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Yuwen H, Wang H, Li T, Ren Y, Zhang YK, Chen P, Sun A, Bian G, Li B, Flowers D, Presler M, Subramanian K, Xue J, Wang J, Lynch K, Mei J, He X, Shan B, Hou B. ATG-101 Is a Tetravalent PD-L1×4-1BB Bispecific Antibody That Stimulates Antitumor Immunity through PD-L1 Blockade and PD-L1-Directed 4-1BB Activation. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1680-1698. [PMID: 38501978 PMCID: PMC11094422 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have transformed cancer treatment. However, only a minority of patients achieve a profound response. Many patients are innately resistant while others acquire resistance to ICIs. Furthermore, hepatotoxicity and suboptimal efficacy have hampered the clinical development of agonists of 4-1BB, a promising immune-stimulating target. To effectively target 4-1BB and treat diseases resistant to ICIs, we engineered ATG-101, a tetravalent "2+2″ PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody. ATG-101 bound PD-L1 and 4-1BB concurrently, with a greater affinity for PD-L1, and potently activated 4-1BB+ T cells when cross-linked with PD-L1-positive cells. ATG-101 activated exhausted T cells upon PD-L1 binding, indicating a possible role in reversing T-cell dysfunction. ATG-101 displayed potent antitumor activity in numerous in vivo tumor models, including those resistant or refractory to ICIs. ATG-101 greatly increased the proliferation of CD8+ T cells, the infiltration of effector memory T cells, and the ratio of CD8+ T/regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), rendering an immunologically "cold" tumor "hot." Comprehensive characterization of the TME after ATG-101 treatment using single-cell RNA sequencing further revealed an altered immune landscape that reflected increased antitumor immunity. ATG-101 was well tolerated and did not induce hepatotoxicity in non-human primates. According to computational semimechanistic pharmacology modeling, 4-1BB/ATG-101/PD-L1 trimer formation and PD-L1 receptor occupancy were both maximized at around 2 mg/kg of ATG-101, providing guidance regarding the optimal biological dose for clinical trials. In summary, by localizing to PD-L1-rich microenvironments and activating 4-1BB+ immune cells in a PD-L1 cross-linking-dependent manner, ATG-101 safely inhibits growth of ICI resistant and refractory tumors. SIGNIFICANCE The tetravalent PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody ATG-101 activates 4-1BB+ T cells in a PD-L1 cross-linking-dependent manner, minimizing the hepatotoxicity of existing 4-1BB agonists and suppressing growth of ICI-resistant tumors. See related commentary by Ha et al., p. 1546.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yuwen
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Huajing Wang
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Tengteng Li
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yijing Ren
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | - Peng Chen
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ao Sun
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Gang Bian
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bohua Li
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | - Jia Xue
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang, P.R. China
| | | | | | - Jay Mei
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowen He
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bo Shan
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Bing Hou
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
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2
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Cheng LS, Zhu M, Gao Y, Liu WT, Yin W, Zhou P, Zhu Z, Niu L, Zeng X, Zhang D, Fang Q, Wang F, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Shen G. An Fc-muted bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and 4-1BB induces antitumor immune activity in colorectal cancer without systemic toxicity. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:47. [PMID: 37259060 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00461-w] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy narrows the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Although 4-1BB is a promising drug target as a costimulatory molecule of immune cells, no 4-1BB agonist has been given clinical approval because of severe liver toxicity or limited efficacy. Therefore, a safe and efficient immunostimulatory molecule is urgently needed for cancer immunotherapy. METHODS HK010 was generated by antibody engineering, and the Fab/antigen complex structure was analyzed using crystallography. The affinity and activity of HK010 were detected by multiple in vitro bioassays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), flow cytometry, and luciferase-reporter assays. Humanized mice bearing human PD-L1-expressing MC38 (MC38/hPDL1) or CT26 (CT26/hPDL1) tumor transplants were established to assess the in vivo antitumor activity of HK010. The pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicity of HK010 were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. RESULTS HK010 was generated as an Fc-muted immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 PD-L1x4-1BB bispecific antibody (BsAb) with a distinguished Fab/antigen complex structure, and maintained a high affinity for human PD-L1 (KD: 2.27 nM) and low affinity for human 4-1BB (KD: 493 nM) to achieve potent PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and appropriate 4-1BB agonism. HK010 exhibited synergistic antitumor activity by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway and stimulating the 4-1BB signaling pathway simultaneously, and being strictly dependent on the PD-L1 receptor in vitro and in vivo. In particular, when the dose was decreased to 0.3 mg/kg, HK010 still showed a strong antitumor effect in a humanized mouse model bearing MC38/hPDL1 tumors. Strikingly, HK010 treatment enhanced antitumor immunity and induced durable antigen-specific immune memory to prevent rechallenged tumor growth by recruiting CD8+ T cells and other lymphocytes into tumor tissue and activating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Moreover, HK010 not only did not induce nonspecific production of proinflammatory cytokines but was also observed to be well tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys in 5 week repeated-dose (5, 15, or 50 mg/kg) and single-dose (75 or 150 mg/kg) toxicity studies. CONCLUSION We generated an Fc-muted anti-PD-L1x4-1BB BsAb, HK010, with a distinguished structural interaction with PD-L1 and 4-1BB that exhibits a synergistic antitumor effect by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway and stimulating the 4-1BB signaling pathway simultaneously. It is strictly dependent on the PD-L1 receptor with no systemic toxicity, which may offer a new option for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering Pharmaceutical, Biomedicine Technology Innovation Center of Hefei, Anhui Anke Biotechnology (Group) Co., Ltd., Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Wen-Ting Liu
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Wu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Pengfei Zhou
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Liwen Niu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Dayan Zhang
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Fang
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Fengrong Wang
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Health Service Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Guodong Shen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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3
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Gao Y, Yang T, Liu H, Song N, Dai C, Ding Y. Development and characterization of a novel human CD137 agonistic antibody with anti-tumor activity and a good safety profile in non-human primates. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:2166-2178. [PMID: 36176235 PMCID: PMC9714380 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB, TNFRSF9), an inducible T-cell costimulatory receptor, is expressed on activated T cells, activated NK cells, Treg cells, and several innate immune cells, including DCs, monocytes, neutrophils, mast cells, and eosinophils. In animal models and clinical trials, anti-CD137 agonistic monoclonal antibodies have shown anti-tumor potential, but balancing the efficacy and toxicity of anti-CD137 agonistic monoclonal antibodies is a considerable hindrance for clinical applications. Here, we describe a novel fully human CD137 agonistic antibody (PE0116) generated from immunized harbor H2L2 human transgenic mice. PE0116 is a ligand blocker, which is also the case for Utomilumab (one of the leading CD137 agonistic drugs); PE0116 partially overlaps with Urelumab's recognized epitope. In vitro, PE0116 activates NF-κB signaling, significantly promotes T-cell proliferation, and increases cytokine secretion in the presence of cross-linking. Importantly, PE0116 possesses robust anti-tumor activity in the MC38 tumor model. In vivo, PE0116 exhibits a good safety profile and has typical pharmacokinetic characteristics of an IgG antibody in preclinical studies of non-human primates. In summary, PE0116 is a promising anti-CD137 antibody with a good safety profile in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina,Biologics DiscoveryShanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.China
| | - Teddy Yang
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.China
| | - Hu Liu
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.China
| | - Ningning Song
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.China
| | - Chaohui Dai
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai Hyamab Biotechnology Co., Ltd.China
| | - Yu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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4
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Wu J, Wang Y. Role of TNFSF9 bidirectional signal transduction in antitumor immunotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 928:175097. [PMID: 35714694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The complex structure of the tumor microenvironment leads to the poor efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. The therapeutic adjuvant designed to enhance the effect of T cells by acting on the costimulatory molecule tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 9 (TNFSF9) has achieved good results. However, because some tumors are characterized by reduced T-cell infiltration, adjuvants acting on T cells alone may have limitations. On the other hand, the blockade of TNFSF9 reverse signalling can have an antitumor effect by reshaping the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, this paper mainly discusses the current status and potential of TNFSF9 bidirectional signalling in antitumor immunotherapy to provide new ideas for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wu
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Sichuan, 621000, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Departments of Cardiology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Sichuan, 621000, China.
