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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Zhang H, Wu Y, Wu K, Dai Z. Targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:176. [PMID: 39034318 PMCID: PMC11275440 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01868-3] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are critical in regulating immune responses and cellular behavior, playing dual roles in both normal physiology and the pathology of diseases such as cancer. These molecules, including interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, chemokines, and growth factors like TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF, can promote or inhibit tumor growth, influence the tumor microenvironment, and impact the efficacy of cancer treatments. Recent advances in targeting these pathways have shown promising therapeutic potential, offering new strategies to modulate the immune system, inhibit tumor progression, and overcome resistance to conventional therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding and therapeutic implications of targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways in cancer. By exploring the roles of these molecules in tumor biology and the immune response, we highlighted the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at modulating these pathways to combat cancer. The review elaborated on the dual nature of cytokines as both promoters and suppressors of tumorigenesis, depending on the context, and discussed the challenges and opportunities this presents for therapeutic intervention. We also examined the latest advancements in targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, receptor inhibitors, fusion proteins, engineered cytokine variants, and their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of combining these targeted therapies with other treatment modalities to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes. Besides, we also focused on the ongoing research and clinical trials that are pivotal in advancing our understanding and application of cytokine- and chemokine-targeted therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoxiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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Ren Z, Zhang X, Fu YX. Facts and Hopes on Chimeric Cytokine Agents for Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2025-2038. [PMID: 38190116 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are key mediators of immune responses that can modulate the antitumor activity of immune cells. Cytokines have been explored as a promising cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several challenges to cytokine therapy, especially a lack of tumor targeting, resulting in high toxicity and limited efficacy. To overcome these limitations, novel approaches have been developed to engineer cytokines with improved properties, such as chimeric cytokines. Chimeric cytokines are fusion proteins that combine different cytokine domains or link cytokines to antibodies (immunocytokines) or other molecules that can target specific receptors or cells. Chimeric cytokines can enhance the selectivity and stability of cytokines, leading to reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. In this review, we focus on two promising cytokines, IL2 and IL15, and summarize the current advances and challenges of chimeric cytokine design and application for cancer immunotherapy. Most of the current approaches focus on increasing the potency of cytokines, but another important goal is to reduce toxicity. Cytokine engineering is promising for cancer immunotherapy as it can enhance tumor targeting while minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuhao Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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3
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Ahmadi N, Zareinejad M, Ameri M, Mahmoudi Maymand E, Nooreddin Faraji S, Ghaderi A, Ramezani A. Enhancing cancer immunotherapy with Anti-NKG2D/IL-15(N72D)/Sushi fusion protein: Targeting cytotoxic immune cells and boosting IL-15 efficacy. Cytokine 2024; 176:156505. [PMID: 38301357 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156505] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are a number of distinct challenges and complexities associated with administering IL-15 for cancer immunotherapy that must be taken into consideration. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to design a fusion protein for targeting cytotoxic immune cells and enhance IL-15 efficiency. METHODS A fusokine that contains IL-15(N72D), a Sushi domain, and anti-NKG2D scFv was designed. The fusion protein was in-silico modeled using the Swiss model server, followed by docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The in-vitro purified fusokine was evaluated using dot blot and Western blot. Then, flow cytometry was employed to evaluate biological properties such as proliferation, cytotoxicity, and degranulation. RESULTS Fusokine and IL-15(N72D)/Sushi, which had molecular weights of about 52 kDa and 26 kDa, respectively, were expressed in CHO-K1 cells. The fusokine binds 69.6 % of the CHO-NKG2D+ cells that express 83.1 % NKG2D. Both the fusokine and the IL-15(N72D)/Sushi significantly stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes. After 14 days of growth, the vitality of untreated cells decreased to about 17.5 %, but 82.2 % and 56.6 % of cells were still alive when fusokine and IL-15(N72D)/Sushi were present. Furthermore, administration of fusokine was associated with the highest rates of target tumor cell cytotoxicity. Additionally, although it was not statistically significant, fusokine increased the expression of CD107a and granzyme B by 1.25 times and 2.4 times, respectively. CONCLUSION The fusokine possesses the capability to stimulate the survival and multiplication of lymphocytes, as well as their ability to eliminate tumors. These characteristics have led to its consideration as a potential treatment for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadrasul Zareinejad
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Ameri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Mahmoudi Maymand
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amin Ramezani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Rajan A, Sivapiromrat AK, McAdams MJ. Immunotherapy for Thymomas and Thymic Carcinomas: Current Status and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1369. [PMID: 38611047 PMCID: PMC11010813 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors are a histologically diverse group of cancers arising from the epithelial compartment of the thymus. These tumors are characterized by a low tumor mutation burden, a lack of actionable genomic changes, and, especially with thymomas, defects in immune tolerance. Surgery is the mainstay of the management of resectable disease, whereas advanced, unresectable tumors are treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Disease recurrence can occur months to years after frontline treatment. Although several options are available for conventional treatment of recurrent thymic tumors, response rates are generally low, and treatment-related toxicity can affect quality of life. A subset of patients benefit from biologic therapies, but there remains an unmet need for the development of new treatments. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are safe, clinically active, and have contributed to an improvement in survival for patients with a wide variety of cancers. However, the application of these revolutionary treatments for thymic cancers is limited to their use for the management of recurrent thymic carcinoma because of the risk of immune toxicity. In this paper, we review the current uses of immunotherapy for the management of thymic epithelial tumors and highlight potential strategies to improve safety and broaden the application of these treatments for patients with thymic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Rajan
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Gellert J, Jäkel A, Danielczyk A, Goletz C, Lischke T, Flechner A, Dix L, Günzl A, Kehler P. GT-00AxIL15, a Novel Tumor-Targeted IL-15-Based Immunocytokine for the Treatment of TA-MUC1-Positive Solid Tumors: Preclinical In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacodynamics and Biodistribution Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1406. [PMID: 38338686 PMCID: PMC10855649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
GT-00AxIL15 is a novel interleukin-15-based immunocytokine targeting a tumor-specific, glycosylated epitope of MUC1 (TA-MUC1). We characterized mode of action, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties and investigated the relevance of TA-MUC1 binding for the concept of delivering IL-15 to solid tumors. In vitro pharmacology was analyzed in binding and cell-based assays. The in vivo PK profile and IL-15-mediated PD effects of GT-00AxIL15 were investigated in tumor-free mice. Tumor accumulation, immune infiltration and anti-tumor activity were assessed in TA-MUC1+ syngeneic and xenogeneic murine tumor models. GT-00AxIL15 was shown to specifically bind TA-MUC1 on tumor cells via its mAb moiety, to IL-15 receptors on immune cells via its IL-15 fusion modules and to FcγRs via its functional Fc-part. In vitro, NK, NKT and CD8+ T cells were activated and proliferated, leading to anti-tumor cytotoxicity and synergism with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediating mAbs. In vivo, GT-00AxIL15 exhibited favorable PK characteristics with a serum half-life of 13 days and specifically accumulated in TA-MUC1+ tumors. In the tumor microenvironment, GT-00AxIL15 induced robust immune activation and expansion and mediated anti-metastatic and anti-tumor effects in syngeneic and xenograft tumor models. These results support the rationale to improve PK and anti-tumor efficacy of IL-15 by increasing local concentrations at the tumor site via conjugation to a TA-MUC1 binding mAb. The tumor-selective expression pattern of TA-MUC1, powerful immune activation and anti-tumor cytotoxicity, long serum half-life and tumor targeting properties, render GT-00AxIL15 a promising candidate for treatment of solid tumors with high medical need, e.g., ovarian, lung and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Gellert
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Anika Jäkel
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Antje Danielczyk
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Christoph Goletz
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Timo Lischke
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Anke Flechner
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Laura Dix
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | | | - Patrik Kehler
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
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Saoudi González N, Ros J, Baraibar I, Salvà F, Rodríguez-Castells M, Alcaraz A, García A, Tabernero J, Élez E. Cetuximab as a Key Partner in Personalized Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:412. [PMID: 38254903 PMCID: PMC10814823 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab, a chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has revolutionized personalized treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. This review highlights the mechanism of action, characteristics, and optimal indications for cetuximab in mCRC. Cetuximab has emerged as a pivotal partner for novel therapies in specific molecular subgroups, including BRAF V600E, KRAS G12C, and HER2-altered mCRC. Combining cetuximab with immunotherapy and other targeted agents further expands the therapeutic landscape, offering renewed hope for mCRC patients who face the development of resistance to conventional therapies. Ongoing clinical trials have continued to uncover innovative cetuximab-based treatment strategies, promising a brighter future for mCRC patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cetuximab's role and its evolving importance in personalized targeted therapy of mCRC patients, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Saoudi González
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Ros
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iosune Baraibar
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Salvà
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Castells
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Alcaraz
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna García
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Élez
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Islam MR, Rauf A, Akash S, Trisha SI, Nasim AH, Akter M, Dhar PS, Ogaly HA, Hemeg HA, Wilairatana P, Thiruvengadam M. Targeted therapies of curcumin focus on its therapeutic benefits in cancers and human health: Molecular signaling pathway-based approaches and future perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116034. [PMID: 38141282 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The curry powder spices turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), which contains curcumin (diferuloylmethane), an orange-yellow chemical. Polyphenols are the most commonly used sources of curcumin. It combats oxidative stress and inflammation in diseases, such as hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and depression. Most of these benefits are due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin consumption leads to decreased bioavailability, resulting in limited absorption, quick metabolism, and quick excretion, which hinders health improvement. Numerous factors can increase its bioavailability. Piperine enhances bioavailability when combined with curcumin in a complex. When combined with other enhancing agents, curcumin has a wide spectrum of health benefits. This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of curcumin with a specific emphasis on its approach based on molecular signaling pathways. This study investigated its influence on the progression of cancer, inflammation, and many health-related mechanisms, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Curcumin has a significant potential for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Curcumin modulates several biochemical pathways and targets involved in cancer growth. Despite its limited tissue accumulation and bioavailability when administered orally, curcumin has proven useful. This review provides an in-depth analysis of curcumin's therapeutic applications, its molecular signaling pathway-based approach, and its potential for precision medicine in cancer and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Sadiya Islam Trisha
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Akram Hossain Nasim
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Muniya Akter
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Puja Sutro Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Hanan A Ogaly
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan A Hemeg
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Medinah Al-Monawara, Saudi Arabia
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India.
