1
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Wang L, Jin G, Zhou Q, Liu Y, Zhao X, Li Z, Yin N, Peng M. Induction of immortal-like and functional CAR T cells by defined factors. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20232368. [PMID: 38530240 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20232368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term antitumor efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells depends on their functional persistence in vivo. T cells with stem-like properties show better persistence, but factors conferring bona fide stemness to T cells remain to be determined. Here, we demonstrate the induction of CAR T cells into an immortal-like and functional state, termed TIF. The induction of CARTIF cells depends on the repression of two factors, BCOR and ZC3H12A, and requires antigen or CAR tonic signaling. Reprogrammed CARTIF cells possess almost infinite stemness, similar to induced pluripotent stem cells while retaining the functionality of mature T cells, resulting in superior antitumor effects. Following the elimination of target cells, CARTIF cells enter a metabolically dormant state, persisting in vivo with a saturable niche and providing memory protection. TIF represents a novel state of T cells with unprecedented stemness, which confers long-term functional persistence of CAR T cells in vivo and holds broad potential in T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine , Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Gang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine , Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Qiuping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine , Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine , Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Xiaocui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine , Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine , Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Na Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine , Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Min Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine , Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences , Beijing, China
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2
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Philippova J, Shevchenko J, Sennikov S. GD2-targeting therapy: a comparative analysis of approaches and promising directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371345. [PMID: 38558810 PMCID: PMC10979305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Disialoganglioside GD2 is a promising target for immunotherapy with expression primarily restricted to neuroectodermal and epithelial tumor cells. Although its role in the maintenance and repair of neural tissue is well-established, its functions during normal organism development remain understudied. Meanwhile, studies have shown that GD2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Its functions include proliferation, invasion, motility, and metastasis, and its high expression and ability to transform the tumor microenvironment may be associated with a malignant phenotype. Structurally, GD2 is a glycosphingolipid that is stably expressed on the surface of tumor cells, making it a suitable candidate for targeting by antibodies or chimeric antigen receptors. Based on mouse monoclonal antibodies, chimeric and humanized antibodies and their combinations with cytokines, toxins, drugs, radionuclides, nanoparticles as well as chimeric antigen receptor have been developed. Furthermore, vaccines and photoimmunotherapy are being used to treat GD2-positive tumors, and GD2 aptamers can be used for targeting. In the field of cell therapy, allogeneic immunocompetent cells are also being utilized to enhance GD2 therapy. Efforts are currently being made to optimize the chimeric antigen receptor by modifying its design or by transducing not only αβ T cells, but also γδ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophages. In addition, immunotherapy can combine both diagnostic and therapeutic methods, allowing for early detection of disease and minimal residual disease. This review discusses each immunotherapy method and strategy, its advantages and disadvantages, and highlights future directions for GD2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergey Sennikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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3
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Hojjatipour T, Sharifzadeh Z, Maali A, Azad M. Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells: a promising sword against insidious tumor cells. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1843-1864. [PMID: 37477869 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical component of innate immunity, particularly in initial cancer recognition and inhibition of additional tumor growth or metastasis propagation. NK cells recognize transformed cells without prior sensitization via stimulatory receptors and rapidly eradicate them. However, the protective tumor microenvironment facilitates tumor escaping via induction of an exhaustion state in immune cells, including NK cells. Hence, genetic manipulation of NK cells for specific identification of tumor-associated antigens or a more robust response against tumor cells is a promising strategy for NK cells' tumoricidal augmentation. Regarding the remarkable achievement of engineered CAR-T cells in treating hematologic malignancies, there is evolving interest in CAR-NK cell recruitment in cancer immunotherapy. Innate functionality of NK cells, higher safety, superior in vivo maintenance, and the off-the-shelf potential move CAR-NK-based therapy superior to CAR-T cells treatment. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the recent genetic manipulations of CAR-NK cell manufacturing regarding different domains of CAR constructs and their following delivery systems into diverse sources of NK cells. Then highlight the preclinical and clinical investigations of CAR-NK cells and examine the current challenges and prospects as an optimistic remedy in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciecnes, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, 3419759811, Iran.
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4
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Righi M, Gannon I, Robson M, Srivastava S, Kokalaki E, Grothier T, Nannini F, Allen C, Bai YV, Sillibourne J, Cordoba S, Thomas S, Pule M. Enhancing CAR T-cell Therapy Using Fab-Based Constitutively Heterodimeric Cytokine Receptors. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1203-1221. [PMID: 37352396 PMCID: PMC10472109 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell therapy aims to achieve lasting tumor clearance, requiring enhanced engraftment and survival of the immune cells. Cytokines are paramount modulators of T-cell survival and proliferation. Cytokine receptors signal via ligand-induced dimerization, and this principle has been hijacked utilizing nonnative dimerization domains. A major limitation of current technologies resides in the absence of a module that recapitulates the natural cytokine receptor heterodimeric pairing. To circumvent this, we created a new engineered cytokine receptor able to constitutively recreate receptor-heterodimer utilizing the heterodimerization domain derived from the IgG1 antibody (dFab_CCR). We found that the signal delivered by the dFab_CCR-IL2 proficiently mimicked the cytokine receptor heterodimerization, with transcriptomic signatures like those obtained by activation of the native IL2 receptor. Moreover, we found that this dimerization structure was agnostic, efficiently activating signaling through four cytokine receptor families. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro screening approaches, we characterized a library of 18 dFab_CCRs coexpressed with a clinically relevant solid tumor-specific GD2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Based on this characterization, we suggest that the coexpression of either the common β-chain GMCSF or the IL18 dFab_CCRs is optimal to improve CAR T-cell expansion, engraftment, and efficacy. Our results demonstrate how Fab dimerization is efficient and versatile in recapitulating a cytokine receptor heterodimerization signal. This module could be applied for the enhancement of adoptive T-cell therapies, as well as therapies based on other immune cell types. Furthermore, these results provide a choice of cytokine signal to incorporate with adoptive T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Nannini
- Department of Haematology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin Pule
- Autolus Therapeutics, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Matsumoto Y, Ju T. Aberrant Glycosylation as Immune Therapeutic Targets for Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3536. [PMID: 37509200 PMCID: PMC10377354 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation occurs at all major types of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and RNAs to form glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycoRNAs in mammalian cells, respectively. The carbohydrate moiety, known as glycans on glycoproteins and glycolipids, is diverse in their compositions and structures. Normal cells have their unique array of glycans or glycome which play pivotal roles in many biological processes. The glycan structures in cancer cells, however, are often altered, some having unique structures which are termed as tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs). TACAs as tumor biomarkers are glycan epitopes themselves, or glycoconjugates. Some of those TACAs serve as tumor glyco-biomarkers in clinical practice, while others are the immune therapeutic targets for treatment of cancers. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) to GD2, an intermediate of sialic-acid containing glycosphingolipids, is an example of FDA-approved immune therapy for neuroblastoma indication in young adults and many others. Strategies for targeting the aberrant glycans are currently under development, and some have proceeded to clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the currently established and most promising aberrant glycosylation as therapeutic targets for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Matsumoto
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Tongzhong Ju
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