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5
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Stirling ER, Bronson SM, Mackert JD, Cook KL, Triozzi PL, Soto-Pantoja DR. Metabolic Implications of Immune Checkpoint Proteins in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:179. [PMID: 35011741 PMCID: PMC8750774 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of immune checkpoint proteins restrict immunosurveillance in the tumor microenvironment; thus, FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitor drugs, specifically PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, promote a cytotoxic antitumor immune response. Aside from inflammatory signaling, immune checkpoint proteins invoke metabolic reprogramming that affects immune cell function, autonomous cancer cell bioenergetics, and patient response. Therefore, this review will focus on the metabolic alterations in immune and cancer cells regulated by currently approved immune checkpoint target proteins and the effect of costimulatory receptor signaling on immunometabolism. Additionally, we explore how diet and the microbiome impact immune checkpoint blockade therapy response. The metabolic reprogramming caused by targeting these proteins is essential in understanding immune-related adverse events and therapeutic resistance. This can provide valuable information for potential biomarkers or combination therapy strategies targeting metabolic pathways with immune checkpoint blockade to enhance patient response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R. Stirling
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (E.R.S.); (K.L.C.); (P.L.T.)
| | - Steven M. Bronson
- Department of Pathology, Section of Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jessica D. Mackert
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Katherine L. Cook
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (E.R.S.); (K.L.C.); (P.L.T.)
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
- Wake Forest School of Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Pierre L. Triozzi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (E.R.S.); (K.L.C.); (P.L.T.)
- Wake Forest School of Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - David R. Soto-Pantoja
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (E.R.S.); (K.L.C.); (P.L.T.)
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
- Wake Forest School of Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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6
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Kandalaft LE, Harari A. Vaccines as Priming Tools for T Cell Therapy for Epithelial Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225819. [PMID: 34830973 PMCID: PMC8616276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite all of the impressive progress that has been made in the field of cancer therapy, cancer continues to devastate the lives of many. Recent efforts have focused on taking advantage of the patients’ immune system, modifying and employing it to attack cancer cells more efficiently. Therapeutic cancer vaccines are part of the armamentarium used for that purpose. In this review, we discuss the role of the immune system in the fight against cancer, the various strategies that are aimed at engaging the immune system, and how therapeutic cancer vaccines can be used as a self-standing strategy or as a means to leverage other immunotherapies to deliver more efficient results. We elaborate on the obstacles that are present, why immune therapies do not work equally well on all patients, and how vaccines can potentially play a role in improving cancer outcomes. Abstract Impressive progress has recently been made in the field of cancer immunotherapy with the adoptive transfer of T cells, a successful personalized strategy, and checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) having extended the survival of numerous patients. However, not all patients have been able to benefit from these innovations. A key determinant of the responsiveness to cancer immunotherapies is the presence of T cells within the tumors. These tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are crucial in controlling tumor growth and their activity is being potentiated by immunotherapies. Although some epithelial cancers are associated with spontaneous T-cell and B-cell responses, which makes them good candidates for immunotherapies, it remains to create strategies that would promote lymphocyte infiltration and enable sustained immune responses in immune-resistant tumors. Therapeutic cancer vaccines hold the potential of being able to render “cold”, poorly infiltrated tumors into “hot” tumors that would be receptive to cellular immunotherapies. In this review, we elaborate on the obstacles that need to be overcome and the strategies that are being explored to that end, including various types of antigen repertoires and different vaccine platforms and combinations with other available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana E. Kandalaft
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (L.E.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Alexandre Harari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (L.E.K.); (A.H.)
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7
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Geuijen C, Tacken P, Wang LC, Klooster R, van Loo PF, Zhou J, Mondal A, Liu YB, Kramer A, Condamine T, Volgina A, Hendriks LJA, van der Maaden H, Rovers E, Engels S, Fransen F, den Blanken-Smit R, Zondag-van der Zande V, Basmeleh A, Bartelink W, Kulkarni A, Marissen W, Huang CY, Hall L, Harvey S, Kim S, Martinez M, O'Brien S, Moon E, Albelda S, Kanellopoulou C, Stewart S, Nastri H, Bakker ABH, Scherle P, Logtenberg T, Hollis G, de Kruif J, Huber R, Mayes PA, Throsby M. A human CD137×PD-L1 bispecific antibody promotes anti-tumor immunity via context-dependent T cell costimulation and checkpoint blockade. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4445. [PMID: 34290245 PMCID: PMC8295259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24767-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrate clinical activity in many tumor types, however, only a fraction of patients benefit. Combining CD137 agonists with these inhibitors increases anti-tumor activity preclinically, but attempts to translate these observations to the clinic have been hampered by systemic toxicity. Here we describe a human CD137xPD-L1 bispecific antibody, MCLA-145, identified through functional screening of agonist- and immune checkpoint inhibitor arm combinations. MCLA-145 potently activates T cells at sub-nanomolar concentrations, even under suppressive conditions, and enhances T cell priming, differentiation and memory recall responses. In vivo, MCLA-145 anti-tumor activity is superior to immune checkpoint inhibitor comparators and linked to recruitment and intra-tumor expansion of CD8 + T cells. No graft-versus-host-disease is observed in contrast to other antibodies inhibiting the PD-1 and PD-L1 pathway. Non-human primates treated with 100 mg/kg/week of MCLA-145 show no adverse effects. The conditional activation of CD137 signaling by MCLA-145, triggered by neighboring cells expressing >5000 copies of PD-L1, may provide both safety and potency advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing Zhou
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Soyeon Kim
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marina Martinez
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shaun O'Brien
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edmund Moon
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven Albelda
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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8
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Etxeberria I, Glez-Vaz J, Teijeira Á, Melero I. New emerging targets in cancer immunotherapy: CD137/4-1BB costimulatory axis. ESMO Open 2021; 4:e000733. [PMID: 32611557 PMCID: PMC7333812 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB) is a surface glycoprotein that belongs to the tumour necrosis factor receptor family (TNFRSF9). Its expression is induced on activation on a number of leucocyte types. Interestingly, for cancer immunotherapy, CD137 becomes expressed on primed T and natural killer (NK) cells, which on ligation provides powerful costimulatory signals. Perturbation of CD137 by CD137L or agonist monoclonal antibodies on activated CD8 T cells protects such antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes from apoptosis, enhances effector functionalities and favours persistence and memory differentiation. As a consequence, agonist antibodies exert potent antitumour effects in mouse models and the CD137 signalling domain is critical in chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) of CAR T cells approved to be used in the clinic. New formats of CD137 agonist moieties are being clinically developed, seeking potent costimulation targeted to the tumour microenvironment to avoid liver inflammation side effects, that have thus far limited and delayed clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Etxeberria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Department of Immunology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
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9