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Langenbach M, Giesler S, Richtsfeld S, Costa-Pereira S, Rindlisbacher L, Wertheimer T, Braun LM, Andrieux G, Duquesne S, Pfeifer D, Woessner NM, Menssen HD, Taromi S, Duyster J, Börries M, Brummer T, Blazar BR, Minguet S, Turko P, Levesque MP, Becher B, Zeiser R. MDM2 Inhibition Enhances Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy by Increasing IL15 and MHC Class II Production. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:849-864. [PMID: 37071397 PMCID: PMC10524444 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) leads to impressive response rates but primary and secondary resistance to ICI reduces progression-free survival. Novel strategies that interfere with resistance mechanisms are key to further improve patient outcome during ICI therapy. P53 is often inactivated by mouse-double-minute-2 (MDM2), which may decrease immunogenicity of melanoma cells. We analyzed primary patient-derived melanoma cell lines, performed bulk sequencing analysis of patient-derived melanoma samples, and used melanoma mouse models to investigate the role of MDM2-inhibition for enhanced ICI therapy. We found increased expression of IL15 and MHC-II in murine melanoma cells upon p53 induction by MDM2-inhibition. MDM2-inhibitor induced MHC-II and IL15-production, which was p53 dependent as Tp53 knockdown blocked the effect. Lack of IL15-receptor in hematopoietic cells or IL15 neutralization reduced the MDM2-inhibition/p53-induction-mediated antitumor immunity. P53 induction by MDM2-inhibition caused anti-melanoma immune memory as T cells isolated from MDM2-inhibitor-treated melanoma-bearing mice exhibited anti-melanoma activity in secondary melanoma-bearing mice. In patient-derived melanoma cells p53 induction by MDM2-inhibition increased IL15 and MHC-II. IL15 and CIITA expressions were associated with a more favorable prognosis in patients bearing WT but not TP53-mutated melanoma. IMPLICATIONS MDM2-inhibition represents a novel strategy to enhance IL15 and MHC-II-production, which disrupts the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. On the basis of our findings, a clinical trial combining MDM2-inhibition with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma is planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Langenbach
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Giesler
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Richtsfeld
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sara Costa-Pereira
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Rindlisbacher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Wertheimer
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas M. Braun
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany. German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Duquesne
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Pfeifer
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadine M. Woessner
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Sanaz Taromi
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Börries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany. German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Germany
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Susana Minguet
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg
| | - Patrick Turko
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Di Matteo S, Munari E, Fiore PF, Santopolo S, Sampaoli C, Pelosi A, Chouaib S, Tumino N, Vacca P, Mariotti FR, Ebert S, Machwirth M, Haas D, Pezzullo M, Pietra G, Grottoli M, Buart S, Mortier E, Maggi E, Moretta L, Caruana I, Azzarone B. The roles of different forms of IL-15 in human melanoma progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183668. [PMID: 37334356 PMCID: PMC10272795 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183668] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is a lethal skin cancer, and the risk of developing it is increased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The production of cytokines such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), induced by the exposure of skin cells to UV rays, could also promote melanoma development. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible role of Interleukin-15/Interleukin-15 Receptor α (IL-15/IL-15Rα) complexes in melanoma development. Methods The expression of IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes by melanoma cells was evaluated both ex vivo and in vitro by tissue microarray, PCR, and flow cytometry. The presence of the soluble complex (sIL-15/IL-15Rα) in the plasma of metastatic melanoma patients was detected using an ELISA assay. Subsequently, we investigated the impact of natural killer (NK) cell activation after rIL-2 starvation followed by exposure to the sIL-15/IL-15Rα complex. Finally, by analyzing public datasets, we studied the correlation between IL-15 and IL-15Rα expressions and melanoma stage, NK and T-cell markers, and overall survival (OS). Results Analysis of a melanoma tissue microarray shows a significant increase in the number of IL-15+ tumor cells from the benign nevi to metastatic melanoma stages. Metastatic melanoma cell lines express a phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-cleavable membrane-bound IL-15 (mbIL-15), whereas cultures from primary melanomas express a PMA-resistant isoform. Further analysis revealed that 26% of metastatic patients present with consistently high plasmatic levels of sIL-15/IL-15Rα. When the recombinant soluble human IL-15/IL-15Rα complex is added to briefly starved rIL-2-expanded NK cells, these cells exhibit strongly reduced proliferation and levels of cytotoxic activity against K-562 and NALM-18 target cells. The analysis of public gene expression datasets revealed that high IL-15 and IL-15Rα intra-tumoral production correlates with the high levels of expression of CD5+ and NKp46+ (T and NK markers) and significantly correlates with a better OS in stages II and III, but not in stage IV. Conclusions Membrane-bound and secreted IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes are continuously present during progression in melanoma. It is notable that, although IL-15/IL-15Rα initially promoted the production of cytotoxic T and NK cells, at stage IV promotion of the development of anergic and dysfunctional cytotoxic NK cells was observed. In a subgroup of melanoma metastatic patients, the continuous secretion of high amounts of the soluble complex could represent a novel NK cell immune escape mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Di Matteo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Piera Filomena Fiore
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Santopolo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Sampaoli
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pelosi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unitè Mixte Rechercce (INSERM UMR) 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Faculty De Médecine Univ. Paris-Sud, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Mariotti
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefan Ebert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Machwirth
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Haas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marco Pezzullo
- Core Facility, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Melania Grottoli
- Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stephanie Buart
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unitè Mixte Rechercce (INSERM UMR) 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Faculty De Médecine Univ. Paris-Sud, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Erwan Mortier
- Nantes Université, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO, Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology, Nantes, France
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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10
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Deol S, Donahue PS, Mitrut RE, Hammitt-Kess IJ, Ahn J, Zhang B, Leonard JN. Comparative Evaluation of Synthetic Cytokines for Enhancing Production and Performance of NK92 Cell-Based Therapies. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 2:228-246. [PMID: 37363412 PMCID: PMC10286265 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2023.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Off-the shelf immune cell therapies are potentially curative and may offer cost and manufacturing advantages over autologous products, but further development is needed. The NK92 cell line has a natural killer-like phenotype, has efficacy in cancer clinical trials, and is safe after irradiation. However, NK92 cells lose activity post-injection, limiting efficacy. This may be addressed by engineering NK92 cells to express stimulatory factors, and comparative analysis is needed. Thus, we systematically explored the expression of synthetic cytokines for enhancing NK92 cell production and performance. All synthetic cytokines evaluated (membrane-bound IL2 and IL15, and engineered versions of Neoleukin-2/15, IL15, IL12, and decoy resistant IL18) enhanced NK92 cell cytotoxicity. Engineered cells were preferentially expanded by expressing membrane-bound but not soluble synthetic cytokines, without compromising the radiosensitivity required for safety. Some membrane-bound cytokines conferred cell-contact independent paracrine activity, partly attributable to extracellular vesicles. Finally, we characterized interactions within consortia of differently engineered NK92 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simrita Deol
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Patrick S. Donahue
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Roxana E. Mitrut
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Iva J. Hammitt-Kess
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Jihae Ahn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joshua N. Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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11
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Battistoni A, Lantier L, di Tommaso A, Ducournau C, Lajoie L, Samimi M, Coënon L, Rivière C, Epardaud M, Hertereau L, Poupée-Beaugé A, Rieu J, Mévélec MN, Lee GS, Moiré N, Germon S, Dimier-Poisson I. Nasal administration of recombinant Neospora caninum secreting IL-15/IL-15Rα inhibits metastatic melanoma development in lung. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2023-006683. [PMID: 37192784 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastases are the leading cause of mortality in many cancer types and lungs are one of the most common sites of metastasis alongside the liver, brain, and bones. In melanoma, 85% of late-stage patients harbor lung metastases. A local administration could enhance the targeting of metastases while limiting the systemic cytotoxicity. Therefore, intranasal administration of immunotherapeutic agents seems to be a promising approach to preferentially target lung metastases and decrease their burden on cancer mortality. From observations that certain microorganisms induce an acute infection of the tumor microenvironment leading to a local reactivating immune response, microbial-mediated immunotherapy is a next-generation field of investigation in which immunotherapies are engineered to overcome immune surveillance and escape from microenvironmental cancer defenses. METHODS The goal of our study is to evaluate the potential of the intranasal administration of Neospora caninum in a syngeneic C57BL6 mouse model of B16F10 melanoma lung metastases. It also compares the antitumoral properties of a wild-type N. caninum versus N. caninum secreting human interleukin (IL)-15 fused to the sushi domain of the IL-15 receptor α chain, a potent activator of cellular immune responses. RESULTS The treatment of murine lung metastases by intranasal administration of an N. caninum engineered to secrete human IL-15 impairs lung metastases from further progression with only 0,08% of lung surface harboring metastases versus 4,4% in wild-type N. caninum treated mice and 36% in untreated mice. The control of tumor development is associated with a strong increase in numbers, within the lung, of natural killer cells, CD8+ T cells and macrophages, up to twofold, fivefold and sixfold, respectively. Analysis of expression levels of CD86 and CD206 on macrophages surface revealed a polarization of these macrophages towards an antitumoral M1 phenotype. CONCLUSION Administration of IL-15/IL-15Rα-secreting N. caninum through intranasal administration, a non-invasive route, lend further support to N. caninum-demonstrated clear potential as an effective and safe immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of metastatic solid cancers, whose existing therapeutic options are scarce. Combination of this armed protozoa with an intranasal route could reinforce the existing therapeutic arsenal against cancer and narrow the spectrum of incurable cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Battistoni
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
| | - Louis Lantier
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
- Kymeris Santé SA, Tours, France
| | - Anne di Tommaso
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
| | - Céline Ducournau
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
| | - Laurie Lajoie
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- Department de Dermatologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Loïs Coënon
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
| | - Clément Rivière
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
| | | | - Leslie Hertereau
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
| | | | - Juliette Rieu
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Nathalie Moiré
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Stephanie Germon
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Faculté de pharmacie, Tours, France
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12
