N. M. IJzermans
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC-Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dave Sprengers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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30
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Xu C, Zhou X, Webb L, Yalavarthi S, Zheng W, Saha S, Schweickhardt R, Soloviev M, Jenkins MH, Brandstetter S, Belousova N, Alimzhanov M, Rabinovich B, Deshpande AM, Brewis N, Helming L. M9657 Is a Bispecific Tumor-Targeted Anti-CD137 Agonist That Induces MSLN-Dependent Antitumor Immunity without Liver Inflammation. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:195-213. [PMID: 38091375 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0243] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The costimulatory receptor CD137 (also known as TNFRSF9 or 4-1BB) sustains effective cytotoxic T-cell responses. Agonistic anti-CD137 cancer immunotherapies are being investigated in clinical trials. Development of the first-generation CD137-agonist monotherapies utomilumab and urelumab was unsuccessful due to low antitumor efficacy mediated by the epitope recognized on CD137 or hepatotoxicity mediated by Fcγ receptors (FcγR) ligand-dependent CD137 activation, respectively. M9657 was engineered as a tetravalent bispecific antibody (mAb2) in a human IgG1 backbone with LALA mutations to reduce binding to FCγRs. Here, we report that M9657 selectively binds to mesothelin (MSLN) and CD137 with similar affinity in humans and cynomolgus monkeys. In a cellular functional assay, M9657 enhanced CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine release in the presence of tumor cells, which was dependent on both MSLN expression and T-cell receptor/CD3 activation. Both FS122m, a murine surrogate with the same protein structure as M9657, and chimeric M9657, a modified M9657 antibody with the Fab portion replaced with an anti-murine MSLN motif, demonstrated in vivo antitumor efficacy against various tumors in wild-type and human CD137 knock-in mice, and this was accompanied by activated CD8+ T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. The antitumor immunity of M9657 and FS122m depended on MSLN expression density and the mAb2 structure. Compared with 3H3, a murine surrogate of urelumab, FS122m and chimeric M9657 displayed significantly lower on-target/off-tumor toxicity. Taken together, M9657 exhibits a promising profile for development as a tumor-targeting immune agonist with potent anticancer activity without systemic immune activation and associated hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Xu
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Xueyuan Zhou
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Lindsay Webb
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | | | - Wenxin Zheng
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Somdutta Saha
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Rene Schweickhardt
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Maria Soloviev
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Molly H Jenkins
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Neil Brewis
- F-star Therapeutics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Helming
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
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31
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Singh R, Kim YH, Lee SJ, Eom HS, Choi BK. 4-1BB immunotherapy: advances and hurdles. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:32-39. [PMID: 38172595 PMCID: PMC10834507 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01136-4] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its initial description 35 years ago as an inducible molecule expressed in cytotoxic and helper T cells, 4-1BB has emerged as a crucial receptor in T-cell-mediated immune functions. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of 4-1BB in infection and tumor immunity. However, the clinical development of 4-1BB agonist antibodies has been impeded by the occurrence of strong adverse events, notably hepatotoxicity, even though these antibodies have exhibited tremendous promise in in vivo tumor models. Efforts are currently underway to develop a new generation of agonist antibodies and recombinant proteins with modified effector functions that can harness the potent T-cell modulation properties of 4-1BB while mitigating adverse effects. In this review, we briefly examine the role of 4-1BB in T-cell biology, explore its clinical applications, and discuss future prospects in the field of 4-1BB agonist immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Singh
- Immuno-oncology Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ho Kim
- Diagnostics and Therapeutics Technology Branch, Division of Technology Convergence, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Jin Lee
- Immuno-oncology Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Seok Eom
- Hematological Malignancy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom K Choi
- Immuno-oncology Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea.
- Innobationbio, Co., Ltd., Mapo-gu, Seoul, 03929, Republic of Korea.
