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Petersdorf EW, McKallor C, Malkki M, He M, Spellman SR, Gooley T, Stevenson P. HLA Haplotypes and Relapse After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:886-897. [PMID: 38051980 PMCID: PMC10927336 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recurrence of blood malignancy is the major cause of hematopoietic cell transplant failure. HLA class II molecules play a fundamental role in antitumor responses but the role of class II haplotypes is not known. METHODS HLA-DR, -DQ, -DM, and -DO allele variation was determined in 1,629 related haploidentical transplants to study the clinical significance of individual molecules and haplotypes. RESULTS Outcome correlated with patient and donor variation for HLA-DRβ residue 86 (Gly/Val), HLA-DQ (G1/G2) heterodimers, and donor HLA-DM (DM11,11/nonDM11,11) molecules, and depended on patient-donor mismatching. Risks of relapse were lower for DRβ-86 GlyGly patients when the donor was GlyVal (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.68]; P < .001); GlyVal patients benefited from HLA-DRB1-matched donors, whereas no donor was superior to another for ValVal patients. G1G2 patients with G1G2-mismatched donors had lower relapse. Transplantation from donors with DMα residue 184 ArgHis was associated with higher risk of relapse (HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.09 to 2.36]; P = .02) relative to ArgArg. Relapse and mortality risks differed across HLA-DR-DQ-DM haplotypes. CONCLUSION HLA class II haplotypes may be functional constituents of the transplantation barrier, and their consideration in patients and donors may improve the success of transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effie W. Petersdorf
- Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Caroline McKallor
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Mari Malkki
- Division of Translational Science and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Meilun He
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Stephen R. Spellman
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Theodore Gooley
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Philip Stevenson
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
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2
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Maheshwari S, Akram H, Bulstrode H, Kalia SK, Morizane A, Takahashi J, Natalwala A. Dopaminergic Cell Replacement for Parkinson's Disease: Addressing the Intracranial Delivery Hurdle. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024; 14:415-435. [PMID: 38457149 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an increasingly prevalent neurological disorder, affecting more than 8.5 million individuals worldwide. α-Synucleinopathy in PD is considered to cause dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra, resulting in characteristic motor dysfunction that is the target for current medical and surgical therapies. Standard treatment for PD has remained unchanged for several decades and does not alter disease progression. Furthermore, symptomatic therapies for PD are limited by issues surrounding long-term efficacy and side effects. Cell replacement therapy (CRT) presents an alternative approach that has the potential to restore striatal dopaminergic input and ameliorate debilitating motor symptoms in PD. Despite promising pre-clinical data, CRT has demonstrated mixed success clinically. Recent advances in graft biology have renewed interest in the field, resulting in several worldwide ongoing clinical trials. However, factors surrounding the effective neurosurgical delivery of cell grafts have remained under-studied, despite their significant potential to influence therapeutic outcomes. Here, we focus on the key neurosurgical factors to consider for the clinical translation of CRT. We review the instruments that have been used for cell graft delivery, highlighting current features and limitations, while discussing how future devices could address these challenges. Finally, we review other novel developments that may enhance graft accessibility, delivery, and efficacy. Challenges surrounding neurosurgical delivery may critically contribute to the success of CRT, so it is crucial that we address these issues to ensure that CRT does not falter at the final hurdle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Maheshwari
- The Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, UK
| | - Harith Akram
- Unit of Functional Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Harry Bulstrode
- Wellcome MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Academic Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Suneil K Kalia
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Asuka Morizane
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Clinical Research and Innovation, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Jun Takahashi
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ammar Natalwala
- Unit of Functional Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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3
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Oechslin N, Da Silva N, Ankavay M, Moradpour D, Gouttenoire J. A genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies a role for Rab5A and early endosomes in hepatitis E virus replication. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307423120. [PMID: 38109552 PMCID: PMC10756275 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307423120] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. As the other positive-strand RNA viruses, it is believed to replicate its genome in a membrane-associated replication complex. However, current understanding of the host factors required for productive HEV infection is limited and the site as well as the composition of the HEV replication complex are still poorly characterized. To identify host factors required for HEV RNA replication, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen in permissive human cell lines harboring subgenomic HEV replicons allowing for positive and negative selection. Among the validated candidates, Ras-related early endosomal protein Rab5A was selected for further characterization. siRNA-mediated silencing of Rab5A and its effectors APPL1 and EEA1, but not of the late and recycling endosome components Rab7A and Rab11A, respectively, significantly reduced HEV RNA replication. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Rab5A and of dynamin-2, required for the formation of early endosomes, resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of HEV RNA replication. Colocalization studies revealed close proximity of Rab5A, the HEV ORF1 protein, corresponding to the viral replicase, as well as HEV positive- and negative-strand RNA. In conclusion, we successfully exploited CRISPR/Cas9 and selectable subgenomic replicons to identify host factors of a noncytolytic virus. This approach revealed a role for Rab5A and early endosomes in HEV RNA replication, likely by serving as a scaffold for the establishment of functional replication complexes. Our findings yield insights into the HEV life cycle and the virus-host interactions required for productive infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Oechslin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Da Silva
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
| | - Maliki Ankavay
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
| | - Darius Moradpour
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Gouttenoire
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
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4
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Karpov DS, Sosnovtseva AO, Pylina SV, Bastrich AN, Petrova DA, Kovalev MA, Shuvalova AI, Eremkina AK, Mokrysheva NG. Challenges of CRISPR/Cas-Based Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: How Not to Engineer a "Trojan Horse". Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17320. [PMID: 38139149 PMCID: PMC10743607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas by cytotoxic T-cells. To date, there are no drugs that can prevent the development of T1D. Insulin replacement therapy is the standard care for patients with T1D. This treatment is life-saving, but is expensive, can lead to acute and long-term complications, and results in reduced overall life expectancy. This has stimulated the research and development of alternative treatments for T1D. In this review, we consider potential therapies for T1D using cellular regenerative medicine approaches with a focus on CRISPR/Cas-engineered cellular products. However, CRISPR/Cas as a genome editing tool has several drawbacks that should be considered for safe and efficient cell engineering. In addition, cellular engineering approaches themselves pose a hidden threat. The purpose of this review is to critically discuss novel strategies for the treatment of T1D using genome editing technology. A well-designed approach to β-cell derivation using CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technology will significantly reduce the risk of incorrectly engineered cell products that could behave as a "Trojan horse".
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry S. Karpov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasiia O. Sosnovtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Svetlana V. Pylina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Asya N. Bastrich
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Darya A. Petrova
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Maxim A. Kovalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasija I. Shuvalova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anna K. Eremkina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Natalia G. Mokrysheva
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
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Sayadmanesh A, Yekehfallah V, Valizadeh A, Abedelahi A, Shafaei H, Shanehbandi D, Basiri M, Baradaran B. Strategies for modifying the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to improve safety and reduce toxicity in CAR T cell therapy for cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111093. [PMID: 37897950 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Immune cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, which has shown promising efficacy in patients with some hematologic malignancies, has introduced several successfully approved CAR T cell therapy products. Nevertheless, despite significant advances, treatment with these products has major challenges regarding potential toxicity and sometimes fatal adverse effects for patients. These toxicities can result from cytokine release or on-target off-tumor toxicity that targets healthy host tissue following CAR T cell therapy. The present study focuses on the unexpected side effects of targeting normal host tissues with off-target toxicity. Also, recent safety strategies such as replacing or adding different components to CARs and redesigning CAR structures to eliminate the toxic impact of CAR T cells, including T cell antigen coupler (TAC), switch molecules, suicide genes, and humanized monoclonal antibodies in the design of CARs, are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sayadmanesh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Yekehfallah
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amir Valizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Shafaei
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Basiri
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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6