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Taylor J, Bulek A, Gannon I, Robson M, Kokalaki E, Grothier T, McKenzie C, El-Kholy M, Stavrou M, Traynor-White C, Lim WC, Panagiotou P, Srivastava S, Baldan V, Sillibourne J, Ferrari M, Pule M, Thomas S. Exploration of T cell immune responses by expression of a dominant-negative SHP1 and SHP2. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1119350. [PMID: 37334382 PMCID: PMC10272835 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1119350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SHP1 and SHP2 are SH2 domain-containing proteins which have inhibitory phosphatase activity when recruited to phosphorylated ITIMs and ITSMs on inhibitory immune receptors. Consequently, SHP1 and SHP2 are key proteins in the transmission of inhibitory signals within T cells, constituting an important point of convergence for diverse inhibitory receptors. Therefore, SHP1 and SHP2 inhibition may represent a strategy for preventing immunosuppression of T cells mediated by cancers hence improving immunotherapies directed against these malignancies. Both SHP1 and SHP2 contain dual SH2 domains responsible for localization to the endodomain of inhibitory receptors and a protein tyrosine phosphatase domain which dephosphorylates and thus inhibits key mediators of T cell activation. We explored the interaction of the isolated SH2 domains of SHP1 and SHP2 to inhibitory motifs from PD1 and identified strong binding of both SH2 domains from SHP2 and more moderate binding in the case of SHP1. We next explored whether a truncated form of SHP1/2 comprising only of SH2 domains (dSHP1/2) could act in a dominant negative fashion by preventing docking of the wild type proteins. When co-expressed with CARs we found that dSHP2 but not dSHP1 could alleviate immunosuppression mediated by PD1. We next explored the capacity of dSHP2 to bind with other inhibitory receptors and observed several potential interactions. In vivo we observed that the expression of PDL1 on tumor cells impaired the ability of CAR T cells to mediate tumor rejection and this effect was partially reversed by the co-expression of dSHP2 albeit at the cost of reduced CAR T cell proliferation. Modulation of SHP1 and SHP2 activity in engineered T cells through the expression of these truncated variants may enhance T cell activity and hence efficacy in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Taylor
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Bulek
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac Gannon
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew Robson
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Thomas Grothier
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Callum McKenzie
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Maria Stavrou
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Wen Chean Lim
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Vania Baldan
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mathieu Ferrari
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Pule
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Thomas
- Research and Development, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Halliwell E, Vitali A, Muller H, Alonso-Ferrero M, Barisa M, Gavriil A, Piapi A, Leboreiro-Babe C, Gileadi T, Yeung J, Pataillot-Meakin T, Fisher J, Tucker L, Donovan L, Chesler L, Chester K, Anderson J. Targeting of low ALK antigen density neuroblastoma using AND logic-gate engineered CAR-T cells. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:46-58. [PMID: 36396552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The targeting of solid cancers with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells faces many technological hurdles, including selection of optimal target antigens. Promising pre-clinical and clinical data of CAR T-cell activity have emerged from targeting surface antigens such as GD2 and B7H3 in childhood cancer neuroblastoma. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is expressed in a majority of neuroblastomas at low antigen density but is largely absent from healthy tissues. METHODS To explore an alternate target antigen for neuroblastoma CAR T-cell therapy, the authors generated and screened a single-chain variable fragment library targeting ALK extracellular domain to make a panel of new anti-ALK CAR T-cell constructs. RESULTS A lead novel CAR T-cell construct was capable of specific cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells expressing low levels of ALK, but with only weak cytokine and proliferative T-cell responses. To explore strategies for amplifying ALK CAR T cells, the authors generated a co-CAR approach in which T cells received signal 1 from a first-generation ALK construct and signal 2 from anti-B7H3 or GD2 chimeric co-stimulatory receptors. The co-CAR approach successfully demonstrated the ability to avoid targeting single-antigen-positive targets as a strategy for mitigating on-target off-tumor toxicity. CONCLUSIONS These data provide further proof of concept for ALK as a neuroblastoma CAR T-cell target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Halliwell
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alice Vitali
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Henrike Muller
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Marta Barisa
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Artemis Gavriil
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alice Piapi
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Talia Gileadi
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jenny Yeung
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Fisher
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Laura Donovan
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | | | - John Anderson
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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8
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Mao R, Kong W, He Y. The affinity of antigen-binding domain on the antitumor efficacy of CAR T cells: Moderate is better. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1032403. [PMID: 36325345 PMCID: PMC9618871 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The overall efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells (CARTs) remain limited in solid tumors despite intensive studies that aim at targeting multiple antigens, enhancing migration, reducing tonic signaling, and improving tumor microenvironment. On the other hand, how the affinity and engaging kinetics of antigen-binding domain (ABD) affects the CART's efficacy has not been carefully investigated. In this article, we first analyzed 38 published solid tumor CART trials and correlated the response rate to their ABD affinity. Not surprisingly, majority (25 trials) of the CARTs utilized high-affinity ABDs, but generated merely 5.7% response rate. In contrast, 35% of the patients treated with the CARTs built from moderate-affinity ABDs had clinical responses. Thus, CARTs with moderate-affinity ABDs not only have less off-target toxicity, but also are more effective. We then reviewed the effects of ABD affinity on the biology and function of CARTs, providing further evidence that moderate-affinity ABDs may be better in CART development. In the end, we propose that a fast-on/fast-off (high Kon and Koff ) kinetics of CART-target engagement in solid tumor allow CARTs to generate sufficient signaling to kill tumor cells without being driven to exhaustion. We believe that studying the ABD affinity and the kinetics of CART-tumor interaction may hold a key to designing effective CARTs for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Mao
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Wanqing Kong
- South Carolina Governors School for Science and Math, Hartsville, SC, United States
| | - Yukai He
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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9
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Birley K, Leboreiro-Babe C, Rota EM, Buschhaus M, Gavriil A, Vitali A, Alonso-Ferrero M, Hopwood L, Parienti L, Ferry G, Flutter B, Himoudi N, Chester K, Anderson J. A novel anti-B7-H3 chimeric antigen receptor from a single-chain antibody library for immunotherapy of solid cancers. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:429-443. [PMID: 36159778 PMCID: PMC9467911 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
B7-H3 (CD276) has emerged as a target for cancer immunotherapy by virtue of consistent expression in many malignancies, relative absence from healthy tissues, and an emerging role as a driver of tumor immune inhibition. Recent studies have reported B7-H3 to be a suitable target for chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell (CAR-T) therapy using CARs constructed from established anti-B7-H3 antibodies converted into single-chain Fv format (scFv). We constructed and screened binders in an scFv library to generate a new anti-B7-H3 CAR-T with favorable properties. This allowed access to numerous specificities ready formatted for CAR evaluation. Selected anti-human B7-H3 scFvs were readily cloned into CAR-T and evaluated for anti-tumor reactivity in cytotoxicity, cytokine, and proliferation assays. Two binders with divergent complementarity determining regions were found to show optimal antigen-specific cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. One binder in second-generation CD28-CD3ζ CAR format induced sustained in vitro proliferation on repeat antigen challenge. The lead candidate CAR-T also demonstrated in vivo activity in a resistant neuroblastoma model. An empirical approach to B7-H3 CAR-T discovery through screening of novel scFv sequences in CAR-T format has led to the identification of a new construct with sustained proliferative capacity warranting further evaluation.
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10
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The Intricate Epigenetic and Transcriptional Alterations in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: Targeting the Crosstalk as the Oncogenic Achilles’ Heel. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061311. [PMID: 35740334 PMCID: PMC9219798 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are a deadly and heterogenous subgroup of gliomas for which the development of innovative treatments is urgent. Advances in high-throughput molecular techniques have shed light on key epigenetic components of these diseases, such as K27M and G34R/V mutations on histone 3. However, modification of DNA compaction is not sufficient by itself to drive those tumors. Here, we review molecular specificities of pHGGs subcategories in the context of epigenomic rewiring caused by H3 mutations and the subsequent oncogenic interplay with transcriptional signaling pathways co-opted from developmental programs that ultimately leads to gliomagenesis. Understanding how transcriptional and epigenetic alterations synergize in each cellular context in these tumors could allow the identification of new Achilles’ heels, thereby highlighting new levers to improve their therapeutic management.