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Mascarelli DE, Rosa RSM, Toscaro JM, Semionatto IF, Ruas LP, Fogagnolo CT, Lima GC, Bajgelman MC. Boosting Antitumor Response by Costimulatory Strategies Driven to 4-1BB and OX40 T-cell Receptors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:692982. [PMID: 34277638 PMCID: PMC8277962 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.692982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy explores several strategies to enhance the host immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. The use of antibodies that block immunological checkpoints, such as anti–programed death 1/programed death 1 ligand and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4, is widely recognized to generate a long-lasting antitumor immune response in several types of cancer. Evidence indicates that the elimination of tumors by T cells is the key for tumor control. It is well known that costimulatory and coinhibitory pathways are critical regulators in the activation of T cells. Besides blocking checkpoints inhibitors, the agonistic signaling on costimulatory molecules also plays an important role in T-cell activation and antitumor response. Therefore, molecules driven to costimulatory pathways constitute promising targets in cancer therapy. The costimulation of tumor necrosis factor superfamily receptors on lymphocytes surface may transduce signals that control the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and effector functions of these immune cells. Among the members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, there are 4-1BB and OX40. Several clinical studies have been carried out targeting these molecules, with agonist monoclonal antibodies, and preclinical studies exploring their ligands and other experimental approaches. In this review, we discuss functional aspects of 4-1BB and OX40 costimulation, as well as the progress of its application in immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele E Mascarelli
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rhubia S M Rosa
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jessica M Toscaro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Isadora F Semionatto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Luciana P Ruas
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Carolinne T Fogagnolo
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gabriel C Lima
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Pro Rectory of Graduation, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio C Bajgelman
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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10
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Exploring genetic defects in adults who were clinically diagnosed as severe combined immune deficiency during infancy. Immunol Res 2021; 69:145-152. [PMID: 33599911 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Genetic diagnostic tools including whole-exome sequencing (WES) have advanced our understanding in human diseases and become common practice in diagnosing patients with suspected primary immune deficiencies. Establishing a genetic diagnosis is of paramount importance for tailoring adequate therapeutic regimens, including identifying the need for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and genetic-based therapies. Here, we genetically studied two adult patients who were clinically diagnosed during infancy with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). Two unrelated patients, both of consanguineous kindred, underwent WES in adulthood, 2 decades after their initial clinical manifestations. Upon clinical presentation, immunological workup was performed, which led to a diagnosis of SCID. The patients presented during infancy with failure to thrive, generalized erythematous rash, and recurrent gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections, including episodes of Pneumocystis pneumonia infection and Candida albicans fungemia. Hypogammaglobulinemia and T-cell lymphopenia were detected. Both patients were treated with a 10/10 HLA matched sibling donor unconditioned HSCT. Retrospective genetic workup revealed homozygous bi-allelic mutations in IL7RA in one patient and in RAG2 in the other. Our study exemplifies the impact of retrospectively establishing a genetic diagnosis. Pinpointing the genetic cause raises several issues including optimized surveillance and treatment, understanding disease mechanisms and outcomes, future family planning, and social and psychological considerations.
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CD137 + T-Cells: Protagonists of the Immunotherapy Revolution. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030456. [PMID: 33530328 PMCID: PMC7866028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The CD137 receptor is expressed by activated antigen-specific T-cells. CD137+ T-cells were identified inside TILs and PBMCs of different tumor types and have proven to be the naturally occurring antitumor effector cells, capable of expressing a wide variability in terms of TCR specificity against both shared and neoantigenic tumor-derived peptides. The aim of this review is thus summarizing and highlighting their role as drivers of patients’ immune responses in anticancer therapies as well as their potential role in future and current strategies of immunotherapy. Abstract The CD137 receptor (4-1BB, TNF RSF9) is an activation induced molecule expressed by antigen-specific T-cells. The engagement with its ligand, CD137L, is capable of increasing T-cell survival, proliferation, and cytokine production. This allowed to identify the CD137+ T-cells as the real tumor-specific activated T-cell population. In fact, these cells express various TCRs that are specific for a wide range of tumor-derived peptides, both shared and neoantigenic ones. Moreover, their prevalence in sites close to the tumor and their unicity in killing cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, raised particular interest in studying their potential role in different strategies of immunotherapy. They indeed showed to be a reliable marker able to predict patient’s outcome to immune-based therapies as well as monitor their response. In addition, the possibility of isolating and expanding this population, turned promising in order to generate effector antitumor T-cells in the context of adoptive T-cell therapies. CD137-targeting monoclonal antibodies have already shown their antitumor efficacy in cancer patients and a number of clinical trials are thus ongoing to test their possible introduction in different combination approaches of immunotherapy. Finally, the intracellular domain of the CD137 receptor was introduced in the anti-CD19 CAR-T cells that were approved by FDA for the treatment of pediatric B-cell leukemia and refractory B-cell lymphoma.
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Choi Y, Shi Y, Haymaker CL, Naing A, Ciliberto G, Hajjar J. T-cell agonists in cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-000966. [PMID: 33020242 PMCID: PMC7537335 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells can evade immune surveillance in the body. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors can interrupt this evasion and enhance the antitumor activity of T cells. Other mechanisms for promoting antitumor T-cell function are the targeting of costimulatory molecules expressed on the surface of T cells, such as 4-1BB, OX40, inducible T-cell costimulator and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor. In addition, CD40 targets the modulation of the activation of antigen-presenting cells, which ultimately leads to T-cell activation. Agonists of these costimulatory molecules have demonstrated promising results in preclinical and early-phase trials and are now being tested in ongoing clinical trials. In addition, researchers are conducting trials of combinations of such immune modulators with checkpoint blockade, radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs in patients with advanced tumors. This review gives a comprehensive picture of the current knowledge of T-cell agonists based on their use in recent and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonjoo Choi
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yaoyao Shi
- Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cara L Haymaker
- Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aung Naing
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Joud Hajjar
- Section of Immunology, Department of Allergy & Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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13
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CD137 deficiency causes immune dysregulation with predisposition to lymphomagenesis. Blood 2020; 134:1510-1516. [PMID: 31501153 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated immune responses are essential underlying causes of a plethora of pathologies including cancer, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency. We here investigated 4 patients from unrelated families presenting with immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and malignancy. We identified 4 distinct homozygous mutations in TNFRSF9 encoding the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member CD137/4-1BB, leading to reduced, or loss of, protein expression. Lymphocytic responses crucial for immune surveillance, including activation, proliferation, and differentiation, were impaired. Genetic reconstitution of CD137 reversed these defects. CD137 deficiency is a novel inborn error of human immunity characterized by lymphocytic defects with early-onset Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoma. Our findings elucidate a functional role and relevance of CD137 in human immune homeostasis and antitumor responses.