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Caldara R, Tomajer V, Monti P, Sordi V, Citro A, Chimienti R, Gremizzi C, Catarinella D, Tentori S, Paloschi V, Melzi R, Mercalli A, Nano R, Magistretti P, Partelli S, Piemonti L. Allo Beta Cell transplantation: specific features, unanswered questions, and immunological challenge. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1323439. [PMID: 38077372 PMCID: PMC10701551 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1323439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) presents a persistent medical challenge, demanding innovative strategies for sustained glycemic control and enhanced patient well-being. Beta cells are specialized cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When beta cells are damaged or destroyed, insulin production decreases, which leads to T1D. Allo Beta Cell Transplantation has emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue, with the goal of reinstating glucose regulation and insulin production in T1D patients. However, the path to success in this approach is fraught with complex immunological hurdles that demand rigorous exploration and resolution for enduring therapeutic efficacy. This exploration focuses on the distinct immunological characteristics inherent to Allo Beta Cell Transplantation. An understanding of these unique challenges is pivotal for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. The critical role of glucose regulation and insulin in immune activation is emphasized, with an emphasis on the intricate interplay between beta cells and immune cells. The transplantation site, particularly the liver, is examined in depth, highlighting its relevance in the context of complex immunological issues. Scrutiny extends to recipient and donor matching, including the utilization of multiple islet donors, while also considering the potential risk of autoimmune recurrence. Moreover, unanswered questions and persistent gaps in knowledge within the field are identified. These include the absence of robust evidence supporting immunosuppression treatments, the need for reliable methods to assess rejection and treatment protocols, the lack of validated biomarkers for monitoring beta cell loss, and the imperative need for improved beta cell imaging techniques. In addition, attention is drawn to emerging directions and transformative strategies in the field. This encompasses alternative immunosuppressive regimens and calcineurin-free immunoprotocols, as well as a reevaluation of induction therapy and recipient preconditioning methods. Innovative approaches targeting autoimmune recurrence, such as CAR Tregs and TCR Tregs, are explored, along with the potential of stem stealth cells, tissue engineering, and encapsulation to overcome the risk of graft rejection. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the inherent immunological obstacles associated with Allo Beta Cell Transplantation. It offers valuable insights into emerging strategies and directions that hold great promise for advancing the field and ultimately improving outcomes for individuals living with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Caldara
- Clinic Unit of Regenerative Medicine and Organ Transplants, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Tomajer
- Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Monti
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Sordi
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Citro
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raniero Chimienti
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Gremizzi
- Clinic Unit of Regenerative Medicine and Organ Transplants, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Catarinella
- Clinic Unit of Regenerative Medicine and Organ Transplants, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Tentori
- Clinic Unit of Regenerative Medicine and Organ Transplants, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Vera Paloschi
- Clinic Unit of Regenerative Medicine and Organ Transplants, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffella Melzi
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Mercalli
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Nano
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Magistretti
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Partelli
- Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Clinic Unit of Regenerative Medicine and Organ Transplants, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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7
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Gysel E, Larijani L, Kallos MS, Krawetz RJ. Suicide gene-enabled cell therapy: A novel approach to scalable human pluripotent stem cell quality control. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300037. [PMID: 37582645 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
There are an increasing number of cell therapy approaches being studied and employed world-wide. An emerging area in this field is the use of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) products for the treatment of injuries/diseases that cannot be effectively managed through current approaches. However, as with any cell therapy, vast numbers of functional and safe cells are required. Bioreactors provide an attractive avenue to generate clinically relevant cell numbers with decreased labour and decreased batch to batch variation. Yet, current methods of performing quality control are not readily scalable to the cell densities produced during bioreactor scale-up. One potential solution is the application of inducible/controllable suicide genes that can trigger cell death in unwanted cell types. These types of approaches have been demonstrated to increase the quality and safety of the resultant cell products. In this review, we will provide background on these approaches and how they could be used together with bioreactor technology to create effective bioprocesses for the generation of high quality and safe hPSCs for use in regenerative medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Gysel
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Leila Larijani
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael S Kallos
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Roman J Krawetz
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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8
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Want MY, Bashir Z, Najar RA. T Cell Based Immunotherapy for Cancer: Approaches and Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040835. [PMID: 37112747 PMCID: PMC10142387 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are critical in destroying cancer cells by recognizing antigens presented by MHC molecules on cancer cells or antigen-presenting cells. Identifying and targeting cancer-specific or overexpressed self-antigens is essential for redirecting T cells against tumors, leading to tumor regression. This is achieved through the identification of mutated or overexpressed self-proteins in cancer cells, which guide the recognition of cancer cells by T-cell receptors. There are two main approaches to T cell-based immunotherapy: HLA-restricted and HLA-non-restricted Immunotherapy. Significant progress has been made in T cell-based immunotherapy over the past decade, using naturally occurring or genetically engineered T cells to target cancer antigens in hematological malignancies and solid tumors. However, limited specificity, longevity, and toxicity have limited success rates. This review provides an overview of T cells as a therapeutic tool for cancer, highlighting the advantages and future strategies for developing effective T cell cancer immunotherapy. The challenges associated with identifying T cells and their corresponding antigens, such as their low frequency, are also discussed. The review further examines the current state of T cell-based immunotherapy and potential future strategies, such as the use of combination therapy and the optimization of T cell properties, to overcome current limitations and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzamil Y Want
- Department of Immunology, Division of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Zeenat Bashir
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA
| | - Rauf A Najar
- Department of Pediatrics, Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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9
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Summers SE, Salih V, Foey AD. ErbB- and MUC1-targetted CAR-T cell immunotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma. FRONTIERS IN DENTAL MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fdmed.2023.1116402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown great success in treating B cell malignancies however, there are many challenges which limit their therapeutic efficacy in solid tumours. Immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and in particular, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), presents a unique set of challenges including lack of consistently expressed tumour associated antigens (TAAs) and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). Currently, there are few clinical trials investigating the use of CAR-T cells in HNSCC/OSCC however results from trials investigating similar solid tumours, such as breast cancer, can be adopted to help evaluate the use of CAR-T in this cancer. In this review, the process of CAR-T cell engineering, and different generations of these cells will be summarised, highlighting their potential use in treating HNSCC through targeting ErbB and MUC1; TAAs highly expressed by this solid tumour. Potential strategies including combination therapy, utilising both TAA-targeting CAR-Ts and immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-L1, has been discussed, in an attempt to develop synergistic anti-tumour responses. In addition to this, the use of dual-targeting CAR-T cells, synthetic NOTCH (synNOTCH) receptors and alternative non-tumour targets of the TME have been reviewed. Such combination therapies have been shown to help limit solid tumour progression and enhance both the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cell immunotherapy, which may be adopted for the treatment and management of OSCC.
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10
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Caracciolo D, Mancuso A, Polerà N, Froio C, D'Aquino G, Riillo C, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. The emerging scenario of immunotherapy for T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: advances, challenges and future perspectives. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 36624522 PMCID: PMC9828428 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00368-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a challenging pediatric and adult haematologic disease still associated with an unsatisfactory cure rate. Unlike B-ALL, the availability of novel therapeutic options to definitively improve the life expectancy for relapsed/resistant patients is poor. Indeed, the shared expression of surface targets among normal and neoplastic T-cells still limits the efficacy and may induce fratricide effects, hampering the use of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. However, novel monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers (BTCEs), and chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T-cells recently showed encouraging results and some of them are in an advanced stage of pre-clinical development or are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Here, we review this exciting scenario focusing on most relevant advances, challenges, and perspectives of the emerging landscape of immunotherapy of T-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonia Mancuso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Polerà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Froio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D'Aquino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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11
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Li Y, Ming Y, Fu R, Li C, Wu Y, Jiang T, Li Z, Ni R, Li L, Su H, Liu Y. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of CAR-T cell therapy-related adverse reactions. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:950923. [PMID: 36313336 PMCID: PMC9616161 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.950923] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is effective in the treatment of refractory/relapsed (r/r) hematological malignancies (r/r B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma). In addition, it is being explored as a treatment option for solid tumors. As of 31 March 2022, seven CAR-T therapies for hematological malignancies have been approved worldwide. Although CAR-T therapy is an effective treatment for many malignancies, it also causes adverse effects. The incidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), the most common adverse reaction after infusion of CAR-T cells, is as high as 93%.CRS, is the leading risk factor of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), as well as cardiovascular, hematological, hepatorenal, skin, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal toxicity. Severe adverse reactions complicated by CRS severely impede the widespread application of CAR-T therapy. The CAR-T product was initially approved in 2017; however, only limited studies have investigated the adverse reactions owing to CAR-T therapy compared to that of clinically approved drugs. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of toxicities concurrent with CRS, thereby providing a valuable reference for the safe, effective, and widespread application of CAR-T therapy.