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Galvez-Cancino F, Simpson AP, Costoya C, Matos I, Qian D, Peggs KS, Litchfield K, Quezada SA. Fcγ receptors and immunomodulatory antibodies in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:51-71. [PMID: 38062252 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of both cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) as negative regulators of antitumour immunity led to the development of numerous immunomodulatory antibodies as cancer treatments. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the efficacy of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-based therapies depends not only on their ability to block or engage their targets but also on the antibody's constant region (Fc) and its interactions with Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). Fc-FcγR interactions are essential for the activity of tumour-targeting antibodies, such as rituximab, trastuzumab and cetuximab, where the killing of tumour cells occurs at least in part due to these mechanisms. However, our understanding of these interactions in the context of immunomodulatory antibodies designed to boost antitumour immunity remains less explored. In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of the contribution of FcγRs to the in vivo activity of immunomodulatory antibodies and the challenges of translating results from preclinical models into the clinic. In addition, we review the impact of genetic variability of human FcγRs on the activity of therapeutic antibodies and how antibody engineering is being utilized to develop the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Galvez-Cancino
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Alexander P Simpson
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Cristobal Costoya
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Ignacio Matos
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Danwen Qian
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Karl S Peggs
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
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Wang H, Sun D, Chen J, Li H, Chen L. Nectin-4 has emerged as a compelling target for breast cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176129. [PMID: 38059449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176129] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of breast cancer in women has increased year by year, becoming one of the most common malignant tumors in females worldwide. Most patients can be treated with surgery and endocrine drugs, but there are still some patients who lack effective treatment, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Nectin-4, a protein encoded by poliovirus receptor-associated protein 4, is a Ca2+-independent immunoglobulin-like protein. It is mainly involved in the adhesion between cells. In recent years, studies have found that Nectin-4 is overexpressed in breast cancer and several other malignancies. Otherwise, several monoclonal antibodies and inhibitors targeting Nectin-4 have shown prosperous outcomes, so Nectin-4 has great potential to be a therapeutic target for breast cancer. The present review systematically describes the significance of Nectin-4 in each aspect of breast cancer, as well as the molecular mechanisms of these aspects mediated by Nectin-4. We further highlight ongoing or proposed therapeutic strategies for breast cancer specific to Nectin-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Dejuan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Jinxia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Enell Smith K, Fritzell S, Nilsson A, Barchan K, Rosén A, Schultz L, Varas L, Säll A, Rose N, Håkansson M, von Schantz L, Ellmark P. ATOR-1017 (evunzekibart), an Fc-gamma receptor conditional 4-1BB agonist designed for optimal safety and efficacy, activates exhausted T cells in combination with anti-PD-1. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:4145-4159. [PMID: 37796298 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03548-7] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 4-1BB (CD137) is a co-stimulatory receptor highly expressed on tumor reactive effector T cells and NK cells, which upon stimulation prolongs persistence of tumor reactive effector T and NK cells within the tumor and induces long-lived memory T cells. 4-1BB agonistic antibodies have been shown to induce strong anti-tumor effects that synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The first generation of 4-1BB agonists was, however, hampered by dose-limiting toxicities resulting in suboptimal dose levels or poor agonistic activity. METHODS ATOR-1017 (evunzekibart), a second-generation Fc-gamma receptor conditional 4-1BB agonist in IgG4 format, was designed to overcome the limitations of the first generation of 4-1BB agonists, providing strong agonistic effect while minimizing systemic immune activation and risk of hepatoxicity. The epitope of ATOR-1017 was determined by X-ray crystallography, and the functional activity was assessed in vitro and in vivo as monotherapy or in combination with anti-PD1. RESULTS ATOR-1017 binds to a unique epitope on 4-1BB enabling ATOR-1017 to activate T cells, including cells with an exhausted phenotype, and NK cells, in a cross-linking dependent, FcγR-conditional, manner. This translated into a tumor-directed and potent anti-tumor therapeutic effect in vivo, which was further enhanced with anti-PD-1 treatment. CONCLUSIONS These preclinical data demonstrate a strong safety profile of ATOR-1017, together with its potent therapeutic effect as monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD1, supporting further clinical development of ATOR-1017.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Säll
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Jin X, Yi L, Wang X, Yan Z, Wei P, Yang B, Zhang H. Costimulatory capacity of CD137 mAbs on T cells depends on elaborate CRD structures but not on blocking ligand-receptor binding. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350493. [PMID: 37675596 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