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Stravokefalou V, Stellas D, Karaliota S, Nagy BA, Valentin A, Bergamaschi C, Dimas K, Pavlakis GN. Heterodimeric IL-15 (hetIL-15) reduces circulating tumor cells and metastasis formation improving chemotherapy and surgery in 4T1 mouse model of TNBC. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1014802. [PMID: 36713398 PMCID: PMC9880212 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1014802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a viable approach in cancer therapy, with cytokines being of great interest. Interleukin IL-15 (IL-15), a cytokine that supports cytotoxic immune cells, has been successfully tested as an anti-cancer and anti-metastatic agent, but combinations with conventional chemotherapy and surgery protocols have not been extensively studied. We have produced heterodimeric IL-15 (hetIL-15), which has shown anti-tumor efficacy in several murine cancer models and is being evaluated in clinical trials for metastatic cancers. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of hetIL-15 in combination with chemotherapy and surgery in the 4T1 mouse model of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). hetIL-15 monotherapy exhibited potent anti-metastatic effects by diminishing the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and by controlling tumor cells colonization of the lungs. hetIL-15 treatment in combination with doxorubicin resulted in enhanced anti-metastatic activity and extended animal survival. Systemic immune phenotype analysis showed that the chemoimmunotherapeutic regimen shifted the tumor-induced imbalance of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) in favor of cytotoxic effector cells, by simultaneously decreasing PMN-MDSCs and increasing the frequency and activation of effector (CD8+T and NK) cells. Tumor resection supported by neoadjuvant and adjuvant administration of hetIL-15, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin, resulted in the cure of approximately half of the treated animals and the development of anti-4T1 tumor immunity. Our findings demonstrate a significant anti-metastatic potential of hetIL-15 in combination with chemotherapy and surgery and suggest exploring the use of this regimen for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Stravokefalou
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Department of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti Karaliota
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Bethany A. Nagy
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Konstantinos Dimas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece,*Correspondence: Konstantinos Dimas, ; George N. Pavlakis,
| | - George N. Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Konstantinos Dimas, ; George N. Pavlakis,
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13
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Casadesús AV, Cruz BM, Díaz W, González MÁ, Gómez T, Fernández B, González A, Ledón N, Sosa K, Castro K, López A, Plasencia C, Ramírez Y, Teillaud JL, Hernández C, León K, Hernández T. Potent immunomodulatory and antitumor effect of anti-CD20-IL2no-alpha tri-functional immunocytokine for cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1021828. [PMID: 36569901 PMCID: PMC9780377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1021828] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (RTX) has substantially improved outcomes of patients with B-cell lymphomas, although more efficient therapies are needed for refractory or relapsing lymphomas. An approach to increase the clinical effectiveness of anti-tumor therapy is the use of antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines (ICKs)) to deliver at the tumor site the antibody effector functions and cytokines that trigger anti-tumor activities. In particular, IL-2-based ICKs have shown significant results in preclinical studies but not in clinical trials due to the toxicity profile associated to high doses IL-2 and the undesired expansion of Tregs. Methods To improve the efficacy of RTX therapy, we fused a murine (mIgG2a) or a human (hIgG1) version of RTX to a mutated IL-2 (no-alpha mutein), which has a disrupted affinity for the high affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) to prevent the stimulation of Tregs and reduce the binding to endothelial cells expressing CD25, the α chain of high affinity IL-2R. Characterization of anti-CD20-IL2no-alpha ICKs was performed by SDS-PAGE, Western-blotting and SEC-HPLC and also by several functional in vitro techniques like T-cell proliferation assays, apoptosis, CDC and ADCC assays. The in vivo activity was assessed by using murine tumor cells expressing huCD20 in C57/Bl6 mice. Results Both ICKs exhibited similar in vitro specific activity of their IL2no-alpha mutein moieties and kept CD20-binding capacity. Anti-CD20-IL2no-alpha (hIgG1) retained antibody effector functions as complement-dependent cytotoxicity and enhanced direct apoptosis, NK cell activation and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity relative to RTX. In addition, both ICKs demonstrated a higher antitumor efficacy than parental molecules or their combination in an EL4-huCD20 tumor model in immunocompetent mice. Anti-CD20-IL2no-alpha (hIgG1) strongly expanded NK and CD8+ T cells but not Tregs in tumor-bearing mice. Discussion These findings suggest that anti-CD20-IL2no-alpha could represent an alternative treatment for B cell lymphoma patients, mainly those refractory to RTX therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Victoria Casadesús
- Department of Chimeric Proteins, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Beatriz María Cruz
- Quality Control Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Wilden Díaz
- Quality Control Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Miguel Ángel González
- Department of Animal Facilities, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Tania Gómez
- Quality Control Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Briandy Fernández
- Department of Chimeric Proteins, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Addys González
- Department of Animal Facilities, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Nuris Ledón
- Department of Innovation´s Management, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Katya Sosa
- Department of Chimeric Proteins, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Kathleen Castro
- Department of Chimeric Proteins, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Armando López
- Department of Animal Facilities, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Claudia Plasencia
- Department of Chimeric Proteins, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Yaima Ramírez
- Development Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Jean-Luc Teillaud
- Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Centre d’immunologie et des maladies infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Inserm UMRS1135, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | | | - Kalet León
- Research Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba
| | - Tays Hernández
- Department of Chimeric Proteins, Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba,*Correspondence: Tays Hernández,
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14
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Antosova Z, Podzimkova N, Tomala J, Augustynkova K, Sajnerova K, Nedvedova E, Sirova M, de Martynoff G, Bechard D, Moebius U, Kovar M, Spisek R, Adkins I. SOT101 induces NK cell cytotoxicity and potentiates antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity and anti-tumor activity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:989895. [PMID: 36300122 PMCID: PMC9590108 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.989895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SOT101 is a superagonist fusion protein of interleukin (IL)-15 and the IL-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα) sushi+ domain, representing a promising clinical candidate for the treatment of cancer. SOT101 among other immune cells specifically stimulates natural killer (NK) cells and memory CD8+ T cells with no significant expansion or activation of the regulatory T cell compartment. In this study, we showed that SOT101 induced expression of cytotoxic receptors NKp30, DNAM-1 and NKG2D on human NK cells. SOT101 stimulated dose-dependent proliferation and the relative expansion of both major subsets of human NK cells, CD56brightCD16- and CD56dimCD16+, and these displayed an enhanced cytotoxicity in vitro. Using human PBMCs and isolated NK cells, we showed that SOT101 added concomitantly or used for immune cell pre-stimulation potentiated clinically approved monoclonal antibodies Cetuximab, Daratumumab and Obinutuzumab in killing of tumor cells in vitro. The anti-tumor efficacy of SOT101 in combination with Daratumumab was assessed in a solid multiple myeloma xenograft in CB17 SCID mouse model testing several combination schedules of administration in the early and late therapeutic setting of established tumors in vivo. SOT101 and Daratumumab monotherapies decreased with various efficacy tumor growth in vivo in dependence on the advancement of the tumor development. The combination of both drugs showed the strongest anti-tumor efficacy. Specifically, the sequencing of both drugs did not matter in the early therapeutic setting where a complete tumor regression was observed in all animals. In the late therapeutic treatment of established tumors Daratumumab followed by SOT101 administration or a concomitant administration of both drugs showed a significant anti-tumor efficacy over the respective monotherapies. These results suggest that SOT101 might significantly augment the anti-tumor activity of therapeutic antibodies by increasing NK cell-mediated activity in patients. These results support the evaluation of SOT101 in combination with Daratumumab in clinical studies and present a rationale for an optimal clinical dosing schedule selection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nada Podzimkova
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | | | - Eva Nedvedova
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
| | - Milada Sirova
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | | | - Ulrich Moebius
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radek Spisek
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Irena Adkins
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Irena Adkins,
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15
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Mendoza-Valderrey A, Alvarez M, De Maria A, Margolin K, Melero I, Ascierto ML. Next Generation Immuno-Oncology Strategies: Unleashing NK Cells Activity. Cells 2022; 11:3147. [PMID: 36231109 PMCID: PMC9562848 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has become a powerful therapeutic option against multiple malignancies. The unique capacity of natural killer (NK) cells to attack cancer cells without antigen specificity makes them an optimal immunotherapeutic tool for targeting tumors. Several approaches are currently being pursued to maximize the anti-tumor properties of NK cells in the clinic, including the development of NK cell expansion protocols for adoptive transfer, the establishment of a favorable microenvironment for NK cell activity, the redirection of NK cell activity against tumor cells, and the blockage of inhibitory mechanisms that constrain NK cell function. We here summarize the recent strategies in NK cell-based immunotherapies and discuss the requirement to further optimize these approaches for enhancement of the clinical outcome of NK cell-based immunotherapy targeting tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Mendoza-Valderrey
- Rosalie and Harold Rae Brown Cancer Immunotherapy Research Program, Borstein Family Melanoma Program, Translational Immunology Department, Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16126 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Kim Margolin
- Borstein Family Melanoma Program, Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Libera Ascierto
- Rosalie and Harold Rae Brown Cancer Immunotherapy Research Program, Borstein Family Melanoma Program, Translational Immunology Department, Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
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16
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A homodimeric IL-15 superagonist F4RLI with easy preparation, improved half-life, and potent antitumor activities. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:7039-7050. [PMID: 36184689 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12209-1] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy due to its potent immune-activating effects. There are several IL-15 molecules currently in clinical trials but facing shortages of poor half-life, circulation instability, or complicated production and quality control processes. The aim of this study is to design a novel IL-15 superagonist to set out the above difficulties, and we constructed F4RLI consisting of the GS-linker spaced IgG4 Fc fragment, soluble IL-15 Rα (sIL-15Rα), and IL-15(N72D). Using a single plasmid transient transfection in HEK293E cells, the matured F4RLI was secreted in the form of homodimer and got purified by an easy step of protein A affinity chromatography. The F4RLI product can significantly stimulate the proliferation of human CD3+CD8+ T cells and NK cells in vitro. Meanwhile, F4RLI greatly extended the half-life and prolonged the exposure of IL-15 in mice nearly by 28- and 200-fold, respectively, in comparison with that of the IL-15 monomer. In vivo, F4RLI vastly expanded mouse splenic CD8+ T lymphocytes, illustrating its potential in tumor immunotherapy. Further studies showed that the combination of F4RLI with the immune checkpoint blocker atezolizumab played a synergistic effect in treating MC38 mouse tumor by increasing the percentage of CD8+ T cells in tumor tissue. Moreover, the combination therapy of F4RLI with the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab resulted in significant tumor growth suppression in a xenograft human HT-29 mouse model. Overall, our results demonstrate a homodimeric IL-15 superagonist F4RLI with advances in manufacturing processes and biopharmaceutical applications for cancer immunotherapy. KEY POINTS: • The homodimeric structure of F4RLI facilitates its easy production processes and quality control. • The fusion with Fc and sIL-15Rα extends the plasma half-life of IL-15 by about 28-fold. • F4RLI can play synergistic antitumor activity with the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor or angiogenesis inhibitor.