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12
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Li Y, Zhou W, Meng X, Murray SD, Li L, Fronk A, Lazaro-Camp VJ, Wen KK, Wu M, Dupuy A, Leslie KK, Yang S. Utilizing an Endogenous Progesterone Receptor Reporter Gene for Drug Screening and Mechanistic Study in Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4883. [PMID: 36230806 PMCID: PMC9561963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of progesterone receptor (PR) is a favorable prognostic marker for multiple solid tumors. However, PR expression is reduced or lost in malignant tumors. Thus, monitoring and restoring functional PR expression is important in order to sensitize tumor cells to progesterone therapy in endometrial cancer. We developed stable PR reporter gene containing endometrial cancer cell lines monitoring the endogenous PR expression by inserting mCherry and hygromycin resistant gene at the endogenous PR gene locus by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technique. This allows efficient, real-time monitoring of PR expression in its native epigenetic landscape. Reporter gene expression faithfully reflects and amplifies PR expression following treatment with drugs known to induce PR expression. Small molecular PR inducers have been identified from the FDA-approved 1018 drug library and tested for their ability to restore PR expression. Additionally, several candidate PR repressors have been identified by screening the genome-wide CRISPR knockout (GeCKO) library. This novel endogenous PR reporter gene system facilitates the discovery of a new treatment strategy to enhance PR expression and further sensitize progestin therapy in endometrial cancer. These tools provide a systematic, unbiased approach for monitoring target gene expression, allowing for novel drug discovery and mechanistic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Xiangbing Meng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sarina D. Murray
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Long Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Abby Fronk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Vanessa J. Lazaro-Camp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kuo-kuang Wen
- High Throughput Screening Facility at University of Iowa (UIHTS), Iowa City, IA 52242, USA or or
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Meng Wu
- High Throughput Screening Facility at University of Iowa (UIHTS), Iowa City, IA 52242, USA or or
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Adam Dupuy
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kimberly K. Leslie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Shujie Yang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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13
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Bashyal N, Lee TY, Chang DY, Jung JH, Kim MG, Acharya R, Kim SS, Oh IH, Suh-Kim H. Improving the Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Ex Vivo Therapy Using Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase. Mol Cells 2022; 45:479-494. [PMID: 35356894 PMCID: PMC9260133 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.5015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that have been intensively studied as therapeutic tools for a variety of disorders. To enhance the efficacy of MSCs, therapeutic genes are introduced using retroviral and lentiviral vectors. However, serious adverse events (SAEs) such as tumorigenesis can be induced by insertional mutagenesis. We generated lentiviral vectors encoding the wild-type herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene and a gene containing a point mutation that results in an alanine to histidine substitution at residue 168 (TK(A168H)) and transduced expression in MSCs (MSC-TK and MSC-TK(A168H)). Transduction of lentiviral vectors encoding the TK(A168H) mutant did not alter the proliferation capacity, mesodermal differentiation potential, or surface antigenicity of MSCs. The MSC-TK(A168H) cells were genetically stable, as shown by karyotyping. MSC-TK(A168H) responded to ganciclovir (GCV) with an half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value 10-fold less than that of MSC-TK. Because MSC-TK(A168H) cells were found to be non-tumorigenic, a U87-TK(A168H) subcutaneous tumor was used as a SAE-like condition and we evaluated the effect of valganciclovir (vGCV), an oral prodrug for GCV. U87-TK(A168H) tumors were more efficiently ablated by 200 mg/kg vGCV than U87-TK tumors. These results indicate that MSC-TK(A168H) cells appear to be pre-clinically safe for therapeutic use. We propose that genetic modification with HSV-TK(A168H) makes allogeneic MSC-based ex vivo therapy safer by eliminating transplanted cells during SAEs such as uncontrolled cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Bashyal
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Tae-Young Lee
- Research Center, Cell&Brain Co., Ltd., Jeonju 54871, Korea
| | - Da-Young Chang
- Research Center, Cell&Brain Co., Ltd., Jeonju 54871, Korea
| | - Jin-Hwa Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Min Gyeong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Rakshya Acharya
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Il-Hoan Oh
- Department of Medical Lifescience, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Haeyoung Suh-Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
- Research Center, Cell&Brain Co., Ltd., Jeonju 54871, Korea
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14
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Application and Design of Switches Used in CAR. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121910. [PMID: 35741039 PMCID: PMC9221702 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the many oncology therapies, few have generated as much excitement as CAR-T. The success of CAR therapy would not have been possible without the many discoveries that preceded it, most notably, the Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in cellular immunity. However, despite the fact that CAR-T already offers not only hope for development, but measurable results in the treatment of hematological malignancies, CAR-T still cannot be safely applied to solid tumors. The reason for this is, among other things, the lack of tumor-specific antigens which, in therapy, threatens to cause a lethal attack of lymphocytes on healthy cells. In the case of hematological malignancies, dangerous complications such as cytokine release syndrome may occur. Scientists have responded to these clinical challenges with molecular switches. They make it possible to remotely control CAR lymphocytes after they have already been administered to the patient. Moreover, they offer many additional capabilities. For example, they can be used to switch CAR antigenic specificity, create logic gates, or produce local activation under heat or light. They can also be coupled with costimulatory domains, used for the regulation of interleukin secretion, or to prevent CAR exhaustion. More complex modifications will probably require a combination of reprogramming (iPSc) technology with genome editing (CRISPR) and allogenic (off the shelf) CAR-T production.
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15
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Zhou H, Liu H, Zhang Y, Xin Y, Huang C, Li M, Zhao X, Ding P, Liu Z. "PFH/AGM-CBA/HSV-TK/LIPOSOME-Affibody": Novel Targeted Nano Ultrasound Contrast Agents for Ultrasound Imaging and Inhibited the Growth of ErbB2-Overexpressing Gastric Cancer Cells. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:1515-1530. [PMID: 35611358 PMCID: PMC9124479 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s351623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Gastric cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world. However, the current research on the diagnosis and treatment of nano-ultrasound contrast agents in the field of tumor is mostly focused on breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, etc. Due to the interference of gas in the stomach, there is no report on the treatment of gastric cancer. Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) therapy system is the most mature tumor suicide gene in cancer treatment. At the same time, in order to improve its safety and efficiency, we designed a gastric tumor targeted ultrasound-triggered phase-transition nano ultrasound contrast agent PFH/AGM-CBA/HSV-TK/Liposome (PAHL)-Affibody complex. Methods In our study, guanidinylated SS-PAAs polymer poly(agmatine/N, N′-cystamine-bis-acrylamide) (AGM-CBA) was used as a nuclear localization vector of suicide gene to form a polyplex, perfluorohexane (PFH) was used as ultrasound contrast agent, liposomes were used to encapsulate perfluorohexane droplets and the polyplexes of AGM-CBA/HSV-TK, and affibody molecules were conjugated to the prepared PAHL in order to obtain a specific targeting affinity to human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (ErbB2) at gastric cancer cells. With the aid of ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction technology and the nuclear localization effect of AGM-CBA vector, the transfection efficiency of the suicide gene in gastric cancer cells was significantly increased, leading to significant apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Results It was shown that PAHL-Affibody complex was nearly spherical with an average diameter of 560 ± 28.9 nm, having higher and specific affinity to ErbB2 (+) gastric cells. In vitro experiments further confirmed that PAHL could target gastric cancer cells expressing ErbB2. In a contrast-enhanced ultrasound scanning study, the prepared ultrasound-triggered phase-change nano-ultrasound contrast agent, PAHL, showed improved ultrasound enhancement effects. With the application of the low-frequency ultrasound, the gene transfection efficiency of PAHL was significantly improved, thereby inducing significant apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Conclusion This study constructs PFH/AGM-CBA/HSV-TK/Liposome-Affibody nano ultrasound contrast agent, which provides new ideas for the treatment strategy of ErbB2-positive gastric cancer and provides some preliminary experimental basis for its inhibitory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houren Zhou
- Ultrasound Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Ultrasound Department, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xin
- Ultrasound Department, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Huang
- Ultrasound Department, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingzhong Li
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Xiaoyun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingtian Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Liu
- Ultrasound Department, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
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16
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Alekseenko IV, Pleshkan VV, Kuzmich AI, Kondratieva SA, Sverdlov ED. Gene-Immune Therapy of Cancer: Approaches and Problems. RUSS J GENET+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795422040020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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17
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Jiang Y, Wen W, Yang F, Han D, Zhang W, Qin W. Prospect of Prostate Cancer Treatment: Armed CAR-T or Combination Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040967. [PMID: 35205714 PMCID: PMC8869943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate of prostate cancer is higher in male cancers. With a hidden initiation of disease and long duration, prostate cancer seriously affects men's physical and mental health. Prostate cancer is initially androgen-dependent, and endocrine therapy can achieve good results. However, after 18-24 months of endocrine therapy, most patients eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which becomes metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that is difficult to treat. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is an emerging immune cell therapy that brings hope to cancer patients. CAR-T has shown considerable advantages in the treatment of hematologic tumors. However, there are still obstacles to CAR-T treatment of solid tumors because the physical barrier and the tumor microenvironment inhibit the function of CAR-T cells. In this article, we review the progress of CAR-T therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer and discuss the prospects and challenges of armed CAR-T and combined treatment strategies. At present, there are still many obstacles in the treatment of prostate cancer with CAR-T, but when these obstacles are solved, CAR-T cells can become a favorable weapon for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jiang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.J.); (F.Y.); (D.H.)
| | - Weihong Wen
- Department of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (W.Q.)
| | - Fa Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.J.); (F.Y.); (D.H.)
| | - Donghui Han
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.J.); (F.Y.); (D.H.)
| | - Wuhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Air Force 986 Hospital, Xi’an 710054, China;
| | - Weijun Qin
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.J.); (F.Y.); (D.H.)
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (W.Q.)