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11
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Gong Y, Klein Wolterink RGJ, Wang J, Bos GMJ, Germeraad WTV. Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cell design and engineering for cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:73. [PMID: 33933160 PMCID: PMC8088725 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their efficient recognition and lysis of malignant cells, natural killer (NK) cells are considered as specialized immune cells that can be genetically modified to obtain capable effector cells for adoptive cellular treatment of cancer patients. However, biological and technical hurdles related to gene delivery into NK cells have dramatically restrained progress. Recent technological advancements, including improved cell expansion techniques, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and enhanced viral transduction and electroporation, have endowed comprehensive generation and characterization of genetically modified NK cells. These promising developments assist scientists and physicians to design better applications of NK cells in clinical therapy. Notably, redirecting NK cells using CARs holds important promise for cancer immunotherapy. Various preclinical and a limited number of clinical studies using CAR-NK cells show promising results: efficient elimination of target cells without side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity which are seen in CAR-T therapies. In this review, we focus on the details of CAR-NK technology, including the design of efficient and safe CAR constructs and associated NK cell engineering techniques: the vehicles to deliver the CAR-containing transgene, detection methods for CARs, as well as NK cell sources and NK cell expansion. We summarize the current CAR-NK cell literature and include valuable lessons learned from the CAR-T cell field. This review also provides an outlook on how these approaches may transform current clinical products and protocols for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel G J Klein Wolterink
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jianxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,CiMaas BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred T V Germeraad
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,CiMaas BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT The US Food and Drug Administration has approved 3 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. For continued breakthroughs, novel CAR designs are needed. This includes different antigen-binding domains such as antigen-ligand binding partners and variable lymphocyte receptors. Another recent advancement in CAR design is Boolean logic gates that can minimize on-target, off-tumor toxicities. Recent studies on the optimization of costimulatory signaling have also shown how CAR design can impact function. By using specific signaling pathways and transcription factors, CARs can impact T-cell gene expression to enhance function. By using these techniques, the promise of CAR T-cell therapies for solid tumors can be fulfilled.
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13
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Elmore LW, Greer SF, Daniels EC, Saxe CC, Melner MH, Krawiec GM, Cance WG, Phelps WC. Blueprint for cancer research: Critical gaps and opportunities. CA Cancer J Clin 2021; 71:107-139. [PMID: 33326126 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We are experiencing a revolution in cancer. Advances in screening, targeted and immune therapies, big data, computational methodologies, and significant new knowledge of cancer biology are transforming the ways in which we prevent, detect, diagnose, treat, and survive cancer. These advances are enabling durable progress in the goal to achieve personalized cancer care. Despite these gains, more work is needed to develop better tools and strategies to limit cancer as a major health concern. One persistent gap is the inconsistent coordination among researchers and caregivers to implement evidence-based programs that rely on a fuller understanding of the molecular, cellular, and systems biology mechanisms underpinning different types of cancer. Here, the authors integrate conversations with over 90 leading cancer experts to highlight current challenges, encourage a robust and diverse national research portfolio, and capture timely opportunities to advance evidence-based approaches for all patients with cancer and for all communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne W Elmore
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susanna F Greer
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elvan C Daniels
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Charles C Saxe
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael H Melner
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ginger M Krawiec
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William G Cance
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William C Phelps
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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14
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Wu WT, Lin WY, Chen YW, Lin CF, Wang HH, Wu SH, Lee YY. New Era of Immunotherapy in Pediatric Brain Tumors: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052404. [PMID: 33673696 PMCID: PMC7957810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and dendritic cell therapy, has been incorporated as a fifth modality of modern cancer care, along with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and target therapy. Among them, CAR T-cell therapy emerges as one of the most promising treatments. In 2017, the first two CAR T-cell drugs, tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), respectively, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition to the successful applications to hematological malignancies, CAR T-cell therapy has been investigated to potentially treat solid tumors, including pediatric brain tumor, which serves as the leading cause of cancer-associated death for children and adolescents. However, the employment of CAR T-cell therapy in pediatric brain tumors still faces multiple challenges, such as CAR T-cell transportation and expansion through the blood–brain barrier, and identification of the specific target antigen on the tumor surface and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, encouraging outcomes in both clinical and preclinical trials are coming to light. In this article, we outline the current propitious progress and discuss the obstacles needed to be overcome in order to unveil a new era of treatment in pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Tai Wu
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; (W.-T.W.); (Y.-W.C.); (C.-F.L.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ying Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Wei Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; (W.-T.W.); (Y.-W.C.); (C.-F.L.)
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Fu Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; (W.-T.W.); (Y.-W.C.); (C.-F.L.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hui Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Immunology and Nephrology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan;
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Hsien Wu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan;
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yen Lee
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; (W.-T.W.); (Y.-W.C.); (C.-F.L.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2875-7491; Fax: +886-2-2875-7588
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15
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Sujjitjoon J, Sayour E, Tsao ST, Uiprasertkul M, Sanpakit K, Buaboonnam J, Yenchitsomanus PT, Atchaneeyasakul LO, Chang LJ. GD2-specific chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells targeting retinoblastoma - assessing tumor and T cell interaction. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:100971. [PMID: 33321428 PMCID: PMC7745061 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel disialoganglioside 2 (GD2)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy against retinoblastoma (RB) were generated. GD2-CAR consists of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) derived from a monoclonal antibody, hu3F8, that is linked with the cytoplasmic signaling domains of CD28, 41BB, a CD3ζ, and an inducible caspase 9 death fusion partner. GD2 antigen is highly expressed in Y79RB cell line and in several surgical RB tumor specimens. In vitro co-culture experiments revealed the effective killing of Y79RB cells by GD2-CAR T cells, but not by control CD19-CAR T cells. The killing activities of GD2-CAR T cells were diminished when repeatedly exposed to the tumor, due to an attenuated expression of GD2 antigen on tumor cells and upregulation of inhibitory molecules of the PD1 and PD-L1 axis in the CAR T cells and RB tumor cells respectively. This is the first report to describe the potential of GD2-CAR T cells as a promising therapeutic strategy for RB with the indication of potential benefit of combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatuporn Sujjitjoon
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elias Sayour
- University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Shih-Ting Tsao
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States; Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute, 2nd FL. 6 Yuexing 2nd Rd., Nanshan Dist., Shenzhen, China
| | - Mongkol Uiprasertkul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kleebsabai Sanpakit
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jassada Buaboonnam
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - La-Ongsri Atchaneeyasakul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Lung-Ji Chang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States; Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute, 2nd FL. 6 Yuexing 2nd Rd., Nanshan Dist., Shenzhen, China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China.
