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Long AW, Xu H, Santich BH, Guo H, Hoseini SS, de Stanchina E, Cheung NKV. Heterodimerization of T cell engaging bispecific antibodies to enhance specificity against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:20. [PMID: 38650005 PMCID: PMC11036555 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01538-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EGFR and/or HER2 expression in pancreatic cancers is correlated with poor prognoses. We generated homodimeric (EGFRxEGFR or HER2xHER2) and heterodimeric (EGFRxHER2) T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) to direct polyclonal T cells to these antigens on pancreatic tumors. METHODS EGFR and HER2 T-BsAbs were constructed using the 2 + 2 IgG-[L]-scFv T-BsAbs format bearing two anti-CD3 scFvs attached to the light chains of an IgG to engage T cells while retaining bivalent binding to tumor antigens with both Fab arms. A Fab arm exchange strategy was used to generate EGFRxHER2 heterodimeric T-BsAb carrying one Fab specific for EGFR and one for HER2. EGFR and HER2 T-BsAbs were also heterodimerized with a CD33 control T-BsAb to generate 'tumor-monovalent' EGFRxCD33 and HER2xCD33 T-BsAbs. T-BsAb avidity for tumor cells was studied by flow cytometry, cytotoxicity by T-cell mediated 51Chromium release, and in vivo efficacy against cell line-derived xenografts (CDX) or patient-derived xenografts (PDX). Tumor infiltration by T cells transduced with luciferase reporter was quantified by bioluminescence. RESULTS The EGFRxEGFR, HER2xHER2, and EGFRxHER2 T-BsAbs demonstrated high avidity and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines in vitro with EC50s in the picomolar range (0.17pM to 18pM). They were highly efficient in driving human polyclonal T cells into subcutaneous PDAC xenografts and mediated potent T cell-mediated anti-tumor effects. Both EGFRxCD33 and HER2xCD33 tumor-monovalent T-BsAbs displayed substantially reduced avidity by SPR when compared to homodimeric EGFRxEGFR or HER2xHER2 T-BsAbs (∼150-fold and ∼6000-fold respectively), tumor binding by FACS (8.0-fold and 63.6-fold), and T-cell mediated cytotoxicity (7.7-fold and 47.2-fold), while showing no efficacy against CDX or PDX. However, if either EGFR or HER2 was removed from SW1990 by CRISPR-mediated knockout, the in vivo efficacy of heterodimeric EGFRxHER2 T-BsAb was lost. CONCLUSION EGFR and HER2 were useful targets for driving T cell infiltration and tumor ablation. Two arm Fab binding to either one or both targets was critical for robust anti-tumor effect in vivo. By engaging both targets, EGFRxHER2 heterodimeric T-BsAb exhibited potent anti-tumor effects if CDX or PDX were EGFR+HER2+ double-positive with the potential to spare single-positive normal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan W Long
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Brian H Santich
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hongfen Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | | | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Philippova J, Shevchenko J, Sennikov S. GD2-targeting therapy: a comparative analysis of approaches and promising directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371345. [PMID: 38558810 PMCID: PMC10979305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Disialoganglioside GD2 is a promising target for immunotherapy with expression primarily restricted to neuroectodermal and epithelial tumor cells. Although its role in the maintenance and repair of neural tissue is well-established, its functions during normal organism development remain understudied. Meanwhile, studies have shown that GD2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Its functions include proliferation, invasion, motility, and metastasis, and its high expression and ability to transform the tumor microenvironment may be associated with a malignant phenotype. Structurally, GD2 is a glycosphingolipid that is stably expressed on the surface of tumor cells, making it a suitable candidate for targeting by antibodies or chimeric antigen receptors. Based on mouse monoclonal antibodies, chimeric and humanized antibodies and their combinations with cytokines, toxins, drugs, radionuclides, nanoparticles as well as chimeric antigen receptor have been developed. Furthermore, vaccines and photoimmunotherapy are being used to treat GD2-positive tumors, and GD2 aptamers can be used for targeting. In the field of cell therapy, allogeneic immunocompetent cells are also being utilized to enhance GD2 therapy. Efforts are currently being made to optimize the chimeric antigen receptor by modifying its design or by transducing not only αβ T cells, but also γδ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophages. In addition, immunotherapy can combine both diagnostic and therapeutic methods, allowing for early detection of disease and minimal residual disease. This review discusses each immunotherapy method and strategy, its advantages and disadvantages, and highlights future directions for GD2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergey Sennikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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3