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18
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Shalaby N, Kelly J, Martinez F, Fox M, Qi Q, Thiessen J, Hicks J, Scholl TJ, Ronald JA. A Human-derived Dual MRI/PET Reporter Gene System with High Translational Potential for Cell Tracking. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:341-351. [PMID: 35146614 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Reporter gene imaging has been extensively used to longitudinally report on whole-body distribution and viability of transplanted engineered cells. Multi-modal cell tracking can provide complementary information on cell fate. Typical multi-modal reporter gene systems often combine clinical and preclinical modalities. A multi-modal reporter gene system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), two clinical modalities, would be advantageous by combining the sensitivity of PET with the high-resolution morphology and non-ionizing nature of MRI. PROCEDURES We developed and evaluated a dual MRI/PET reporter gene system composed of two human-derived reporter genes that utilize clinical reporter probes for engineered cell detection. As a proof-of-concept, breast cancer cells were engineered to co-express the human organic anion transporter polypeptide 1B3 (OATP1B3) that uptakes the clinical MRI contrast agent gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA), and the human sodium iodide symporter (NIS) which uptakes the PET tracer, [18F] tetrafluoroborate ([18F] TFB). RESULTS T1-weighted MRI results in mice exhibited significantly higher MRI signals in reporter-gene-engineered mammary fat pad tumors versus contralateral naïve tumors (p < 0.05). No differences in contrast enhancement were observed at 5 h after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration using either intravenous or intraperitoneal injection. We also found significantly higher standard uptake values (SUV) in engineered tumors in comparison to the naïve tumors in [18F]TFB PET images (p < 0.001). Intratumoral heterogeneity in signal enhancement was more conspicuous in relatively higher resolution MR images compared to PET images. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the ability to noninvasively track cells engineered with our human-derived dual MRI/PET reporter system, enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of transplanted cells. Future work is focused on applying this tool to track therapeutic cells, which may one day enable the broader application of cell tracking within the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nourhan Shalaby
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.
| | - John Kelly
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Francisco Martinez
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Mathew Fox
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada.,Saint Joseph's Health Care, Toronto, Canada
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Jonathan Thiessen
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Saint Joseph's Health Care, Toronto, Canada.,Lawson Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Facility, London, Canada
| | - Justin Hicks
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada.,Lawson Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Facility, London, Canada
| | - Timothy J Scholl
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - John A Ronald
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
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19
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Lou Z, Post A, Rodgers CE, Chamankhah M, Hong J, Ahuja CS, Khazaei M, Fehlings MG. Neural Progenitor Cells Expressing Herpes Simplex Virus-Thymidine Kinase for Ablation Have Differential Chemosensitivity to Brivudine and Ganciclovir. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:638021. [PMID: 34938162 PMCID: PMC8685296 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.638021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplants are a promising therapy for treating spinal cord injury (SCI), however, their long-term role after engraftment and the relative contribution to ongoing functional recovery remains a key knowledge gap. Selective human cell ablation techniques, currently being developed to improve the safety of progenitor cell transplant therapies in patients, may also be used as tools to probe the regenerative effects attributable to individual grafted cell populations. The Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase (HSV-TK) and ganciclovir (GCV) system has been extensively studied in the context of SCI and broader CNS disease. However, the efficacy of brivudine (BVDU), another HSV-TK prodrug with potentially reduced bystander cytotoxic effects and in vivo toxicity, has yet to be investigated for NPC ablation. In this study, we demonstrate successful generation and in vitro ablation of HSV-TK-expressing human iPSC-derived NPCs with a >80% reduction in survival over controls. We validated an HSV-TK and GCV/BVDU synergistic system with iPSC-NPCs using an efficient gene-transfer method and in vivo ablation in a translationally relevant model of SCI. Our findings demonstrate enhanced ablation efficiency and reduced bystander effects when targeting all rapidly dividing cells with combinatorial GCV and BVDU treatment. However, for use in loss of function studies, BVDU alone is optimal due to reduced nonselective cell ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Lou
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander Post
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rodgers
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mahmood Chamankhah
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Hong
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher S Ahuja
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohamad Khazaei
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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20
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He W, Li Q, Lu Y, Ju D, Gu Y, Zhao K, Dong C. Cancer treatment evolution from traditional methods to stem cells and gene therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:368-385. [PMID: 34802404 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666211119110755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer, a malignant tumor, is caused by the failure of the mechanism that controls cell growth and proliferation. Late clinical symptoms often manifest as lumps, pain, ulcers, and bleeding. Systemic symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is a major disease that threatens human life and health. How to treat cancer is a long-standing problem that needs to be overcome in the history of medicine. METHOD Traditional tumor treatment methods are poorly targeted, and the side effects of treatment seriously damage the physical and mental health of patients. In recent years, with the advancement of medical science and technology, the research on gene combined with mesenchymal stem cells to treat tumors has been intensified. Mesenchymal stem cells carry genes to target cancer cells, which can achieve better therapeutic effects. DISCUSSION In the text, we systematically review the cancer treatment evolution from traditional methods to novel approaches that include immunotherapy, nanotherapy, stem cell theapy, and gene therapy. We provide the latest review of the application status, clinical trials and development prospects of mesenchymal stem cells and gene therapy for cancer, as well as their integration in cancer treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells are effective carriers carrying genes and provide new clinical ideas for tumor treatment. CONCLUSION This review focuses on the current status, application prospects and challenges of mesenchymal stem cell combined gene therapy for cancer, and provides new ideas for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua He
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Qingxuan Li
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Dingyue Ju
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Yu Gu
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
| | - Chuanming Dong
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001. China
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21
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Klopp A, Schreiber S, Kosinska AD, Pulé M, Protzer U, Wisskirchen K. Depletion of T cells via Inducible Caspase 9 Increases Safety of Adoptive T-Cell Therapy Against Chronic Hepatitis B. Front Immunol 2021; 12:734246. [PMID: 34691041 PMCID: PMC8527178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell therapy with T cells that are re-directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected cells by virus-specific receptors is a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of chronic hepatitis B and HBV-associated cancer. Due to the high number of target cells, however, side effects such as cytokine release syndrome or hepatotoxicity may limit safety. A safeguard mechanism, which allows depletion of transferred T cells on demand, would thus be an interesting means to increase confidence in this approach. In this study, T cells were generated by retroviral transduction to express either an HBV-specific chimeric antigen receptor (S-CAR) or T-cell receptor (TCR), and in addition either inducible caspase 9 (iC9) or herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) as a safety switch. Real-time cytotoxicity assays using HBV-replicating hepatoma cells as targets revealed that activation of both safety switches stopped cytotoxicity of S-CAR- or TCR-transduced T cells within less than one hour. In vivo, induction of iC9 led to a strong and rapid reduction of transferred S-CAR T cells adoptively transferred into AAV-HBV-infected immune incompetent mice. One to six hours after injection of the iC9 dimerizer, over 90% reduction of S-CAR T cells in the blood and the spleen and of over 99% in the liver was observed, thereby limiting hepatotoxicity and stopping cytokine secretion. Simultaneously, however, the antiviral effect of S-CAR T cells was diminished because remaining S-CAR T cells were mostly non-functional and could not be restimulated with HBsAg. A second induction of iC9 was only able to deplete T cells in the liver. In conclusion, T cells co-expressing iC9 and HBV-specific receptors efficiently recognize and kill HBV-replicating cells. Induction of T-cell death via iC9 proved to be an efficient means to deplete transferred T cells in vitro and in vivo containing unwanted hepatotoxicity.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer/adverse effects
- Animals
- Caspase 9/biosynthesis
- Caspase 9/genetics
- Cell Death
- Cell Line
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme Induction
- Female
- Hepatitis B Antigens/immunology
- Hepatitis B virus/immunology
- Hepatitis B virus/pathogenicity
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/metabolism
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/therapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit/genetics
- Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Simplexvirus/enzymology
- Simplexvirus/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/enzymology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Thymidine Kinase/genetics
- Thymidine Kinase/metabolism
- Transduction, Genetic
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Klopp
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Schreiber
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna D. Kosinska
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Pulé
- Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wisskirchen
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
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22
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Kunadt D, Stölzel F. Effective Immunosurveillance After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:7411-7427. [PMID: 34594134 PMCID: PMC8478160 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s261721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT) has increased constantly over the last years due to advances in transplant technology development, supportive care, transplant safety, and donor availability. Currently, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most frequent indication for alloHCT. However, disease relapse remains the main cause of therapy failure. Therefore, concepts of maintaining and, if necessary, reinforcing a strong graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect is crucial for the prognosis and long-term survival of the patients. Over the last decades, it has become evident that effective immunosurveillance after alloHCT is an entangled complex of donor-specific characteristics, leukemia-associated geno- and phenotypes, and acquired resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, adoption of effector cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, alloreactive and regulatory T-cells with their accompanying receptor repertoire, and cell–cell interactions driven by messenger molecules within the stem cell and the bone marrow niche have important impact. In this review of pre- and posttransplant elements and mechanisms of immunosurveillance, we highlight the most important mechanisms after alloHCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Kunadt
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Friedrich Stölzel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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23
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The Role of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Leukemia. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173790. [PMID: 34501237 PMCID: PMC8432223 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers potentially curative treatment for many children with high-risk or relapsed acute leukemia (AL), thanks to the combination of intense preparative radio/chemotherapy and the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect. Over the years, progress in high-resolution donor typing, choice of conditioning regimen, graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis and supportive care measures have continuously improved overall transplant outcome, and recent successes using alternative donors have extended the potential application of allotransplantation to most patients. In addition, the importance of minimal residual disease (MRD) before and after transplantation is being increasingly clarified and MRD-directed interventions may be employed to further ameliorate leukemia-free survival after allogeneic HSCT. These advances have occurred in parallel with continuous refinements in chemotherapy protocols and the development of targeted therapies, which may redefine the indications for HSCT in the coming years. This review discusses the role of HSCT in childhood AL by analysing transplant indications in both acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukemia, together with current and most promising strategies to further improve transplant outcome, including optimization of conditioning regimen and MRD-directed interventions.