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17
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Zhang Y, Zhuang Q, Wang F, Zhang C, Xu C, Gu A, Zhong WH, Hu Y, Zhong X. Co-expression IL-15 receptor alpha with IL-15 reduces toxicity via limiting IL-15 systemic exposure during CAR-T immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2022; 20:432. [PMID: 36167591 PMCID: PMC9516829 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03626-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a powerful adoptive immunotherapy against both B-cell malignancies and some types of solid tumors. Interleukin (IL) -15 is an important immune stimulator that may provide ideal long-term persistent CAR-T cells. However, higher base line or peak serum IL-15 levels are also related to severe toxicity, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and neurotoxicity. Methods We successfully constructed CD19 specific armored CAR-T cells overexpressing IL-I5 and IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Ra). In vitro cell differentiation and viability were monitored by flow cytometry, and an in vivo xenograft mouse models was used to evaluate the anti-tumor efficiency and liver damage of CAR-T cells. Results CAR-T cells overexpressing IL-15 alone demonstrated enhanced viability, retarded exhaustion in vitro and superior tumor-inhibitory effects in vivo. However, these tumor-free mice had lower survival rates, with serious liver injuries, as a possible result of toxicity. As expected, CAR-T cells overexpressing IL-15 combined with IL-15Ra had reduced CD132 expression and released fewer cytokines (IFNγ, IL-2 and IL-15) in vitro, as well as had the tendency to improve mouse survival via repressing the growth of tumor cells and keeping livers healthier compared to CAR-IL-15 T cells. Conclusions These results indicated the importance of IL-15 in enhancing T cells persistence and IL-15Ra in reducing the adverse effects of IL-15, with superior tumor retardation during CAR-T therapy. This study paves the way for the rapid exploitation of IL-15 in adoptive cell therapy in the future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03626-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Qinghui Zhuang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Fang Wang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Can Zhang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Chang Xu
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Aiqin Gu
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | | | - Yi Hu
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Xiaosong Zhong
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China. .,Carriage Therapeutics for Affiliation, Beijing, China.
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18
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Novel antitumor therapeutic strategy using CD4+ T cell-derived extracellular vesicles. Biomaterials 2022; 289:121765. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Kim D, Park JH, Kim TY, Kim DG, Byun JH, Kim HS. Enhanced half-life and antitumor activity of Interleukin-15 through genetic fusion of a serum albumin-specific protein binder. Int J Pharm 2022; 625:122059. [PMID: 35905933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122059] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human interleukin-15 (hIL-15) has attracted a considerable attention as a promising cancer immunotherapeutic due to its function to directly stimulate the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of NK and T cells. Nevertheless, a relatively short half-life of hIL-15 requires repeated administration and higher doses, causing serious side effects. Here, we demonstrate an enhanced blood half-life and biological activity of hIL-15 through genetic fusion of a human serum albumin-specific protein binder (rHSA). The fusion construct (rHSA-IL15) was observed to maintain respective binding activities for both hIL-15 receptor α and human serum albumin. The rHSA-IL15 led to a significant increase in the secretion of Granzyme B and INF-γ by immune cells compare to free hIL-15, expanding the population of activated T cell subset such as CD4 + T and CD8+ T cells. The terminal half-life of the rHSA-IL15 was prolonged by around a 40-fold in transgenic mice expressing human serum albumin, compared to free hIL-15. The rHSA-IL15 resulted in distinct anti-tumor activities in xenograft SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) mouse and allograft melanoma mouse models through activation of NK and CD8+ T cells. The rHSA-IL15 is expected to be used in cancer immunotherapy, assisting in the development of other cytokines as immunotherapeutic agents with greater efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Park
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Tae-Yoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea; Present address: Beckmann Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Dong-Gun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - June-Ho Byun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea.
| | - Hak-Sung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea.
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20
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Kurz E, Hirsch CA, Dalton T, Shadaloey SA, Khodadadi-Jamayran A, Miller G, Pareek S, Rajaei H, Mohindroo C, Baydogan S, Ngo-Huang A, Parker N, Katz MHG, Petzel M, Vucic E, McAllister F, Schadler K, Winograd R, Bar-Sagi D. Exercise-induced engagement of the IL-15/IL-15Rα axis promotes anti-tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:720-737.e5. [PMID: 35660135 PMCID: PMC9280705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic exercise is associated with decreased cancer incidence and cancer-associated mortality. However, little is known about the effects of exercise on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a disease for which current therapeutic options are limited. Herein, we show that aerobic exercise reduces PDA tumor growth, by modulating systemic and intra-tumoral immunity. Mechanistically, exercise promotes immune mobilization and accumulation of tumor-infiltrating IL15Rα+ CD8 T cells, which are responsible for the tumor-protective effects. In clinical samples, an exercise-dependent increase of intra-tumoral CD8 T cells is also observed. Underscoring the translational potential of the interleukin (IL)-15/IL-15Rα axis, IL-15 super-agonist (NIZ985) treatment attenuates tumor growth, prolongs survival, and enhances sensitivity to chemotherapy. Finally, exercise or NIZ985 both sensitize pancreatic tumors to αPD-1, with improved anti-tumor and survival benefits. Collectively, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of an exercise-oncology axis and identify IL-15 activation as a promising treatment strategy for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kurz
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1(st) Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Carolina Alcantara Hirsch
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1(st) Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1(st) Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tanner Dalton
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sorin Alberto Shadaloey
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1(st) Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Alireza Khodadadi-Jamayran
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratory, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 227 East 30(th) St., New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - George Miller
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Health New England, 56 Franklin St., Waterbury, CT 06706, USA
| | - Sumedha Pareek
- Department of Pediatrics Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hajar Rajaei
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chirayu Mohindroo
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Seyda Baydogan
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - An Ngo-Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nathan Parker
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffit Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Matthew H G Katz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maria Petzel
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emily Vucic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1(st) Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Florencia McAllister
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA; Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston TX, 77030, USA
| | - Keri Schadler
- Department of Pediatrics Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rafael Winograd
- Permultter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, 160 East 34(th) St., New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Dafna Bar-Sagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1(st) Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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21
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Interleukin 15 in Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137311. [PMID: 35806311 PMCID: PMC9266896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-based cancer immunotherapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T and natural killer (NK) cell therapies, has become a revolutionary new pillar in cancer treatment. Interleukin 15 (IL-15), a potent immunostimulatory cytokine that potentiates T and NK cell immune responses, has demonstrated the reliability and potency to potentially improve the therapeutic efficacy of current cell therapy. Structurally similar to interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-15 supports the persistence of CD8+ memory T cells while inhibiting IL-2-induced T cell death that better maintains long-term anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we describe the biology of IL-15, studies on administrating IL-15 and/or its derivatives as immunotherapeutic agents, and IL-15-armored immune cells in adoptive cell therapy. We also discuss the advantages and challenges of incorporating IL-15 in cell-based immunotherapy and provide directions for future investigation.
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22
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Peng Y, Fu S, Zhao Q. 2022 update on the scientific premise and clinical trials for IL-15 agonists as cancer immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:823-834. [PMID: 35616357 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0422-506r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse cytokines and their receptors on immune cells constitute a highly complex network in the immune system. Some therapeutic cytokines and their derivatives have been approved for cancer treatment. IL-15 is an immune-regulating cytokine with multiple functions, among which the function of activating the immunity of cancer patients has great potential in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we introduce the functions of IL-15 and discuss its role in regulating the immune system in different immune cells. Meanwhile, we will address the applications of IL-15 agonists in cancer immunotherapy and provide prospects for the next generation of therapeutic designs. Although many challenges remain, IL-15 agonists offer a new therapeutic option in the future direction of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Peng
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Shengyu Fu
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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23
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Dunai C, Ames E, Ochoa MC, Fernandez-Sendin M, Melero I, Simonetta F, Baker J, Alvarez M. Killers on the loose: Immunotherapeutic strategies to improve NK cell-based therapy for cancer treatment. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 370:65-122. [PMID: 35798507 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that control tumor progression by not only directly killing cancer cells, but also by regulating other immune cells, helping to orchestrate a coordinated anti-tumor response. However, despite the tremendous potential that this cell type has, the clinical results obtained from diverse NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies have been, until recent years, rather modest. The intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that are involved in the control of their activation as well as the multiple mechanisms that tumor cells have developed to escape NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity likely account for the unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The current approaches to improve long-term NK cell function are centered on modulating different molecules involved in both the activation and inhibition of NK cells, and the latest data seems to advocate for combining strategies that target multiple aspects of NK cell regulation. In this review, we summarize the different strategies (such as engineered NK cells, CAR-NK, NK cell immune engagers) that are currently being used to take advantage of this potent and complex immune cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Dunai
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Ames
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maria C Ochoa
- Program for 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
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program for 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; Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Translational Research Centre in Onco-Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeanette Baker
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program for 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.
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24
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Rubinstein MP, Williams C, Mart C, Beall J, MacPherson L, Azar J, Swiderska-Syn M, Manca P, Gibney BC, Robinson MD, Krieg C, Hill EG, Taha SA, Rock AD, Lee JH, Soon-Shiong P, Wrangle J. Phase I Trial Characterizing the Pharmacokinetic Profile of N-803, a Chimeric IL-15 Superagonist, in Healthy Volunteers. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1362-1370. [PMID: 35228263 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The oncotherapeutic promise of IL-15, a potent immunostimulant, is limited by a short serum t 1/2 The fusion protein N-803 is a chimeric IL-15 superagonist that has a >20-fold longer in vivo t 1/2 versus IL-15. This phase 1 study characterized the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and safety of N-803 after s.c. administration to healthy human volunteers. Volunteers received two doses of N-803, and after each dose, PK and safety were assessed for 9 d. The primary endpoint was the N-803 PK profile, the secondary endpoint was safety, and immune cell levels and immunogenicity were measures of interest. Serum N-803 concentrations peaked 4 h after administration and declined with a t 1/2 of ∼20 h. N-803 did not cause treatment-emergent serious adverse events (AEs) or grade ≥3 AEs. Injection site reactions, chills, and pyrexia were the most common AEs. Administration of N-803 was well tolerated and accompanied by proliferation of NK cells and CD8+ T cells and sustained increases in the number of NK cells. Our results suggest that N-803 administration can potentiate antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Rubinstein
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Cameron Williams
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Caroline Mart
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jonathan Beall
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Linda MacPherson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Joseph Azar
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Marzena Swiderska-Syn
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Paolo Manca
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Foundation - National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Barry C Gibney
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Mark D Robinson
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Krieg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Elizabeth G Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | | | | | | | | | - John Wrangle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC;
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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25
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Holder PG, Lim SA, Huang CS, Sharma P, Dagdas YS, Bulutoglu B, Sockolosky JT. Engineering interferons and interleukins for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114112. [PMID: 35085624 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a class of potent immunoregulatory proteins that are secreted in response to various stimuli and act locally to regulate many aspects of human physiology and disease. Cytokines play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and elimination, and thus, there is a long clinical history associated with the use of recombinant cytokines to treat cancer. However, the use of cytokines as therapeutics has been limited by cytokine pleiotropy, complex biology, poor drug-like properties, and severe dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, cytokines are crucial mediators of innate and adaptive antitumor immunity and have the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immunotherapies has reinvigorated interest in cytokines as therapeutics, and a variety of engineering approaches are emerging to improve the safety and effectiveness of cytokine immunotherapy. In this review we highlight recent advances in cytokine biology and engineering for cancer immunotherapy.