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Middelburg J, Sluijter M, Schaap G, Göynük B, Lloyd K, Ovcinnikovs V, Zom GG, Marijnissen RJ, Groeneveldt C, Griffioen L, Sandker GGW, Heskamp S, van der Burg SH, Arakelian T, Ossendorp F, Arens R, Schuurman J, Kemper K, van Hall T. T-cell stimulating vaccines empower CD3 bispecific antibody therapy in solid tumors. Nat Commun 2024; 15:48. [PMID: 38167722 PMCID: PMC10761684 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44308-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
CD3 bispecific antibody (CD3 bsAb) therapy is clinically approved for refractory hematological malignancies, but responses in solid tumors have been limited so far. One of the main hurdles in solid tumors is the lack of sufficient T-cell infiltrate. Here, we show that pre-treatment vaccination, even when composed of tumor-unrelated antigens, induces CXCR3-mediated T-cell influx in immunologically 'cold' tumor models in male mice. In the absence of CD3 bsAb, the infiltrate is confined to the tumor invasive margin, whereas subsequent CD3 bsAb administration induces infiltration of activated effector CD8 T cells into the tumor cell nests. This combination therapy installs a broadly inflamed Th1-type tumor microenvironment, resulting in effective tumor eradication. Multiple vaccination formulations, including synthetic long peptides and viruses, empower CD3 bsAb therapy. Our results imply that eliciting tumor infiltration with vaccine-induced tumor-(un)related T cells can greatly improve the efficacy of CD3 bsAbs in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Sluijter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gaby Schaap
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Büşra Göynük
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Christianne Groeneveldt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Griffioen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gerwin G W Sandker
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Heskamp
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Tsolere Arakelian
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ferry Ossendorp
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ramon Arens
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Lan HR, Chen M, Yao SY, Chen JX, Jin KT. Bispecific antibodies revolutionizing breast cancer treatment: a comprehensive overview. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1266450. [PMID: 38111570 PMCID: PMC10725925 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1266450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is known as a complex and prevalent disease requiring the development of novel anticancer therapeutic approaches. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have emerged as a favorable strategy for BCa treatment due to their unique ability to target two different antigens simultaneously. By targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on cancer cells, engaging immune effector cells, or blocking critical signaling pathways, BsAbs offer enhanced tumor specificity and immune system involvement, improving anti-cancer activity. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of BsAbs in BCa. For example, BsAbs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) have shown the ability to redirect immune cells to HER2-positive BCa cells, resulting in effective tumor cell killing. Moreover, targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway by BsAbs has demonstrated promising outcomes in overcoming immunosuppression and enhancing immune-mediated tumor clearance. Combining BsAbs with existing therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has also revealed synergistic effects in preclinical models and early clinical trials, emphasizing the usefulness and potential of BsAbs in BCa treatment. This review summarizes the latest evidence about BsAbs in treating BCa and the challenges and opportunities of their use in BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Rong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shi-Ya Yao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Xia Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ke-Tao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