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24
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Concilio SC, Russell SJ, Peng KW. A brief review of reporter gene imaging in oncolytic virotherapy and gene therapy. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 21:98-109. [PMID: 33981826 PMCID: PMC8065251 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reporter gene imaging (RGI) can accelerate development timelines for gene and viral therapies by facilitating rapid and noninvasive in vivo studies to determine the biodistribution, magnitude, and durability of viral gene expression and/or virus infection. Functional molecular imaging systems used for this purpose can be divided broadly into deep-tissue and optical modalities. Deep-tissue modalities, which can be used in animals of any size as well as in human subjects, encompass single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional/molecular magnetic resonance imaging (f/mMRI). Optical modalities encompass fluorescence, bioluminescence, Cerenkov luminescence, and photoacoustic imaging and are suitable only for small animal imaging. Here we discuss the mechanisms of action and relative merits of currently available reporter gene systems, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of deep tissue versus optical imaging systems and the hardware/reagents that are used for data capture and processing. In light of recent technological advances, falling costs of imaging instruments, better availability of novel radioactive and optical tracers, and a growing realization that RGI can give invaluable insights across the entire in vivo translational spectrum, the approach is becoming increasingly essential to facilitate the competitive development of new virus- and gene-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kah-Whye Peng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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25
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Ahmed N, Gandhi D, Melhem ER, Frenkel V. MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Delivery of Therapeutic Cells to the Brain: A Review of the State-of-the-Art Methodology and Future Applications. Front Neurol 2021; 12:669449. [PMID: 34220679 PMCID: PMC8248790 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.669449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell and immune cell therapies are being investigated as a potential therapeutic modality for CNS disorders, performing functions such as targeted drug or growth factor delivery, tumor cell destruction, or inflammatory regulation. Despite promising preclinical studies, delivery routes for maximizing cell engraftment, such as stereotactic or intrathecal injection, are invasive and carry risks of hemorrhage and infection. Recent developments in MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology have significant implications for treating focal CNS pathologies including neurodegenerative, vascular and malignant processes. MRgFUS is currently employed in the clinic for treating essential tremor and Parkinson's Disease by producing precise, incisionless, transcranial lesions. This non-invasive technology can also be modified for non-destructive applications to safely and transiently open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to deliver a range of therapeutics, including cells. This review is meant to familiarize the neuro-interventionalist with this topic and discusses the use of MRgFUS for facilitating cellular delivery to the brain. A detailed and comprehensive description is provided on routes of cell administration, imaging strategies for targeting and tracking cellular delivery and engraftment, biophysical mechanisms of BBB enhanced permeability, supportive proof-of-concept studies, and potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabid Ahmed
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dheeraj Gandhi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elias R Melhem
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Victor Frenkel
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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26
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Britten CM, Shalabi A, Hoos A. Industrializing engineered autologous T cells as medicines for solid tumours. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:476-488. [PMID: 33833444 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy is one of the fastest growing areas in the pharmaceutical industry, with considerable therapeutic potential. However, substantial challenges regarding the utility of these therapies will need to be addressed before they can become mainstream medicines with applicability similar to that of small molecules or monoclonal antibodies. Engineered T cells have achieved success in the treatment of blood cancers, with four chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies now approved for the treatment of B cell malignancies based on their unprecedented efficacy in clinical trials. However, similar results have not yet been achieved in the treatment of the much larger patient population with solid tumours. For cell therapies to become mainstream medicines, they may need to offer transformational clinical effects for patients and be applicable in disease settings that remain unaddressed by simpler approaches. This Perspective provides an industry perspective on the progress achieved by engineered T cell therapies to date and the opportunities and current barriers for accessing broader patient populations, and discusses the solutions and new development strategies required to fully industrialize the therapeutic potential of engineered T cells as medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedrik M Britten
- Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK.,Immatics Biotechnologies, Munich, Germany
| | - Aiman Shalabi
- Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Axel Hoos
- Oncology R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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27
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Sheikh S, Ernst D, Keating A. Prodrugs and prodrug-activated systems in gene therapy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1716-1728. [PMID: 33831557 PMCID: PMC8116605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of genes that control cell fate (so-called suicide, or kill-switch, genes) into gene therapy vectors is based on a compelling rationale for the safe and selective elimination of aberrant transfected cells. Prodrug-activated systems were developed in the 1980s and 1990s and rely on the enzymatic conversion of non-active prodrugs to active metabolites that lead to cell death. Although considerable effort and ingenuity has gone into vector design for gene therapy, less attention has been directed at the efficacy or associated adverse effects of the prodrug systems employed. In this review, we discuss prodrug systems employed in clinical trials and consider their role in the field of gene therapy. We highlight potential drawbacks associated with the use of specific prodrugs, such as systemic toxicity of the activated compound, the paucity of data on biodistribution of prodrugs, bystander effects, and destruction of genetically modified cells, and how these can inform future advances in cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semira Sheikh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Daniel Ernst
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Armand Keating
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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28
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Mori JI, Adachi K, Sakoda Y, Sasaki T, Goto S, Matsumoto H, Nagashima Y, Matsuyama H, Tamada K. Anti-tumor efficacy of human anti-c-met CAR-T cells against papillary renal cell carcinoma in an orthotopic model. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:1417-1428. [PMID: 33539630 PMCID: PMC8019206 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy has shown salient efficacy in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the treatment of B cell malignancies. However, the efficacy of CAR‐T for solid tumors remains inadequate. In this study, we displayed that c‐met is an appropriate therapeutic target for papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) using clinical samples, developed an anti‐human c‐met CAR‐T cells, and investigated the anti‐tumor efficacy of the CAR‐T cells using an orthotopic mouse model as pre‐clinical research. Administration of the anti‐c‐met CAR‐T cells induced marked infiltration of the CAR‐T cells into the tumor tissue and unambiguous suppression of tumor growth. Furthermore, in combination with axitinib, the anti‐tumor efficacy of the CAR‐T cells was synergistically augmented. Taken together, our current study demonstrated the potential for clinical application of anti‐c‐met CAR‐T cells in the treatment of patients with PRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ich Mori
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.,Department of Urology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Keishi Adachi
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Yukimi Sakoda
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sasaki
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.,Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Hematological Science and Therapeutics, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Goto
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.,Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsumoto
- Department of Urology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Yoji Nagashima
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyasu Matsuyama
- Department of Urology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Koji Tamada
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
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29
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Duan L, Xu L, Xu X, Qin Z, Zhou X, Xiao Y, Liang Y, Xia J. Exosome-mediated delivery of gene vectors for gene therapy. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:1387-1397. [PMID: 33350419 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr07622h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Gene vectors are nucleic acids that carry genetic materials or gene editing devices into cells to exert the sustained production of therapeutic proteins or to correct erroneous genes of the cells. However, the cell membrane sets a barrier for the entry of nucleic acid molecules, and nucleic acids are easily degraded or neutralized when they are externally administered into the body. Carriers to encapsulate, protect and deliver nucleic acid molecules therefore are essential for clinical applications of gene therapy. The secreted organelles, exosomes, which naturally mediate the communications between cells, have been engineered to encapsulate and deliver nucleic acids to the desired tissues and cells. The fusion of exosomes with liposomes can increase the loading capacity and also retain the targeting capability of exosomes. Altogether, this review summarizes the most recent designs of exosome-based applications for gene delivery and their future perspectives in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Innovation Platform, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
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30
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Guerrouahen B, Elnaggar M, Al-Mohannadi A, Kizhakayil D, Bonini C, Benjamin R, Brentjens R, Buchholz CJ, Casorati G, Ferrone S, Locke FL, Martin F, Schambach A, Turtle C, Veys P, van der Vliet HJ, Maccalli C. Proceedings From the First International Workshop at Sidra Medicine: "Engineered Immune Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy (EICCI): From Discovery to Off-the-Shelf Development", 15 th-16 th February 2019, Doha, Qatar. Front Immunol 2021; 11:589381. [PMID: 33584653 PMCID: PMC7874217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.589381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The progress in the isolation and characterization of tumor antigen (TA)-specific T lymphocytes and in the genetic modification of immune cells allowed the clinical development of adoptive cell therapy (ACT). Several clinical studies highlighted the striking clinical activity of T cells engineered to express either Chimeric Antigen (CAR) or T Cell (TCR) Receptors to target molecularly defined antigens expressed on tumor cells. The breakthrough of immunotherapy is represented by the approval of CAR-T cells specific for advanced or refractory CD19+ B cell malignancies by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicinal Agency (EMA). Moreover, advances in the manufacturing and gene editing of engineered immune cells contributed to the selection of drug products with desired phenotype, refined specificity and decreased toxicity. An important step toward the optimization of CAR-T cell therapy is the development of "off-the shelf" T cell products that allow to reduce the complexity and the costs of the manufacturing and to render these drugs available for a broad number of cancer patients. The Engineered Immune Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy (EICCI) workshop hosted in Doha, Qatar, renowned experts, from both academia and industry, to present and discuss the progress on both pre-clinical and clinical development of genetically modified immune cells, including advances in the "off-the-shelf" manufacturing. These experts have addressed also organizational needs and hurdles for the clinical grade production and application of these biological drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele and Hospital San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Reuben Benjamin