CD137 is mainly a costimulatory receptor of CD8+ T cells. Two representative CD137 antibodies, utomilumab, and urelumab, show different costimulatory capacities in clinical trials. Balancing the antitumor effect and systemic toxicity of T cells activated by CD137 signaling is a challenge that requires clinical consideration. In this study, a panel of specific anti-human CD137 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared and their affinities, isotypes, CD137-CRD (cysteine-rich domain) binding regions, cross-reactivity to mouse and rhesus CD137, inhibition of ligand-receptor binding and costimulatory activities were analyzed. The results showed that anti-human CD137 mAbs had high cross-reactivity with rhesus CD137. MAbs fell into three clusters according to their different binding regions of the CD137 extracellular domain. They bound to CRDI+CRDII, CRDIII or CRDIV+STP. CRDIII-binding mAbs had the strongest blocking activity. Highly costimulatory CD137 mAbs showed stronger abilities to promote CD8+ T-cell proliferation. However, the costimulatory capacity of mAbs on T cells was not closely related to their ability to block CD137L-CD137 binding and may be controlled by more elaborate CRD conformational structures. This study provides additional information for the development of next-generation CD137 mAbs to meet clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Yi
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohong Yan
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Kuah CY, Monfries R, Quartagno M, Seckl MJ, Ghorani E. What is the optimal duration, dose and frequency for anti-PD1 therapy of non-small cell lung cancer? Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231210271. [PMID: 37954230 PMCID: PMC10638879 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231210271] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the management of multiple malignancies including lung cancer. However, the optimal use of these agents in terms of duration, dose and administration frequency remains unknown. Focusing on anti-PD1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab in the context of non-small cell lung cancer, we argue that several lines of evidence suggest current administration regimens of these drugs may result in overtreatment with potentially important implications for cost, quality of life and toxicity. This review summarizes evidence for the scope to optimize anti-PD1 regimens, the limitations of existing data and potential approaches to solve these problems including with a novel multi-arm clinical trial design implemented in the recently opened REFINE-Lung study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chii Yang Kuah
- Department of Medical Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College London, UK
| | - Robert Monfries
- Department of Medical Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College London, UK
| | - Matteo Quartagno
- Institute for Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael J. Seckl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College London W6 8RF, UK
| | - Ehsan Ghorani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College London W6 8RF, UK
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Gulen AE, Rudraboina R, Tarique M, Ulker V, Shirwan H, Yolcu ES. A novel agonist of 4-1BB costimulatory receptor shows therapeutic efficacy against a tobacco carcinogen-induced lung cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3567-3579. [PMID: 37605009 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy utilizing checkpoint inhibitors has shown remarkable success in the treatment of cancers. In addition to immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune co-stimulation has the potential to enhance immune activation and destabilize the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. CD137, also known as 4-1BB, is one of the potent immune costimulatory receptors that could be targeted for effective immune co-stimulation. The interaction of the 4-1BB receptor with its natural ligand (4-1BBL) generates a strong costimulatory signal for T cell proliferation and survival. 4-1BBL lacks costimulatory activity in soluble form. To obtain co-stimulatory activity in soluble form, a recombinant 4-1BBL protein was generated by fusing the extracellular domains of murine 4-1BBL to a modified version of streptavidin (SA-4-1BBL). Treatment with SA-4-1BBL inhibited the development of lung tumors in A/J mice induced by weekly injections of the tobacco carcinogen NNK for eight weeks. The inhibition was dependent on the presence of T cells and NK cells; depletion of these cells diminished the SA-4-1BBL antitumor protective effect. The number of lung tumor nodules was significantly reduced by the administration of SA-4-1BBL to mice during ongoing exposure to NNK. The data presented in this paper suggest that utilizing an immune checkpoint stimulator as a single agent generate a protective immune response against lung cancer in the presence of a carcinogen. More broadly, this study suggests that immune checkpoint stimulation can be extended to a number of other cancer types, including breast and prostate cancers, for which improved diagnostics can detect disease at the preneoplastic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Ece Gulen
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rakesh Rudraboina
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mohammad Tarique
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Vahap Ulker
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Haval Shirwan
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Esma S Yolcu
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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Sánchez J, Claus C, Albrecht R, Gaillard BC, Marinho J, McIntyre C, Tanos T, Boehnke A, Friberg LE, Jönsson S, Frances N. A model-based approach leveraging in vitro data to support dose selection from the outset: A framework for bispecific antibodies in immuno-oncology. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:1804-1818. [PMID: 37964753 PMCID: PMC10681425 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