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Guo X, Wu Y, Xue Y, Xie N, Shen G. Revolutionizing cancer immunotherapy: unleashing the potential of bispecific antibodies for targeted treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1291836. [PMID: 38106416 PMCID: PMC10722299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent progressions in immunotherapy have transformed cancer treatment, providing a promising strategy that activates the immune system of the patient to find and eliminate cancerous cells. Bispecific antibodies, which engage two separate antigens or one antigen with two distinct epitopes, are of tremendous concern in immunotherapy. The bi-targeting idea enabled by bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) is especially attractive from a medical standpoint since most diseases are complex, involving several receptors, ligands, and signaling pathways. Several research look into the processes in which BsAbs identify different cancer targets such angiogenesis, reproduction, metastasis, and immune regulation. By rerouting cells or altering other pathways, the bispecific proteins perform effector activities in addition to those of natural antibodies. This opens up a wide range of clinical applications and helps patients with resistant tumors respond better to medication. Yet, further study is necessary to identify the best conditions where to use these medications for treating tumor, their appropriate combination partners, and methods to reduce toxicity. In this review, we provide insights into the BsAb format classification based on their composition and symmetry, as well as the delivery mode, focus on the action mechanism of the molecule, and discuss the challenges and future perspectives in BsAb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Guo
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xue
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Guobo Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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6
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Awuah D, Li L, Williams L, Urak R, Kujawski M, Forman SJ, Shively JE, Wang X. Ex-vivo CS1-OKT3 dual specific bivalent antibody-armed effector T cells mediate cellular immunity against multiple myeloma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20853. [PMID: 38012196 PMCID: PMC10682018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engaging antibodies (bsAbs) have emerged as novel and powerful therapeutic agents for redirecting T cells towards antigen-specific tumor killing. The cell surface glycoprotein and SLAM family member, CS1, exhibits stable and high-level expression on malignant plasma cells including multiple myeloma, which is indicative of an ideal target for bsAb therapy. Here, we developed a CS1 bsAb (CS1-dbBiTE) using Click chemistry to conjugate intact anti-CS1 antibody (Elotuzumab) and anti-huOKT3 antibody at their respective hinge regions. Using a cellular therapy approach, human T cells were armed ex-vivo with CS1-dbBiTE prior to examining effector activity. Our data indicates that arming T cells with CS1-dbBiTE induced T cell activation and expansion and subsequent cytotoxic activity against CS1-bearing MM tumors, demonstrated by significant CD107a expression as well as inflammatory cytokine secretion. As expected, CS1-dbBiTE armed T cells showed significantly reduced effector activity in the absence of CS1 expression. Similarly, in MM mouse xenograft studies, armed T cells exhibited effective anti-tumor efficacy highlighted by reduced tumor burden in MM.1S tumor-bearing mice compared to controls. On the basis of these findings, the rationale for CS1 targeting by human T cells armed with CS1-dbBiTE presents a potentially effective therapeutic approach for targeting MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Awuah
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lindsay Williams
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Ryan Urak
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Maciej Kujawski
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Stephen J Forman
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - John E Shively
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Xiuli Wang