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Renier Brentjens
- Cellular Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Research Unit for Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Experimental Immunology Unit, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele and Hospital San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Frederick L Locke
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Francisco Martin
- Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Genomic Medicine Department, Granada, Spain
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boson, MA, United States
| | - Cameron Turtle
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Veys
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Great Ormond Street (GOS) Hospital, and University College London GOS Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Hans van Der Vliet, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University and Cancer Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Lava Therapeutics, Utrecht, Netherlands
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31
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Xie M, Viviani M, Fussenegger M. Engineering precision therapies: lessons and motivations from the clinic. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2020; 6:ysaa024. [PMID: 33817342 PMCID: PMC7998714 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, gene- and cell-based therapies have been at the forefront of the biomedical revolution. Synthetic biology, the engineering discipline of building sophisticated ‘genetic software’ to enable precise regulation of gene activities in living cells, has been a decisive success factor of these new therapies. Here, we discuss the core technologies and treatment strategies that have already gained approval for therapeutic applications in humans. We also review promising preclinical work that could either enhance the efficacy of existing treatment strategies or pave the way for new precision medicines to treat currently intractable human conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqi Xie
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zheijang, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zheijang, China
| | - Mirta Viviani
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zheijang, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zheijang, China
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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32
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Andrea AE, Chiron A, Bessoles S, Hacein-Bey-Abina S. Engineering Next-Generation CAR-T Cells for Better Toxicity Management. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8620. [PMID: 33207607 PMCID: PMC7696189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoadoptive therapy with genetically modified T lymphocytes expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has revolutionized the treatment of patients with hematologic cancers. Although clinical outcomes in B-cell malignancies are impressive, researchers are seeking to enhance the activity, persistence, and also safety of CAR-T cell therapy-notably with a view to mitigating potentially serious or even life-threatening adverse events like on-target/off-tumor toxicity and (in particular) cytokine release syndrome. A variety of safety strategies have been developed by replacing or adding various components (such as OFF- and ON-switch CARs) or by combining multi-antigen-targeting OR-, AND- and NOT-gate CAR-T cells. This research has laid the foundations for a whole new generation of therapeutic CAR-T cells. Here, we review the most promising CAR-T cell safety strategies and the corresponding preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain E. Andrea
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Thérapies Moléculaires, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Saint Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut 1100, Lebanon;
| | - Andrada Chiron
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, F-75006 Paris, France; (A.C.); (S.B.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94275 Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphanie Bessoles
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, F-75006 Paris, France; (A.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Salima Hacein-Bey-Abina
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, F-75006 Paris, France; (A.C.); (S.B.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94275 Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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33
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Zhang B, Napoleon JV, Liu X, Luo Q, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. Sensitive manipulation of CAR T cell activity using a chimeric endocytosing receptor. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-000756. [PMID: 33127654 PMCID: PMC7604868 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most adoptive cell therapies (ACTs) suffer from an inability to control the therapeutic cell’s behavior following its transplantation into a patient. Thus, efforts to inhibit, activate, differentiate or terminate an ACT after patient reinfusion can be futile, because the required drug adversely affects other cells in the patient. Methods We describe here a two domain fusion receptor composed of a ligand-binding domain linked to a recycling domain that allows constitutive internalization and trafficking of the fusion receptor back to the cell surface. Because the ligand-binding domain is designed to bind a ligand not normally present in humans, any drug conjugated to this ligand will bind and endocytose selectively into the ACT. Results In two embodiments of our strategy, we fuse the chronically endocytosing domain of human folate receptor alpha to either a murine scFv that binds fluorescein or human FK506 binding protein that binds FK506, thereby creating a fusion receptor composed of largely human components. We then create the ligand-targeted drug by conjugating any desired drug to either fluorescein or FK506, thereby generating a ligand-drug conjugate with ~10-9 M affinity for its fusion receptor. Using these tools, we demonstrate that CAR T cell activities can be sensitively tuned down or turned off in vitro as well as tightly controlled following their reinfusion into tumor-bearing mice. Conclusions We suggest this ‘chimeric endocytosing receptor’ can be exploited to manipulate not only CAR T cells but other ACTs following their reinfusion into patients. With efforts to develop ACTs to treat diseases including diabetes, heart failure, osteoarthritis, cancer and sickle cell anemia accelerating, we argue an ability to manipulate ACT activities postinfusion will be important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boning Zhang
- Chemistry, Purdue University System, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Xin Liu
- Chemistry, Purdue University System, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Qian Luo
- Chemistry, Purdue University System, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Philip S Low
- Chemistry, Purdue University System, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Wei D, Hou J, Zheng K, Jin X, Xie Q, Cheng L, Sun X. Suicide Gene Therapy Against Malignant Gliomas by the Local Delivery of Genetically Engineered Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Cellular Vehicles. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:330-341. [PMID: 31657679 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666191028103703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor that is difficult to eliminate, and new therapies are thus strongly desired. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to locate to injured tissues, inflammation sites and tumors and are thus good candidates for carrying antitumor genes for the treatment of tumors. Treating GBM with MSCs that have been transduced with the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene has brought significant advances because MSCs can exert a bystander effect on tumor cells upon treatment with the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV). OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to determine whether HSV-TK-expressing umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCTKs) together with prodrug GCV treatment could exert a bystander killing effect on GBM. METHODS AND RESULTS Compared with MSCTK: U87 ratio at 1:10,1:100 and 1:100, GCV concentration at 2.5µM or 250µM, when MSCTKs were cocultured with U87 cells at a ratio of 1:1, 25 µM GCV exerted a more stable killing effect. Higher amounts of MSCTKs cocultured with U87 cells were correlated with a better bystander effect exerted by the MSCTK/GCV system. We built U87-driven subcutaneous tumor models and brain intracranial tumor models to evaluate the efficiency of the MSCTK/GCV system on subcutaneous and intracranial tumors and found that MSCTK/GCV was effective in both models. The ratio of MSCTKs and tumor cells played a critical role in this therapeutic effect, with a higher MSCTK/U87 ratio exerting a better effect. CONCLUSION This research suggested that the MSCTK/GCV system exerts a strong bystander effect on GBM tumor cells, and this system may be a promising assistant method for GBM postoperative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wei
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - JiaLi Hou
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lamei Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuan Sun
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Yang Y, Lee JE, Jeong HY, Shim JY, Baek MJ, Son MJ, Kim YJ, Noh H, Lim KI. Alteration of gammaretroviral vector integration patterns by insertion of histone and leucine zipper into integrase. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3924-3937. [PMID: 32816306 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retroviral vectors show long-term gene expression in gene therapy through the integration of transgenes into the human cell genome. Murine leukemia virus (MLV), a well-studied gammaretrovirus, has been often used as a representative retroviral vector. However, frequent integrations of MLV-based vectors into transcriptional start sites (TSSs) could lead to the activation of oncogenes by enhancer effects of the genetic components within the vectors. Therefore, the MLV integration preference for TSSs limits its wider use in clinical applications. To reduce the integration preference of MLV-based vectors, we attempted to perturb the structure of the viral integrase that plays a key role in determining integration sites. For this goal, we inserted histones and leucine zippers, having DNA-binding property, into internal sites of MLV integrase. This integrase engineering yielded multiple mutant vectors that showed significantly different integration patterns compared with that of wild-type vector. Some mutant vectors did not prefer the key regulatory genomic domains of human cells, TSSs. Moreover, a couple of engineered vectors did not integrate into the genomic sites near the TSSs of oncogenes. Overall, this study suggests that structural perturbation of integrase is a simple way to develop safer MLV-based retroviral vectors for use in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Analytical Science Research, Research Center for Biocenvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chungcheongbukdo, Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea.,Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hye-Young Jeong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Shim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Baek
- Bioinformatics Analysis Team, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Son
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon-Ju Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hohsuk Noh
- Department of Statistics, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Il Lim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Advanced Materials and Systems, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
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Rath JA, Arber C. Engineering Strategies to Enhance TCR-Based Adoptive T Cell Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1485. [PMID: 32570906 PMCID: PMC7349724 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-based adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) hold great promise for the treatment of cancer, as TCRs can cover a broad range of target antigens. Here we summarize basic, translational and clinical results that provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-based ACT. We review the characteristics of target antigens and conventional αβ-TCRs, and provide a summary of published clinical trials with TCR-transgenic T cell therapies. We discuss how synthetic biology and innovative engineering strategies are poised to provide solutions for overcoming current limitations, that include functional avidity, MHC restriction, and most importantly, the tumor microenvironment. We also highlight the impact of precision genome editing on the next iteration of TCR-transgenic T cell therapies, and the discovery of novel immune engineering targets. We are convinced that some of these innovations will enable the field to move TCR gene therapy to the next level.