FAP-4-1BBL is a bispecific antibody exerting 4-1BB-associated T-cell activation only while simultaneously bound to the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) receptor, expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts. The trimeric complex formed when FAP-4-1BBL is simultaneously bound to FAP and 4-1BB represents a promising mechanism to achieve tumor-specific 4-1BB stimulation. We integrated in vitro data with mathematical modeling to characterize the pharmacology of FAP-4-1BBL as a function of trimeric complex formation when combined with the T-cell engager cibisatamab. This relationship was used to prospectively predict a range of clinical doses where trimeric complex formation is expected to be at its maximum. Depending on the dosing schedule and FAP-4-1BBL plasma: tumor distribution, doses between 2 and 145 mg could lead to maximum trimeric complex formation in the clinic. Due to the expected variability in both pharmacokinetic and FAP expression in the patient population, we predict that detecting a clear dose-response relationship would remain difficult without a large number of patients per dose level, highlighting that mathematical modeling techniques based on in vitro data could aid dose selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED)Roche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Department of PharmacyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Christina Claus
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED)Roche Innovation Center ZurichSchlierenSwitzerland
| | - Rosmarie Albrecht
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED)Roche Innovation Center ZurichSchlierenSwitzerland
| | - Brenda C. Gaillard
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED)Roche Innovation Center ZurichSchlierenSwitzerland
| | - Joana Marinho
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED)Roche Innovation Center ZurichSchlierenSwitzerland
| | - Christine McIntyre
- Roche Pharma Research and Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center WelwynWelwyn Garden CityUK
| | - Tamara Tanos
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED)Roche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Axel Boehnke
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED)Roche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Siv Jönsson
- Department of PharmacyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Nicolas Frances
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED)Roche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
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Jain MD, Miklos DB, Jacobson CA, Timmerman JM, Sun J, Nater J, Fang X, Patel A, Davis M, Heeke D, Trinh T, Mattie M, Neumann F, Kim JJ, To C, Filosto S, Reshef R. Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in Combination with the 4-1BB Agonist Utomilumab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Phase 1 Results from ZUMA-11. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4118-4127. [PMID: 37527011 PMCID: PMC10570684 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have shown clinical benefit for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), yet approximately 60% of patients do not respond or eventually relapse. We investigated the safety and feasibility of the CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) in combination with the 4-1BB agonist antibody utomilumab as an approach to improve efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS In phase 1 of the single-arm ZUMA-11 trial, patients with R/R LBCL received a single axi-cel infusion (target dose, 2 × 106 cells/kg) plus utomilumab 10 to 200 mg intravenously every 4 weeks for up to 6 months in a dose-escalation design. The primary endpoint was incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) with utomilumab. Key secondary endpoints were safety, antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. RESULTS No DLTs were observed among patients treated with axi-cel and utomilumab (n = 12). Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 10 patients (83%); none were Grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome or neurologic events. The objective response rate was 75% and seven patients (58%) had a complete response. Peak CAR T-cell levels increased in a utomilumab dose-dependent manner up to 100 mg. Patients who received utomilumab 100 mg had persistently increased CAR T cells on days 57 to 168 compared with other dose levels. Utomilumab was associated with dose-dependent increases in IL2, IFNγ, and IL10. CONCLUSIONS Utomilumab-mediated 4-1BB agonism combined with axi-cel therapy had a manageable safety profile. Dual 4-1BB and CD28 costimulation is a feasible therapeutic approach that may enhance CAR T-cell expansion in patients with LBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John M. Timmerman
- University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer Sun
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | - Jenny Nater
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | - Xiang Fang
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | - Ankit Patel
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | | | - Darren Heeke
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | - Tan Trinh
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | - Mike Mattie
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | | | - Jenny J. Kim
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | - Christina To
- Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, California
| | | | - Ran Reshef
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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Luo H, Wang W, Mai J, Yin R, Cai X, Li Q. The nexus of dynamic T cell states and immune checkpoint blockade therapy in the periphery and tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267918. [PMID: 37881432 PMCID: PMC10597640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, that is, using monoclonal antibodies to reinvigorate tumor-reactive, antigen-specific T cells from the inhibitory effects of CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1 immune checkpoints, have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of modern oncology. However, only a subset of patients can benefit from the ICB therapy. Biomarkers associated with ICB response, resistance and prognosis have been subjected to intensive research in the past decade. Early studies focused on the analysis of tumor specimens and their residing microenvironment. However, biopsies can be challenging to obtain in clinical practice, and do not reflect the dynamic changes of immunological parameters during the ICB therapy. Recent studies have investigated profiles of antigen-specific T cells derived from the peripheral compartment using multi-omics approaches. By tracking the clonotype and diversity of tumor-reactive T cell receptor repertoire, these studies collectively establish that de novo priming of antigen-specific T cells in peripheral blood occurs throughout the course of ICB, whereas preexisting T cells prior to ICB are exhausted to various degrees. Here, we review what is known about ICB-induced T cell phenotypic and functional changes in cancer patients both within the tumor microenvironment and in the peripheral compartment. A better understanding of parameters influencing the response to ICBs will provide rationales for developing novel diagnostics and combinatorial therapeutic strategies to maximize the clinical efficacies of ICB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Xinxiang Central Hospital, The Fourth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jia Mai