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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Luangwattananun P, Sangsuwannukul T, Supimon K, Thuwajit C, Chieochansin T, Sa-Nguanraksa D, Samarnthai N, O-Charoenrat P, Junking M, Yenchitsomanus PT. Anti-PD-L1 × anti-CD3 bispecific T-cell engager-armed T cells can overcome immunosuppression and redirect T cells to kill breast cancer cells expressing PD-L1. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:111012. [PMID: 37804657 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment. Nonetheless, T cell antitumor activity can be inhibited by an immune checkpoint molecule expressed on cancer cells, program death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which interacts with the PD-1 on T cells. We generated αPD-L1 × αCD3 bispecific T-cell engager-armed T cells (BATs) to prevent PD-L1/PD-1 interaction and hence to redirect T cells to kill cancer cells. αPD-L1 × αCD3 bispecific T-cell engagers (BTEs) were produced from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to arm human primary T cells. Flow cytometry was used to investigate BTE binding to BATs. The cytotoxicity of BATs against PD-L1-expressing breast cancer (BC) cell lines was assessed in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) culture models. The binding stability of BTE on BATs and their efficacy after cryopreservation were also examined. The CHO cell BTE expression yield was 3.34 mg/ml. The binding ability on T cells reached 91.02 ± 4.2 %. BATs specifically lysed PD-L1-expressing BC cells, with 56.4 ± 15.3 % HCC70 cells and 70.67 ± 15.6 % MDA-MB-231 cells lysed at a 10:1 effector-to-target ratio. BATs showed slight, nonsignificant lysis of PD-L1-negative BC cells, MCF-7, and T47D. Moreover, BATs significantly disrupted MDA-MB-231 3D spheroids expressing PD-L1 after 48 and 72 h of coculture. Cryopreserved BATs maintained BTE binding stability, cell viability, and anticancer activity, comparable to fresh BATs. αPD-L1 × αCD3 BATs induced the cytolysis of PD-L1-expressing BC cells in 2D and 3D coculture assays. BATs can be prepared and preserved, facilitating their use and transportation. This study demonstrates the potential of αPD-L1 × αCD3 BATs in treating cancers with positive PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piriya Luangwattananun
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanich Sangsuwannukul
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kamonlapat Supimon
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thaweesak Chieochansin
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Doonyapat Sa-Nguanraksa
- Division of Head Neck and Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Norasate Samarnthai
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Mutita Junking
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Wang Y, Han J, Wang D, Cai M, Xu Y, Hu Y, Chen H, He W, Zhang J. Anti-PD-1 antibody armored γδ T cells enhance anti-tumor efficacy in ovarian cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:399. [PMID: 37857598 PMCID: PMC10587135 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells have the unique ability to detect a wide range of tumors with low mutation burdens, making them attractive candidates for CAR-T-cell therapy. Unlike αβ T cells and other immune cells, γδ T cells are superior in MHC non-restriction, selective cell recruitment, and rapid activation. However, clinical trials have shown limited clinical benefits, and the adoptive transplantation of γδ T cells has often fallen short of expectations. We hypothesized that the limited effectiveness of γδ T cells in eradicating tumor cells may be attributed to the inhibitory tumor microenvironment induced by the suppressive PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Herein, we constructed novel armored γδ T cells capable of secreting humanized anti-PD-1 antibodies, referred to as "Lv-PD1-γδ T cells. Lv-PD1-γδ T cells showed improved proliferation and enhanced cytotoxicity against tumor cells, resulting in augmented therapeutic effects and survival benefits in ovarian tumor-bearing mice. These engineered cells demonstrated a prolonged in vivo survival of more than 29 days, without any potential for tumorigenicity in immunodeficient NOD/SCID/γ null mice. We also found that Lv-PD1-γδ T cells exhibited excellent tolerance and safety in humanized NOD/SCID/γ null mice. With attenuated or eliminated immunosuppression and maximized cytotoxicity efficacy by the local secretion of anti-PD1 antibodies in tumors, Lv-PD1-γδ T cells can serve as a promising "off-the-shelf" cell therapy against cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Jingyi Han
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Menghua Cai
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Changzhou Xitaihu Institute for Frontier Technology of Cell Therapy, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Changzhou Xitaihu Institute for Frontier Technology of Cell Therapy, Changzhou, 213000, China.
