1
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Xia L, Yuan LZ, Hu YH, Liu JY, Hu GS, Qi RY, Zhang TY, Xiong HL, Zheng ZZ, Lin HW, Zhang JM, Yu C, Zhou M, Ma J, Cheng T, Chen RR, Guan Y, Xia NS, Liu W. A SARS-CoV-2-specific CAR-T-cell model identifies felodipine, fasudil, imatinib, and caspofungin as potential treatments for lethal COVID-19. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:351-364. [PMID: 36864189 PMCID: PMC9979130 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-00985-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced cytokine storm is closely associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and lethality. However, drugs that are effective against inflammation to treat lethal COVID-19 are still urgently needed. Here, we constructed a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific CAR, and human T cells infected with this CAR (SARS-CoV-2-S CAR-T) and stimulated with spike protein mimicked the T-cell responses seen in COVID-19 patients, causing cytokine storm and displaying a distinct memory, exhausted, and regulatory T-cell phenotype. THP1 remarkably augmented cytokine release in SARS-CoV-2-S CAR-T cells when they were in coculture. Based on this "two-cell" (CAR-T and THP1 cells) model, we screened an FDA-approved drug library and found that felodipine, fasudil, imatinib, and caspofungin were effective in suppressing the release of cytokines, which was likely due to their ability to suppress the NF-κB pathway in vitro. Felodipine, fasudil, imatinib, and caspofungin were further demonstrated, although to different extents, to attenuate lethal inflammation, ameliorate severe pneumonia, and prevent mortality in a SARS-CoV-2-infected Syrian hamster model, which were also linked to their suppressive role in inflammation. In summary, we established a SARS-CoV-2-specific CAR-T-cell model that can be utilized as a tool for anti-inflammatory drug screening in a fast and high-throughput manner. The drugs identified herein have great potential for early treatment to prevent COVID-19 patients from cytokine storm-induced lethality in the clinic because they are safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible for immediate use in most countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Lun-Zhi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ya-Hong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jun-Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ruo-Yao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Tian-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Hua-Long Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Zao-Zao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Hong-Wei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jia-Mo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Chao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jian Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ri-Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
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2
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Wang X, Sandberg ML, Martin AD, Negri KR, Gabrelow GB, Nampe DP, Wu ML, McElvain ME, Toledo Warshaviak D, Lee WH, Oh J, Daris ME, Chai F, Yao C, Furney J, Pigott C, Kamb A, Xu H. Potent, Selective CARs as Potential T-Cell Therapeutics for HPV-positive Cancers. J Immunother 2021; 44:292-306. [PMID: 34432728 PMCID: PMC8415731 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation T-cell therapies will likely continue to utilize T-cell receptors (TCRs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) because each receptor type has advantages. TCRs often possess exceptional properties even when tested unmodified from patients' T cells. CARs are generally less sensitive, possibly because their ligand-binding domains are grafted from antibodies selected for binding affinity or avidity and not broadly optimized for a functional response. Because of the disconnect between binding and function among these receptor types, the ultimate potential of CARs optimized for sensitivity and selectivity is not clear. Here, we focus on a thoroughly studied immuno-oncology target, the HLA-A*02/HPV-E629-38 complex, and show that CARs can be optimized by a combination of high-throughput binding screens and low-throughput functional assays to have comparable activity to clinical TCRs in acute assays in vitro. These results provide a case study for the challenges and opportunities of optimizing high-performing CARs, especially in the context of targets utilized naturally by TCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Julyun Oh
- A2 Biotherapeutics, Agoura Hills, CA
| | | | - Falene Chai
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine Yao
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James Furney
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Craig Pigott
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Han Xu
- A2 Biotherapeutics, Agoura Hills, CA
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3
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Saeed M, Schooten E, van Brakel M, K. Cole D, ten Hagen TLM, Debets R. T Cells Expressing a TCR-Like Antibody Selected Against the Heteroclitic Variant of a Shared MAGE-A Epitope Do Not Recognise the Cognate Epitope. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051255. [PMID: 32429338 PMCID: PMC7281252 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051255] [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: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies-recognising peptides bound to the major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) represent potentially valuable and promising targets for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to treat patients with cancer. Here, a human phage-Fab library has been selected using HLA-A2 complexed with a heteroclitic peptide variant from an epitope shared among multiple melanoma-associated antigens (MAGEs). DNA restriction analyses and phage ELISAs confirmed selection of unique antibody clones that specifically bind to HLA-A2 complexes or HLA-A2-positive target cells loaded with native or heteroclitic peptide. Antibodies selected against heteroclitic peptide, in contrast to native peptide, demonstrated significantly lower to even negligible binding towards native peptide or tumour cells that naturally expressed peptides. The binding to native peptide was not rescued by phage panning with antigen-positive tumour cells. Importantly, when antibodies directed against heteroclitic peptides were engineered into CARs and expressed by T cells, binding to native peptides and tumour cells was minimal to absent. In short, TCR-like antibodies, when isolated from a human Fab phage library using heteroclitic peptide, fail to recognise its native peptide. We therefore argue that peptide modifications to improve antibody selections should be performed with caution as resulting antibodies, either used directly or as CARs, may lose activity towards endogenously presented tumour epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesha Saeed
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Erik Schooten
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (M.v.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Mandy van Brakel
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (M.v.B.); (R.D.)
| | - David K. Cole
- Division of Infection and Immunity and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK;
| | - Timo L. M. ten Hagen
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (M.v.B.); (R.D.)
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4
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Akatsuka Y. TCR-Like CAR-T Cells Targeting MHC-Bound Minor Histocompatibility Antigens. Front Immunol 2020; 11:257. [PMID: 32184779 PMCID: PMC7058980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAgs) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are highly immunogenic as they are foreign antigens and cause polymorphism between donors and recipients. Adoptive cell therapy with mHAg-specific T cells may be an effective option for therapy against recurring hematological malignancies following transplantation. Genetically modified T cells with T cell receptors (TCRs) specific to mHAgs have been developed, but formation of mispaired chimeric TCRs between endogenous and exogenous TCR chains may compromise their function. An alternative approach is the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–T cells with TCR-like specificity whose CAR transmembrane and intracellular domains do not compete with endogenous TCR for CD3 complexes and transmit their own activation signals. However, it has been shown that the recognition of low-density antigens by high-affinity CAR-T cells has poor sensitivity and specificity. This mini review focuses on the potential for and limitations of TCR-like CAR-T cells in targeting human leukocyte antigen–bound peptide antigens, based on their recognition mechanisms and their application in targeting mHAgs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Akatsuka
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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5
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Targeting the MHC Ligandome by Use of TCR-Like Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8020032. [PMID: 31544838 PMCID: PMC6640717 DOI: 10.3390/antib8020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are valuable as research reagents, in diagnosis and in therapy. Their high specificity, the ease in production, favorable biophysical properties and the opportunity to engineer different properties make mAbs a versatile class of biologics. mAbs targeting peptide–major histocompatibility molecule (pMHC) complexes are often referred to as “TCR-like” mAbs, as pMHC complexes are generally recognized by T-cell receptors (TCRs). Presentation of self- and non-self-derived peptide fragments on MHC molecules and subsequent activation of T cells dictate immune responses in health and disease. This includes responses to infectious agents or cancer but also aberrant responses against harmless self-peptides in autoimmune diseases. The ability of TCR-like mAbs to target specific peptides presented on MHC allows for their use to study peptide presentation or for diagnosis and therapy. This extends the scope of conventional mAbs, which are generally limited to cell-surface or soluble antigens. Herein, we review the strategies used to generate TCR-like mAbs and provide a structural comparison with the analogous TCR in pMHC binding. We further discuss their applications as research tools and therapeutic reagents in preclinical models as well as challenges and limitations associated with their use.