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26
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Hangasky JA, Chen W, Dubois SP, Daenthanasanmak A, Müller JR, Reid R, Waldmann TA, Santi DV. A very long-acting IL-15: implications for the immunotherapy of cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004104. [PMID: 35101947 PMCID: PMC8804710 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is an important cytokine necessary for proliferation and maintenance of natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells, and with great promise as an immuno-oncology therapeutic. However, IL-15 has a very short half-life and a single administration does not provide the sustained exposure required for optimal stimulation of target immune cells. The purpose of this work was to develop a very long-acting prodrug that would maintain IL-15 within a narrow therapeutic window for long periods-similar to a continuous infusion. METHODS We prepared and characterized hydrogel microspheres (MS) covalently attached to IL-15 (MS~IL-15) by a releasable linker. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MS~IL-15 were determined in C57BL/6J mice. The antitumor activity of MS~IL-15 as a single agent, and in combination with a suitable therapeutic antibody, was tested in a CD8+ T cell-driven bilateral transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP)-C2 model of prostatic cancer and a NK cell-driven mouse xenograft model of human ATL (MET-1) murine model of adult T-cell leukemia. RESULTS On subcutaneous administration to mice, the cytokine released from the depot maintained a long half-life of about 168 hours over the first 5 days, followed by an abrupt decrease to about ~30 hours in accordance with the development of a cytokine sink. A single injection of MS~IL-15 caused remarkably prolonged expansions of NK and ɣδ T cells for 2 weeks, and CD44hiCD8+ T cells for 4 weeks. In the NK cell-driven MET-1 murine model of adult T-cell leukemia, single-agent MS~IL-1550 μg or anti-CCR4 provided modest increases in survival, but a combination-through antibody-depedent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-significantly extended survival. In a CD8+ T cell-driven bilateral TRAMP-C2 model of prostatic cancer, single agent subcutaneous MS~IL-15 or unilateral intratumoral agonistic anti-CD40 showed modest growth inhibition, but the combination exhibited potent, prolonged bilateral antitumor activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results show MS~IL-15 provides a very long-acting IL-15 with low Cmax that elicits prolonged expansion of target immune cells and high anticancer activity, especially when administered in combination with a suitable immuno-oncology agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Chen
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sigrid P Dubois
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anusara Daenthanasanmak
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jürgen R Müller
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ralph Reid
- ProLynx Inc, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Fiore PF, Di Matteo S, Tumino N, Mariotti FR, Pietra G, Ottonello S, Negrini S, Bottazzi B, Moretta L, Mortier E, Azzarone B. Interleukin-15 and cancer: some solved and many unsolved questions. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-001428. [PMID: 33203664 PMCID: PMC7674108 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble interleukin (IL)-15 exists under two forms: as monomer (sIL-15) or as heterodimeric complex in association with sIL-15Rα (sIL-15/IL-15Rα). Both forms have been successfully tested in experimental tumor murine models and are currently undergoing investigation in phase I/II clinical trials. Despite more than 20 years research on IL-15, some controversial issues remain to be addressed. A first point concerns the detection of the sIL-15/IL-15Rα in plasma of healthy donors or patients with cancer and its biological significance. The second and third unsolved question regards the protumorigenic role of the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex in human cancer and the detrimental immunological consequences associated to prolonged exposure of natural killer (NK) cells to both forms of soluble IL-15, respectively. Data suggest that in vivo prolonged or repeated exposure to monomeric sIL-15 or the soluble complex may lead to NK hypo-responsiveness through the expansion of the CD8+/CD44+ T cell subset that would suppress NK cell functions. In vitro experiments indicate that soluble complex and monomeric IL-15 may cause NK hyporesponsiveness through a direct effect caused by their prolonged stimulation, suggesting that this mechanism could also be effective in vivo. Therefore, a better knowledge of IL-15 and a more appropriate use of both its soluble forms, in terms of concentrations and time of exposure, are essential in order to improve their therapeutic use. In cancer, the overproduction of sIL-15/IL-15Rα could represent a novel mechanism of immune escape. The soluble complex may act as a decoy cytokine unable to efficiently foster NK cells, or could induce NK hyporesponsiveness through an excessive and prolonged stimulation depending on the type of IL-15Rα isoforms associated. All these unsolved questions are not merely limited to the knowledge of IL-15 pathophysiology, but are crucial also for the therapeutic use of this cytokine. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss key unanswered issues on the heterogeneity and biological significance of IL-15 isoforms, analyzing both their cancer-related biological functions and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Pietra
- Immuology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Selene Ottonello
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Bottazzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Erwan Mortier
- University of Nantes, CNRS, Inserm, CRCINA, University of Nantes, Nantes, France .,Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology, LabEx IGO, Nantes, France
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Zoi V, Galani V, Lianos GD, Voulgaris S, Kyritsis AP, Alexiou GA. The Role of Curcumin in Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091086. [PMID: 34572272 PMCID: PMC8464730 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa which has anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Chronic inflammation is associated with the development of cancer. Curcumin acts on the regulation of various immune modulators, including cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which partly explains its anticancer effects. It also takes part in the downregulation of growth factors, protein kinases, oncogenic molecules and various signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Clinical trials of curcumin have been completed or are ongoing for various types of cancer. This review presents the molecular mechanisms of curcumin in different types of cancer and the evidence from the most recent clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Zoi
- Neurosurgical Institute, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (V.Z.); (S.V.); (A.P.K.)
- Department of Anatomy Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Vasiliki Galani
- Department of Anatomy Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Georgios D. Lianos
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Spyridon Voulgaris
- Neurosurgical Institute, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (V.Z.); (S.V.); (A.P.K.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine Ioannina, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios P. Kyritsis
- Neurosurgical Institute, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (V.Z.); (S.V.); (A.P.K.)
| | - George A. Alexiou
- Neurosurgical Institute, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (V.Z.); (S.V.); (A.P.K.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine Ioannina, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence:
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McArdel SL, Dugast AS, Hoover ME, Bollampalli A, Hong E, Castano Z, Leonard SC, Pawar S, Mellen J, Muriuki K, McLaughlin DC, Bayhi N, Carpenter CL, Turka LA, Wickham TJ, Elloul S. Anti-tumor effects of RTX-240: an engineered red blood cell expressing 4-1BB ligand and interleukin-15. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:2701-2719. [PMID: 34244816 PMCID: PMC8360899 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant agonists that activate co-stimulatory and cytokine receptors have shown limited clinical anticancer utility, potentially due to narrow therapeutic windows, the need for coordinated activation of co-stimulatory and cytokine pathways and the failure of agonistic antibodies to recapitulate signaling by endogenous ligands. RTX-240 is a genetically engineered red blood cell expressing 4-1BBL and IL-15/IL-15Rα fusion (IL-15TP). RTX-240 is designed to potently and simultaneously stimulate the 4-1BB and IL-15 pathways, thereby activating and expanding T cells and NK cells, while potentially offering an improved safety profile through restricted biodistribution. We assessed the ability of RTX-240 to expand and activate T cells and NK cells and evaluated the in vivo efficacy, pharmacodynamics and tolerability using murine models. Treatment of PBMCs with RTX-240 induced T cell and NK cell activation and proliferation. In vivo studies using mRBC-240, a mouse surrogate for RTX-240, revealed biodistribution predominantly to the red pulp of the spleen, leading to CD8 + T cell and NK cell expansion. mRBC-240 was efficacious in a B16-F10 melanoma model and led to increased NK cell infiltration into the lungs. mRBC-240 significantly inhibited CT26 tumor growth, in association with an increase in tumor-infiltrating proliferating and cytotoxic CD8 + T cells. mRBC-240 was tolerated and showed no evidence of hepatic injury at the highest feasible dose, compared with a 4-1BB agonistic antibody. RTX-240 promotes T cell and NK cell activity in preclinical models and shows efficacy and an improved safety profile. Based on these data, RTX-240 is now being evaluated in a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Enping Hong
- Rubius Therapeutics® Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sneha Pawar
- Rubius Therapeutics® Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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Desbois M, Béal C, Charrier M, Besse B, Meurice G, Cagnard N, Jacques Y, Béchard D, Cassard L, Chaput N. IL-15 superagonist RLI has potent immunostimulatory properties on NK cells: implications for antimetastatic treatment. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000632. [PMID: 32532840 PMCID: PMC7295443 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the immune system is compromised in patients with cancer, therapeutic strategies to stimulate immunity appear promising, to avoid relapse and increase long-term overall survival. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has similar properties to IL-2, but does not cause activation-induced cell death nor activation and proliferation of regulatory T cells (Treg), which makes it a serious candidate for anticancer immunotherapy. However, IL-15 has a short half-life and high doses are needed to achieve responses. Designed to enhance its activity, receptor-linker-IL-15 (RLI) (SO-C101) is a fusion molecule of human IL-15 covalently linked to the human IL-15Rα sushi+ domain currently assessed in a phase I/Ib clinical trial on patients with advanced/metastatic solid cancer. Methods We investigated the antimetastatic activity of RLI in a 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma that spontaneously metastasizes and evaluated its immunomodulatory role in the metastatic lung microenvironment. We further characterized the proliferation, maturation and cytotoxic functions of natural killer (NK) cells in tumor-free mice treated with RLI. Finally, we explored the effect of RLI on human NK cells from healthy donors and patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results RLI treatment displayed antimetastatic properties in the 4T1 mouse model. By characterizing the lung microenvironment, we observed that RLI restored the balance between NK cells and neutrophils (CD11b+ Ly6Ghigh Ly6Clow) that massively infiltrate lungs of 4T1-tumor bearing mice. In addition, the ratio between NK cells and Treg was strongly increased by RLI treatment. Further pharmacodynamic studies in tumor-free mice revealed superior proliferative and cytotoxic functions on NK cells after RLI treatment compared with IL-15 alone. Characterization of the maturation stage of NK cells demonstrated that RLI favored accumulation of CD11b+ CD27high KLRG1+ mature NK cells. Finally, RLI demonstrated potent immunostimulatory properties on human NK cells by inducing proliferation and activation of NK cells from healthy donors and enhancing cytotoxic responses to NKp30 crosslinking in NK cells from patients with NSCLC. Conclusions Collectively, our work demonstrates superior activity of RLI compared with rhIL-15 in modulating and activating NK cells and provides additional evidences for a therapeutic strategy using RLI as antimetastatic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Desbois
- Analyse Moléculaire, Modélisation et Imagerie de la Maladie Cancéreuse, Laboratoire d'Immunomonitoring en Oncologie, Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France.,Cytune Pharma, Nantes, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France, France
| | - Coralie Béal
- Centre d'investigation Clinique Biothérapie 1428, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Mélinda Charrier
- Analyse Moléculaire, Modélisation et Imagerie de la Maladie Cancéreuse, Laboratoire d'Immunomonitoring en Oncologie, Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France, France.,Centre d'investigation Clinique Biothérapie 1428, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Benjamin Besse
- Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France, France.,Comité de Pathologie Thoracique, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Guillaume Meurice
- Plateforme de Bioinformatique, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Nicolas Cagnard
- Plateforme de Bioinformatique, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | | | | | - Lydie Cassard
- Analyse Moléculaire, Modélisation et Imagerie de la Maladie Cancéreuse, Laboratoire d'Immunomonitoring en Oncologie, Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Nathalie Chaput
- Analyse Moléculaire, Modélisation et Imagerie de la Maladie Cancéreuse, Laboratoire d'Immunomonitoring en Oncologie, Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France .,Faculty of Pharmacy, University Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
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Giehl E, Kosaka H, Liu Z, Feist M, Kammula US, Lotze MT, Ma C, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL. In Vivo Priming of Peritoneal Tumor-Reactive Lymphocytes With a Potent Oncolytic Virus for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:610042. [PMID: 33679747 PMCID: PMC7930493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.610042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) achieves durable clinical benefit for patients from whom these cells can be derived in advanced metastatic melanoma but is limited in most solid tumors as a result of immune escape and exclusion. A tumor microenvironment (TME) priming strategy to improve the quantity and quality of TIL represents an important tactic to explore. Oncolytic viruses expressing immune stimulatory cytokines induce a potent inflammatory response that may enhance infiltration and activation of T cells. In this study, we examined the ability of an attenuated oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing IL15/IL15Rα (vvDD-IL15/Rα) to enhance recovery of lavage T cells in peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). We found that intraperitoneal (IP) vvDD-IL15/Rα treatment of animals bearing PC resulted in a significant increase in cytotoxic function and memory formation in CD8+ T cells in peritoneal fluid. Using tetramers for vaccinia virus B8R antigen and tumor rejection antigen p15E, we found that the expanded population of peritoneal CD8+ T cells are specific for vaccinia or tumor with increased tumor-specificity over time, reinforced with viral clearance. Application of these vvDD-IL15/Rα induced CD8+ T cells in ACT of a lethal model of PC significantly increased survival. In addition, we found in patients with peritoneal metastases from various primary solid tumors that peritoneal T cells could be recovered but were exhausted with infrequent tumor-reactivity. If clinically translatable, vvDD-IL15/Rα in vivo priming would greatly expand the number of patients with advanced metastatic cancers responsive to T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Giehl
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hiromichi Kosaka
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Oncology Research Laboratories Oncology R&D Unit, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Zuqiang Liu
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mathilde Feist
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Surgery, CCM/CVK, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Udai S Kammula
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael T Lotze
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Congrong Ma
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David L Bartlett
- Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Heterodimeric IL-15 in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040837. [PMID: 33671252 PMCID: PMC7922495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rapidly expanding field of cancer immunotherapy uses diverse technologies, including cytokines, T cells, and antibody administration, with the aim to induce effective immune responses leading to tumor control. Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine discovered in 1994, supports the homeostasis of cytotoxic immune cells and shows promise as an anti-tumor agent. Many studies have elucidated IL-15 synthesis, regulation and biological function and explored its therapeutic efficacy in preclinical cancer models. Escherichia coli-derived single-chain IL-15 was tested in the first in-human trial in cancer patients. Its effects were limited by the biology of IL-15, which in vivo comprises a complex of the IL-15 chain with the IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) chain, together forming the IL-15 heterodimer (hetIL-15). Currently, single-chain IL-15 and several heterodimeric IL-15:IL-15Rα variants (hetIL-15, N-803 and RLI) are being tested in clinical trials. This review presents a summary of contemporary preclinical and clinical research on IL-15. Abstract Immunotherapy has emerged as a valuable strategy for the treatment of many cancer types. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes the growth and function of cytotoxic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. It also enhances leukocyte trafficking and stimulates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes expansion and activity. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and the so-called IL-15 receptor alpha chain that are together termed “heterodimeric IL-15” (hetIL-15). hetIL-15, closely resembling the natural form of the cytokine produced in vivo, and IL-15:IL-15Rα complex variants, such as hetIL-15Fc, N-803 and RLI, are the currently available IL-15 agents. These molecules have showed favorable pharmacokinetics and biological function in vivo in comparison to single-chain recombinant IL-15. Preclinical animal studies have supported their anti-tumor activity, suggesting IL-15 as a general method to convert “cold” tumors into “hot”, by promoting tumor lymphocyte infiltration. In clinical trials, IL-15-based therapies are overall well-tolerated and result in the expansion and activation of NK and memory CD8+ T cells. Combinations with other immunotherapies are being investigated to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of IL-15 agents in the clinic.
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Yang Y, Lundqvist A. Immunomodulatory Effects of IL-2 and IL-15; Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123586. [PMID: 33266177 PMCID: PMC7761238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The type I cytokine family members interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-15 play important roles in the homeostasis of innate and adaptive immunity. Although IL-2 and IL-15 receptor complexes activate similar signal transduction cascades, triggering of these receptors results in different functional activities in lymphocytes. While IL-2 expands regulatory T cells and CD4+ helper T cells, IL-15 supports the development of central memory T cells and NK cells. Recent data have provided evidence that IL-2 and IL-15 differ in their ability to activate T and NK cells to resist various forms of immune suppression. The diverse roles of these two cytokines have on immune cells lead to critical therapeutic implications for cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the distinct roles of IL-2 and IL-15 in activating various functions in T and NK cells with a particular focus on the signals that participate in the resistance of tumor-derived immune suppressive factors. Furthermore, we summarize current clinical applications of IL-2 and IL-15 in metastatic malignancies, either as monotherapy or in combination with other agents, and highlight the future trends for research on these cytokine-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Department of Respiratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 310009, China;
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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Hangasky JA, Waldmann TA, Santi DV. Interleukin 15 Pharmacokinetics and Consumption by a Dynamic Cytokine Sink. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1813. [PMID: 32903632 PMCID: PMC7438588 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is crucial for the proliferation and survival of NK and CD8+ T memory cells, and of significant interest in immuno-oncology. Immune cell expansion requires continuous IL-15 exposure above a threshold concentration for an extended period. However, the short t1/2 of IL-15 makes this impossible to achieve after a single injection without a high Cmax and toxicities. The most effective way to deliver IL-15 is continuous intra-venous infusion, but this administration mode is impractical. Efforts have been devoted to developing IL-15 agonists which after a single injection maintain the cytokine in a narrow therapeutic window for a long period. Enigmatically, although the half-life extension technologies used often extend the half-life of a protein to 1 or more weeks, the modified IL-15 agonists studied usually have systemic elimination half-lives of only a few hours and rarely much longer than 1 day. These short half-lives—common to all circulating IL-15 agonists thus far reported—can be explained by a dynamic increase in clearance of the agonists that accompanies target immune cell proliferation. What is needed is an IL-15 agonist that is as effective as continuous intravenous infusion, but with the convenience and acceptance of single injections at 1-week or longer intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Waldmann TA, Dubois S, Miljkovic MD, Conlon KC. IL-15 in the Combination Immunotherapy of Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:868. [PMID: 32508818 PMCID: PMC7248178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We completed clinical trials of rhIL-15 by bolus, subcutaneous, and continuous intravenous infusions (CIV). IL-15 administered by CIV at 2 mcg/kg/day yielded a 38-fold increase in 10- day number of circulating NK cells, a 358-fold increase in CD56bright NK cells and a 5.8-fold increase in CD8 T cells. However, IL-15 preparations administered as monotherapy were ineffective, due to actions of immunological checkpoints and due to the lack of tumor specific targeting by NK cells. To circumvent checkpoints, trials of IL-15 in combination with other anticancer agents were initiated. Tumor-bearing mice receiving IL-15 with antibodies to CTLA-4 and PD-L1 manifested marked prolongation of survival compared to mice receiving IL-15 with either agent alone. In translation, a phase I trial was initiated involving IL-15 (rhIL-15), nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with malignancy (NCT03388632). In rhesus macaques CIV IL-15 at 20 μg/kg/day for 10 days led to an 80-fold increase in number of circulating effector memory CD8 T cells. However, administration of γc cytokines such as IL-15 led to paralysis/depression of CD4 T-cells that was mediated through transient expression of SOCS3 that inhibited the STAT5 signaling pathway. This lost CD4 helper role could be restored alternatively by CD40 agonists. In the TRAMP-C2 prostate tumor model the combination of IL-15 with agonistic anti-CD40 produced additive effects in terms of numbers of TRAMP-C2 tumor specific Spas/SCNC/9H tetramer positive CD8 T cells expressed and tumor responses. A clinical trial is being initiated for patients with cancer using an intralesional anti-CD40 in combination with CIV rhIL-15. To translate IL-15-mediated increases in NK cells, we investigated combination therapy of IL-15 with anticancer monoclonal antibodies including rituximab in mouse models of EL-4 lymphoma transfected with human CD20 and with alemtuzumab (CAMPATH-1H) in a xenograft model of adult T cell leukemia (ATL). IL-15 enhanced the ADCC and therapeutic efficacy of both antibodies. These results provided the scientific basis for trials of IL-15 combined with alemtuzumab (anti-CD52) for patients with ATL (NCT02689453), with obinutuzumab (anti-CD20) for patients with CLL (NCT03759184), and with avelumab (anti-PD-L1) in patients with T-cell lymphoma (NCT03905135) and renal cancer (NCT04150562). In the first trial, there was elimination of circulating ATL and CLL leukemic cells in select patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sigrid Dubois
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Milos D Miljkovic
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kevin C Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Carlson RD, Flickinger JC, Snook AE. Talkin' Toxins: From Coley's to Modern Cancer Immunotherapy. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E241. [PMID: 32283684 PMCID: PMC7232517 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of the immune system to precisely target and eliminate aberrant or infected cells has long been studied in the field of infectious diseases. Attempts to define and exploit these potent immunological processes in the fight against cancer has been a longstanding effort dating back over 100 years to when Dr. William Coley purposefully infected cancer patients with a cocktail of heat-killed bacteria to stimulate anti-cancer immune processes. Although the field of cancer immunotherapy has been dotted with skepticism at times, the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors and recent FDA approvals of autologous cell therapies have pivoted immunotherapy to center stage as one of the most promising strategies to treat cancer. This review aims to summarize historic milestones throughout the field of cancer immunotherapy as well as highlight current and promising immunotherapies in development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam E. Snook
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (R.D.C.); (J.C.F.J.)