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Machy P, Mortier E, Birklé S. Biology of GD2 ganglioside: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1249929. [PMID: 37670947 PMCID: PMC10475612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1249929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the broader glycosphingolipid family, gangliosides are composed of a ceramide bound to a sialic acid-containing glycan chain, and locate at the plasma membrane. Gangliosides are produced through sequential steps of glycosylation and sialylation. This diversity of composition is reflected in differences in expression patterns and functions of the various gangliosides. Ganglioside GD2 designates different subspecies following a basic structure containing three carbohydrate residues and two sialic acids. GD2 expression, usually restrained to limited tissues, is frequently altered in various neuroectoderm-derived cancers. While GD2 is of evident interest, its glycolipid nature has rendered research challenging. Physiological GD2 expression has been linked to developmental processes. Passing this stage, varying levels of GD2, physiologically expressed mainly in the central nervous system, affect composition and formation of membrane microdomains involved in surface receptor signaling. Overexpressed in cancer, GD2 has been shown to enhance cell survival and invasion. Furthermore, binding of antibodies leads to immune-independent cell death mechanisms. In addition, GD2 contributes to T-cell dysfunction, and functions as an immune checkpoint. Given the cancer-associated functions, GD2 has been a source of interest for immunotherapy. As a potential biomarker, methods are being developed to quantify GD2 from patients' samples. In addition, various therapeutic strategies are tested. Based on initial success with antibodies, derivates such as bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines have been developed, engaging patient immune system. Cytotoxic effectors or payloads may be redirected based on anti-GD2 antibodies. Finally, vaccines can be used to mount an immune response in patients. We review here the pertinent biological information on GD2 which may be of use for optimizing current immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stéphane Birklé
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
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10
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Park JA, Cheung NKV. Promise and Challenges of T Cell Immunotherapy for Osteosarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12520. [PMID: 37569894 PMCID: PMC10419531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cure rate for metastatic or relapsed osteosarcoma has not substantially improved over the past decades despite the exploitation of multimodal treatment approaches, allowing long-term survival in less than 30% of cases. Patients with osteosarcoma often develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, where personalized targeted therapies should offer new hope. T cell immunotherapy as a complementary or alternative treatment modality is advancing rapidly in general, but its potential against osteosarcoma remains largely unexplored. Strategies incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells, and T cell engaging bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are being explored to tackle relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma. However, osteosarcoma is an inherently heterogeneous tumor, both at the intra- and inter-tumor level, with no identical driver mutations. It has a pro-tumoral microenvironment, where bone cells, stromal cells, neovasculature, suppressive immune cells, and a mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) combine to derail T cell infiltration and its anti-tumor function. To realize the potential of T cell immunotherapy in osteosarcoma, an integrated approach targeting this complex ecosystem needs smart planning and execution. Herein, we review the current status of T cell immunotherapies for osteosarcoma, summarize the challenges encountered, and explore combination strategies to overcome these hurdles, with the ultimate goal of curing osteosarcoma with less acute and long-term side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong A Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Nai-Kong V. Cheung
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
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11
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Einloth KR, Gayfield S, McMaster T, Didier A, Dworkin L, Creeden JF. The application, safety, and future of ex vivo immune cell therapies and prognosis in different malignancies. Bioimpacts 2023; 13:439-455. [PMID: 38022382 PMCID: PMC10676524 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.27521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Immunotherapy has revolutionized how cancer is treated. Many of these immunotherapies rely on ex vivo expansion of immune cells, classically T cells. Still, several immunological obstacles remain, including tumor impermeability by immune cells and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Logistically, high costs of treatment and variable clinical responses have also plagued traditional T cell-based immunotherapies. Methods To review the existing literature on cellular immunotherapy, the PubMed database was searched for publications using variations of the phrases "cancer immunotherapy", "ex vivo expansion", and "adoptive cell therapy". The Clinicaltrials.gov database was searched for clinical trials related to ex vivo cellular therapies using the same phrases. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for cancer treatment were also referenced. Results To circumvent the challenges of traditional T cell-based immunotherapies, researchers have developed newer therapies including tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), T cell receptor (TCR) modified T cell, and antibody-armed T cell therapies. Additionally, newer immunotherapeutic strategies have used other immune cells, including natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DC), to modulate the T cell immune response to cancers. From a prognostic perspective, circulating tumor cells (CTC) have been used to predict cancer morbidity and mortality. Conclusion This review highlights the mechanism and clinical utility of various types of ex vivo cellular therapies in the treatment of cancer. Comparing these therapies or using them in combination may lead to more individualized and less toxic chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn R. Einloth
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Scott Gayfield
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Thomas McMaster
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Alexander Didier
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Lance Dworkin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Justin Fortune Creeden
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
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12
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Becker SA, Petrich BG, Yu B, Knight KA, Brown HC, Raikar SS, Doering CB, Spencer HT. Enhancing the effectiveness of γδ T cells by mRNA transfection of chimeric antigen receptors or bispecific T cell engagers. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:145-157. [PMID: 37387794 PMCID: PMC10300408 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) utilizing γδ T cells is becoming a promising option for the treatment of cancer, because it offers an off-the-shelf allogeneic product that is safe, potent, and clinically effective. Approaches to engineer or enhance immune-competent cells for ACT, like expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or combination treatments with bispecific T cell engagers, have improved the specificity and cytotoxic potential of ACTs and have shown great promise in preclinical and clinical settings. Here, we test whether electroporation of γδ T cells with CAR or secreted bispecific T cell engager (sBite) mRNA is an effective approach to improve the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells. Using a CD19-specific CAR, approximately 60% of γδ T cells are modified after mRNA electroporation and these cells show potent anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo against two CD19-positive cancer cell lines. In addition, expression and secretion of a CD19 sBite enhances γδ T cell cytotoxicity, both in vitro and in vivo, and promotes killing of target cells by modified and unmodified γδ T cells. Taken together, we show that transient transfection of γδ T cells with CAR or sBite mRNA by electroporation can be an effective treatment platform as a cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Becker
- Molecular and System Pharmacology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Bing Yu
- Expression Therapeutics, Inc, Tucker, GA, USA
| | - Kristopher A. Knight
- Molecular and System Pharmacology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sunil S. Raikar
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher B. Doering
- Molecular and System Pharmacology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H. Trent Spencer
- Molecular and System Pharmacology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Chen YJ, Chen M, Cheng TL, Tsai YS, Wang CH, Chen CY, Wu TY, Tzou SC, Wang KH, Cheng JJ, Kao AP, Lin SY, Chuang KH. A non-genetic engineering platform for rapidly generating and expanding cancer-specific armed T cells. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:35. [PMID: 37259079 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-specific adoptive T cell therapy has achieved successful milestones in multiple clinical treatments. However, the commercial production of cancer-specific T cells is often hampered by laborious cell culture procedures, the concern of retrovirus-based gene transfection, or insufficient T cell purity. METHODS In this study, we developed a non-genetic engineering technology for rapidly manufacturing a large amount of cancer-specific T cells by utilizing a unique anti-cancer/anti-CD3 bispecific antibody (BsAb) to directly culture human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The anti-CD3 moiety of the BsAb bound to the T cell surface and stimulated the differentiation and proliferation of T cells in PBMCs. The anti-cancer moiety of the BsAb provided these BsAb-armed T cells with the cancer-targeting ability, which transformed the naïve T cells into cancer-specific BsAb-armed T cells. RESULTS With this technology, a large amount of cancer-specific BsAb-armed T cells can be rapidly generated with a purity of over 90% in 7 days. These BsAb-armed T cells efficiently accumulated at the tumor site both in vitro and in vivo. Cytotoxins (perforin and granzyme) and cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) were dramatically released from the BsAb-armed T cells after engaging cancer cells, resulting in a remarkable anti-cancer efficacy. Notably, the BsAb-armed T cells did not cause obvious cytokine release syndrome or tissue toxicity in SCID mice bearing human tumors. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the BsAb-armed T cell technology represents a simple, time-saving, and highly safe method to generate highly pure cancer-specific effector T cells, thereby providing an affordable T cell immunotherapy to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jou Chen