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rutie Yin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuyu Cai
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qintong Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Malyshkina A, Bayer W, Podschwadt P, Otto L, Karakoese Z, Sutter K, Bruderek K, Wang B, Lavender KJ, Santiago ML, Leipe PM, Elsner C, Esser S, Brandau S, Gunzer M, Dittmer U. Immunotherapy-induced cytotoxic T follicular helper cells reduce numbers of retrovirus-infected reservoir cells in B cell follicles. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011725. [PMID: 37883584 PMCID: PMC10602292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011725] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) transformed HIV from a life-threatening disease to a chronic condition. However, eliminating the virus remains an elusive therapy goal. For several decades, Friend virus (FV) infection serves as a murine model to study retrovirus immunity. Similar to HIV, FV persists at low levels in lymph nodes B cell follicles avoiding elimination by immune cells. Such immune-privileged reservoirs exclude cytotoxic T cells from entry. However, CXCR5+ T cells are permitted to traffic through germinal centers. This marker is predominantly expressed by CD4+ follicular helper T cells (Tfh). Therefore, we explored immunotherapy to induce cytotoxic Tfh, which are rarely found under physiological conditions. The TNF receptor family member CD137 was first identified as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. We demonstrated that FV-infected mice treatment with αCD137 antibody resulted in an induction of the cytotoxic program in Tfh. The therapy significantly increased numbers of cytotoxic Tfh within B cell follicles and contributed to viral load reduction. Moreover, αCD137 antibody combined with ART delayed virus rebound upon treatment termination without disturbing the lymph node architecture or antibody responses. Thus, αCD137 antibody therapy might be a novel strategy to target the retroviral reservoir and an interesting approach for HIV cure research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Malyshkina
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Wibke Bayer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Philip Podschwadt
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lucas Otto
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Zehra Karakoese
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Translational HIV Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Translational HIV Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kirsten Bruderek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Baoxiao Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kerry J. Lavender
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Mario L. Santiago
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Pia Madeleine Leipe
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Carina Elsner
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Esser
- Institute for Translational HIV Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven Brandau
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gunzer
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Translational HIV Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Garman B, Jiang C, Daouti S, Kumar S, Mehta P, Jacques MK, Menard L, Manjarrez-Orduno N, Dolfi S, Mukherjee P, Rai SC, Lako A, Koenitzer JD, David JM. Comprehensive immunophenotyping of solid tumor-infiltrating immune cells reveals the expression characteristics of LAG-3 and its ligands. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1151748. [PMID: 37795090 PMCID: PMC10546411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1151748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune cell expression profiling from patient samples is critical for the successful development of immuno-oncology agents and is useful to understand mechanism-of-action, to identify exploratory biomarkers predictive of response, and to guide treatment selection and combination therapy strategies. LAG-3 is an inhibitory immune checkpoint that can suppress antitumor T-cell responses and targeting LAG-3, in combination with PD-1, is a rational approach to enhance antitumor immunity that has recently demonstrated clinical success. Here, we sought to identify human immune cell subsets that express LAG-3 and its ligands, to characterize the marker expression profile of these subsets, and to investigate the potential relationship between LAG-3 expressing subsets and clinical outcomes to immuno-oncology therapies. Methods Comprehensive high-parameter immunophenotyping was performed using mass and flow cytometry of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from two independent cohorts of samples from patients with various solid tumor types. Profiling of circulating immune cells by single cell RNA-seq was conducted on samples from a clinical trial cohort of melanoma patients treated with immunotherapy. Results LAG-3 was most highly expressed by subsets of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T central memory (TCM) and effector memory (TEM) cells and was frequently co-expressed with PD-1. We determined that these PD-1+ LAG-3+ CD8 memory T cells exhibited a unique marker profile, with greater expression of activation (CD69, HLA-DR), inhibitory (TIM-3, TIGIT, CTLA-4) and stimulatory (4-1BB, ICOS) markers compared to cells that expressed only PD-1 or LAG-3, or that were negative for both checkpoints. In contrast to tumors, LAG-3 expression was more limited in circulating immune cells from healthy donors and solid tumor patients. Additionally, we found abundant expression of the LAG-3 ligands MHC-II and galectin-3 in diverse immune cell types, whereas FGL1 and LSECtin were minimally expressed by immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lastly, we found an inverse relationship between baseline and on-treatment levels of circulating LAG3 transcript-expressing CD8 memory T cells and response to combination PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade in a clinical trial cohort of melanoma patients profiled by scRNAseq. Conclusions These results provide insights into the nature of LAG-3- and ligand-expressing immune cells within the TME, and suggest a biological basis for informing mechanistic hypotheses, treatment selection strategies, and combination immunotherapy approaches to support continued development of dual PD-1 and LAG-3 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Garman