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6
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Mardiana S, Lai J, House IG, Beavis PA, Darcy PK. Switching on the green light for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2019; 8:e1046. [PMID: 31073403 PMCID: PMC6500780 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy involving genetic modification of T cells with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgene offers a promising strategy to broaden the efficacy of this approach for the effective treatment of cancer. Although remarkable antitumor responses have been observed following CAR T‐cell therapy in a subset of B‐cell malignancies, this has yet to be extended in the context of solid cancers. A number of promising strategies involving reprogramming the tumor microenvironment, increasing the specificity and safety of gene‐modified T cells and harnessing the endogenous immune response have been tested in preclinical models that may have a significant impact in patients with solid cancers. This review will discuss these exciting new developments and the challenges that must be overcome to deliver a more sustained and potent therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherly Mardiana
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Junyun Lai
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Imran Geoffrey House
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Paul Andrew Beavis
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Phillip Kevin Darcy
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia.,Department of Pathology University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia.,Department of Immunology Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
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7
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Saeed M, Zalba S, Seynhaeve ALB, Debets R, Ten Hagen TLM. Liposomes targeted to MHC-restricted antigen improve drug delivery and antimelanoma response. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:2069-2089. [PMID: 30988609 PMCID: PMC6440454 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s190736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Chemotherapy at a late stage fails due to low accumulation in tumors, indicating the need for targeted therapy. Materials and methods To increase drug uptake by tumor cells, we have targeted doxorubicin-containing liposomes using a T-cell receptor (TCR)-like antibody (scFv G8 and Hyb3) directed against melanoma antigen A1 (MAGE-A1) presented by human leukocyte antigen A1 (M1/A1). With the use of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we have tested our formulation in vitro. In vivo pharmacokinetics was done in tumor-free nu/nu mice, while biodistribution and efficacy study was done in nu/nu mice xenograft. Results We demonstrated two to five times higher binding and internalization of these immunoliposomes by M1+/A1+ melanoma cells in vitro in comparison with nontargeted liposomes. Cytotoxicity assay showed significant tumor cell kill at 10 µM doxorubicin (DXR) for targeted vs nontargeted liposomes. In vivo pharmacokinetics of nontargeted and targeted liposomes were similar, while accumulation of targeted liposomes was 2- to 2.5-fold and 6.6-fold enhanced when compared with nontargeted liposomes and free drug, respectively. Notably, we showed a superior antitumor activity of MAGE-A1-targeted DXR liposomes toward M1+/A1+ expressing tumors in mice compared with the treatment of M1−/A1+ tumors. Our results indicate that targeted liposomes showed better cytotoxicity in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo. Conclusion Liposomes decorated with TCR-mimicking scFv antibodies effectively and selectively target antigen-positive melanoma. We showed that DXR-loaded liposomes coupled to anti-M1/-A1 scFv inflict a significant antitumor response. Targeting tumor cells specifically promotes internalization of drug-containing nanoparticles and may improve drug delivery and ultimately antitumor efficacy. Our data argue that targeting MAGE in A1 context, by nanosized carriers decorated with TCR-like antibodies mimicking scFv, can be used as a theragnostic platform for drug delivery, immunotherapy, and potentially imaging, and diagnosis of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesha Saeed
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
| | - Sara Zalba
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
| | - Ann L B Seynhaeve
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timo L M Ten Hagen
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
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8
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Riley TP, Baker BM. The intersection of affinity and specificity in the development and optimization of T cell receptor based therapeutics. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 84:30-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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9
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Si W, Li C, Wei P. Synthetic immunology: T-cell engineering and adoptive immunotherapy. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2018; 3:179-185. [PMID: 30345403 PMCID: PMC6190530 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, the rapidly-evolving cancer is hard to be thoroughly eliminated even though the radiotherapy and chemotherapy do exhibit efficacy in some degree. However, a breakthrough appeared when the adoptive cancer therapy [1] was developed, especially T cells armed with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) showed great potential in tumor clinical trials recently. CAR-T cells successfully elevated the efficiency and specificity of cytotoxicity. In this review, we will talk about the design of CAR and CAR-included combinatory therapeutic applications in the principles of systems and synthetic immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Si
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Cheng Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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10
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Labanieh L, Majzner RG, Mackall CL. Programming CAR-T cells to kill cancer. Nat Biomed Eng 2018; 2:377-391. [PMID: 31011197 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-018-0235-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that are specific for tumour antigens have led to high complete response rates in patients with haematologic malignancies. Despite this early success, major challenges to the broad application of CAR-T cells as cancer therapies remain, including treatment-associated toxicities and cancer relapse with antigen-negative tumours. Targeting solid tumours with CAR-T cells poses additional obstacles because of the paucity of tumour-specific antigens and the immunosuppressive effects of the tumour microenvironment. To overcome these challenges, T cells can be programmed with genetic modules that increase their therapeutic potency and specificity. In this Review Article, we survey major advances in the engineering of next-generation CAR-T therapies for haematologic cancers and solid cancers, with particular emphasis on strategies for the control of CAR specificity and activity and on approaches for improving CAR-T-cell persistence and overcoming immunosuppression. We also lay out a roadmap for the development of off-the-shelf CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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11
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Zhou SJ, Wei J, Su S, Chen FJ, Qiu YD, Liu BR. Strategies for Bispecific Single Chain Antibody in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Cancer 2017; 8:3689-3696. [PMID: 29151956 PMCID: PMC5688922 DOI: 10.7150/jca.19501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering has resulted in more than 50 recombinant bispecific antibody formats over the past two decades. Bispecific scFv antibodies represent a successful and promising immunotherapy platform that retargets cytotoxic T cells to tumor cells, with one scFv directed to tumor-associated antigens and the other to T cells. Based on this antibody construct, strategies for both specific tumor targeting and T cell activation are reviewed here. Three distinct types of tumor antigens are considered to optimize specificity and safety in bispecific scFv based treatment: cancer-testis antigens, neo-antigens and virus-associated antigens. In terms of T cell activation, although CD3 has been widely applied in bispecific scFvs being developed, CD28 and CD137 among co-stimulatory signals are also ideal candidates to be evaluated. Besides, LIGHT and HIV-Tat101 have drawn much attention as their potential roles in modulating antitumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Juan Zhou
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Su
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang-Jun Chen
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Dong Qiu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bao-Rui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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12
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El Chediak A, Shamseddine A, Bodgi L, Obeid JP, Geara F, Zeidan YH. Optimizing tumor immune response through combination of radiation and immunotherapy. Med Oncol 2017; 34:165. [PMID: 28828581 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-017-1025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy and immunotherapy are two highly evolving modalities for the treatment of solid tumors. Immunotherapeutic drugs can either stimulate the immune system via immunogenic pathways or target co-inhibitory checkpoints. An augmented tumor cell recognition by host immune cells can be achieved post-irradiation, as irradiated tissues can release chemical signals which are sensed by the immune system resulting in its activation. Different strategies combining both treatment modalities were tested in order to achieve a better therapeutic response and longer tumor control. Both regimens act synergistically to one another with complimentary mechanisms. In this review, we explore the scientific basis behind such a combination, starting initially with a brief historical overview behind utilizing radiation and immunotherapies for solid tumors, followed by the different types of these two modalities, and the biological concept behind their synergistic effect. We also shed light on the common side effects and toxicities associated with radiation and immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss previous clinical trials tackling this multimodality combination and highlight future ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissar El Chediak
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Data Management and Clinical Research Unit, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Data Management and Clinical Research Unit, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Lebanon.