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16
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Agliardi G, Liuzzi AR, Hotblack A, De Feo D, Núñez N, Stowe CL, Friebel E, Nannini F, Rindlisbacher L, Roberts TA, Ramasawmy R, Williams IP, Siow BM, Lythgoe MF, Kalber TL, Quezada SA, Pule MA, Tugues S, Straathof K, Becher B. Intratumoral IL-12 delivery empowers CAR-T cell immunotherapy in a pre-clinical model of glioblastoma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:444. [PMID: 33469002 PMCID: PMC7815781 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer, for which effective therapies are urgently needed. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic approach, but it is often impeded by highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME). Here, in an immunocompetent, orthotopic GBM mouse model, we show that CAR-T cells targeting tumor-specific epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) alone fail to control fully established tumors but, when combined with a single, locally delivered dose of IL-12, achieve durable anti-tumor responses. IL-12 not only boosts cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells, but also reshapes the TME, driving increased infiltration of proinflammatory CD4+ T cells, decreased numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg), and activation of the myeloid compartment. Importantly, the immunotherapy-enabling benefits of IL-12 are achieved with minimal systemic effects. Our findings thus show that local delivery of IL-12 may be an effective adjuvant for CAR-T cell therapy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Agliardi
- Research Department of Hematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Anna Rita Liuzzi
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alastair Hotblack
- Research Department of Hematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Donatella De Feo
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolás Núñez
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cassandra L Stowe
- Research Department of Hematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Ekaterina Friebel
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Nannini
- Research Department of Hematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Lukas Rindlisbacher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas A Roberts
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Rajiv Ramasawmy
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Iwan P Williams
- Research Department of Hematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Bernard M Siow
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT, London, UK
| | - Mark F Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Tammy L Kalber
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Research Department of Hematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Martin A Pule
- Research Department of Hematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK
| | - Sonia Tugues
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin Straathof
- Research Department of Hematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, WC1E 6DD, London, UK.
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, WC1N 1EH, London, UK.
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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17
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Kumar A, Rocke JPJ, Kumar BN. Evolving treatments in high-risk neuroblastoma. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1865918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Kumar
- Division of Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - John P J Rocke
- ENT Department, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, UK
| | - B Nirmal Kumar
- ENT Department, Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh Teaching NHS, Wigan, UK
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18
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The glycosphingolipid GD2 as an effective but enigmatic target of passive immunotherapy in children with aggressive neuroblastoma (HR-NBL). Cancer Lett 2020; 503:220-230. [PMID: 33271265 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NBL), the most frequent and lethal pediatric cancer of children in pre-school age, is considered enigmatic in view of its extreme heterogeneity, from spontaneous regression in the IV-S form to incurable disease in approx. 40% of cases (High Risk, HR-NBL). It has an embryonal origin and a very heterogeneous genomic landscape, hampering the success of targeted strategies. The glycosphingolipid GD2 was shown to be expressed on NBL cells and utilized as target for passive immunotherapy with anti-GD2 antibodies (GD2-IMT). An international protocol was established with GD2-IMT, which increases remission length and survival in HR-NBL. By reviewing the different biological and molecular aspects of NBL and GD2-IMT, this mini-review questions the present lack of association between GD2-IMT and the underlying molecular landscape. The alternative model of Micro-Foci inducing virus (MFV) is presented, since MFV infection can induce extensive genomic aberrations (100X NMYC DNA-amplification). Since this family of viruses uses molecules for cell penetration similar to GD2 (i.e., GM2), it is hypothesized that GD2 is the port-of-entry for MFV and that success of anti-GD2 therapies is also associated to inhibition of this clastogenic virus in HR-NBL.
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19
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Straathof K, Flutter B, Wallace R, Jain N, Loka T, Depani S, Wright G, Thomas S, Cheung GWK, Gileadi T, Stafford S, Kokalaki E, Barton J, Marriott C, Rampling D, Ogunbiyi O, Akarca AU, Marafioti T, Inglott S, Gilmour K, Al-Hajj M, Day W, McHugh K, Biassoni L, Sizer N, Barton C, Edwards D, Dragoni I, Silvester J, Dyer K, Traub S, Elson L, Brook S, Westwood N, Robson L, Bedi A, Howe K, Barry A, Duncan C, Barone G, Pule M, Anderson J. Antitumor activity without on-target off-tumor toxicity of GD2-chimeric antigen receptor T cells in patients with neuroblastoma. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:eabd6169. [PMID: 33239386 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd6169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The reprogramming of a patient's immune system through genetic modification of the T cell compartment with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has led to durable remissions in chemotherapy-refractory B cell cancers. Targeting of solid cancers by CAR-T cells is dependent on their infiltration and expansion within the tumor microenvironment, and thus far, fewer clinical responses have been reported. Here, we report a phase 1 study (NCT02761915) in which we treated 12 children with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma with escalating doses of second-generation GD2-directed CAR-T cells and increasing intensity of preparative lymphodepletion. Overall, no patients had objective clinical response at the evaluation point +28 days after CAR-T cell infusion using standard radiological response criteria. However, of the six patients receiving ≥108/meter2 CAR-T cells after fludarabine/cyclophosphamide conditioning, two experienced grade 2 to 3 cytokine release syndrome, and three demonstrated regression of soft tissue and bone marrow disease. This clinical activity was achieved without on-target off-tumor toxicity. Targeting neuroblastoma with GD2 CAR-T cells appears to be a valid and safe strategy but requires further modification to promote CAR-T cell longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Straathof
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Barry Flutter
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Rebecca Wallace
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Neha Jain
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Thalia Loka
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Sarita Depani
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Gary Wright
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Simon Thomas
- UCL Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
- Autolus Ltd., London W12 7FP, UK
| | | | - Talia Gileadi
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sian Stafford
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Jack Barton
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Clare Marriott
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Dyanne Rampling
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Olumide Ogunbiyi
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | | | | | - Sarah Inglott
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Kimberly Gilmour
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | | | | | - Kieran McHugh
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Lorenzo Biassoni
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Natalie Sizer
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Claire Barton
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - David Edwards
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Ilaria Dragoni
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Julie Silvester
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Karen Dyer
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Stephanie Traub
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Lily Elson
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Sue Brook
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Nigel Westwood
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Lesley Robson
- Centre for Drug Development, Cancer Research UK, London E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Ami Bedi
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Karen Howe
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Ailish Barry
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Catriona Duncan
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Giuseppe Barone
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | | | - John Anderson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
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20
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Patterson JD, Henson JC, Breese RO, Bielamowicz KJ, Rodriguez A. CAR T Cell Therapy for Pediatric Brain Tumors. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1582. [PMID: 32903405 PMCID: PMC7435009 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has recently begun to be used for solid tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme. Many children with pediatric malignant brain tumors develop extensive long-term morbidity of intensive multimodal curative treatment. Others with certain diagnoses and relapsed disease continue to have limited therapies and a dismal prognosis. Novel treatments such as CAR T cells could potentially improve outcomes and ameliorate the toxicity of current treatment. In this review, we discuss the potential of using CAR therapy for pediatric brain tumors. The emerging insights on the molecular subtypes and tumor microenvironment of these tumors provide avenues to devise strategies for CAR T cell therapy. Unique characteristics of these brain tumors, such as location and associated morbid treatment induced neuro-inflammation, are novel challenges not commonly encountered in adult brain tumors. Despite these considerations, CAR T cell therapy has the potential to be integrated into treatment schema for aggressive pediatric malignant brain tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Patterson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Jeffrey C Henson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Rebecca O Breese
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kevin J Bielamowicz
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Analiz Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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21