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - Can Jiang
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - Sherif Daouti
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - Sanah Kumar
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - Priyanka Mehta
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - Miye K. Jacques
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - Laurence Menard
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | | | - Sonia Dolfi
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - Piali Mukherjee
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
- Epigenomics Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | | | - Ana Lako
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | | | - Justin M. David
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
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43
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Fromm G, de Silva S, Schreiber TH. Reconciling intrinsic properties of activating TNF receptors by native ligands versus synthetic agonists. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1236332. [PMID: 37795079 PMCID: PMC10546206 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1236332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular domain of tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFR) generally require assembly into a homotrimeric quaternary structure as a prerequisite for initiation of signaling via the cytoplasmic domains. TNF receptor homotrimers are natively activated by similarly homo-trimerized TNF ligands, but can also be activated by synthetic agonists including engineered antibodies and Fc-ligand fusion proteins. A large body of literature from pre-clinical models supports the hypothesis that synthetic agonists targeting a diverse range of TNF receptors (including 4-1BB, CD40, OX40, GITR, DR5, TNFRSF25, HVEM, LTβR, CD27, and CD30) could amplify immune responses to provide clinical benefit in patients with infectious diseases or cancer. Unfortunately, however, the pre-clinical attributes of synthetic TNF receptor agonists have not translated well in human clinical studies, and have instead raised fundamental questions regarding the intrinsic biology of TNF receptors. Clinical observations of bell-shaped dose response curves have led some to hypothesize that TNF receptor overstimulation is possible and can lead to anergy and/or activation induced cell death of target cells. Safety issues including liver toxicity and cytokine release syndrome have also been observed in humans, raising questions as to whether those toxicities are driven by overstimulation of the targeted TNF receptor, a non-TNF receptor related attribute of the synthetic agonist, or both. Together, these clinical findings have limited the development of many TNF receptor agonists, and may have prevented generation of clinical data which reflects the full potential of TNF receptor agonism. A number of recent studies have provided structural insights into how different TNF receptor agonists bind and cluster TNF receptors, and these insights aid in deconvoluting the intrinsic biology of TNF receptors with the mechanistic underpinnings of synthetic TNF receptor agonist therapeutics.
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Battin C, De Sousa Linhares A, Leitner J, Grossmann A, Lupinek D, Izadi S, Castilho A, Waidhofer-Söllner P, Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K, Stritzker J, Steinberger P. Engineered soluble, trimerized 4-1BBL variants as potent immunomodulatory agents. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3029-3043. [PMID: 37310433 PMCID: PMC10412504 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeting co-stimulatory receptors promotes the activation and effector functions of anti-tumor lymphocytes. 4-1BB (CD137/TNFSF9), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFR-SF), is a potent co-stimulatory receptor that plays a prominent role in augmenting effector functions of CD8+ T cells, but also CD4+ T cells and NK cells. Agonistic antibodies against 4-1BB have entered clinical trials and shown signs of therapeutic efficacy. Here, we have used a T cell reporter system to evaluate various formats of 4-1BBL regarding their capacity to functionally engage its receptor. We found that a secreted 4-1BBL ectodomain harboring a trimerization domain derived from human collagen (s4-1BBL-TriXVIII) is a strong inducer of 4-1BB co-stimulation. Similar to the 4-1BB agonistic antibody urelumab, s4-1BBL-TriXVIII is very potent in inducing CD8+ and CD4+ T cell proliferation. We provide first evidence that s4-1BBL-TriXVIII can be used as an effective immunomodulatory payload in therapeutic viral vectors. Oncolytic measles viruses encoding s4-1BBL-TriXVIII significantly reduced tumor burden in a CD34+ humanized mouse model, whereas measles viruses lacking s4-1BBL-TriXVIII were not effective. Natural soluble 4-1BB ligand harboring a trimerization domain might have utility in tumor therapy especially when delivered to tumor tissue as systemic administration might induce liver toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Battin
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika De Sousa Linhares
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Grossmann
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Lupinek
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shiva Izadi
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Waidhofer-Söllner
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jochen Stritzker
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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45
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Shen X, Zhang R, Nie X, Yang Y, Hua Y, Lü P. 4-1BB Targeting Immunotherapy: Mechanism, Antibodies, and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2023; 38:431-444. [PMID: 37433196 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2023.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