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Abstract
Immunomodulatory antibodies that directly trigger and reawaken suppressed T-cell effector function are termed 'checkpoint inhibitors'. CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 molecules are the most studied inhibitory immune check points against cancer and because of this therapeutic property have entered the clinic for treating a variety of tumor types. The results so far demonstrate a positive impact on cancer remission. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that targeting a number of other T-cell surface molecules including both positive and negative immune regulators, also possesses strong antitumor activity. Some of these molecules have already entered clinical trials. In this report, we briefly highlight the status of these immune checkpoint inhibitors and discuss their side effects and future directions for their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dass S Vinay
- Section of Clinical Immunology, Allergy & Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Byoung S Kwon
- Section of Clinical Immunology, Allergy & Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.,Eutilex Institute for Biomedical Research, Suite #1401 Daeryung Technotown 17, Gasan digital 1-ro 25, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul Korea
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15
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Mazzarella L, Duso BA, Trapani D, Belli C, D'Amico P, Ferraro E, Viale G, Curigliano G. The evolving landscape of ‘next-generation’ immune checkpoint inhibitors: A review. Eur J Cancer 2019; 117:14-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Hinner MJ, Aiba RSB, Jaquin TJ, Berger S, Dürr MC, Schlosser C, Allersdorfer A, Wiedenmann A, Matschiner G, Schüler J, Moebius U, Rothe C, Matis L, Olwill SA. Tumor-Localized Costimulatory T-Cell Engagement by the 4-1BB/HER2 Bispecific Antibody-Anticalin Fusion PRS-343. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:5878-5889. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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17
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Chu DT, Bac ND, Nguyen KH, Tien NLB, Thanh VV, Nga VT, Ngoc VTN, Anh Dao DT, Hoan LN, Hung NP, Trung Thu NT, Pham VH, Vu LN, Pham TAV, Thimiri Govinda Raj DB. An Update on Anti-CD137 Antibodies in Immunotherapies for Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081822. [PMID: 31013788 PMCID: PMC6515339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The selective expression of CD137 on cells of the immune system (e.g., T and DC cells) and oncogenic cells in several types of cancer leads this molecule to be an attractive target to discover cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, specific antibodies against CD137 are being studied and developed aiming to activate and enhance anti-cancer immune responses as well as suppress oncogenic cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that anti-CD137 antibodies can be used separately to prevent tumor in some cases, while in other cases, these antibodies need to be co-administered with other antibodies or drugs/vaccines/regents for a better performance. Thus, in this work, we aim to update and discuss current knowledge about anti-cancer effects of anti-CD137 antibodies as mono- and combined-immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh-Toi Chu
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
- School of Odonto Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
- Institute of Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Nguyen Duy Bac
- Department of Education and Training, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Khanh-Hoang Nguyen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Nguyen Le Bao Tien
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Viet Duc Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Vo Van Thanh
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Viet Duc Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Vu Thi Nga
- Institute for Research and Development, Duy Tan University, 03 Quang Trung, Danang 550000, Vietnam.
| | - Vo Truong Nhu Ngoc
- School of Odonto Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Duong Thi Anh Dao
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Le Ngoc Hoan
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Phuc Hung
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Thi Trung Thu
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Van-Huy Pham
- AI Lab, Faculty of Information Technology, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
| | - Le Nguyen Vu
- Organ Transplantation Center, Viet Duc Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Thuy Anh Vu Pham
- Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
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Buchan SL, Dou L, Remer M, Booth SG, Dunn SN, Lai C, Semmrich M, Teige I, Mårtensson L, Penfold CA, Chan HTC, Willoughby JE, Mockridge CI, Dahal LN, Cleary KLS, James S, Rogel A, Kannisto P, Jernetz M, Williams EL, Healy E, Verbeek JS, Johnson PWM, Frendéus B, Cragg MS, Glennie MJ, Gray JC, Al-Shamkhani A, Beers SA. Antibodies to Costimulatory Receptor 4-1BB Enhance Anti-tumor Immunity via T Regulatory Cell Depletion and Promotion of CD8 T Cell Effector Function. Immunity 2018; 49:958-970.e7. [PMID: 30446386 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The costimulatory receptor 4-1BB is expressed on activated immune cells, including activated T cells. Antibodies targeting 4-1BB enhance the proliferation and survival of antigen-stimulated T cells in vitro and promote CD8 T cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity in pre-clinical cancer models. We found that T regulatory (Treg) cells infiltrating human or murine tumors expressed high amounts of 4-1BB. Intra-tumoral Treg cells were preferentially depleted by anti-4-1BB mAbs in vivo. Anti-4-1BB mAbs also promoted effector T cell agonism to promote tumor rejection. These distinct mechanisms were competitive and dependent on antibody isotype and FcγR availability. Administration of anti-4-1BB IgG2a, which preferentially depletes Treg cells, followed by either agonistic anti-4-1BB IgG1 or anti-PD-1 mAb augmented anti-tumor responses in multiple solid tumor models. An antibody engineered to optimize both FcγR-dependent Treg cell depleting capacity and FcγR-independent agonism delivered enhanced anti-tumor therapy. These insights into the effector mechanisms of anti-4-1BB mAbs lay the groundwork for translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Buchan
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Lang Dou
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Marcus Remer
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Steven G Booth
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Stuart N Dunn
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Chester Lai
- Department of Dermatopharmacology, University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Monika Semmrich
- BioInvent International AB, Sölvegatan 41, 22370 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Teige
- BioInvent International AB, Sölvegatan 41, 22370 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Christine A Penfold
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - H T Claude Chan
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane E Willoughby
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - C Ian Mockridge
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Lekh N Dahal
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Kirstie L S Cleary
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sonya James
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anne Rogel
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Päivi Kannisto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mats Jernetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emily L Williams
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Eugene Healy
- Department of Dermatopharmacology, University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - J Sjef Verbeek
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter W M Johnson
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Centre, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Björn Frendéus
- BioInvent International AB, Sölvegatan 41, 22370 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Martin J Glennie
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Juliet C Gray
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Stephen A Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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Structure of the 4-1BB/4-1BBL complex and distinct binding and functional properties of utomilumab and urelumab. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4679. [PMID: 30410017 PMCID: PMC6224509 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07136-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
4-1BB (CD137, TNFRSF9) is an inducible costimulatory receptor expressed on activated T cells. Clinical trials of two agonist antibodies, utomilumab (PF-05082566) and urelumab (BMS-663513), are ongoing in multiple cancer indications, and both antibodies demonstrate distinct activities in the clinic. To understand these differences, we solved structures of the human 4-1BB/4-1BBL complex, the 4-1BBL trimer alone, and 4-1BB bound to utomilumab or urelumab. The 4-1BB/4-1BBL complex displays a unique interaction between receptor and ligand when compared with other TNF family members. Furthermore, our ligand-only structure differs from previously published data. Utomilumab, a ligand-blocking antibody, binds 4-1BB between CRDs 3 and 4. In contrast, urelumab binds 4-1BB CRD-1, away from the ligand binding site. Finally, cell-based assays demonstrate utomilumab is a milder agonist than urelumab. Collectively, our data provide a deeper understanding of the 4-1BB signaling complex, providing a template for future development of next generation 4-1BB targeted biologics.