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Baniel CC, Heinze CM, Hoefges A, Sumiec EG, Hank JA, Carlson PM, Jin WJ, Patel RB, Sriramaneni RN, Gillies SD, Erbe AK, Schwarz CN, Pieper AA, Rakhmilevich AL, Sondel PM, Morris ZS. In situ Vaccine Plus Checkpoint Blockade Induces Memory Humoral Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1610. [PMID: 32849544 PMCID: PMC7396490 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In a syngeneic murine melanoma (MEL) model, we recently reported an in situ vaccination response to combined radiation (RT) and intra-tumoral (IT) injection of anti-GD2 hu14. 18-IL2 immunocytokine (IC). This combined treatment resulted in 71% complete and durable regression of 5-week tumors, a tumor-specific memory T cell response, and augmented response to systemic anti-CTLA-4 antibody checkpoint blockade. While the ability of radiation to diversify anti-tumor T cell response has been reported, we hypothesize that mice rendered disease-free (DF) by a RT-based ISV might also exhibit a heightened B cell response. C57BL/6 mice were engrafted with 2 × 106 GD2+ B78 MEL and treated at a target tumor size of ~200 mm3 with 12 Gy RT, IT-IC on day (D)6-D10, and anti-CTLA-4 on D3, 6, and 9. Serum was collected via facial vein before tumor injection, before treatment, during treatment, after becoming DF, and following rejection of subcutaneous 2 × 106 B78 MEL re-challenge on D90. Flow cytometry demonstrated the presence of tumor-specific IgG in sera from mice rendered DF and rejecting re-challenge with B78 MEL at D90 after starting treatment. Consistent with an adaptive endogenous anti-tumor humoral memory response, these anti-tumor antibodies bound to B78 cells and parental B16 cells (GD2-), but not to the unrelated syngeneic Panc02 or Panc02 GD2+ cell lines. We evaluated the kinetics of this response and observed that tumor-specific IgG was consistently detected by D22 after initiation of treatment, corresponding to a time of rapid tumor regression. The amount of tumor-specific antibody binding to tumor cells (as measured by flow MFI) did not correlate with host animal prognosis. Incubation of B16 MEL cells in DF serum, vs. naïve serum, prior to IV injection, did not delay engraftment of B16 metastases and showed similar overall survival rates. B cell depletion using anti-CD20 or anti-CD19 and anti-B220 did not impact the efficacy of ISV treatment. Thus, treatment with RT + IC + anti-CTLA-4 results in adaptive anti-tumor humoral memory response. This endogenous tumor-specific antibody response does not appear to have therapeutic efficacy but may serve as a biomarker for an anti-tumor T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C Baniel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Clinton M Heinze
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Anna Hoefges
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Elizabeth G Sumiec
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jaquelyn A Hank
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Peter M Carlson
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Won Jong Jin
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ravi B Patel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | | | - Amy K Erbe
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ciara N Schwarz
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Alexander A Pieper
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Paul M Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Zachary S Morris
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
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22
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Rashidijahanabad Z, Huang X. Recent advances in tumor associated carbohydrate antigen based chimeric antigen receptor T cells and bispecific antibodies for anti-cancer immunotherapy. Semin Immunol 2020; 47:101390. [PMID: 31982247 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tumor associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) are a class of attractive antigens for the development of anti-cancer immunotherapy. Besides monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) targeting TACA are exciting directions to harness the power of the immune system to fight cancer. In this review, we focus on two TACAs, i.e., the GD2 ganglioside and the mucin-1 (MUC1) protein. The latest advances in CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies targeting these two antigens are presented. The roles of co-stimulatory molecules, structures of the sequences for antigen binding, methods for CAR and antibody construction, as well as strategies to enhance solid tumor penetration and reduce T cell exhaustion and death are discussed. Furthermore, approaches to reduce "on target, off tumor" side effects are introduced. With further development, CAR T cells and BsAbs targeting GD2 and MUC1 can become powerful agents to effectively treat solid tumor.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Bispecific/genetics
- Antibodies, Bispecific/immunology
- Antibodies, Bispecific/metabolism
- Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate/immunology
- Epitopes/genetics
- Epitopes/immunology
- Gangliosides/antagonists & inhibitors
- Gangliosides/chemistry
- Gangliosides/immunology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Mucin-1/immunology
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/chemistry
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/chemistry
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rashidijahanabad
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Xuefei Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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23
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Charan M, Dravid P, Cam M, Audino A, Gross AC, Arnold MA, Roberts RD, Cripe TP, Pertsemlidis A, Houghton PJ, Cam H. GD2-directed CAR-T cells in combination with HGF-targeted neutralizing antibody (AMG102) prevent primary tumor growth and metastasis in Ewing sarcoma. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:3184-3195. [PMID: 31621900 PMCID: PMC7440656 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is the second most common and aggressive type of metastatic bone tumor in adolescents and young adults. There is unmet medical need to develop and test novel pharmacological targets and novel therapies to treat EWS. Here, we found that EWS expresses high levels of a p53 isoform, delta133p53. We further determined that aberrant expression of delta133p53 induced HGF secretion resulting in tumor growth and metastasis. Thereafter, we evaluated targeting EWS tumors with HGF receptor neutralizing antibody (AMG102) in preclinical studies. Surprisingly, we found that targeting EWS tumors with HGF receptor neutralizing antibody (AMG102) in combination with GD2-specific, CAR-reengineered T-cell therapy synergistically inhibited primary tumor growth and establishment of metastatic disease in preclinical models. Furthermore, our data suggested that AMG102 treatment alone might increase leukocyte infiltration including efficient CAR-T access into tumor mass and thereby improves its antitumor activity. Together, our findings warrant the development of novel CAR-T-cell therapies that incorporate HGF receptor neutralizing antibody to improve therapeutic potency, not only in EWS but also in tumors with aberrant activation of the HGF/c-MET pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Charan
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Piyush Dravid
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Maren Cam
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Anthony Audino
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Amy C Gross
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Michael A Arnold
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Ryan D Roberts
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Timothy P Cripe
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.,Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Alexander Pertsemlidis
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Centre at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Centre at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Hakan Cam
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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24
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Fisher J, Sharma R, Don DW, Barisa M, Hurtado MO, Abramowski P, Porter L, Day W, Borea R, Inglott S, Anderson J, Pe'er D. Engineering γδT cells limits tonic signaling associated with chimeric antigen receptors. Sci Signal 2019; 12:eaax1872. [PMID: 31506382 PMCID: PMC7055420 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aax1872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the benefits of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies against lymphoid malignancies, responses in solid tumors have been more limited and off-target toxicities have been more marked. Among the possible design limitations of CAR-T cells for cancer are unwanted tonic (antigen-independent) signaling and off-target activation. Efforts to overcome these hurdles have been blunted by a lack of mechanistic understanding. Here, we showed that single-cell analysis with time course mass cytometry provided a rapid means of assessing CAR-T cell activation. We compared signal transduction in expanded T cells to that in T cells transduced to express second-generation CARs and found that cell expansion enhanced the response to stimulation. However, expansion also induced tonic signaling and reduced network plasticity, which were associated with expression of the T cell exhaustion markers PD-1 and TIM-3. Because this was most evident in pathways downstream of CD3ζ, we performed similar analyses on γδT cells that expressed chimeric costimulatory receptors (CCRs) lacking CD3ζ but containing DAP10 stimulatory domains. These CCR-γδT cells did not exhibit tonic signaling but were efficiently activated and mounted cytotoxic responses in the presence of CCR-specific stimuli or cognate leukemic cells. Single-cell signaling analysis enabled detailed characterization of CAR-T and CCR-T cell activation to better understand their functional activities. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCR-γδT cells may offer the potential to avoid on-target, off-tumor toxicity and allo-reactivity in the context of myeloid malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- CD3 Complex/immunology
- CD3 Complex/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
- Genetic Engineering
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Fisher
- UCL/GOSH Institute of Child Health, Cancer Section, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Roshan Sharma
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Dilu Wisidagamage Don
- UCL/GOSH Institute of Child Health, Cancer Section, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Marta Barisa
- UCL/GOSH Institute of Child Health, Cancer Section, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Marina Olle Hurtado
- UCL/GOSH Institute of Child Health, Cancer Section, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Pierre Abramowski
- UCL/GOSH Institute of Child Health, Cancer Section, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Lucy Porter
- UCL/GOSH Institute of Child Health, Cancer Section, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - William Day
- UCL Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley St., Fitzrovia, London WC1E 6AG, UK
| | - Roberto Borea
- UCL/GOSH Institute of Child Health, Cancer Section, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sarah Inglott
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - John Anderson
- UCL/GOSH Institute of Child Health, Cancer Section, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
- UCL Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley St., Fitzrovia, London WC1E 6AG, UK
| | - Dana Pe'er
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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25
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Ollé Hurtado M, Wolbert J, Fisher J, Flutter B, Stafford S, Barton J, Jain N, Barone G, Majani Y, Anderson J. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes expanded from pediatric neuroblastoma display heterogeneity of phenotype and function. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216373. [PMID: 31398192 PMCID: PMC6688820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has led to clinical benefit in some patients with melanoma but has not demonstrated convincing efficacy in other solid cancers. Whilst the presence of TILs in many types of cancer is often associated with better clinical prognosis, their function has not been systematically evaluated across cancer types. Responses to immunological checkpoint inhibitors in a wide range of cancers, including those for which adoptive transfer of expanded TILs has not shown clinical benefit, has clearly delineated a number of tumor type associated with tumor-reactive lymphocytes capable of effecting tumor remissions. Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood solid cancer in which immunotherapy with GD2-directed antibodies confers a proven survival advantage through incompletely understood mechanisms. We therefore evaluated the feasibility of ex vivo expansion of TILs from freshly resected neuroblastoma tumors and the potential therapeutic utility of TIL expansions. TILs were successfully expanded from both tumor biopsies or resections. Significant numbers of NKT and γδT cells were identified alongside the mixed population of cytotoxic (CD8+) and helper (CD4+) T cells of both effector and central memory phenotypes. Isolated TILs were broadly non-reactive against autologous tumor and neuroblastoma cell lines, so enhancement of neuroblastoma killing was attained by transducing TILs with a second-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting GD2. CAR-TILs demonstrated antigen-specific cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines. This study is the first to show reproducible expansion of TILs from pediatric neuroblastoma, the high proportion of innate-like lymphocytes, and the feasibility to use CAR-TILs therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ollé Hurtado