4-1BB (CD137, TNFRSF9) is a type I transmembrane protein which binds its natural ligand, 4-1BBL. This interaction has been exploited to improve cancer immunotherapy. With ligand binding by 4-1BB, the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway is activated, which results in transcription of corresponding genes such as interleukin-2 and interferon-γ, as well as the induction of T cell proliferation and antiapoptotic signals. Moreover, monoclonal antibodies that target-4-1BB, for example, Urelumab and Utomilumab, are widely used in the treatments of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and other solid tumors. Furthermore, 4-1BB as a costimulatory domain, for chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells, improves T cell proliferation and survival as well as reduces T cell exhaustion. As such, a deeper understanding of 4-1BB will contribute to improvements in cancer immunotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current 4-1BB studies, with a focus on the use of targeting-4-1BB antibodies and 4-1BB activation domains in CAR-T cells for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Shen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Rusong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaojuan Nie
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yanhua Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ye Hua
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Peng Lü
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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46
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Cina ML, Venegas J, Young A. Stocking the toolbox-Using preclinical models to understand the development and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced immune-related adverse events. Immunol Rev 2023; 318:110-137. [PMID: 37565407 PMCID: PMC10529261 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13250] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are susceptible to a broad and variable array of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). With increasing clinical use of ICIs, defining the mechanism for irAE development is more critical than ever. However, it currently remains challenging to predict when these irAEs occur and which organ may be affected, and for many of the more severe irAEs, inaccessibility to the tissue site hampers mechanistic insight. This lack of understanding of irAE development in the clinical setting emphasizes the need for greater use of preclinical models that allow for improved prediction of biomarkers for ICI-initiated irAEs or that validate treatment options that inhibit irAEs without hampering the anti-tumor immune response. Here, we discuss the utility of preclinical models, ranging from exploring databases to in vivo animal models, focusing on where they are most useful and where they could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L Cina
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jessica Venegas
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Arabella Young
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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47
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Glez-Vaz J, Azpilikueta A, Ochoa MC, Olivera I, Gomis G, Cirella A, Luri-Rey C, Álvarez M, Pérez-Gracia JL, Ciordia S, Eguren-Santamaria I, Alexandru R, Berraondo P, de Andrea C, Teijeira Á, Corrales F, Zapata JM, Melero I. CD137 (4-1BB) requires physically associated cIAPs for signal transduction and antitumor effects. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf6692. [PMID: 37595047 PMCID: PMC11044178 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf6692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB) is a member of the TNFR family that mediates potent T cell costimulatory signals upon ligation by CD137L or agonist monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). CD137 agonists attain immunotherapeutic antitumor effects in cancer mouse models, and multiple agents of this kind are undergoing clinical trials. We show that cIAP1 and cIAP2 are physically associated with the CD137 signaling complex. Moreover, cIAPs are required for CD137 signaling toward the NF-κB and MAPK pathways and for costimulation of human and mouse T lymphocytes. Functional evidence was substantiated with SMAC mimetics that trigger cIAP degradation and by transfecting cIAP dominant-negative variants. Antitumor effects of agonist anti-CD137 mAbs are critically dependent on the integrity of cIAPs in cancer mouse models, and cIAPs are also required for signaling from CARs encompassing CD137's cytoplasmic tail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - María C. Ochoa
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy, Pathology and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gomis
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Asunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy, Pathology and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Álvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L. Pérez-Gracia
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy, Pathology and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sergio Ciordia
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, CNB-CSIC, Proteored-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñaki Eguren-Santamaria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy, Pathology and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raluca Alexandru
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy, Pathology and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos de Andrea
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy, Pathology and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Corrales
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, CNB-CSIC, Proteored-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M. Zapata