| | - Larry Bodgi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jean-Pierre Obeid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fady Geara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef H Zeidan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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13
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Abstract
Development of "immune-based targeted therapy" in oncology has limited experience with signal pathway modulation. However, as we have become better versed in understanding immune function related to anticancer response, "hints" of specific targets associated with sensitivity and resistance have been identified with targeted immune therapy. This brief review summarizes the relationship of several targeted immune therapeutics and activity associated clinical responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Nemunaitis
- Gradalis, Inc., Dallas, TX, USA.,Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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14
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CARs: Synthetic Immunoreceptors for Cancer Therapy and Beyond. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:430-450. [PMID: 28416139 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are versatile synthetic receptors that provide T cells with engineered specificity. Clinical success in treating B-cell malignancies has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of CAR-T cells against cancer, and efforts are underway to expand the use of engineered T cells to the treatment of diverse medical conditions, including infections and autoimmune diseases. Here, we review current understanding of the molecular properties of CARs, how this knowledge informs the rational design and characterization of novel receptors, the successes and shortcomings of CAR-T cells in the clinic, and emerging solutions for the continued improvement of CAR-T cell therapy.
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15
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Dany M, Nganga R, Chidiac A, Hanna E, Matar S, Elston D. Advances in immunotherapy for melanoma management. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12:2501-2511. [PMID: 27454404 PMCID: PMC5085014 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1190889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma remains a leading cause of death among young adults. Evidence that melanoma tumor cells are highly immunogenic and a better understanding of T-cell immune checkpoints have changed the therapeutic approach to advanced melanoma. Instead of targeting the tumor directly, immunotherapy targets and activates the immune response using checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and adoptive T cell therapy. This review focuses on the immune signaling and biological mechanisms of action of recent immune-based melanoma therapies as well as their clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Dany
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rose Nganga
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Alissar Chidiac
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Edith Hanna
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sara Matar
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Dirk Elston
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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16
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Gross G, Eshhar Z. Therapeutic Potential of T Cell Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) in Cancer Treatment: Counteracting Off-Tumor Toxicities for Safe CAR T Cell Therapy. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 56:59-83. [PMID: 26738472 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010814-124844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is a recombinant fusion protein combining an antibody-derived targeting fragment with signaling domains capable of activating T cells. Recent early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the remarkable ability of CAR-modified T cells to eliminate B cell malignancies. This review describes the choice of target antigens and CAR manipulations to maximize antitumor specificity. Benefits and current limitations of CAR-modified T cells are discussed, with a special focus on the distribution of tumor antigens on normal tissues and the risk of on-target, off-tumor toxicities in the clinical setting. We present current methodologies for pre-evaluating these risks and review the strategies for counteracting potential off-tumor effects. Successful implementation of these approaches will improve the safety and efficacy of CAR T cell therapy and extend the range of cancer patients who may be treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Gross
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL, Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; .,Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 12210, Israel.,Center of Cancer Research, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
| | - Zelig Eshhar
- Center of Cancer Research, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel.,Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
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17
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Gacerez AT, Arellano B, Sentman CL. How Chimeric Antigen Receptor Design Affects Adoptive T Cell Therapy. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:2590-8. [PMID: 27163336 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been developed to treat tumors and have shown great success against B cell malignancies. Exploiting modular designs and swappable domains, CARs can target an array of cell surface antigens and, upon receptor-ligand interactions, direct signaling cascades, thereby driving T cell effector functions. CARs have been designed using receptors, ligands, or scFv binding domains. Different regions of a CAR have each been found to play a role in determining the overall efficacy of CAR T cells. Therefore, this review provides an overview of CAR construction and common designs. Each CAR region is discussed in the context of its importance to a CAR's function. Additionally, the review explores how various engineering strategies have been applied to CAR T cells in order to regulate CAR T cell function and activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2590-2598, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert T Gacerez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Synthetic Immunity, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Benjamine Arellano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Synthetic Immunity, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Charles L Sentman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Synthetic Immunity, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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18
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Spear TT, Nagato K, Nishimura MI. Strategies to genetically engineer T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:631-49. [PMID: 27138532 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising and innovative approaches to treat cancer, viral infections, and other immune-modulated diseases. Adoptive immunotherapy using gene-modified T cells is an exciting and rapidly evolving field. Exploiting knowledge of basic T cell biology and immune cell receptor function has fostered innovative approaches to modify immune cell function. Highly translatable clinical technologies have been developed to redirect T cell specificity by introducing designed receptors. The ability to engineer T cells to manifest desired phenotypes and functions is now a thrilling reality. In this review, we focus on outlining different varieties of genetically engineered T cells, their respective advantages and disadvantages as tools for immunotherapy, and their promise and drawbacks in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy T Spear
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Bldg 112, Room 308, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
| | - Kaoru Nagato
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Bldg 112, Room 308, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Michael I Nishimura
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Bldg 112, Room 308, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
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19
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Rotolo A, Caputo V, Karadimitris A. The prospects and promise of chimeric antigen receptor immunotherapy in multiple myeloma. Br J Haematol 2016; 173:350-64. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Rotolo
- Centre for Haematology; Department of Medicine; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - Valentina Caputo
- Centre for Haematology; Department of Medicine; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - Anastasios Karadimitris
- Centre for Haematology; Department of Medicine; Imperial College London; London UK
- Department of Haematology; Hammersmith Hospital; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; London UK
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20
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Saeed M, van Brakel M, Zalba S, Schooten E, Rens JAP, Koning GA, Debets R, Ten Hagen TLM. Targeting melanoma with immunoliposomes coupled to anti-MAGE A1 TCR-like single-chain antibody. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:955-75. [PMID: 27022262 PMCID: PMC4792179 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s96123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy of melanoma using T-cells with genetically introduced T-cell receptors (TCRs) directed against a tumor-selective cancer testis antigen (CTA) NY-ESO1 demonstrated clear antitumor responses in patients without side effects. Here, we exploited the concept of TCR-mediated targeting through introduction of single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies that mimic TCRs in binding major histocompatibility complex-restricted CTA. We produced scFv antibodies directed against Melanoma AntiGEn A1 (MAGE A1) presented by human leukocyte antigen A1 (HLA-A1), in short M1/A1, and coupled these TCR-like antibodies to liposomes to achieve specific melanoma targeting. Two anti-M1/A1 antibodies with different ligand-binding affinities were derived from a phage-display library and reformatted into scFvs with an added cysteine at their carboxyl termini. Protein production conditions, ie, bacterial strain, temperature, time, and compartments, were optimized, and following production, scFv proteins were purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. Batches of pure scFvs were validated for specific binding to M1/A1-positive B-cells by flow cytometry. Coupling of scFvs to liposomes was conducted by employing different conditions, and an optimized procedure was achieved. In vitro experiments with immunoliposomes demonstrated binding of M1/A1-positive B-cells as well as M1/A1-positive melanoma cells and internalization by these cells using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Notably, the scFv with nonenhanced affinity of M1/A1, but not the one with enhanced affinity, was exclusively bound to and internalized by melanoma tumor cells expressing M1/A1. Taken together, antigen-mediated targeting of tumor cells as well as promoting internalization of nanoparticles by these tumor cells is mediated by TCR-like scFv and can contribute to melanoma-specific targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesha Saeed