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37
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Natural Killer Cell Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040926. [PMID: 32283827 PMCID: PMC7226319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still represents a significant complication of chronic liver disease, particularly when cirrhosis ensues. Current treatment options include surgery, loco-regional procedures and chemotherapy, according to specific clinical practice guidelines. Immunotherapy with check-point inhibitors, aimed at rescuing T-cells from exhaustion, has been applied as second-line therapy with limited and variable success. Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity against cancer and changes in phenotype and function have been described in patients with HCC, who also show perturbations of NK activating receptor/ligand axes. Here we discuss the current status of NK cell treatment of HCC on the basis of existing evidence and ongoing clinical trials on adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells ex vivo or after activation with cytokines such as IL-15 and use of antibodies to target cell-expressed molecules to promote antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). To this end, bi-, tri- and tetra-specific killer cell engagers are being devised to improve NK cell recognition of tumor cells, circumventing tumor immune escape and efficiently targeting NK cells to tumors. Moreover, the exciting technique of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells offers unique opportunities to create CAR-NK with multiple specificities along the experience gained with CAR-T cells with potentially less adverse effects.
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38
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Knudson KM, Hodge JW, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Rationale for IL-15 superagonists in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:705-709. [PMID: 32159390 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1738379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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39
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Tang B, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL, Yan DZ, Schane CP, Thomas DL, Liu J, McFadden G, Shisler JL, Roy EJ. Synergistic Combination of Oncolytic Virotherapy and Immunotherapy for Glioma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2216-2230. [PMID: 32019860 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We hypothesized that the combination of a local stimulus for activating tumor-specific T cells and an anti-immunosuppressant would improve treatment of gliomas. Virally encoded IL15Rα-IL15 as the T-cell activating stimulus and a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor as the anti-immunosuppressant were combined with adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Two oncolytic poxviruses, vvDD vaccinia virus and myxoma virus, were each engineered to express the fusion protein IL15Rα-IL15 and a fluorescent protein. Viral gene expression (YFP or tdTomato Red) was confirmed in the murine glioma GL261 in vitro and in vivo. GL261 tumors in immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice were treated with vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP vaccinia virus or vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr combined with other treatments, including vaccination with GARC-1 peptide (a neoantigen for GL261), rapamycin, celecoxib, and adoptive T-cell therapy. RESULTS vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP and vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr each infected and killed GL261 cells in vitro. In vivo, NK cells and CD8+ T cells were increased in the tumor due to the expression of IL15Rα-IL15. Each component of a combination treatment contributed to prolonging survival: an oncolytic virus, the IL15Rα-IL15 expressed by the virus, a source of T cells (whether by prevaccination or adoptive transfer), and prostaglandin inhibition all synergized to produce elimination of gliomas in a majority of mice. vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP occasionally caused ventriculitis-meningitis, but vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr was safe and effective, causing a strong infiltration of tumor-specific T cells and eliminating gliomas in 83% of treated mice. CONCLUSIONS IL15Rα-IL15-armed oncolytic poxviruses provide potent antitumor effects against brain tumors when combined with adoptive T-cell therapy, rapamycin, and celecoxib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingtao Tang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David L Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David Z Yan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Claire P Schane
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Diana L Thomas
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Grant McFadden
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Joanna L Shisler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Edward J Roy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.
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Moui A, Klein M, Hassoun D, Dijoux E, Cheminant MA, Magnan A, Bouchaud G. The IL-15 / sIL-15Rα complex modulates immunity without effect on asthma features in mouse. Respir Res 2020; 21:33. [PMID: 31996218 PMCID: PMC6988344 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-020-1301-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a growth and modulating factor for B, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells (NK). Its action on innate and adaptive immunity is modulated by its alpha chain receptor (IL-15Rα). The IL-15/sIL-15Rα complex (IL-15Cx) increases the bioavailability and activity of the cytokine in vivo. IL-15Cx has been used in diseases to dampen IL-15 inflammation by the use of soluble IL-15Ralpha specificity. Here, we aim to evaluate the interest of IL-15Cx in a mouse model of asthma. METHODS Using a mouse model of asthma consisting in percutaneous sensitization and intranasal challenge with total house dust mite extract, we evaluated the effect of IL-15Cx injected intraperitoneally four times after a first nasal challenge. Respiratory function was assessed by the technique of forced oscillations (Flexivent®). The effect on bronchial remodeling was evaluated by lung histology. The inflammatory status was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS We observed that the IL-15Cx modulates lung and systemic inflammation by increasing NK cells, CD8+ memory T cells and regulatory cells. However, IL-15Cx displays no effect on bronchial hyperreactivity, bronchial remodeling nor cellular bronchial infiltrate, but limits the secretion of bronchial mucus and modulates only inflammatory response in a HDM-allergic asthma murine model. CONCLUSIONS IL-15Cx has a limited effect on immune response in asthma and has no effect on lung function in mice. Thus, it limits its therapeutic potential but might suggest a combinatory potential with other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Moui
- L'institut du thorax, Inserm, CNRS, Université́ de Nantes, Nantes, France.,L'institut du thorax, CHU de Nantes, service de pneumologie, Nantes, France
| | - Martin Klein
- L'institut du thorax, Inserm, CNRS, Université́ de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Dorian Hassoun
- L'institut du thorax, Inserm, CNRS, Université́ de Nantes, Nantes, France.,L'institut du thorax, CHU de Nantes, service de pneumologie, Nantes, France
| | - Eléonore Dijoux
- L'institut du thorax, Inserm, CNRS, Université́ de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Antoine Magnan
- L'institut du thorax, Inserm, CNRS, Université́ de Nantes, Nantes, France.,L'institut du thorax, CHU de Nantes, service de pneumologie, Nantes, France
| | - Grégory Bouchaud
- INRA, UR1268 BIA, rue de la Géraudière, F-44316, Nantes, France.
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41
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Berger A, Colpitts SJ, Seabrook MSS, Furlonger CL, Bendix MB, Moreau JM, McKillop WM, Medin JA, Paige CJ. Interleukin-15 in cancer immunotherapy: IL-15 receptor complex versus soluble IL-15 in a cancer cell-delivered murine leukemia model. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:355. [PMID: 31856922 PMCID: PMC6924073 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0777-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines of the common γ-chain receptor family such as IL-15 are vital with respect to activating immune cells, sustaining healthy immune functions, and augmenting the anti-tumor activity of effector cells, making them ideal candidates for cancer immunotherapy. IL-15, either in its soluble form (IL-15sol) or complexed with IL-15Rα (IL-15Rc), has been shown to exhibit potent anti-tumor activities in various experimental cancer studies. Here we describe the impact of intraperitoneal IL-15 in a cancer cell-delivered IL-15 immunotherapy approach using the 70Z/3-L leukemia mouse model. Whereas both forms of IL-15 led to significantly improved survival rates compared to the parent cell line, there were striking differences in the extent of the improved survival: mice receiving cancer cells secreting IL-15sol showed significantly longer survival and protective long-term immunity compared to those producing IL-15Rc. Interestingly, injection of leukemia cells secreting IL-15sol lead to heightened expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations in the peritoneum compared to IL-15Rc. Cell-secreted IL-15Rc resulted in an influx and/or expansion of NK1.1+ cells in the peritoneum which was much less pronounced in the IL-15sol model. Furthermore, IL-15Rc but not IL-15sol lead to T-cell exhaustion and disease progression. To our knowledge, this is the first study detailing a significantly different biological effect of cell-delivered IL-15sol versus IL-15Rc in a mouse cancer immunotherapy study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Berger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Sarah J Colpitts
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Melanie S S Seabrook
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Caren L Furlonger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Maura B Bendix
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Joshua M Moreau
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - William M McKillop
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Medin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher J Paige
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 8-105, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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42
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IL-15/IL-15Rα/CD80-expressing AML cell vaccines eradicate minimal residual disease in leukemic mice. Blood Adv 2019; 2:3177-3192. [PMID: 30482760 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018019026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered autologous acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells present multiple leukemia-associated and patient-specific antigens and as such hold promise as immunotherapeutic vaccines. However, prior vaccines have not reliably induced effective antileukemic immunity, in part because AML blasts have immune inhibitory effects and lack expression of the critical costimulatory molecule CD80. To enhance induction of leukemia-specific cytolytic activity, 32Dp210 murine AML cells were engineered to express either CD80 alone, or the immunostimulatory cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) with its receptor α (IL-15Rα), or heterodimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα together with CD80 and tested as irradiated cell vaccines. IL-15 is a γc-chain cytokine, with unique properties suited to stimulating antitumor immunity, including stimulation of both natural killer and CD8+ memory T cells. Coexpression of IL-15 and IL-15Rα markedly increases IL-15 stability and secretion. Non-tumor-bearing mice vaccinated with irradiated 32Dp210-IL-15/IL-15Rα/CD80 and challenged with 32Dp210 leukemia had greater survival than did mice treated with 32Dp210-CD80 or 32Dp210-IL-15/IL-15Rα vaccines, whereas no unvaccinated mice inoculated with leukemia survived. In mice with established leukemia, treatment with 32Dp210-IL-15/IL-15Rα/CD80 vaccination stimulated unprecedented antileukemic immunity enabling 80% survival, an effect that was abrogated by anti-CD8 antibody-mediated depletion in vivo. Because, clinically, AML vaccines are administered as postremission therapy, we established a novel model in which mice with high leukemic burdens were treated with cytotoxic therapy to induce remission (<5% marrow blasts). Postremission vaccination with 32Dp210-IL-15/IL-15Rα/CD80 achieved 50% overall survival in these mice, whereas all unvaccinated mice achieving remission subsequently relapsed. These studies demonstrate that combined expression of IL-15/IL-15Rα and CD80 by syngeneic AML vaccines stimulates effective and long-lasting antileukemic immunity.