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (IIBm), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy, Pathology and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Salek-Ardakani S, Zajonc DM, Croft M. Agonism of 4-1BB for immune therapy: a perspective on possibilities and complications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228486. [PMID: 37662949 PMCID: PMC10469789 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Costimulatory receptors on immune cells represent attractive targets for immunotherapy given that these molecules can increase the frequency of individual protective immune cell populations and their longevity, as well as enhance various effector functions. 4-1BB, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, also known as CD137 and TNFRSF9, is one such molecule that is inducible on several cell types, including T cells and NK cells. Preclinical studies in animal models have validated the notion that stimulating 4-1BB with agonist reagents or its natural ligand could be useful to augment conventional T cell and NK cell immunity to protect against tumor growth and against viral infection. Additionally, stimulating 4-1BB can enhance regulatory T cell function and might be useful in the right context for suppressing autoimmunity. Two human agonist antibodies to 4-1BB have been produced and tested in clinical trials for cancer, with variable results, leading to the production of a wealth of second-generation antibody constructs, including bi- and multi-specifics, with the hope of optimizing activity and selectivity. Here, we review the progress to date in agonism of 4-1BB, discuss the complications in targeting the immune system appropriately to elicit the desired activity, together with challenges in engineering agonists, and highlight the untapped potential of manipulating this molecule in infectious disease and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk M. Zajonc
- Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Michael Croft
- Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California (UC) San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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49
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Ali A, Gao M, Iskantar A, Wang H, Karlsson-Parra A, Yu D, Jin C. Proinflammatory allogeneic dendritic cells enhance the therapeutic efficacy of systemic anti-4-1BB treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1146413. [PMID: 37654492 PMCID: PMC10466132 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1146413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As an immune adjuvant, proinflammatory allogeneic dendritic cells (AlloDCs) have demonstrated promising immune-priming effects in several preclinical and clinical studies. The effector cells, including NK cells and T cells are widely acknowledged as pivotal factors in the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to selectively identify and eradicate malignant cells. 4-1BB, as a costimulatory receptor, plays a significant role in the stimulation of effector cell activation. This study evaluated the anti-tumor effects when combining intratumoral administration of the immune-adjuvant AlloDCs with systemic α4-1BB treatment directly acting on effector cells. In both the CT-26 murine colon carcinoma model and B16 murine melanoma model, AlloDCs demonstrated a significant enhancement in the therapeutic efficacy of α4-1BB antibody. This enhancement was observed through the delayed growth of tumors and prolonged survival. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the combined-treatment group revealed an immune-inflamed TME characterized by increased infiltration of activated endogenous DCs and IFNγ+ CD8+ T cells, showing reduced signs of exhaustion. Furthermore, there was an augmented presence of tissue-resident memory (TRM) CD8+ T cells (CD103+CD49a+CD69+). The combination treatment also led to increased infiltration of CD39+CD103+ tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and neoantigen-specific T cells into the tumor. Additionally, the combined treatment resulted in a less immunosuppressive TME, indicated by decreased infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and Tregs. These findings suggest that the combination of intratumoral AlloDCs administration with systemic agonistic α4-1BB treatment can generate a synergistic anti-tumor response, thereby warranting further investigation through clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Ali
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Menghan Gao
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexandros Iskantar
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hai Wang
- Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Di Yu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Chuan Jin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Leitner J, Egerer R, Waidhofer-Söllner P, Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K, Steinberger P. FcγR requirements and costimulatory capacity of Urelumab, Utomilumab, and Varlilumab. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1208631. [PMID: 37575254 PMCID: PMC10413977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1208631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Targeting costimulatory receptors of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily with agonistic antibodies is a promising approach in cancer immuno therapy. It is known that their efficacy strongly depends on FcγR cross-linking. Methods In this study, we made use of a Jurkat-based reporter platform to analyze the influence of individual FcγRs on the costimulatory activity of the 41BB agonists, Urelumab and Utomilumab, and the CD27 agonist, Varlilumab. Results We found that Urelumab (IgG4) can activate 41BB-NFκB signaling without FcγR cross-linking, but the presence of the FcγRs (CD32A, CD32B, CD64) augments the agonistic activity of Urelumab. The human IgG2 antibody Utomilumab exerts agonistic function only when crosslinked via CD32A and CD32B. The human IgG1 antibody Varlilumab showed strong agonistic activity with all FcγRs tested. In addition, we analyzed the costimulatory effects of Urelumab, Utomilumab, and Varlilumab in primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Interestingly, we observed a very weak capacity of Varlilumab to enhance cytokine production and proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T cells. In the presence of Varlilumab the percentage of annexin V positive T cells was increased, indicating that this antibody mediated FcγR-dependent cytotoxic effects. Conclusion Collectively, our data underscore the importance to perform studies in reductionist systems as well as in primary PBMC samples to get a comprehensive understanding of the activity of costimulation agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ricarda Egerer
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Waidhofer-Söllner
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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