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mandy van Brakel
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sara Zalba
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Schooten
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost A P Rens
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gerben A Koning
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Timo L M Ten Hagen
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgical Oncology, Section Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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21
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Dubrovsky L, Dao T, Gejman RS, Brea EJ, Chang AY, Oh CY, Casey E, Pankov D, Scheinberg DA. T cell receptor mimic antibodies for cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1049803. [PMID: 26942058 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1049803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The major hurdle to the creation of cancer-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) exhibiting limited cross-reactivity with healthy human cells is the paucity of known tumor-specific or mutated protein epitopes expressed on the cancer cell surface. Mutated and overexpressed oncoproteins are typically cytoplasmic or nuclear. Cells can present peptides from these distinguishing proteins on their cell surface in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA). T cell receptor mimic (TCRm) mAb can be discovered that react specifically to these complexes, allowing for selective targeting of cancer cells. The state-of-the-art for TCRm and the challenges and opportunities are discussed. Several such TCRm are moving toward clinical trials now.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tao Dao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Ron S Gejman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Elliott J Brea
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Aaron Y Chang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Claire Y Oh
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Emily Casey
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Dmitry Pankov
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
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22
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Frigault MJ, Lee J, Basil MC, Carpenito C, Motohashi S, Scholler J, Kawalekar OU, Guedan S, McGettigan SE, Posey AD, Ang S, Cooper LJN, Platt JM, Johnson FB, Paulos CM, Zhao Y, Kalos M, Milone MC, June CH. Identification of chimeric antigen receptors that mediate constitutive or inducible proliferation of T cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2015; 3:356-67. [PMID: 25600436 PMCID: PMC4390458 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study compared second-generation chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) encoding signaling domains composed of CD28, ICOS, and 4-1BB (TNFRSF9). Here, we report that certain CARs endow T cells with the ability to undergo long-term autonomous proliferation. Transduction of primary human T cells with lentiviral vectors encoding some of the CARs resulted in sustained proliferation for up to 3 months following a single stimulation through the T-cell receptor (TCR). Sustained numeric expansion was independent of cognate antigen and did not require the addition of exogenous cytokines or feeder cells after a single stimulation of the TCR and CD28. Results from gene array and functional assays linked sustained cytokine secretion and expression of T-bet (TBX21), EOMES, and GATA-3 to the effect. Sustained expression of the endogenous IL2 locus has not been reported in primary T cells. Sustained proliferation was dependent on CAR structure and high expression, the latter of which was necessary but not sufficient. The mechanism involves constitutive signaling through NF-κB, AKT, ERK, and NFAT. The propagated CAR T cells retained a diverse TCR repertoire, and cellular transformation was not observed. The CARs with a constitutive growth phenotype displayed inferior antitumor effects and engraftment in vivo. Therefore, the design of CARs that have a nonconstitutive growth phenotype may be a strategy to improve efficacy and engraftment of CAR T cells. The identification of CARs that confer constitutive or nonconstitutive growth patterns may explain observations that CAR T cells have differential survival patterns in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Frigault
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jihyun Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maria Ciocca Basil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carmine Carpenito
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shinichiro Motohashi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - John Scholler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Omkar U Kawalekar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sonia Guedan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shannon E McGettigan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Avery D Posey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sonny Ang
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Jesse M Platt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - F Brad Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina. Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Yangbing Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Kalos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael C Milone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carl H June
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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23
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Dotti G, Gottschalk S, Savoldo B, Brenner MK. Design and development of therapies using chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells. Immunol Rev 2014; 257:107-26. [PMID: 24329793 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Investigators developed chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for expression on T cells more than 25 years ago. When the CAR is derived from an antibody, the resultant cell should combine the desirable targeting features of an antibody (e.g. lack of requirement for major histocompatibility complex recognition, ability to recognize non-protein antigens) with the persistence, trafficking, and effector functions of a T cell. This article describes how the past two decades have seen a crescendo of research which has now begun to translate these potential benefits into effective treatments for patients with cancer. We describe the basic design of CARs, describe how antigenic targets are selected, and the initial clinical experience with CAR-T cells. Our review then describes our own and other investigators' work aimed at improving the function of CARs and reviews the clinical studies in hematological and solid malignancies that are beginning to exploit these approaches. Finally, we show the value of adding additional engineering features to CAR-T cells, irrespective of their target, to render them better suited to function in the tumor environment, and discuss how the safety of these heavily modified cells may be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpietro Dotti
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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24
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Zhang G, Wang L, Cui H, Wang X, Zhang G, Ma J, Han H, He W, Wang W, Zhao Y, Liu C, Sun M, Gao B. Anti-melanoma activity of T cells redirected with a TCR-like chimeric antigen receptor. Sci Rep 2014; 4:3571. [PMID: 24389689 PMCID: PMC3880964 DOI: 10.1038/srep03571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified T cells to recognize tumor-associated antigens by transgenic TCRs or chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) have been successfully applied in clinical trials. However, the disadvantages of either TCR mismatching or the requirement of a surface tumor antigen limit their wider applications in adoptive T cell therapy. A TCR-like chimeric receptor, specific for the melanoma-related gp100/HLA-A2 complex was created by joining a TCR-like antibody GPA7 with the endodomains of CD28 and CD3-ζ chain. This TCR-like CAR, GPA7-28z, was subsequently introduced into human T cells. Retargeted T cells expressing GPA7-28z could exhibit efficient cytotoxic activities against human melanoma cells in vitro in the context with HLA-A2. Furthermore, infusion of GPA7-28z-transduced T cells suppressed melanoma progression in a xenograft mouse model. Redirecting human T cells with TCR-like CARs would be a promising alternative approach to TCR-mediated therapy for melanoma patients, which is also feasible for targeting a variety of other tumor antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zhang
- 1] Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China [2] University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- 1] Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China [2] University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Honglian Cui
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 100010 Beijing, China
| | - Ganlin Zhang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 100010 Beijing, China
| | - Juan Ma
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Huamin Han
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Wen He
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhao
- 1] Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China [2] University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Changzhen Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Meiyi Sun
- Epigen Biotec Ltd, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Bin Gao
- 1] Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology (CASPMI), and China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China [2] University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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25
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Engineered T cells for cancer treatment. Cytotherapy 2013; 16:713-33. [PMID: 24239105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptively transferred T cells have the capacity to traffic to distant tumor sites, infiltrate fibrotic tissue and kill antigen-expressing tumor cells. Various groups have investigated different genetic engineering strategies designed to enhance tumor specificity, increase T cell potency, improve proliferation, persistence or migratory capacity and increase safety. This review focuses on recent developments in T cell engineering, discusses the clinical application of these engineered cell products and outlines future prospects for this therapeutic modality.