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MESH Headings
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Engineering
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/adverse effects
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/trends
- Gene Editing
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/trends
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Safety
- Synthetic Biology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Translational Research, Biomedical
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Arber
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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Anti-PSMA CAR-engineered NK-92 Cells: An Off-the-shelf Cell Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061382. [PMID: 32498368 PMCID: PMC7349573 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) has become the most common cancer among males in Europe and the USA. Adoptive immunotherapy appears a promising strategy to control the advanced stages of the disease by specifically targeting the tumor, in particular through chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. Despite the advancements of CAR-T technology in the treatment of hematological malignancies, solid tumors still represent a challenge. To overcome current limits, other cellular effectors than T lymphocytes are under study as possible candidates for CAR-engineered cancer immunotherapy. A novel approach involves the NK-92 cell line, which mediates strong cytotoxic responses against a variety of tumor cells but has no effect on non-malignant healthy counterparts. Here, we report a novel therapeutic approach against PCa based on engineering of NK-92 cells with a CAR recognizing the human prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed in prostatic neoplastic cells. More importantly, the potential utility of NK-92/CAR cells to treat PCa has not yet been explored. Upon CAR transduction, NK-92/CAR cells acquired high and specific lytic activity against PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells in vitro, and also underwent degranulation and produced high levels of IFN-γ in response to antigen recognition. Lethal irradiation of the effectors, a safety measure requested for the clinical application of retargeted NK-92 cells, fully abrogated replication but did not impact on phenotype and short-term functionality. PSMA-specific recognition and antitumor activity were retained in vivo, as adoptive transfer of irradiated NK-92/CAR cells in prostate cancer-bearing mice restrained tumor growth and improved survival. Anti-PSMA CAR-modified NK-92 cells represent a universal, off-the-shelf, renewable, and cost-effective product endowed with relevant potentialities as a therapeutic approach for PCa immunotherapy.
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Hodgins JJ, Khan ST, Park MM, Auer RC, Ardolino M. Killers 2.0: NK cell therapies at the forefront of cancer control. J Clin Invest 2020; 129:3499-3510. [PMID: 31478911 DOI: 10.1172/jci129338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes involved in the surveillance and elimination of cancer. As we have learned more and more about the mechanisms NK cells employ to recognize and eliminate tumor cells, and how, in turn, cancer evades NK cell responses, we have gained a clear appreciation that NK cells can be harnessed in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the evidence for NK cells' critical role in combating transformed and malignant cells, and how cancer immunotherapies potentiate NK cell responses for therapeutic purposes. We highlight cutting-edge immunotherapeutic strategies in preclinical and clinical development such as adoptive NK cell transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-expressing NK cells (CAR-NKs), bispecific and trispecific killer cell engagers (BiKEs and TriKEs), checkpoint blockade, and oncolytic virotherapy. Further, we describe the challenges that NK cells face (e.g., postsurgical dysfunction) that must be overcome by these therapeutic modalities to achieve cancer clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Hodgins
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and
| | - Sarwat T Khan
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria M Park
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and
| | - Rebecca C Auer
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and
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39
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The approved gene therapy drugs worldwide: from 1998 to 2019. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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40
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Maryamchik E, Gallagher KME, Preffer FI, Kadauke S, Maus MV. New directions in chimeric antigen receptor T cell [CAR-T] therapy and related flow cytometry. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2020; 98:299-327. [PMID: 32352629 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells provide a promising approach to the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Flow cytometry is a powerful analytical modality, which plays an expanding role in all stages of CAR T therapy, from lymphocyte collection, to CAR T cell manufacturing, to in vivo monitoring of the infused cells and evaluation of their function in the tumor environment. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the new directions is important for designing and implementing CAR T-related flow cytometry assays in the clinical and investigational settings. However, the speed of new discoveries and the multitude of clinical and preclinical trials make it challenging to keep up to date in this complex field. In this review, we summarize the current state of CAR T therapy, highlight the areas of emergent research, discuss applications of flow cytometry in modern cell therapy, and touch upon several considerations particular to CAR detection and assessing the effectiveness of CAR T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Maryamchik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Frederic I Preffer
- Clinical Cytometry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephan Kadauke
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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41
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Cai L, Caraballo Galva LD, Peng Y, Luo X, Zhu W, Yao Y, Ji Y, He Y. Preclinical Studies of the Off-Target Reactivity of AFP 158-Specific TCR Engineered T Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:607. [PMID: 32395117 PMCID: PMC7196607 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autologous T cells engineered with T receptor genes (TCR) are being studied to treat cancers. We have recently identified a panel of mouse TCRs specific for the HLA-A0201/alpha fetoprotein epitope (AFP158) complex and have shown that human T cells engineered with these TCR genes (TCR-Ts) can eradicate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) xenografts in NSG mice. However, due to TCR’s promiscuity, their off-target cross-reactivity must be studied prior to conducting clinical trials. In this study, we conducted in vitro X-scan assay and in silico analysis to determine the off-target cross-reactivity of 3 AFP158-specific TCR-Ts. We found that the 3 AFP158-specific TCR-Ts could be cross-activated by ENPP1436 peptide and that the TCR3-Ts could also be activated by another off-target peptide, RCL1215. However, compared to AFP158, it requires 250 times more ENPP1436 and 10,000 times more RCL1215 peptides to achieve the same level of activation. The EC50 of ENPP1436 peptide for activating TCR-Ts is approximately 17–33 times higher than AFP158. Importantly, the ENPP1+ tumor cells did not activate TCR1-Ts and TCR2-Ts, and only weakly activated TCR3-Ts. The IFNγ produced by TCR3-Ts after ENPP1+ cell stimulation was >22x lower than that after HepG2 cells. And, all TCR-Ts did not kill ENPP1 + tumor cells. Furthermore, ectopic over-expression of ENPP1 protein in HLA-A2+ tumor cells did not activate TCR-Ts. In silico analysis showed that the ENPP1436 peptide affinity for HLA-A0201 was ranked 40 times lower than AFP158 and the chance of ENPP1436 peptide being processed and presented by HLA-A0201 was 100 times less likely than AFP158. In contrast, the two off-targets (Titin and MAGE-A3) that did cause severe toxicity in previous trials have the same or higher MHC-binding affinity and the same or higher chance of being processed and presented. In conclusion, our data shows that TCR-Ts can be activated by off-target ENPP1436 peptide. But, compared to target AFP158, it requires at least 250 times more ENPP1436 to achieve the same level of activation. Importantly, ENPP1436 peptide in human cells is not processed and presented to a sufficient level to activate the AFP158-specific TCR-Ts. Thus, these TCR-Ts, especially the TCR1-Ts and TCR2-Ts, will unlikely cause significant off-target toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lun Cai
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Leidy D Caraballo Galva
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States.,The Graduate School, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Yibing Peng
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Xiaobing Luo
- Cellular Biomedicine Group (CBMG), Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Wei Zhu
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Yihong Yao
- Cellular Biomedicine Group (CBMG), Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Yun Ji
- Cellular Biomedicine Group (CBMG), Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Yukai He
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States.,The Graduate School, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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42
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Belizário J, Destro Rodrigues MF. Checkpoint inhibitor blockade and epigenetic reprogrammability in CD8 + T-cell activation and exhaustion. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2020; 8:2515135520904238. [PMID: 32206744 PMCID: PMC7074507 DOI: 10.1177/2515135520904238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T-cell exhaustion is a dysfunctional state that is regulated through the expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptor genes including the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4, programmed death 1, and DNA methylation of effector genes interferon-γ, perforin, and granzyme B. Different strategies have been used to reverse T-cell exhaustion, which is an adverse event of checkpoint inhibitor blockade. Here, we present the mechanisms by which DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and Simian virus 40 large T antigen through viral mimicry can promote the reversion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. We examine how these pharmacological strategies can work together to improve the clinical efficacy of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Belizário
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute Biomedical Sciences of the University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, CEP 05508-900, Brazil
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43
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Wang Z, Cao YJ. Adoptive Cell Therapy Targeting Neoantigens: A Frontier for Cancer Research. Front Immunol 2020; 11:176. [PMID: 32194541 PMCID: PMC7066210 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is a kind of immunotherapy in which T cells are genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR), and ACT has made a great difference in treating multiple types of tumors. ACT is not perfect, and it can be followed by severe side effects, which hampers the application of ACT in clinical trials. One of the most promising methods to minimize side effects is to endow adoptive T cells with the ability to target neoantigens, which are specific to tumor cells. With the development of antigen screening technologies, more methods can be applied to discover neoantigens in cancer cells, such as whole-exome sequencing combined with mass spectrometry, neoantigen screening through an inventory-shared neoantigen peptide library, and neoantigen discovery via trogocytosis. In this review, we focus on the side effects of existing antigens and their solutions, illustrate the strategies of finding neoantigens in CAR-T and TCR-T therapies through methods reported by other researchers, and summarize the clinical behavior of these neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu J Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
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44