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael Chen
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Lu Cheng
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shan Tsai
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Hung Wang
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Yi Chen
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yun Wu
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shey-Cherng Tzou
- Departmet of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hung Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Jy Cheng
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Shyr-Yi Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 252 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Hsiang Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center of Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Ph.D Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- The Ph.D. Program of Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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14
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Espinosa-Cotton M, Guo HF, Cheung NKV. Tracking Bispecific Antibody-Induced T Cell Trafficking Using Luciferase-Transduced Human T Cells. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64390. [PMID: 37246883 PMCID: PMC10999115 DOI: 10.3791/64390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) are in various stages of preclinical development and clinical testing for solid tumors. Factors such as valency, spatial arrangement, interdomain distance, and Fc mutations affect the anti-tumor efficacy of these therapies, commonly by influencing the homing of T cells to tumors, which remains a major challenge. Here, we describe a method to transduce activated human T cells with luciferase, allowing in vivo tracking of T cells during T-BsAb therapy studies. The ability of T-BsAbs to redirect T cells to tumors can be quantitatively evaluated at multiple time points during treatment, allowing researchers to correlate the anti-tumor efficacy of T-BsAbs and other interventions with the persistence of T cells in tumors. This method alleviates the need to sacrifice animals during treatment to histologically assess T cell infiltration and can be repeated at multiple time points to determine the kinetics of T cell trafficking during and after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong-Fen Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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15
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Park JA, Espinosa-Cotton M, Guo HF, Monette S, Cheung NKV. Targeting tumor vasculature to improve antitumor activity of T cells armed ex vivo with T cell engaging bispecific antibody. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2023-006680. [PMID: 36990507 PMCID: PMC10069597 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Success of T cell immunotherapy hinges on the tumor microenvironment (TME), and abnormal tumor vasculature is a hallmark of most solid tumors and associated with immune evasion. The efficacy of T cell engaging bispecific antibody (BsAb) treatment relies on the successful trafficking and cytolytic activity of T cells in solid tumors. Normalization of tumor vasculature using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockades could improve efficacy of BsAb-based T cell immunotherapy. METHODS Anti-human VEGF (bevacizumab, BVZ) or anti-mouse VEGFR2 antibody (DC101) was used as VEGF blockade, and ex vivo armed T cells (EATs) carrying anti-GD2, anti-HER2, or anti-glypican3 (GPC3) IgG-(L)-scFv platformed BsAb were used. BsAb-driven intratumoral T cell infiltration and in vivo antitumor response were evaluated using cancer cell line-derived xenografts (CDXs) or patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) carried out in BALB-Rag2 -/-IL-2R-γc-KO (BRG) mice. VEGF expression on human cancer cell lines was analyzed by flow cytometry, and VEGF levels in mouse serum were measured using VEGF Quantikine ELISA Kit. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were evaluated using flow cytometry and by bioluminescence; both TILs and tumor vasculature were studied using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS VEGF expression on cancer cell lines increased with seeding density in vitro. BVZ significantly reduced serum VEGF levels in mice. BVZ or DC101 increased high endothelial venules (HEVs) in the TME and substantially enhanced (2.1-8.1 fold) BsAb-driven T cell infiltration into neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma xenografts, which was preferential for CD8(+) TILs versus CD4(+) TILs, leading to superior antitumor effects in multiple CDX and PDX tumor models without added toxicities. CONCLUSIONS VEGF blockade using specific antibodies against VEGF or VEGFR2 increased HEVs in the TME and cytotoxic CD8(+) TILs, significantly improving the therapeutic efficacy of EAT strategies in preclinical models, supporting the clinical investigation of VEGF blockades to further enhance BsAb-based T cell immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong A Park
- Pediatrics, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Hong-Fen Guo
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sebastien Monette