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26
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Schuberth PC, Hagedorn C, Jensen SM, Gulati P, van den Broek M, Mischo A, Soltermann A, Jüngel A, Marroquin Belaunzaran O, Stahel R, Renner C, Petrausch U. Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma by fibroblast activation protein-specific re-directed T cells. J Transl Med 2013; 11:187. [PMID: 23937772 PMCID: PMC3751305 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-11-187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an incurable malignant disease, which results from chronic exposition to asbestos in at least 70% of the cases. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is predominantly expressed on the surface of reactive tumor-associated fibroblasts as well as on particular cancer types. Because of its expression on the cell surface, FAP is an attractive target for adoptive T cell therapy. T cells can be re-directed by retroviral transfer of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and therefore represent a therapeutic strategy of adoptive immunotherapy. Methods To evaluate FAP expression immunohistochemistry was performed in tumor tissue from MPM patients. CD8+ human T cells were retrovirally transduced with an anti-FAP-F19-∆CD28/CD3ζ-CAR. T cell function was evaluated in vitro by cytokine release and cytotoxicity assays. In vivo function was tested with an intraperitoneal xenograft tumor model in immunodeficient mice. Results FAP was found to be expressed in all subtypes of MPM. Additionally, FAP expression was evaluated in healthy adult tissue samples and was only detected in specific areas in the pancreas, the placenta and very weakly for cervix and uterus. Expression of the anti-FAP-F19-∆CD28/CD3ζ-CAR in CD8+ T cells resulted in antigen-specific IFNγ release. Additionally, FAP-specific re-directed T cells lysed FAP positive mesothelioma cells and inflammatory fibroblasts in an antigen-specific manner in vitro. Furthermore, FAP-specific re-directed T cells inhibited the growth of FAP positive human tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity of mice and significantly prolonged survival of mice. Conclusion FAP re-directed CD8+ T cells showed antigen-specific functionality in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, FAP expression was verified in all MPM histotypes. Therefore, our data support performing a phase I clinical trial in which MPM patients are treated with adoptively transferred FAP-specific re-directed T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra C Schuberth
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistr. 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
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Abstract
T cells have the capacity to eradicate diseased cells, but tumours present considerable challenges that render T cells ineffectual. Cancer cells often make themselves almost 'invisible' to the immune system, and they sculpt a microenvironment that suppresses T cell activity, survival and migration. Genetic engineering of T cells can be used therapeutically to overcome these challenges. T cells can be taken from the blood of cancer patients and then modified with genes encoding receptors that recognize cancer-specific antigens. Additional genes can be used to enable resistance to immunosuppression, to extend survival and to facilitate the penetration of engineered T cells into tumours. Using genetic modification, highly active, self-propagating 'slayers' of cancer cells can be generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Kershaw
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. michael.kershaw@ petermac.org
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Maher J. Immunotherapy of malignant disease using chimeric antigen receptor engrafted T cells. ISRN ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:278093. [PMID: 23304553 PMCID: PMC3523553 DOI: 10.5402/2012/278093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor- (CAR-) based immunotherapy has been under development for almost 25 years, over which period it has progressed from a new but cumbersome technology to an emerging therapeutic modality for malignant disease. The approach involves the genetic engineering of fusion receptors (CARs) that couple the HLA-independent binding of cell surface target molecules to the delivery of a tailored activating signal to host immune cells. Engineered CARs are delivered most commonly to peripheral blood T cells using a range of vector systems, most commonly integrating viral vectors. Preclinical refinement of this approach has proceeded over several years to the point that clinical testing is now being undertaken at several centres, using increasingly sophisticated and therapeutically successful genetic payloads. This paper considers several aspects of the pre-clinical and clinical development of CAR-based immunotherapy and how this technology is acquiring an increasing niche in the treatment of both solid and haematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Department of Research Oncology, King's Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Immunology, Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 3DJ, UK
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK
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29
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Effector memory and central memory NY-ESO-1-specific re-directed T cells for treatment of multiple myeloma. Gene Ther 2012; 20:386-95. [PMID: 22739387 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2012.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1 is a potential target antigen for immune therapy expressed in a subset of patients with multiple myeloma. We generated chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) recognizing the immunodominant NY-ESO-1 peptide 157-165 in the context of HLA-A*02:01 to re-direct autologous CD8(+) T cells towards NY-ESO-1(+) myeloma cells. These re-directed T cells specifically lysed NY-ESO-1(157-165)/HLA-A*02:01-positive cells and secreted IFNγ. A total of 40% of CCR7(-) re-directed T cells had an effector memory phenotype and 5% a central memory phenotype. Based on CCR7 cell sorting, effector and memory CAR-positive T cells were separated and CCR7(+) memory cells demonstrated after antigen-specific re-stimulation downregulation of CCR7 as sign of differentiation towards effector cells accompanied by an increased secretion of memory signature cytokines such as IL-2. To evaluate NY-ESO-1 as potential target antigen, we screened 78 bone marrow biopsies of multiple myeloma patients where NY-ESO-1 protein was found to be expressed by immunohistochemistry in 9.7% of samples. Adoptively transferred NY-ESO-1-specific re-directed T cells protected mice against challenge with endogenously NY-ESO-1-positive myeloma cells in a xenograft model. In conclusion, re-directed effector- and central memory T cells specifically recognized NY-ESO-1(157-165)/ HLA-A*02:01-positive cells resulting in antigen-specific functionality in vitro and in vivo.
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30
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Abstract
Tumour and virus-infected cells are recognised by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells that, in response, are activated to eliminate these cells. In order to be activated, the clonotypic T-cell receptor (TCR) needs to encounter a specific peptide antigen presented by the membrane surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule. Cells that have undergone malignant transformation or viral infection present peptides derived from tumour-associated antigens or viral proteins on their MHC class I molecules. Therefore, disease-specific MHC-peptide complexes are desirable targets for immunotherapeutic approaches. One such approach transforms the unique fine specificity but low intrinsic affinity of TCRs to MHC-peptide complexes into high-affinity soluble antibody molecules endowed with a TCR-like specificity towards tumour or viral epitopes. These antibodies, termed TCR-like antibodies, are being developed as a new class of immunotherapeutics that can target tumour and virus-infected cells and mediate their specific killing. In addition to their therapeutic capabilities, TCR-like antibodies are being developed as diagnostic reagents for cancer and infectious diseases, and serve as valuable research tools for studying MHC class I antigen presentation.