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Bhatia S, Miller NJ, Lu H, Longino NV, Ibrani D, Shinohara MM, Byrd DR, Parvathaneni U, Kulikauskas R, Ter Meulen J, Hsu FJ, Koelle DM, Nghiem P. Intratumoral G100, a TLR4 Agonist, Induces Antitumor Immune Responses and Tumor Regression in Patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:1185-1195. [PMID: 30093453 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE G100 is a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist that triggers innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses in preclinical models. This pilot study assessed the safety, efficacy, and immunologic activity of intratumoral (IT) administration of G100 in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with locoregional MCC (n = 3; cohort A) received neoadjuvant IT G100 (2 weekly doses at 5 μg/dose) followed by surgery and radiotherapy; patients with metastatic MCC (n = 7; cohort B) received 3 doses in a 6-week cycle and could receive additional cycles with/without radiotherapy. RESULTS IT G100 was safe and feasible in both neoadjuvant and metastatic settings. Treatment-related adverse events were mostly grade 1 or 2 injection-site reactions. IT G100 led to increased inflammation in the injected tumors with infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and activation of immune-related genes. These proinflammatory changes were associated with local tumor regression and appeared to promote systemic immunity. All 3 cohort A patients successfully completed therapy; 2 patients remain recurrence free at 44+ and 41+ months, including 1 with a pathologic complete response after G100 alone. In cohort B, 2 patients achieved sustained partial responses, both lasting 33+ months after 2 cycles of therapy. CONCLUSIONS In this first-in-human study, IT G100 induced antitumor immune responses, demonstrated acceptable safety, and showed encouraging clinical activity.See related commentary by Marquez-Rodas et al., p. 1127.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/immunology
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Immunity, Cellular/immunology
- Immunotherapy
- Lipid A/analogs & derivatives
- Lipid A/pharmacology
- Lipid A/therapeutic use
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Pilot Projects
- Toll-Like Receptor 4/agonists
- Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics
- Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailender Bhatia
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Natalie J Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hailing Lu
- Immune Design, Seattle, Washington, and South San Francisco, California
| | - Natalie V Longino
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dafina Ibrani
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michi M Shinohara
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - David R Byrd
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Upendra Parvathaneni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rima Kulikauskas
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jan Ter Meulen
- Immune Design, Seattle, Washington, and South San Francisco, California
| | - Frank J Hsu
- Immune Design, Seattle, Washington, and South San Francisco, California
| | - David M Koelle
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
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Suzman DL, Pelosof L, Rosenberg A, Avigan MI. Hepatotoxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors: An evolving picture of risk associated with a vital class of immunotherapy agents. Liver Int 2018; 38:976-987. [PMID: 29603856 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1, or other molecules that control antitumour activities of lymphocytes. These products are associated with a broad array of immune-related toxicities affecting a variety of organs, including the liver. ICI-associated immune-mediated hepatitis (IMH) ranges in severity between mild and life-threatening and is marked by findings that bear both similarities as well as differences with idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatotoxic events are often detected in clinical trials of ICIs that are powered for efficacy. Risk levels for ICI-induced liver injury may be impacted by the specific checkpoint molecule targeted for treatment, the ICI dose levels, and the presence of a pre-existing autoimmune diathesis, chronic infection or tumour cells which infiltrate the liver parenchyma. When patients develop liver injury during ICI treatment, a prompt assessment of the cause of injury, in conjunction with the application of measures to optimally manage the adverse event, should be made. Strategies to manage the risk of IMH include the performance of pretreatment liver tests with regular monitoring during and after ICI treatment and patient education. Using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events developed at the National Cancer Institute to measure the severity level of liver injury, recommended actions may include continued ICI treatment with close patient monitoring, ICI treatment suspension or discontinuation and/or administration of corticosteroids or, when necessary, a non-steroidal immunosuppressive agent. The elucidation of reliable predictors of tumour-specific ICI treatment responses, as well as an increased susceptibility for clinically serious immune-related adverse events, would help optimize treatment decisions for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Suzman
- Office of Hematology and Oncology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Lorraine Pelosof
- Office of Hematology and Oncology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Amy Rosenberg
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Mark I Avigan
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Immunotherapy in urological cancer has made substantial progress during the last 20 years, but recent advances in immunotherapy have completely transformed the present treatment landscape. In this review, we summarize major clinical achievements of immunotherapy in genitourinary cancers, as well as address potential new directions for these therapies, including new agents, combinations, and biomarkers. RECENT FINDINGS Recently, nivolumab and atezolizumab have joined sipuleucel-T as Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies in urological malignancies. Additional checkpoint inhibitors and vaccines are being tested in clinical trials. Furthermore, significant work has been done exploring predictors of response to therapy. SUMMARY Immunotherapy has changed the treatment of urologic malignancies. New immunotherapies and novel combinations will continue to create new treatment options in urologic tumors.