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Rovatti PE, Gambacorta V, Lorentino F, Ciceri F, Vago L. Mechanisms of Leukemia Immune Evasion and Their Role in Relapse After Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:147. [PMID: 32158444 PMCID: PMC7052328 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the development of multiple strategies to allow the safe transfer from the donor to the patient of high numbers of partially HLA-incompatible T cells has dramatically reduced the toxicities of haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT), but this was not accompanied by a similar positive impact on the incidence of post-transplantation relapse. In the present review, we will elaborate on how the unique interplay between HLA-mismatched immune system and malignancy that characterizes haplo-HCT may impact relapse biology, shaping the selection of disease variants that are resistant to the “graft-vs.-leukemia” effect. In particular, we will present current knowledge on genomic loss of HLA, a relapse modality first described in haplo-HCT and accounting for a significant proportion of relapses in this setting, and discuss other more recently identified mechanisms of post-transplantation immune evasion and relapse, including the transcriptional downregulation of HLA class II molecules and the enforcement of inhibitory checkpoints between T cells and leukemia. Ultimately, we will review the available treatment options for patients who relapse after haplo-HCT and discuss on how a deeper insight into relapse immunobiology might inform the rational and personalized selection of therapies to improve the largely unsatisfactory clinical outcome of relapsing patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Edoardo Rovatti
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Gambacorta
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Senescence in Stem Cell Aging, Differentiation and Cancer, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Lorentino
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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45
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Parmar M, Grealish S, Henchcliffe C. The future of stem cell therapies for Parkinson disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:103-115. [DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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46
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Fleischer LC, Spencer HT, Raikar SS. Targeting T cell malignancies using CAR-based immunotherapy: challenges and potential solutions. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:141. [PMID: 31884955 PMCID: PMC6936092 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0801-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been successful in treating B cell malignancies in clinical trials; however, fewer studies have evaluated CAR T cell therapy for the treatment of T cell malignancies. There are many challenges in translating this therapy for T cell disease, including fratricide, T cell aplasia, and product contamination. To the best of our knowledge, no tumor-specific antigen has been identified with universal expression on cancerous T cells, hindering CAR T cell therapy for these malignancies. Numerous approaches have been assessed to address each of these challenges, such as (i) disrupting target antigen expression on CAR-modified T cells, (ii) targeting antigens with limited expression on T cells, and (iii) using third party donor cells that are either non-alloreactive or have been genome edited at the T cell receptor α constant (TRAC) locus. In this review, we discuss CAR approaches that have been explored both in preclinical and clinical studies targeting T cell antigens, as well as examine other potential strategies that can be used to successfully translate this therapy for T cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Fleischer
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Graduate Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Trent Spencer
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Graduate Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sunil S Raikar
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Bertaina A, Roncarolo MG. Graft Engineering and Adoptive Immunotherapy: New Approaches to Promote Immune Tolerance After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1342. [PMID: 31354695 PMCID: PMC6635579 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapeutic option for a wide range of immune and hematologic malignant and non-malignant disorders. Once transplanted, allogeneic cells have to support myeloid repopulation and immunological reconstitution, but also need to become tolerant to the host via central or peripheral mechanisms to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Peripheral tolerance after allogeneic HSCT may be achieved by several mechanisms, though blocking alloreactivity to the host human leukocyte antigens while preserving immune responses to pathogens and tumor antigens remains a challenge. Recently uncovered evidence on the mechanisms of post-HSCT immune reconstitution and tolerance in transplanted patients has allowed for the development of novel cell-based therapeutic approaches. These therapies are aimed at inducing long-term peripheral tolerance and reducing the risk of graft-vs-host disease (GvHD), while sparing the graft-vs-leukemia (GvL) effect. Thus, ensuring effective long term remission in hematologic malignancies. Today, haploidentical stem cell transplants have become a widely used treatment for patients with hematological malignancies. A myriad of ex vivo and in vivo T-cell depletion strategies have been adopted, with the goal of preventing GvHD while preserving GvL in the context of immunogenetic disparity. αβ T-cell/CD19 B-cell depletion techniques, in particular, has gained significant momentum, because of the high rate of leukemia-free survival and the low risk of severe GvHD. Despite progress, better treatments are still needed in a portion of patients to further reduce the incidence of relapse and achieve long-term tolerance. Current post-HSCT cell therapy approaches designed to induce tolerance and minimizing GvHD occurrence include the use of (i) γδ T cells, (ii) regulatory Type 1 T (Tr1) cells, and (iii) engineered FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. Future protocols may include post-HSCT infusion of allogeneic effector or regulatory T cells engineered with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In the present review, we describe the most recent advances in graft engineering and post-HSCT adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bertaina
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maria Grazia Roncarolo
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Ghani K, Boivin-Welch M, Roy S, Dakiw-Piaceski A, Barbier M, Pope E, Germain L, Caruso M. Generation of High-Titer Self-Inactivated γ-Retroviral Vector Producer Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 14:90-99. [PMID: 31312667 PMCID: PMC6610700 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The γ-retroviral vector is a gene delivery vehicle that is commonly used in gene therapy. Despite its efficacy, its strong enhancers contributed to malignant transformations in some hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy trials. A safer version without viral enhancers (SIN) is available, but its production is cumbersome, as high titers can only be obtained in transient transfection. Our aim was to develop a system that could easily generate high-titer SIN vectors from stable producer cells. The use of the cytomegalovirus enhancer-promoter sequence to generate the full-length genomic RNA combined to sequences that decrease transcriptional readthrough (WPRE and strong polyadenylation sequences) led to 6 × 106 infectious units (IU)/mL of a SIN GFP vector in transient transfection. The incorporation of a blasticidin selection cassette to the retroviral plasmid allowed the generation of stable clones in the 293Vec packaging cells that release 2 × 107 IU/mL and 1.4 × 107 IU/mL of a SIN GFP and a SIN PIGA vector, respectively. A titer of 1.8 × 106 IU/mL was obtained with a SIN vector containing the long 8.9-kb COL7A1 cDNA. Thus, an efficient process was established for the generation of stable 293Vec-derived retrovirus producer cells that release high-titer SIN vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Ghani
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Université Laval Cancer Research Center, and Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1R 2J6, Canada
| | - Michael Boivin-Welch
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Université Laval Cancer Research Center, and Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1R 2J6, Canada.,CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division) and Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sylvie Roy
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Université Laval Cancer Research Center, and Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1R 2J6, Canada
| | - Angela Dakiw-Piaceski
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division) and Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Martin Barbier
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division) and Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Elena Pope
- Section of Dermatology, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lucie Germain
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division) and Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Manuel Caruso
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division), Université Laval Cancer Research Center, and Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1R 2J6, Canada
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Aasen T, Leithe E, Graham SV, Kameritsch P, Mayán MD, Mesnil M, Pogoda K, Tabernero A. Connexins in cancer: bridging the gap to the clinic. Oncogene 2019; 38:4429-4451. [PMID: 30814684 PMCID: PMC6555763 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions comprise arrays of intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins and provide for the direct communication between adjacent cells. This type of intercellular communication permits the coordination of cellular activities and plays key roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation and in the maintenance of tissue homoeostasis. After more than 50 years, deciphering the links among connexins, gap junctions and cancer, researchers are now beginning to translate this knowledge to the clinic. The emergence of new strategies for connexin targeting, combined with an improved understanding of the molecular bases underlying the dysregulation of connexins during cancer development, offers novel opportunities for clinical applications. However, different connexin isoforms have diverse channel-dependent and -independent functions that are tissue and stage specific. This can elicit both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects that engender significant challenges in the path towards personalised medicine. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, with particular focus on the recent progress made in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Edward Leithe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Colorectal Cancer Research Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sheila V Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Petra Kameritsch
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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50
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Minutolo NG, Hollander EE, Powell DJ. The Emergence of Universal Immune Receptor T Cell Therapy for Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:176. [PMID: 30984613 PMCID: PMC6448045 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown great success in the treatment of CD19+ hematological malignancies, leading to their recent approval by the FDA as a new cancer treatment modality. However, their broad use is limited since a CAR targets a single tumor associated antigen (TAA), which is not effective against tumors with heterogeneous TAA expression or emerging antigen loss variants. Further, stably engineered CAR T cells can continually and uncontrollably proliferate and activate in response to antigen, potentially causing fatal on-target off-tumor toxicity, cytokine release syndrome, or neurotoxicity without a method of control or elimination. To address these issues, our lab and others have developed various universal immune receptors (UIRs) that allow for targeting of multiple TAAs by T cells expressing a single receptor. UIRs function through the binding of an extracellular adapter domain which acts as a bridge between intracellular T cell signaling domains and a soluble tumor antigen targeting ligand (TL). The dissociation of TAA targeting and T cell signaling confers many advantages over standard CAR therapy, such as dose control of T cell effector function, the ability to simultaneously or sequentially target multiple TAAs, and control of immunologic synapse geometry. There are currently four unique UIR platform types: ADCC-mediating Fc-binding immune receptors, bispecific protein engaging immune receptors, natural binding partner immune receptors, and anti-tag CARs. These UIRs all allow for potential benefits over standard CARs, but also bring unique engineering challenges that will have to be addressed to achieve maximal efficacy and safety in the clinic. Still, UIRs present an exciting new avenue for adoptive T cell transfer therapies and could lead to their expanded use in areas which current CAR therapies have failed. Here we review the development of each UIR platform and their unique functional benefits, and detail the potential hurdles that may need to be overcome for continued clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G Minutolo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Pharmacology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Erin E Hollander
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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