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31
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Chicaybam L, Laino Sodré A, Bonamino M. Chimeric Antigen Receptors in Cancer Immuno-Gene Therapy: Current Status and Future Directions. Int Rev Immunol 2011; 30:294-311. [DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2011.595855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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32
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Tassev DV, Cheng M, Cheung NKV. Retargeting NK92 cells using an HLA-A2-restricted, EBNA3C-specific chimeric antigen receptor. Cancer Gene Ther 2011; 19:84-100. [PMID: 21979579 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2011.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Advances in adoptive cell immunotherapy have led to several promising options for cancer patients. Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) were isolated from a human phage display library by panning on recombinant human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-peptide complexes. A scFv (EBNA Clone 315) specific for HLA-A2 carrying a 10 amino acid peptide (LLDFVRFMGV) derived from the Epstein-Barr virus latent protein EBNA3C was fully characterized. EBNA Clone 315 displayed exquisite specificity toward its targeted T-cell epitope (TCE) and did not cross-react with the free peptide, HLA-A2 complexes, which carried irrelevant peptides, or HLA-A2(-) cells. Furthermore, after engineering into a scFv-Fc fusion protein, we were able to determine its affinity, detection sensitivity, and ability to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). As a proof-of-principle, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) version of EBNA Clone 315 was used to reprogram NK92MI cells. CAR-expressing NK92MI cells showed highly specific and potent cytotoxicity toward the targeted TCE, with detection sensitivity of approximately 25 molecules and cytolytic capacity threefold greater than scFv-Fc-mediated ADCC. For the first time, we show the successful reprogramming of non-T cells toward a specific TCE using a CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- D V Tassev
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
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33
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Koehler P, Schmidt P, Hombach AA, Hallek M, Abken H. Engineered T cells for the adoptive therapy of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Adv Hematol 2011; 2012:595060. [PMID: 21837241 PMCID: PMC3152962 DOI: 10.1155/2012/595060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) remains an incurable disease due to the high risk of relapse, even after complete remission, raising the need to control and eliminate residual tumor cells in long term. Adoptive T cell therapy with genetically engineered specificity is thought to fulfil expectations, and clinical trials for the treatment of CLL are initiated. Cytolytic T cells from patients are redirected towards CLL cells by ex vivo engineering with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which binds to CD19 on CLL cells through an antibody-derived domain and triggers T cell activation through CD3ζ upon tumor cell engagement. Redirected T cells thereby target CLL cells in an MHC-unrestricted fashion, secret proinflammatory cytokines, and eliminate CD19(+) leukaemia cells with high efficiency. Cytolysis of autologous CLL cells by patient's engineered T cells is effective, however, accompanied by lasting elimination of healthy CD19(+) B-cells. In this paper we discuss the potential of the strategy in the treatment of CLL, the currently ongoing trials, and the future challenges in the adoptive therapy with CAR-engineered T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Koehler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Patrick Schmidt
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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34
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Ramos CA, Dotti G. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered lymphocytes for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:855-73. [PMID: 21463133 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.573476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) usually combine the antigen binding site of a monoclonal antibody with the signal activating machinery of a T cell, freeing antigen recognition from MHC restriction and thus breaking one of the barriers to more widespread application of cellular therapy. Similar to treatment strategies employing monoclonal antibodies, T cells expressing CARs are highly targeted, but additionally offer the potential benefits of active trafficking to tumor sites, in vivo expansion and long-term persistence. Furthermore, gene transfer allows the introduction of countermeasures to tumor immune evasion and of safety mechanisms. AREAS COVERED The basic structure of so-called first and later generation CARs and their potential advantages over other immune therapy systems. How these molecules can be grafted into immune cells (including retroviral and non-retroviral transduction methods) and strategies to improve the in vivo persistence and function of immune cells expressing CARs. Examples of tumor-associated antigens that have been targeted in preclinical models and clinical experience with these modified cells. Safety issues surrounding CAR gene transfer into T cells and potential solutions to them. EXPERT OPINION Because of recent advances in immunology, genetics and cell processing, CAR-modified T cells will likely play an increasing role in the cellular therapy of cancer, chronic infections and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Ramos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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35
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Focus on adoptive T cell transfer trials in melanoma. Clin Dev Immunol 2010; 2010:260267. [PMID: 21234353 PMCID: PMC3018069 DOI: 10.1155/2010/260267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive Cell Transfer (ACT) of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) in combination with lymphodepletion has proven to be an effective treatment for metastatic melanoma patients, with an objective response rate in 50%–70% of the patients. It is based on the ex vivo expansion and activation of tumor-specific T lymphocytes extracted from the tumor and their administration back to the patient. Various TIL-ACT trials, which differ in their TIL generation procedures and patient preconditioning, have been reported. In the latest clinical studies, genetically engineered peripheral T cells were utilized instead of TIL. Further improvement of adoptive T cell transfer depends on new investigations which seek higher TIL quality, increased durable response rates, and aim to treat more patients. Simplifying this therapy may encourage cancer centers worldwide to adopt this promising technology. This paper focuses on the latest progress regarding adoptive T cell transfer, comparing the currently available protocols and discussing their advantages, disadvantages, and implication in the future.
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36
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Chmielewski M, Hombach AA, Abken H. CD28 cosignalling does not affect the activation threshold in a chimeric antigen receptor-redirected T-cell attack. Gene Ther 2010; 18:62-72. [PMID: 20944680 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy of cancer using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells with redirected specificity showed efficacy in recent trials. In preclinical models, 'second-generation' CARs with CD28 costimulatory domain in addition to CD3ζ performed superior in redirecting T-cell effector functions and survival. Whereas CD28 costimulation sustains physiological T-cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 activation of naïve T cells, the impact of CD28 cosignalling on the threshold of CAR-mediated activation of pre-stimulated T cells without B7-CD28 recruitment remained unclear. Using CARs of different binding affinities, but same epitope specificity, we demonstrate that CD28 cosignalling neither lowered the antigen threshold nor the binding affinity for redirected T-cell activation. 'Affinity ceiling' above which increase in affinity does not increase T-cell activation was not altered. Accordingly, redirected tumor cell killing depended on the binding affinity but was likewise effective for CD3ζ and CD28-CD3ζ CARs. In contrast to CD3ζ, CD28-CD3ζ CAR-driven activation was not increased further by CD28-B7 engagement. However, CD28 cosignalling, which is required for interleukin-2 induction could not be replaced by high-affinity CD3ζ CAR binding or high-density antigen engagement. We conclude that CD28 CAR cosignalling does not alter the activation threshold but redirects T-cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chmielewski
- Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln, and Tumorgenetik, Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Germany
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37
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Coccoris M, Straetemans T, Govers C, Lamers C, Sleijfer S, Debets R. T cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy to treat melanoma: lessons from clinical and preclinical studies. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:547-62. [PMID: 20146634 DOI: 10.1517/14712591003614756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) with tumour infiltrating lymphocytes is currently the best treatment option for metastatic melanoma. Despite its clinical successes, ACT has limitations in availability and generation of therapeutic T cells for a larger group of patients. Introduction of tumour-specific T cell receptors into T cells, termed TCR gene therapy, can provide an alternative for ACT that is more widely applicable and might be extended to other types of cancer. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW The current status of TCR gene therapy studies including clinical challenges, such as on-target toxicity, compromised anti-tumour T cell responses, compromised T cell persistence and potential immunogenicity of receptor transgenes. Strategies to address these challenges are covered. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN A listing and discussion of strategies that aim at improving the efficacy and safety of TCR gene therapy. Such strategies address antigen choice, TCR mis-pairing, functional avidity and persistence of T cells, immune responses towards receptor transgenes, and combination of ACT with other therapies. TAKE HOME MESSAGE To ensure further clinical development of TCR gene therapy, it is necessary to choose safe T cell target antigens, and implement (combinations of) strategies that enhance the correct pairing of TCR transgenes and the functional avidity and persistence of T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Coccoris
- Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Laboratory of Experimental Tumor immunology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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38