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Bartkowiak T, Jaiswal AR, Ager CR, Chin R, Chen CH, Budhani P, Ai M, Reilley MJ, Sebastian MM, Hong DS, Curran MA. Activation of 4-1BB on Liver Myeloid Cells Triggers Hepatitis via an Interleukin-27-Dependent Pathway. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:1138-1151. [PMID: 29301830 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Agonist antibodies targeting the T-cell costimulatory receptor 4-1BB (CD137) are among the most effective immunotherapeutic agents across preclinical cancer models. In the clinic, however, development of these agents has been hampered by dose-limiting liver toxicity. Lack of knowledge of the mechanisms underlying this toxicity has limited the potential to separate 4-1BB agonist-driven tumor immunity from hepatotoxicity.Experimental Design: The capacity of 4-1BB agonist antibodies to induce liver toxicity was investigated in immunocompetent mice, with or without coadministration of checkpoint blockade, via (i) measurement of serum transaminase levels, (ii) imaging of liver immune infiltrates, and (iii) qualitative and quantitative assessment of liver myeloid and T cells via flow cytometry. Knockout mice were used to clarify the contribution of specific cell subsets, cytokines, and chemokines.Results: We find that activation of 4-1BB on liver myeloid cells is essential to initiate hepatitis. Once activated, these cells produce interleukin-27 that is required for liver toxicity. CD8 T cells infiltrate the liver in response to this myeloid activation and mediate tissue damage, triggering transaminase elevation. FoxP3+ regulatory T cells limit liver damage, and their removal dramatically exacerbates 4-1BB agonist-induced hepatitis. Coadministration of CTLA-4 blockade ameliorates transaminase elevation, whereas PD-1 blockade exacerbates it. Loss of the chemokine receptor CCR2 blocks 4-1BB agonist hepatitis without diminishing tumor-specific immunity against B16 melanoma.Conclusions: 4-1BB agonist antibodies trigger hepatitis via activation and expansion of interleukin-27-producing liver Kupffer cells and monocytes. Coadministration of CTLA-4 and/or CCR2 blockade may minimize hepatitis, but yield equal or greater antitumor immunity. Clin Cancer Res; 24(5); 1138-51. ©2018 AACR.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CTLA-4 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- CTLA-4 Antigen/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor/transplantation
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/etiology
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/immunology
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/pathology
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Humans
- Interleukins/immunology
- Interleukins/metabolism
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/immunology
- Liver/pathology
- Male
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Myeloid Cells/drug effects
- Myeloid Cells/immunology
- Myeloid Cells/metabolism
- Receptors, CCR2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, CCR2/immunology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/agonists
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Bartkowiak
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Ashvin R Jaiswal
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Casey R Ager
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Renee Chin
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chao-Hsien Chen
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Pratha Budhani
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Midan Ai
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew J Reilley
- Department of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Manu M Sebastian
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David S Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
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Co-stimulation Agonists via CD137, OX40, GITR, and CD27 for Immunotherapy of Cancer. Oncoimmunology 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62431-0_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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25
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Huang B. Some statistical considerations in the clinical development of cancer immunotherapies. Pharm Stat 2017; 17:49-60. [PMID: 29098766 DOI: 10.1002/pst.1835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immuno-oncology has emerged as an exciting new approach to cancer treatment. Common immunotherapy approaches include cancer vaccine, effector cell therapy, and T-cell-stimulating antibody. Checkpoint inhibitors such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 and programmed death-1/L1 antagonists have shown promising results in multiple indications in solid tumors and hematology. However, the mechanisms of action of these novel drugs pose unique statistical challenges in the accurate evaluation of clinical safety and efficacy, including late-onset toxicity, dose optimization, evaluation of combination agents, pseudoprogression, and delayed and lasting clinical activity. Traditional statistical methods may not be the most accurate or efficient. It is highly desirable to develop the most suitable statistical methodologies and tools to efficiently investigate cancer immunotherapies. In this paper, we summarize these issues and discuss alternative methods to meet the challenges in the clinical development of these novel agents. For safety evaluation and dose-finding trials, we recommend the use of a time-to-event model-based design to handle late toxicities, a simple 3-step procedure for dose optimization, and flexible rule-based or model-based designs for combination agents. For efficacy evaluation, we discuss alternative endpoints/designs/tests including the time-specific probability endpoint, the restricted mean survival time, the generalized pairwise comparison method, the immune-related response criteria, and the weighted log-rank or weighted Kaplan-Meier test. The benefits and limitations of these methods are discussed, and some recommendations are provided for applied researchers to implement these methods in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Huang
- Pfizer Inc, Groton, 06340, CT, USA
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26
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Anti-CD137 and PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies En Route toward Clinical Synergy. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:5326-5328. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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27
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Tolcher AW, Sznol M, Hu-Lieskovan S, Papadopoulos KP, Patnaik A, Rasco DW, Di Gravio D, Huang B, Gambhire D, Chen Y, Thall AD, Pathan N, Schmidt EV, Chow LQM. Phase Ib Study of Utomilumab (PF-05082566), a 4-1BB/CD137 Agonist, in Combination with Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2017. [PMID: 28634283 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This phase Ib study (NCT02179918) evaluated the safety, antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of utomilumab, a fully human IgG2 mAb agonist of the T-cell costimulatory receptor 4-1BB/CD137 in combination with the humanized, PD-1-blocking IgG4 mAb pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors.Experimental Design: Utomilumab (0.45-5.0 mg/kg) and pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg) were administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Utomilumab dose escalation was conducted using the time-to-event continual reassessment method.Results: Twenty-three patients received combination treatment with no dose-limiting toxicities. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mostly grades 1 to 2, without any treatment-related discontinuations. Six patients (26.1%) had confirmed complete or partial responses. Pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of utomilumab and pembrolizumab were similar when administered alone or in combination. A trend toward higher levels of activated memory/effector peripheral blood CD8+ T cells was observed in responders versus nonresponders.Conclusions: The safety, tolerability, and clinical activity demonstrated by utomilumab in combination with pembrolizumab support further investigation in patients with advanced solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5349-57. ©2017 AACRSee related commentary by Pérez-Ruiz et al., p. 5326.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Sznol
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | | | - Drew W Rasco
- START Center for Cancer Care, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Bo Huang
- Pfizer Oncology, Groton, Connecticut
| | | | - Ying Chen
- Pfizer Oncology, La Jolla, California
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Tarazona R, Sanchez-Correa B, Casas-Avilés I, Campos C, Pera A, Morgado S, López-Sejas N, Hassouneh F, Bergua JM, Arcos MJ, Bañas H, Casado JG, Durán E, Labella F, Solana R. Immunosenescence: limitations of natural killer cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:233-245. [PMID: 27530271 PMCID: PMC11029053 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is primarily considered a disease of old age. Immunosenescence refers to the age-associated changes in the immune system, and its contribution to the increased risk of cancer in old individuals has been discussed for many years. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate immune cells specialized in defence against tumour and virus-infected cells. NK cell cytotoxicity is the result of a fine balance between activating and inhibitory receptors. Several activating receptors have been identified that recognize different ligands frequently found over-expressed on tumour cells or virus-infected cells. The most important NK cell inhibitory receptors interact with major histocompatibility complex class I molecules expressed on almost all nucleated cells preventing NK cell-mediated lysis of healthy cells. NK cell immunosenescence is characterized by a redistribution of NK cell subsets, a diminished expression of several activating receptors and lower per-cell cytotoxicity. Altered expression of activating receptors has also been described in young and elderly cancer patients probably due to chronic exposure to ligands on tumour cells. Thus, the effect of both age and cancer may act synergistically to diminish NK cell-mediated tumour immunosurveillance. Different strategies harnessing the power of NK cells to target tumour cells have been designed including adoptive therapy with autologous or allogeneic expanded NK cells. In addition, checkpoint blockade of inhibitory receptors and the use of agonist antibodies to stimulate activating receptors are emerging areas of research. In this context, the effect of immunosenescence should be considered to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carmen Campos
- IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Cordoba, REIPI, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alejandra Pera
- IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Cordoba, REIPI, Córdoba, Spain
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Sara Morgado
- Immunology Unit, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Nelson López-Sejas
- IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Cordoba, REIPI, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fakhri Hassouneh
- IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Cordoba, REIPI, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan M Bergua
- Department of Haematology, Hospital San Pedro de Alcantara, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Arcos
- Department of Haematology, Hospital San Pedro de Alcantara, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Helena Bañas
- Department of Haematology, Hospital San Pedro de Alcantara, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Javier G Casado
- Immunology Unit, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre Jesus Uson, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Esther Durán
- Histology and Pathology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando Labella
- IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Cordoba, REIPI, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Cordoba, REIPI, Córdoba, Spain.
- Department of Immunology, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Córdoba, Avenida de Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain.