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jolien Wolbert
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Fisher
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Barry Flutter
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Stafford
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Barton
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Neha Jain
- Department of Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Barone
- Department of Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne Majani
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - John Anderson
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, England, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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26
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Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in pediatrics, yet overall survival is poor for high-risk cases. Immunotherapy regimens using a tumor-selective antidisialoganglioside (anti-GD2) monoclonal antibody (mAb) have been studied for several decades now, but have only recently been incorporated into standard of care treatment for patients with high-risk NBL with clear benefit. Here we review a brief history of anti-GD2-based immunotherapy, current areas of neuroblastoma research targeting GD2, and potential diagnostic and therapeutic uses targeting GD2.
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27
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Liu B, Yan L, Zhou M. Target selection of CAR T cell therapy in accordance with the TME for solid tumors. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:228-241. [PMID: 30906625 PMCID: PMC6405971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T (CAR T) cell therapy has made great progress in hematological malignancies and resulted in two newly FDA-approved drugs specific for CD19, Kymriah and Yescarta. To some extent, this success is attributable to the appropriately selected antigen, CD19, a cell surface protein that is uniformly and strongly expressed on malignant B cells. This result indicates that a proper CAR target is of great importance to the success of this technique. Another key factor contributing to the success of hematological malignancies can be ascribed to the nonphysical tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME in solid tumors is complicated and has a specific niche favorable for tumor progression with physical barriers, multiple mechanisms of immunosuppression, and a variety of biochemical factors, thus resulting in limited efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in clinical trials with cancer patients. Therefore, the inhospitable solid TME becomes a major hurdle in translating the success of CAR T cell therapy in hematological malignancies to solid tumors. Here, we provide our perspective on how to improve the success of CAR T therapy in solid tumors by focusing on the aspects of target selection and the related TME in CAR T cell design, especially stressing the interplay between them. With four kinds of antigenic CAR targets as examples in this review, we anticipate that the overall consideration of both factors will further expand CAR T cell therapy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bainan Liu
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Lingli Yan
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
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28
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Zhang T, de Waard AA, Wuhrer M, Spaapen RM. The Role of Glycosphingolipids in Immune Cell Functions. Front Immunol 2019; 10:90. [PMID: 30761148 PMCID: PMC6361815 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) exhibit a variety of functions in cellular differentiation and interaction. Also, they are known to play a role as receptors in pathogen invasion. A less well-explored feature is the role of GSLs in immune cell function which is the subject of this review article. Here we summarize knowledge on GSL expression patterns in different immune cells. We review the changes in GSL expression during immune cell development and differentiation, maturation, and activation. Furthermore, we review how immune cell GSLs impact membrane organization, molecular signaling, and trans-interactions in cellular cross-talk. Another aspect covered is the role of GSLs as targets of antibody-based immunity in cancer. We expect that recent advances in analytical and genome editing technologies will help in the coming years to further our knowledge on the role of GSLs as modulators of immune cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Antonius A de Waard
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Robbert M Spaapen
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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29
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Yan L, Liu B. Critical factors in chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for solid tumors. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 12:193-204. [PMID: 30636882 PMCID: PMC6309774 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s190336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for B-cell lymphocyte malignancies targeting CD19 places it in a rapidly growing field in cancer immunotherapy for both hematological and solid tumors. However, the two types of tumor are quite different in the following respects. Solid tumors are characterized by complex vasculatures and matrix barriers that significantly affect T-cell functions and migration. Moreover, various immunosuppressive molecules expressed in the tumor microenvironment can impede T-cell activation, and the high metabolic rate of tumors competitively suppresses the metabolism of immune cells. All these factors will exert their influences on the development of a cancer, which is a dynamic balance between the host's immune system and the tumor. At present, solid tumors are treated primarily by surgical resection combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a treatment process that is painful and not always effective. With advantages over traditional treatments, the recently developed CAR-T immunotherapy has been applied and has shown highly promising results. Nevertheless, the complexity of solid tumors presents a great challenge to this technique. This review focuses on elucidating the factors influencing the anti-tumor effects of CAR-T in the specific tumor environment, and hence exploring feasible approaches to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Yan
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,
| | - Bainan Liu
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,
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30
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Beck J, Birtel M, Reidenbach D, Salomon N, Diken M. CIMT 2018: Pushing frontiers in cancer immunotherapy — Report on the 16 th Annual Meeting of the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 14:2864-2873. [PMID: 30111232 PMCID: PMC6343606 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1504526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The 16th Annual Meeting of the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy (CIMT), Europe’s largest meeting series of its kind, took place in Mainz, Germany from 15–17 May, 2018. Cutting-edge advancements in cancer immunotherapy were discussed among more than 700 scientists under the motto “Pushing Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy”. This meeting report is a summary of some of the CIMT 2018 highlights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Beck
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Birtel
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Reidenbach
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
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31
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Richards RM, Sotillo E, Majzner RG. CAR T Cell Therapy for Neuroblastoma. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2380. [PMID: 30459759 PMCID: PMC6232778 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with high risk neuroblastoma have a poor prognosis and survivors are often left with debilitating long term sequelae from treatment. Even after integration of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody therapy into standard, upftont protocols, 5-year overall survival rates are only about 50%. The success of anti-GD2 therapy has proven that immunotherapy can be effective in neuroblastoma. Adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has the potential to build on this success. In early phase clinical trials, CAR T cell therapy for neuroblastoma has proven safe and feasible, but significant barriers to efficacy remain. These include lack of T cell persistence and potency, difficulty in target identification, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. With recent advances in CAR T cell engineering, many of these issues are being addressed in the laboratory. In this review, we summarize the clinical trials that have been completed or are underway for CAR T cell therapy in neuroblastoma, discuss the conclusions and open questions derived from these trials, and consider potential strategies to improve CAR T cell therapy for patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Richards
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Robbie G. Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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32
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Valteau-Couanet D, Schleiermacher G, Sarnacki S, Pasqualini C. Prise en charge des neuroblastomes de haut risque : l’expérience du groupe européen SIOPEN. Bull Cancer 2018; 105:918-924. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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33
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Halim L, Ajina A, Maher J. Pre-clinical development of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy: Implications of design for efficacy and safety. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2018; 31:117-125. [PMID: 29909912 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Following the landmark approvals by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the adoptive transfer of CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells has now entered mainstream clinical practice for patients with chemotherapy-resistant or refractory B-cell malignancies. These approvals have followed on from a prolonged period of pre-clinical evaluation, informing the design of clinical trials that have demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in this difficult to treat patient population. However, the delivery of autologous CAR-engineered T-cell therapy is complex, costly and not without significant risk. Here we summarize the key themes of CAR T-cell preclinical development and highlight a number of innovative strategies designed to further address toxicity and improve efficacy. In concert with the emerging promise of precision genome editing, it is hoped these next generation products will increase the repertoire of clinical applications of CAR T-cell therapy in malignant and perhaps other disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Halim
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Adam Ajina
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
| | - John Maher
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, UK; Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, East Sussex, UK.