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Davies DM, Maher J. Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy of cancer using chimeric antigen receptor-grafted T cells. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2010; 58:165-78. [PMID: 20373147 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-010-0074-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing the power of the immune system to target cancer has long been a goal of tumor immunologists. One avenue under investigation is the modification of T cells to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Expression of such a receptor enables T-cell specificity to be redirected against a chosen tumor antigen. Substantial research in this field has been carried out, incorporating a wide variety of malignancies and tumor-associated antigens. Ongoing investigations will ensure this area continues to expand at a rapid pace. This review will explain the evolution of CAR technology over the last two decades in addition to detailing the associated benefits and disadvantages. The outcome of recent phase I clinical trials and the impact that these have had upon the direction of future research in this field will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Marc Davies
- King's College London School of Medicine, Research Oncology Section, Division of Cancer Studies, Third Floor Bermondsey Wing, Guy's Hospital Campus, St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RT, UK
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39
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T cell receptor gene therapy: strategies for optimizing transgenic TCR pairing. Trends Mol Med 2010; 16:77-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2009.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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40
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Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapies can produce objective clinical responses in patients with hematologic and solid malignancies. Genetic manipulation of T lymphocytes has been proposed as a means of increasing the potency and range of this anti-tumor activity. We now review how coupling expression of transgenic receptors with countermeasures against potent tumor immune evasion strategies is proving highly effective in pre-clinical models and describe how these approaches are being evaluated in human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Vera
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Malcolm K. Brenner
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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41
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Yvon E, Del Vecchio M, Savoldo B, Hoyos V, Dutour A, Anichini A, Dotti G, Brenner MK. Immunotherapy of metastatic melanoma using genetically engineered GD2-specific T cells. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:5852-60. [PMID: 19737958 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-3163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Genetic engineering of human T lymphocytes to express tumor-directed chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) can produce antitumor effector cells that bypass tumor immune escape mechanisms that are due to abnormalities in protein-antigen processing and presentation. Moreover, these transgenic receptors can be directed to tumor-associated antigens that are not protein-derived, such as the ganglioside GD2, which is expressed in a high proportion of melanoma cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We generated chimeric T cells specific for the ganglioside GD2 by joining an extracellular antigen-binding domain derived from the GD2-specific antibody sc14.G2a to cytoplasmic signaling domains derived from the T-cell receptor zeta-chain, with the endodomains of the costimulatory molecules CD28 and OX40. We expressed this CAR in human T cells and assessed the targeting of GD2-positive melanoma tumors in vitro and in a murine xenograft. RESULTS Upon coincubation with GD2-expressing melanoma cells, CAR-GD2 T lymphocytes incorporating the CD28 and OX40 endodomains secreted significant levels of cytokines in a pattern comparable with the cytokine response obtained by engagement of the native CD3 receptor. These CAR-T cells had antimelanoma activity in vitro and in our xenograft model, increasing the survival of tumor-bearing animals. CONCLUSION Redirecting human T lymphocytes to the tumor-associated ganglioside GD2 generates effector cells with antimelanoma activity that should be testable in subjects with disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Yvon
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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42
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Sadelain M, Brentjens R, Rivière I. The promise and potential pitfalls of chimeric antigen receptors. Curr Opin Immunol 2009; 21:215-23. [PMID: 19327974 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2009.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 358] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
One important purpose of T cell engineering is to generate tumor-targeted T cells through the genetic transfer of antigen-specific receptors, which consist of either physiological, MHC-restricted T cell receptors (TCRs) or non MHC-restricted chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). CARs combine antigen-specificity and T cell activating properties in a single fusion molecule. First generation CARs, which included as their signaling domain the cytoplasmic region of the CD3zeta or Fc receptor gamma chain, effectively redirected T cell cytotoxicity but failed to enable T cell proliferation and survival upon repeated antigen exposure. Receptors encompassing both CD28 and CD3zeta are the prototypes for second generation CARs, which are now rapidly expanding to a diverse array of receptors with different functional properties. First generation CARs have been tested in phase I clinical studies in patients with ovarian cancer, renal cancer, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma, where they have induced modest responses. Second generation CARs, which are just now entering the clinical arena in the B cell malignancies and other cancers, will provide a more significant test for this approach. If the immunogenicity of CARs can be averted, the versatility of their design and HLA-independent antigen recognition will make CARs tools of choice for T cell engineering for the development of targeted cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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43
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Rational development of high-affinity T-cell receptor-like antibodies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:5784-8. [PMID: 19307587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0901425106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell interaction with a target cell is a key event in the adaptive immune response and primarily driven by T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes. TCR avidity for a given pMHC is determined by number of MHC molecules, availability of coreceptors, and TCR affinity for MHC or peptide, respectively, with peptide recognition being the most important factor to confer target specificity. Here we present high-resolution crystal structures of 2 Fab antibodies in complex with the immunodominant NY-ESO-1(157-165) peptide analogue (SLLMWITQV) presented by HLA-A*0201 and compare them with a TCR recognizing the same pMHC. Binding to the central methionine-tryptophan peptide motif and orientation of binding were almost identical for Fabs and TCR. As the MW "peg" dominates the contacts between Fab and peptide, we estimated the contributions of individual amino acids between the Fab and peptide to provide the rational basis for a peptide-focused second-generation, high-affinity antibody library. The final Fab candidate achieved better peptide binding by 2 light-chain mutations, giving a 20-fold affinity improvement to 2-4 nM, exceeding the affinity of the TCR by 1,000-fold. The high-affinity Fab when grafted as recombinant TCR on T cells conferred specific killing of HLA-A*0201/NY-ESO-1(157-165) target cells. In summary, we prove that affinity maturation of antibodies mimicking a TCR is possible and provide a strategy for engineering high-affinity antibodies that can be used in targeting specific pMHC complexes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
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44
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Yoon SH, Lee JM, Cho HI, Kim EK, Kim HS, Park MY, Kim TG. Adoptive immunotherapy using human peripheral blood lymphocytes transferred with RNA encoding Her-2/neu-specific chimeric immune receptor in ovarian cancer xenograft model. Cancer Gene Ther 2008; 16:489-97. [PMID: 19096447 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2008.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The current gene transfer technology for single chain (scFv)-based chimeric immune receptor (CIR) has relied on retrovirus and lentivirus vectors which require a long time to obtain sufficient number of transduced cells and stably incorporate into genome. To ameliorate these limitations, we applied RNA electroporation to human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) activated with anti-CD3 antibody and interleukin-2 (IL-2) for 3 days and assessed that PBL transiently expressing anti-Her-2/neu CIR (CIR-PBL) containing signaling portion of CD28 and CD3zeta could elicit strong cytotoxicity in vitro and antitumor responses in vivo. The CIR-PBL expressed high level of CIR in CD4+, CD8+ and CD56+ cells. Her-2/neu-specific stimulation induced secretion of type-I cytokines including interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-8 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and IFN-gamma secretion was mainly mediated by CD8+ T cells. CIR-PBL specifically killed SKOV3 cell line expressing Her-2/neu. Adoptive transfer of CIR-PBL in SKOV3 xenograft model led to significant inhibition of tumor growth compared with transfer of mock-transduced PBL and showed higher inhibition than those with Herceptin, humanized monoclonal antibody specific for Her-2/neu. These results provided evidence that electroporation of CIR RNA to human PBLs could be used for rapid generation and high number of therapeutic antigen-specific T cells for adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Yoon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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45