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43
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Di Vito C, Mikulak J, Zaghi E, Pesce S, Marcenaro E, Mavilio D. NK cells to cure cancer. Semin Immunol 2019; 41:101272. [PMID: 31085114 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes able to mediate immune-surveillance and clearance of viral infected and tumor-transformed cells. Growing experimental and clinical evidence highlighted a dual role of NK cells either in the control of cancer development/progression or in promoting the onset of immune-suppressant tumor microenvironments. Indeed, several mechanisms of NK cell-mediated tumor escape have been described and these includes cancer-induced aberrant expression of activating and inhibitory receptors (i.e. NK cell immune checkpoints), impairments of NK cell migration to tumor sites and altered NK cell effector-functions. These phenomena highly contribute to tumor progression and metastasis formation. In this review, we discuss the latest insights on those NK cell receptors and related molecules that are currently being implemented in clinics either as possible prognostic factors or therapeutic targets to unleash NK cell anti-tumor effector-functions in vivo. Moreover, we address here the major recent advances in regard to the genetic modification and ex vivo expansion of anti-tumor specific NK cells used in innovative adoptive cellular transfer approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Italy.
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44
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Beha N, Harder M, Ring S, Kontermann RE, Müller D. IL15-Based Trifunctional Antibody-Fusion Proteins with Costimulatory TNF-Superfamily Ligands in the Single-Chain Format for Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1278-1288. [PMID: 31040163 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
IL15 and costimulatory receptors of the tumor necrosis superfamily (TNFRSF) have shown great potential to support and drive an antitumor immune response. However, their efficacy as monotherapy is limited. Here, we present the development of a novel format for a trifunctional antibody-fusion protein that combines and focuses the activity of IL15/TNFSF-ligand in a targeting-mediated manner to the tumor site. The previously reported format consisted of a tumor-directed antibody (scFv), IL15 linked to an IL15Rα-fragment (RD), and the extracellular domain of 4-1BBL, where noncovalent trimerization of 4-1BBL into its functional unit led to a homotrimeric molecule with 3 antibody and 3 IL15-RD units. To reduce the size and complexity of the molecule, we have now designed a second format, where 4-1BBL is introduced as single-chain (sc), that is 3 consecutively linked 4-1BBL ectodomains. Thus, a monomeric trifunctional fusion protein presenting only 1 functional unit of each component was generated. Interestingly, the in vitro activity on T-cell stimulation was conserved or even enhanced for the soluble and target-bound molecule, respectively. Also, in a lung tumor mouse model, comparable antitumor effects were observed. Furthermore, corroborating the concept, OX40L and GITRL were also successfully incorporated into the novel single-chain format and the advantage of target-bound trifunctional versus corresponding combined bifunctional fusion proteins demonstrated by measuring T-cell proliferation and cytotoxic potential in vitro and antitumor effects of RD_IL15_scFv_scGITRL in a lung tumor mouse model in vivo Thus, the trifunctional antibody-fusion protein single-chain format constitutes a promising innovative platform for further therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Beha
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Harder
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sarah Ring
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dafne Müller
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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45
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Development of a recombinant human IL-15·sIL-15Rα/Fc superagonist with improved half-life and its antitumor activity alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade in mouse model. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 112:108677. [PMID: 30798123 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant human interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a potent cancer immunotherapeutic candidate due to its excellent immune stimulating effects. Previous work demonstrated that IL-15 appeared with short half-life in circulation system, while the complex with its receptor can prolong the half-life as well as benefit its activities in vivo. Therefore, IL-15 complex was more favorably considered for clinical development. Herein we developed IL-15·sIL-15Rα/Fc, a complex comprising of IL-15 and the extracellular region of its receptor alpha subunit which fused to Immunoglobulin G (IgG1) Fc to further prolong the half-life in plasma. Through transient gene expression in HEK293 cells, we expressed the superagonist by co-transfection of plasmids encoding IL-15 and sIL-15Rα/Fc respectively, yielding 36 mg/L of product after purification. Pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the combination profoundly prolonged the half-life of IL-15 to 13.1 h in mice, about 18 folds longer than that of IL-15 monomer which is around 0.7 h. The bioactivity of the superagonist was characterized by CTLL-2 cells proliferation assay in vitro, showing its capability of stimulating the expansion of memory CD8+ T cells (cluster of differentiation) in mouse spleen. Using a HT-29 xenograft NOD-SCID mouse model, we observed tumor growth inhibition in all groups that received the superagonist, indicating its anti-tumor efficacy via stimulating infused human immune cells. In addition, combo cancer treatment by IL-15·sIL-15Rα/Fc and programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody have shown stronger inhibitory effects as compared with treatment with either single molecule. Therefore, we developed IL-15·sIL-15Rα/Fc to be a long half-life potential cancer immunotherapy candidate that can be applied alone or in synergy with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.
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46
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Yang H, Kureshi R, Spangler JB. Structural Basis for Signaling Through Shared Common γ Chain Cytokines. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1172:1-19. [PMID: 31628649 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9367-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The common γ chain (γc) family of hematopoietic cytokines consists of six distinct four α-helix bundle soluble ligands that signal through receptors which include the shared γc subunit to coordinate a wide range of physiological processes, in particular, those related to innate and adaptive immune function. Since the first crystallographic structure of a γc family cytokine/receptor signaling complex (the active Interleukin-2 [IL-2] quaternary complex) was determined in 2005 [1], tremendous progress has been made in the structural characterization of this protein family, transforming our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying immune activity. Although many conserved features of γc family cytokine complex architecture have emerged, distinguishing details have been observed for individual cytokine complexes that rationalize their unique functional properties. Much work remains to be done in the molecular characterization of γc family signaling, particularly with regard to intracellular activation events, and looking forward, new technologies in structural biophysics will offer further insight into the biology of cytokine signaling to inform the design of targeted therapeutics for treatment of immune-linked diseases such as cancer, infection, and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Yang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rakeeb Kureshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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47
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Abstract
Cytokines that control the immune response were shown to have efficacy in preclinical murine cancer models. Interferon (IFN)-α is approved for treatment of hairy cell leukemia, and interleukin (IL)-2 for the treatment of advanced melanoma and metastatic renal cancer. In addition, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have been evaluated in clinical trials. However, the cytokines as monotherapy have not fulfilled their early promise because cytokines administered parenterally do not achieve sufficient concentrations in the tumor, are often associated with severe toxicities, and induce humoral or cellular checkpoints. To circumvent these impediments, cytokines are being investigated clinically in combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors, anticancer monoclonal antibodies to increase the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of these antibodies, antibody cytokine fusion proteins, and anti-CD40 to facilitate tumor-specific immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1374
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48
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Frutoso M, Morisseau S, Tamzalit F, Quéméner A, Meghnem D, Leray I, Jacques Y, Mortier E. Emergence of NK Cell Hyporesponsiveness after Two IL-15 Stimulation Cycles. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:493-506. [PMID: 29848756 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
IL-15 is a cytokine playing a crucial role in the function of immune cells, including NK and CD8 T cells. In this study, we demonstrated that in vivo, in mice, IL-15-prestimulated NK cells were no longer able to respond to a second cycle of IL-15 stimulation. This was illustrated by defects in cell maturation, proliferation, and activation, seemingly linked to the environment surrounding NK cells but not related to the presence of CD4 regulatory T cells, TGF-β, or IL-10. Moreover, NK cells from immunodeficient mice could respond to two cycles of IL-15 stimulation, whereas an adoptive transfer of CD44+CD8+ cells impaired their responsiveness to the second cycle. Conversely, in immunocompetent mice, NK cell responsiveness to a second IL-15 stimulation was restored by the depletion of CD8+ cells. These biological findings refine our understanding of the complex mode of action of NK cells in vivo, and they should be taken into consideration for IL-15-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frutoso
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Sébastien Morisseau
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Fella Tamzalit
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Agnès Quéméner
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Dihia Meghnem
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Isabelle Leray
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Yannick Jacques
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Erwan Mortier
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
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Discovery of a novel IL-15 based protein with improved developability and efficacy for cancer immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7675. [PMID: 29769573 PMCID: PMC5955975 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25987-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) can promote both innate and adaptive immune reactions by stimulating CD8+/CD4+ T cells and natural killer cells (NK) while showing no effect in activating T-regulatory (Treg) cells or inducing activation-associated death among effector T cells and NK cells. Thus, IL-15 is considered as one of the most promising molecules for antitumor immune therapy. To improve the drug-like properties of natural IL-15, we create an IL-15-based molecule, named P22339, with the following characteristics: 1) building a complex of IL-15 and the Sushi domain of IL-15 receptor α chain to enhance the agonist activity of IL-15 via transpresentation; 2) through a rational structure-based design, creating a disulfide bond linking the IL-15/Sushi domain complex with an IgG1 Fc to augment its half-life. P22339 demonstrates excellent developability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties as well as antitumor efficacy in both in vitro assessments and in vivo studies. It significantly suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in rodent models, and activates T effector cells and NK cells in cynomolgus monkey. Overall, these data suggest that P22339 has a great potential for cancer immunotherapy.
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New interleukin-15 superagonist (IL-15SA) significantly enhances graft-versus-tumor activity. Oncotarget 2018; 8:44366-44378. [PMID: 28574833 PMCID: PMC5546486 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a potent cytokine that increases CD8+ T and NK cell numbers and function in experimental models. However, obstacles remain in using IL-15 therapeutically, specifically its low potency and short in vivo half-life. To help overcome this, a new IL-15 superagonist complex comprised of an IL-15N72D mutation and IL-15RαSu/Fc fusion (IL-15SA, also known as ALT-803) was developed. IL-15SA exhibits a significantly longer serum half-life and increased in vivo activity against various tumors. Herein, we evaluated the effects of IL-15SA in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Weekly administration of IL-15SA to transplant recipients significantly increased the number of CD8+ T cells (specifically CD44+ memory/activated phenotype) and NK cells. Intracellular IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion by CD8+ T cells increased in the IL-15SA-treated group. IL-15SA also upregulated NKG2D expression on CD8+ T cells. Moreover, IL-15SA enhanced proliferation and cytokine secretion of adoptively transferred CFSE-labeled T cells in syngeneic and allogeneic models by specifically stimulating the slowly proliferative and nonproliferative cells into actively proliferating cells. We then evaluated IL-15SA's effects on anti-tumor activity against murine mastocytoma (P815) and murine B cell lymphoma (A20). IL-15SA enhanced graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity in these tumors following T cell infusion. Interestingly, IL-15 SA administration provided GVT activity against A20 lymphoma cells in the murine donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) model without increasing graft versus host disease. In conclusion, IL-15SA could be a highly potent T- cell lymphoid growth factor and novel immunotherapeutic agent to complement stem cell transplantation and adoptive immunotherapy.
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