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34
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Morris ZS, Guy EI, Werner LR, Carlson PM, Heinze CM, Kler JS, Busche SM, Jaquish AA, Sriramaneni RN, Carmichael LL, Loibner H, Gillies SD, Korman AJ, Erbe AK, Hank JA, Rakhmilevich AL, Harari PM, Sondel PM. Tumor-Specific Inhibition of In Situ Vaccination by Distant Untreated Tumor Sites. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:825-834. [PMID: 29748391 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In situ vaccination is an emerging cancer treatment strategy that uses local therapies to stimulate a systemic antitumor immune response. We previously reported an in situ vaccination effect when combining radiation (RT) with intratumor (IT) injection of tumor-specific immunocytokine (IC), a fusion of tumor-specific antibody and IL2 cytokine. In mice bearing two tumors, we initially hypothesized that delivering RT plus IT-IC to the "primary" tumor would induce a systemic antitumor response causing regression of the "secondary" tumor. To test this, mice bearing one or two syngeneic murine tumors of B78 melanoma and/or Panc02 pancreatic cancer were treated with combined external beam RT and IT-IC to the designated "primary" tumor only. Primary and secondary tumor response as well as animal survival were monitored. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR were used to quantify tumor infiltration with regulatory T cells (Treg). Transgenic "DEREG" mice or IgG2a anti-CTLA-4 were used to transiently deplete tumor Tregs. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, we observed that the presence of an untreated secondary tumor antagonized the therapeutic effect of RT + IT-IC delivered to the primary tumor. We observed reciprocal tumor specificity for this effect, which was circumvented if all tumors received RT or by transient depletion of Tregs. Primary tumor treatment with RT + IT-IC together with systemic administration of Treg-depleting anti-CTLA-4 resulted in a renewed in situ vaccination effect. Our findings show that untreated tumors can exert a tumor-specific, Treg-dependent, suppressive effect on the efficacy of in situ vaccination and demonstrate clinically viable approaches to overcome this effect. Untreated tumor sites antagonize the systemic and local antitumor immune response to an in situ vaccination regimen. This effect is radiation sensitive and may be mediated by tumor-specific regulatory T cells harbored in the untreated tumor sites. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(7); 825-34. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary S Morris
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.
| | - Emily I Guy
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lauryn R Werner
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Peter M Carlson
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Clinton M Heinze
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jasdeep S Kler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sara M Busche
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Abigail A Jaquish
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Raghava N Sriramaneni
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lakeesha L Carmichael
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | | | | | - Amy K Erbe
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jacquelyn A Hank
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Alexander L Rakhmilevich
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Paul M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Paul M Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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35
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Potent antitumor efficacy of anti-GD2 CAR T cells in H3-K27M + diffuse midline gliomas. Nat Med 2018; 24:572-579. [PMID: 29662203 PMCID: PMC6214371 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-018-0006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and other diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) with mutated histone H3 K27M (H3-K27M)1-5 are aggressive and universally fatal pediatric brain cancers 6 . Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells have mediated impressive clinical activity in B cell malignancies7-10, and recent results suggest benefit in central nervous system malignancies11-13. Here, we report that patient-derived H3-K27M-mutant glioma cell cultures exhibit uniform, high expression of the disialoganglioside GD2. Anti-GD2 CAR T cells incorporating a 4-1BBz costimulatory domain 14 demonstrated robust antigen-dependent cytokine generation and killing of DMG cells in vitro. In five independent patient-derived H3-K27M+ DMG orthotopic xenograft models, systemic administration of GD2-targeted CAR T cells cleared engrafted tumors except for a small number of residual GD2lo glioma cells. To date, GD2-targeted CAR T cells have been well tolerated in clinical trials15-17. Although GD2-targeted CAR T cell administration was tolerated in the majority of mice bearing orthotopic xenografts, peritumoral neuroinflammation during the acute phase of antitumor activity resulted in hydrocephalus that was lethal in a fraction of animals. Given the precarious neuroanatomical location of midline gliomas, careful monitoring and aggressive neurointensive care management will be required for human translation. With a cautious multidisciplinary clinical approach, GD2-targeted CAR T cell therapy for H3-K27M+ diffuse gliomas of pons, thalamus and spinal cord could prove transformative for these lethal childhood cancers.