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29
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Waight JD, Gombos RB, Wilson NS. Harnessing co-stimulatory TNF receptors for cancer immunotherapy: Current approaches and future opportunities. Hum Antibodies 2017; 25:87-109. [PMID: 28085016 DOI: 10.3233/hab-160308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Co-stimulatory tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) can sculpt the responsiveness of T cells recognizing tumor-associated antigens. For this reason, agonist antibodies targeting CD137, CD357, CD134 and CD27 have received considerable attention for their therapeutic utility in enhancing anti-tumor immune responses, particularly in combination with other immuno-modulatory antibodies targeting co-inhibitory pathways in T cells. The design of therapeutic antibodies that optimally engage and activate co-stimulatory TNFRs presents an important challenge of how to promote effective anti-tumor immunity while avoiding serious immune-related adverse events. Here we review our current understanding of the expression, signaling and structural features of CD137, CD357, CD134 and CD27, and how this may inform the design of pharmacologically active immuno-modulatory antibodies targeting these receptors. This includes the integration of our emerging knowledge of the role of Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) in facilitating antibody-mediated receptor clustering and forward signaling, as well as promoting immune effector cell-mediated activities. Finally, we bring our current preclinical and clinical knowledge of co-stimulatory TNFR antibodies into the context of opportunities for next generation molecules with improved pharmacologic properties.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Receptors, IgG/agonists
- Receptors, IgG/genetics
- Receptors, IgG/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/agonists
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/pathology
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30
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CD137-CRDI is not necessary in the role of contacting its natural ligand. Immunol Cell Biol 2016; 95:24-32. [PMID: 27430526 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2016.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors result in impressive clinical responses and are expanding to treat a wide variety of tumors. One common problem is low responses from current clinical trials that only benefit a fraction of patients. One key promising direction is combination therapy to increase clinical benefit. CD137, a well-defined antitumor target, can cause strong co-stimulating activity and break immune tolerance. In this study, the role of CD137-CRDI (cysteine rich domain I) in the binding of CD137-CD137L was further investigated based on our previous work. The results revealed that CRDI-mediated limited CD137 assembly without relying on CD137L. Furthermore, CRDI was not involved in direct contact with CD137L in either mice or humans. Isolated mouse CRDII and human CRDII+CRDIII were proven to be the minimum unit for interface with their respective ligands. Fine-tuning of this signaling may improve CD137-targeting strategy.
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Abstract
The immune system is capable of recognizing tumors and eliminates many early malignant cells. However, tumors evolve to evade immune attack, and the tumor microenvironment is immunosuppressive. Immune responses are regulated by a number of immunological checkpoints that promote protective immunity and maintain tolerance. T cell coinhibitory pathways restrict the strength and duration of immune responses, thereby limiting immune-mediated tissue damage, controlling resolution of inflammation, and maintaining tolerance to prevent autoimmunity. Tumors exploit these coinhibitory pathways to evade immune eradication. Blockade of the PD-1 and CTLA-4 checkpoints is proving to be an effective and durable cancer immunotherapy in a subset of patients with a variety of tumor types, and additional combinations are further improving response rates. In this review we discuss the immunoregulatory functions of coinhibitory pathways and their translation to effective immunotherapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne H Baumeister
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Glenn Dranoff
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Exploratory Immuno-oncology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115;
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Mahoney KM, Rennert PD, Freeman GJ. Combination cancer immunotherapy and new immunomodulatory targets. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2015; 14:561-84. [PMID: 26228759 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 917] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Targeting immune checkpoints such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PDL1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) has achieved noteworthy benefit in multiple cancers by blocking immunoinhibitory signals and enabling patients to produce an effective antitumour response. Inhibitors of CTLA4, PD1 or PDL1 administered as single agents have resulted in durable tumour regression in some patients, and combinations of PD1 and CTLA4 inhibitors may enhance antitumour benefit. Numerous additional immunomodulatory pathways as well as inhibitory factors expressed or secreted by myeloid and stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment are potential targets for synergizing with immune checkpoint blockade. Given the breadth of potential targets in the immune system, critical questions to address include which combinations should move forward in development and which patients will benefit from these treatments. This Review discusses the leading drug targets that are expressed on tumour cells and in the tumour microenvironment that allow enhancement of the antitumour immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Mahoney
- 1] Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. [2] Division of Haematology and Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. [3]
| | - Paul D Rennert
- 1] SugarCone Biotech, Holliston, Massachusetts 01746, USA. [2] Videre Biotherapeutics, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, USA. [3]
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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Yonezawa A, Dutt S, Chester C, Kim J, Kohrt HE. Boosting Cancer Immunotherapy with Anti-CD137 Antibody Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:3113-20. [PMID: 25908780 PMCID: PMC5422104 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the past 5 years, immunomodulatory antibodies have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. CD137, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, represents a promising target for enhancing antitumor immune responses. CD137 helps regulate the activation of many immune cells, including CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells. Recent studies indicate that the antitumor efficacy of therapeutic tumor-targeting antibodies can be augmented by the addition of agonistic antibodies targeting CD137. As ligation of CD137 provides a costimulatory signal in multiple immune cell subsets, combination therapy of CD137 antibody with therapeutic antibodies and/or vaccination has the potential to improve cancer treatment. Recently, clinical trials of combination therapies with agonistic anti-CD137 mAbs have been launched. In this review, we discuss the recent advances and clinical promise of agonistic anti-CD137 monoclonal antibody therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Yonezawa
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California. Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Suparna Dutt
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Cariad Chester
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California. Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jeewon Kim
- Transgenic, Knockout and Tumor Model Center, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Holbrook E Kohrt
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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Pennock GK, Chow LQM. The Evolving Role of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment. Oncologist 2015; 20:812-22. [PMID: 26069281 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2014-0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Traditional treatment modalities for advanced cancer (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted agents) act directly on tumors to inhibit or destroy them. Along with surgery, these modalities are predominantly palliative, with toxicity and only modest improvements in survival in patients with advanced solid tumors. Accordingly, long-term survival rates for most patients with advanced cancer remain low, thus there is a need for cancer treatments with favorable benefit and toxicity profiles that can potentially result in long-term survival. The immune system plays a critical role in the recognition and eradication of tumor cells ("immune surveillance"), and immunotherapies based on this concept have been used for decades with some success against a few tumor types; however, most immunotherapies were limited by a lack of either substantial efficacy or specificity, resulting in toxicity. We now have a greater understanding of the complex interactions between the immune system and tumors and have identified key molecules that govern these interactions. This information has revitalized the interest in immunotherapy as an evolving treatment modality using immunotherapeutics designed to overcome the mechanisms exploited by tumors to evade immune destruction. Immunotherapies have potentially complementary mechanisms of action that may allow them to be combined with other immunotherapeutics, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or other traditional therapies. This review discusses the concepts and data behind immunotherapies, with a focus on the checkpoint inhibitors and their responses, toxicities, and potential for long-term survival, and explores promising single-agent and combination therapies in development. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Immunotherapy is an evolving treatment approach based on the role of the immune system in eradicating cancer. An example of an immunotherapeutic is ipilimumab, an antibody that blocks cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) to augment antitumor immune responses. Ipilimumab is approved for advanced melanoma and induced long-term survival in a proportion of patients. The programmed death-1 (PD-1) checkpoint inhibitors are promising immunotherapies with demonstrated sustained antitumor responses in several tumors. Because they harness the patient's own immune system, immunotherapies have the potential to be a powerful weapon against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory K Pennock
- Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laura Q M Chow
- Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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35
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Sanmamed MF, Pastor F, Rodriguez A, Perez-Gracia JL, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Jure-Kunkel M, Melero I. Agonists of Co-stimulation in Cancer Immunotherapy Directed Against CD137, OX40, GITR, CD27, CD28, and ICOS. Semin Oncol 2015; 42:640-55. [PMID: 26320067 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
T and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes are considered the main effector players in the immune response against tumors. Full activation of T and NK lymphocytes requires the coordinated participation of several surface receptors that meet their cognate ligands through structured transient cell-to-cell interactions known as immune synapses. In the case of T cells, the main route of stimulation is driven by antigens as recognized in the form of short polypeptides associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen-presenting molecules. However, the functional outcome of T-cell stimulation towards clonal expansion and effector function acquisition is contingent on the contact of additional surface receptor-ligand pairs and on the actions of cytokines in the milieu. While some of those interactions are inhibitory, others are activating and are collectively termed co-stimulatory receptors. The best studied belong to either the immunoglobulin superfamily or the tumor necrosis factor-receptor (TNFR) family. Co-stimulatory receptors include surface moieties that are constitutively expressed on resting lymphocytes such as CD28 or CD27 and others whose expression is induced upon recent previous antigen priming, ie, CD137, GITR, OX40, and ICOS. Ligation of these glycoproteins with agonist antibodies actively conveys activating signals to the lymphocyte. Those signals, acting through a potentiation of the cellular immune response, give rise to anti-tumor effects in mouse models. Anti-CD137 antibodies are undergoing clinical trials with evidence of clinical activity and anti-OX40 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) induce interesting immunomodulation effects in humans. Antibodies anti-CD27 and GITR have recently entered clinical trials. The inherent dangers of these immunomodulation strategies are the precipitation of excessive systemic inflammation or/and invigorating silent autoimmunity. Agonist antibodies, recombinant forms of the natural ligands, and polynucleotide-based aptamers constitute the pharmacologic tools to manipulate such receptors. Preclinical data suggest that the greatest potential of these agents is achieved in combined treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel F Sanmamed
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Centro de investigación médica aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Rodriguez
- Centro de investigación médica aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Ignacio Melero
- Centro de investigación médica aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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36
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Lesokhin AM, Callahan MK, Postow MA, Wolchok JD. On being less tolerant: Enhanced cancer immunosurveillance enabled by targeting checkpoints and agonists of T cell activation. Sci Transl Med 2015; 7:280sr1. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Immune checkpoint modulation: rational design of combination strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 150:23-32. [PMID: 25583297 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immune recognition and elimination of malignant cells require a series of steps orchestrated by the innate and the adaptive arms of the immune system. The majority of tumors have evolved mechanisms that allow for successful evasion of these immune responses. Recognition of these evasive processes led to the development of immunotherapeutic antibodies targeting the co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors on T cells, with the goal of enhancement of T cell activation or reversal of tumor-induced T cell inhibition. Several of these agents, such as antibodies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) have already demonstrated significant promise in clinical trials. Clinical benefit of these antibodies as single agents, however, has been limited to a subset of patients and has not been observed in all tumor types. These limitations call for the development of rational combination strategies aiming to extend therapeutic benefit to a broader range of patients. These include: 1) modalities that enhance antigen presentation, such as radiation, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted agents, vaccines, toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, type I interferon, and oncolytic viruses; 2) additional agents aiming to reverse T cell dysfunction, such as other immune checkpoint inhibitors; and 3) agents targeting other immune inhibitory mechanisms, such as inhibitors of indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO), regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). It is becoming increasingly evident that the efficacy of specific combinations will likely not be universal and that the choice of a treatment modality may need to be tailored to fit the needs of each individual patient.
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Chen S, Lee LF, Fisher TS, Jessen B, Elliott M, Evering W, Logronio K, Tu GH, Tsaparikos K, Li X, Wang H, Ying C, Xiong M, VanArsdale T, Lin JC. Combination of 4-1BB agonist and PD-1 antagonist promotes antitumor effector/memory CD8 T cells in a poorly immunogenic tumor model. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 3:149-60. [PMID: 25387892 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies targeting the programmed death 1 (PD-1) coinhibitory receptor have shown great promise for a subset of patients with cancer. However, robust and safe combination therapies are still needed to bring the benefit of cancer immunotherapy to broader patient populations. To search for an optimal strategy of combinatorial immunotherapy, we have compared the antitumor activity of the anti-4-1BB/anti-PD-1 combination with that of the anti-PD-1/anti-LAG-3 combination in the poorly immunogenic B16F10 melanoma model. Pronounced tumor inhibition occurred only in animals receiving anti-PD-1 and anti-4-1BB concomitantly, while combining anti-PD-1 with anti-LAG-3 led to a modest degree of tumor suppression. The activity of the anti-4-1BB/anti-PD-1 combination was dependent on IFNγ and CD8(+) T cells. Both 4-1BB and PD-1 proteins were elevated on the surface of CD8(+) T cells by anti-4-1BB/anti-PD-1 cotreatment. In the tumor microenvironment, an effective antitumor immune response was induced as indicated by the increased CD8(+)/Treg ratio and the enrichment of genes such as Cd3e, Cd8a, Ifng, and Eomes. In the spleen, the combination treatment shaped the immune system to an effector/memory phenotype and increased the overall activity of tumor-specific CD8(+) CTLs, reflecting a long-lasting systemic antitumor response. Furthermore, combination treatment in C57BL/6 mice showed no additional safety signals, and only minimally increased severity of the known toxicity relative to 4-1BB agonist alone. Therefore, in the absence of any cancer vaccine, anti-4-1BB/anti-PD-1 combination therapy is sufficient to elicit a robust antitumor effector/memory T-cell response in an aggressive tumor model and is therefore a candidate for combination trials in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Chen
- Rinat Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Li-Fen Lee
- Rinat Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Bart Jessen
- Drug Safety R&D, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Mark Elliott
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Kathryn Logronio
- Rinat Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Guang Huan Tu
- Rinat Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Xiaoai Li
- Rinat Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Hui Wang
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Chi Ying
- Rinat Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Mengli Xiong
- Rinat Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - John C Lin
- Rinat Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California.
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Harshman LC, Drake CG, Wargo JA, Sharma P, Bhardwaj N. Cancer immunotherapy highlights from the 2014 ASCO Meeting. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 2:714-9. [PMID: 25092813 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The promise of cancer immunotherapy was validated officially in March 2011 when the FDA approved Yervoy (ipilimumab; Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. The approval was based on results of a randomized, double-blind clinical trial establishing that ipilimumab (a humanized anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody) treatment extended the overall survival of patients with advanced melanoma. CTLA-4 is a member of the so-called family of checkpoint regulators, which are expressed on immune cells that activate or inhibit an immune response. An increasing number of immune checkpoint regulators are now being identified and targeted for immunotherapy. At the 2014 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), it was reported that checkpoint blockade as a monotherapy or combination therapy was used successfully to treat advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy was also used successfully for the treatment of other cancers, most notably genitourinary cancers such as urothelial bladder cancer and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. This report is a compiled summary of cancer immunotherapy highlights presented at the 2014 ASCO meeting by various investigators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles G Drake
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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