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Emtage PCR, Lo ASY, Liu DL, Gomes EM, Gonzalo-Daganzo R, Junghans RP. Second-generation anti-carcinoembryonic antigen designer T cells resist activation-induced cell death, proliferate on tumor contact, secrete cytokines, and exhibit superior antitumor activity in vivo: a preclinical evaluation. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:8112-22. [PMID: 19088026 PMCID: PMC2659496 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-4910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This report describes the development and preclinical qualification tests of second-generation anti-carcinoembryonic (CEA) designer T cells for use in human trials. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The progenitor first-generation immunoglobulin-T-cell receptor (IgTCR) that transmits Signal 1-only effectively mediated chimeric immune receptor (CIR)-directed cytotoxicity, but expressor T cells succumbed to activation-induced cell death (AICD). The second-generation CIR (termed "Tandem" for two signals) was designed to transmit TCR Signal 1 and CD28 Signal 2 to render T cells resistant to AICD and provide prolonged antitumor effect in vivo. RESULTS A CIR was created that combines portions of CD28, TCRzeta, and a single chain antibody domain (sFv) specific for CEA into a single molecule (IgCD28TCR). As designed, the gene-modified Tandem T cells exhibit the new property of being resistant to AICD, showing instead an accelerated proliferation on tumor contact. Tandem T cells are more potent than first generation in targeting and lysing CEA+ tumor. Tandem T cells secrete high levels of interleukin-2 and IFNgamma on tumor contact that first-generation T cells lacked, but secretion was exhaustible, suggesting a need for interleukin-2 supplementation in therapy even for these second-generation agents. Finally, second-generation T cells were more effective in suppressing tumor in animal models. CONCLUSION An advanced generation of anti-CEA designer T cells is described with features that promise a more potent and enduring antitumor immune response in vivo. These preclinical data qualify the human use of this agent that is currently undergoing trial in patients with CEA+ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- PCR Emtage
- Division of Hematology –Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Institute of Human Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - ASY Lo
- Division of Hematology –Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Institute of Human Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - DL Liu
- Division of Hematology –Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Institute of Human Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - EM Gomes
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI 02908
| | - R Gonzalo-Daganzo
- Division of Hematology –Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Institute of Human Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - RP Junghans
- Division of Hematology –Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Institute of Human Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI 02908
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Willemsen R, Chames P, Schooten E, Gratama JW, Debets R. Selection of human antibody fragments directed against tumor T-cell epitopes for adoptive T-cell therapy. Cytometry A 2008; 73:1093-9. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Abstract
"T-bodies" are genetically engineered T cells armed with chimeric receptors whose extracellular recognition unit is comprised of an antibody-derived recognition domain and whose intracellular region is derived from lymphocyte stimulating moiety(ies). The structure of the prototypic chimeric receptor, also known as a chimeric immune receptor, is modular, designed to accomodate various functional domains and thereby to enable choice of specificity and controlled activation of T cells. The preferred antibody-derived recognition unit is a single chain variable fragment (scFv) that combines the specificity and binding residues of both the heavy and light chain variable regions of a monoclonal antibody. The most common lymphocyte activation moieties include a T-cell costimulatory (e.g. CD28) domain in tandem with a T-cell triggering (e.g. CD3zeta) moiety. By arming effector lymphocytes (such as T cells and natural killer cells) with such chimeric receptors, the engineered cell is redirected with a predefined specificity to any desired target antigen, in a non-HLA restricted manner. Chimeric receptor (CR) constructs are introduced ex vivo into T cells from peripheral lymphocytes of a given patient using retroviral vectors. Following infusion of the resulting T-bodies back into the patient, they traffic, reach their target site, and upon interaction with their target cell or tissue, they undergo activation and perform their predefined effector function. Therapeutic targets for the T-body approach include cancer and HIV-infected cells, or autoimmune effector cells. To date, the most investigated area is cancer therapy. Here, the T-bodies are advantageous because their tumor recognition is not HLA-specific and, therefore, the same constructs can be used for a wide spectrum of patients and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Eshhar
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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Stauss HJ, Cesco-Gaspere M, Thomas S, Hart DP, Xue SA, Holler A, Wright G, Perro M, Little AM, Pospori C, King J, Morris EC. Monoclonal T-cell receptors: new reagents for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1744-50. [PMID: 17637721 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of antigen-specific T lymphocytes is an effective form of immunotherapy for persistent virus infections and cancer. A major limitation of adoptive therapy is the inability to isolate antigen-specific T lymphocytes reproducibly. The demonstration that cloned T-cell receptor (TCR) genes can be used to produce T lymphocyte populations of desired specificity offers new opportunities for antigen-specific T-cell therapy. TCR gene-modified lymphocytes display antigen-specific function in vitro, and were shown to protect against virus infection and tumor growth in animal models. A recent trial in humans demonstrated that TCR gene-modified T cells persisted in all and reduced melanoma burden in 2/15 patients. In future trials, it may be possible to use TCR gene transfer to equip helper and cytotoxic T cells with new antigen-specificity, allowing both T-cell subsets to cooperate in achieving improved clinical responses. Sequence modifications of TCR genes are being explored to enhance TCR surface expression, while minimizing the risk of pairing between introduced and endogenous TCR chains. Current T-cell transduction protocols that trigger T-cell differentiation need to be modified to generate "undifferentiated" T cells, which, upon adoptive transfer, display improved in vivo expansion and survival. Both, expression of only the introduced TCR chains and the production of naïve T cells may be possible in the future by TCR gene transfer into stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans J Stauss
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Pathology, University College London, Hampstead Campus, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
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Sergeeva A, Kolonin MG, Molldrem JJ, Pasqualini R, Arap W. Display technologies: application for the discovery of drug and gene delivery agents. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2006; 58:1622-54. [PMID: 17123658 PMCID: PMC1847402 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2006.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2006] [Accepted: 09/29/2006] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Recognition of molecular diversity of cell surface proteomes in disease is essential for the development of targeted therapies. Progress in targeted therapeutics requires establishing effective approaches for high-throughput identification of agents specific for clinically relevant cell surface markers. Over the past decade, a number of platform strategies have been developed to screen polypeptide libraries for ligands targeting receptors selectively expressed in the context of various cell surface proteomes. Streamlined procedures for identification of ligand-receptor pairs that could serve as targets in disease diagnosis, profiling, imaging and therapy have relied on the display technologies, in which polypeptides with desired binding profiles can be serially selected, in a process called biopanning, based on their physical linkage with the encoding nucleic acid. These technologies include virus/phage display, cell display, ribosomal display, mRNA display and covalent DNA display (CDT), with phage display being by far the most utilized. The scope of this review is the recent advancements in the display technologies with a particular emphasis on molecular mapping of cell surface proteomes with peptide phage display. Prospective applications of targeted compounds derived from display libraries in the discovery of targeted drugs and gene therapy vectors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sergeeva
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Mikhail G. Kolonin
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Molldrem
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Wadih Arap
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
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Kowolik CM, Topp MS, Gonzalez S, Pfeiffer T, Olivares S, Gonzalez N, Smith DD, Forman SJ, Jensen MC, Cooper LJN. CD28 costimulation provided through a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor enhances in vivo persistence and antitumor efficacy of adoptively transferred T cells. Cancer Res 2006; 66:10995-1004. [PMID: 17108138 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) combine an antigen-binding domain with a CD3-zeta signaling motif to redirect T-cell specificity to clinically important targets. First-generation CAR, such as the CD19-specific CAR (designated CD19R), may fail to fully engage genetically modified T cells because activation is initiated by antigen-dependent signaling through chimeric CD3-zeta, independent of costimulation through accessory molecules. We show that enforced expression of the full-length costimulatory molecule CD28 in CD8(+)CD19R(+)CD28(-) T cells can restore fully competent antigen-dependent T-cell activation upon binding CD19(+) targets expressing CD80/CD86. Thus, to provide costimulation to T cells through a CD19-specific CAR, independent of binding to CD80/CD86, we developed a second-generation CAR (designated CD19RCD28), which includes a modified chimeric CD28 signaling domain fused to chimeric CD3-zeta. CD19R(+) and CD19RCD28(+) CD8(+) T cells specifically lyse CD19(+) tumor cells. However, the CD19RCD28(+) CD8(+) T cells proliferate in absence of exogenous recombinant human interleukin-2, produce interleukin-2, propagate, and up-regulate antiapoptotic Bcl-X(L) after stimulation by CD19(+) tumor cells. For the first time, we show in vivo that adoptively transferred CD19RCD28(+) T cells show an improved persistence and antitumor effect compared with CD19R(+) T cells. These data imply that modifications to the CAR can result in improved therapeutic potential of CD19-specific T cells expressing this second-generation CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Kowolik
- Divisions of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute and City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
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