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36
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Lee L, Draper B, Chaplin N, Philip B, Chin M, Galas-Filipowicz D, Onuoha S, Thomas S, Baldan V, Bughda R, Maciocia P, Kokalaki E, Neves MP, Patel D, Rodriguez-Justo M, Francis J, Yong K, Pule M. An APRIL-based chimeric antigen receptor for dual targeting of BCMA and TACI in multiple myeloma. Blood 2018; 131:746-758. [PMID: 29284597 PMCID: PMC5922275 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-05-781351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a promising therapeutic target for multiple myeloma (MM), but expression is variable, and early reports of BCMA targeting chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) suggest antigen downregulation at relapse. Dual-antigen targeting increases targetable tumor antigens and reduces the risk of antigen-negative disease escape. "A proliferation-inducing ligand" (APRIL) is a natural high-affinity ligand for BCMA and transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand (TACI). We quantified surface tumor expression of BCMA and TACI on primary MM cells (n = 50). All cases tested expressed BCMA, and 39 (78%) of them also expressed TACI. We engineered a third-generation APRIL-based CAR (ACAR), which killed targets expressing either BCMA or TACI (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively, cf. control, effector-to-target [E:T] ratio 16:1). We confirmed cytolysis at antigen levels similar to those on primary MM, at low E:T ratios (56.2% ± 3.9% killing of MM.1s at 48 h, E:T ratio 1:32; P < .01) and of primary MM cells (72.9% ± 12.2% killing at 3 days, E:T ratio 1:1; P < .05, n = 5). Demonstrating tumor control in the absence of BCMA, we maintained cytolysis of primary tumor expressing both BCMA and TACI in the presence of a BCMA-targeting antibody. Furthermore, using an intramedullary myeloma model, ACAR T cells caused regression of an established tumor within 2 days. Finally, in an in vivo model of tumor escape, there was complete ACAR-mediated tumor clearance of BCMA+TACI- and BCMA-TACI+ cells, and a single-chain variable fragment CAR targeting BCMA alone resulted in outgrowth of a BCMA-negative tumor. These results support the clinical potential of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Lee
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Draper
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Chaplin
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Philip
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melody Chin
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daria Galas-Filipowicz
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Maciocia
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Kokalaki
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Margarida P Neves
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Patel
- Department of Histopathology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Kwee Yong
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Pule
- Department of Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Autolus Ltd., London, United Kingdom; and
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Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Human Gamma Delta T Cells: Enhanced Cytotoxicity with Retention of Cross Presentation. Mol Ther 2017; 26:354-365. [PMID: 29310916 PMCID: PMC5835118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma delta T (γδT) lymphocytes are primed for rapid function, including cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, and are a component of the immediate stress response. Following activation, they can function as professional antigen-presenting cells. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) work by focusing T cell function on defined cell surface tumor antigens and provide essential costimulation for robust activation. Given the natural tropism of γδT cells for the tumor microenvironment, we hypothesized that their transduction with CARs might enhance cytotoxicity while retaining their ability to migrate to tumor and act as antigen-presenting cells to prolong the intratumoral immune response. Using a GD2-targeting CAR as a model system, we showed that γδT cells of both Vδ1 and Vδ2 subsets could be expanded and transduced to sufficient numbers for clinical studies. The CAR added to the cells' innate cytotoxicity by enhancing GD2-specific killing of GD2-expressing cancer cell lines. Migration toward tumor cells in vitro was not impaired by the presence of the CAR. Expanded CAR-transduced Vδ2 cells retained the ability to take up tumor antigens and cross presented the processed peptide to responder alpha beta T (αβT) lymphocytes. γδ CAR-T cell products show promise for evaluation in clinical studies of solid tumors.
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38
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Targeting tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens: a phase I study of a carbohydrate mimetic-peptide vaccine in stage IV breast cancer subjects. Oncotarget 2017; 8:99161-99178. [PMID: 29228761 PMCID: PMC5716801 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) support cell survival that could be interrupted by anti-TACA antibodies. Among TACAs that mediate cell survival signals are the neolactoseries antigen Lewis Y (LeY) and the ganglioside GD2. To induce sustained immunity against both LeY and GD2, we developed a carbohydrate mimicking peptide (CMP) as a surrogate pan-immunogen that mimics both. This CMP, referred to as P10s, is the N-terminal half of a peptide vaccine named P10s-PADRE, the C-terminal half of which (PADRE) is a Pan-T-cell epitope. A Phase I dose-escalation trial of P10s-PADRE plus adjuvant MONTANIDE™ ISA 51 VG was conducted in subjects with metastatic breast cancer to test 300 and 500 μg/injection in two cohorts of 3 subjects each. Doses of the P10s-PADRE vaccine were administered to research participants subcutaneously on weeks 1, 2, 3, 7 and 19. Antibody responses to P10s, GD2, and LeY were measured by ELISA. The P10s-PADRE vaccine induced antibodies specifically reactive with P10s, LeY and GD2 in all 6 subjects. Serum antibodies displayed Caspase-3-dependent apoptotic functionality against LeY or GD2 expressing breast cancer cell lines. Immunization with the P10s-PADRE vaccine was well-tolerated and induced functional antibodies, and the data suggest potential clinical benefit.
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39
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Fisher J, Abramowski P, Wisidagamage Don ND, Flutter B, Capsomidis A, Cheung GWK, Gustafsson K, Anderson J. Avoidance of On-Target Off-Tumor Activation Using a Co-stimulation-Only Chimeric Antigen Receptor. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1234-1247. [PMID: 28341563 PMCID: PMC5417796 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) combine T cell activation with antibody-mediated tumor antigen specificity, bypassing the need for T cell receptor (TCR) ligation. A limitation of CAR technology is on-target off-tumor toxicity caused by target antigen expression on normal cells. Using GD2 as a model cancer antigen, we hypothesized that this could be minimized by using T cells expressing Vγ9Vδ2 TCR, which recognizes transformed cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted manner, in combination with a co-stimulatory CAR that would function independently of the TCR. An anti-GD2 CAR containing a solitary endodomain derived from the NKG2D adaptor DAP10 was expressed in Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells. Differential ligation of the CAR and/or TCR using antibody-coated beads showed that pro-inflammatory cytokine response depended on activation of both receptors. Moreover, in killing assays, GD2-expressing neuroblastoma cells that engaged the Vγ9Vδ2 TCR were efficiently lysed, whereas cells that expressed GD2 equivalently but did not engage the Vγ9Vδ2 TCR were untouched. Differentiation between X-on tumor and X-off tumor offers potential for safer immunotherapy and broader target selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Fisher
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Pierre Abramowski
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Barry Flutter
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anna Capsomidis
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Kenth Gustafsson
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - John Anderson
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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40
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Targeting O-Acetyl-GD2 Ganglioside for Cancer Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:5604891. [PMID: 28154831 PMCID: PMC5244029 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5604891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Target selection is a key feature in cancer immunotherapy, a promising field in cancer research. In this respect, gangliosides, a broad family of structurally related glycolipids, were suggested as potential targets for cancer immunotherapy based on their higher abundance in tumors when compared with the matched normal tissues. GD2 is the first ganglioside proven to be an effective target antigen for cancer immunotherapy with the regulatory approval of dinutuximab, a chimeric anti-GD2 therapeutic antibody. Although the therapeutic efficacy of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies is well documented, neuropathic pain may limit its application. O-Acetyl-GD2, the O-acetylated-derivative of GD2, has recently received attention as novel antigen to target GD2-positive cancers. The present paper examines the role of O-acetyl-GD2 in tumor biology as well as the available preclinical data of anti-O-acetyl-GD2 monoclonal antibodies. A discussion on the relevance of O-acetyl-GD2 in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy development is also included.
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41
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Luksch R, Castellani MR, Collini P, De Bernardi B, Conte M, Gambini C, Gandola L, Garaventa A, Biasoni D, Podda M, Sementa AR, Gatta G, Tonini GP. Neuroblastoma (Peripheral neuroblastic tumours). Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 107:163-181. [PMID: 27823645 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuroblastic tumours (PNTs), a family of tumours arising in the embryonal remnants of the sympathetic nervous system, account for 7-10% of all tumours in children. In two-thirds of cases, PNTs originate in the adrenal glands or the retroperitoneal ganglia. At least one third present metastases at onset, with bone and bone marrow being the most frequent metastatic sites. Disease extension, MYCN oncogene status and age are the most relevant prognostic factors, and their influence on outcome have been considered in the design of the recent treatment protocols. Consequently, the probability of cure has increased significantly in the last two decades. In children with localised operable disease, surgical resection alone is usually a sufficient treatment, with 3-year event-free survival (EFS) being greater than 85%. For locally advanced disease, primary chemotherapy followed by surgery and/or radiotherapy yields an EFS of around 75%. The greatest problem is posed by children with metastatic disease or amplified MYCN gene, who continue to do badly despite intensive treatments. Ongoing trials are exploring the efficacy of new drugs and novel immunological approaches in order to save a greater number of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Luksch
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Paola Collini
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Conte
- Giannina Gaslini Children's Research Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Lorenza Gandola
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Davide Biasoni
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Podda
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gemma Gatta
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Tonini
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Paediatric Research Institute, Padua, Italy
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