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Ho M, Xiao A, Yi D, Zanwar S, Bianchi G. Treating Multiple Myeloma in the Context of the Bone Marrow Microenvironment. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:8975-9005. [PMID: 36421358 PMCID: PMC9689284 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29110705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment landscape of multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved considerably with the FDA-approval of at least 15 drugs over the past two decades. Together with the use of autologous stem cell transplantation, these novel therapies have resulted in significant survival benefit for patients with MM. In particular, our improved understanding of the BM and immune microenvironment has led to the development of highly effective immunotherapies that have demonstrated unprecedented response rates even in the multiple refractory disease setting. However, MM remains challenging to treat especially in a high-risk setting. A key mediator of therapeutic resistance in MM is the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment; a deeper understanding is necessary to facilitate the development of therapies that target MM in the context of the BM milieu to elicit deeper and more durable responses with the ultimate goal of long-term control or a cure of MM. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the role the BM microenvironment plays in MM pathogenesis, with a focus on its immunosuppressive nature. We also review FDA-approved immunotherapies currently in clinical use and highlight promising immunotherapeutic approaches on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Alexander Xiao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Dongni Yi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Saurabh Zanwar
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Giada Bianchi
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02120, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-525-4953
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Kubicka E, Lum LG, Huang M, Thakur A. Bispecific antibody-targeted T-cell therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:899468. [PMID: 36389764 PMCID: PMC9663847 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) continues to be therapeutically challenging. Non-toxic immunotherapy approaches are needed to provide long-term anti-leukemic effects. The goal of this study was to determine whether activated T cells (ATCs) armed with bispecific antibodies (BiAbs) could target and lyse leukemic and leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Anti-CD3 × anti-CD123 BiAb (CD123Bi) and anti-CD3 × anti-CD33GO (gemtuzumab ozogamicin [GO]) BiAb (CD33GOBi) were used to arm ATCs to produce bispecific antibody armed activated T cells (designated CD123 BATs or CD33GO BATs) to target AML cell lines, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from AML patients, and in vivo treatment of AML in xenogeneic NSG mice engrafted with leukemic cells. BATs exhibited high levels of specific cytotoxicity directed at AML cell lines at low 1:1 or 1:2 effector-to-target (E:T) ratios and secrete Th1 cytokines upon target engagement. In vivo study in AML-engrafted NSG mice showed significantly prolonged survival in mice treated with CD33GO BATs (p < 0.0001) or CD123 BATs (p < 0.0089) compared to ATC-treated control mice. Patient samples containing leukemic blasts and LSCs when treated with CD33GO BATs or CD123 BATs for 18 h showed a significant reduction (50%-100%; p < 0.005) in blasts and 75%-100% reduction in LSCs (p < 0.005) in most cases compared to unarmed ATCs. This approach may provide a potent and non-toxic strategy to target AML blasts and LSCs and enhance chemo-responsiveness in older patients who are likely to develop recurrent diseases.
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Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) are a new generation of antibody-based therapy, conveying artificial specificity to polyclonal T cells or radiohaptens. These drugs have been successfully implemented to cure hematologic malignancies and are under clinical investigation for solid tumors including HRNB. BsAbs designed to engage T cells or increase the therapeutic index of radiotherapy hold the potential to significantly improve the long-term survival of HRNB patients by shrinking bulky tumors and more effectively eliminating micrometastases and preventing relapse. BsAbs can also be used to arm T cells, yielding a product analogous to CAR T cells, possibly with an improved safety profile. A thoughtful and realistic integration of these therapies into the standard of care should benefit more patients worldwide. Here we describe the history of development of BsAbs for HRNB, which dates back almost three decades. We discuss the merits and pitfalls of all relevant BsAbs, including T cell-engagers and agents used for radioimmunotherapy, highlighting the importance of structural design and interdomain spacing for anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Espinosa-Cotton
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, NY 10065, New York.
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, NY 10065, New York
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19
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Moukengue B, Lallier M, Marchandet L, Baud’huin M, Verrecchia F, Ory B, Lamoureux F. Origin and Therapies of Osteosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3503. [PMID: 35884563 PMCID: PMC9322921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children, with a 5-year survival rate ranging from 70% to 20% depending on the aggressiveness of the disease. The current treatments have not evolved over the past four decades due in part to the genetic complexity of the disease and its heterogeneity. This review will summarize the current knowledge of OS origin, diagnosis and therapies. Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone tumor, mainly affecting children and young adults. Despite therapeutic advances, the 5-year survival rate is 70% but drastically decreases to 20–30% for poor responders to therapies or for patients with metastasis. No real evolution of the survival rates has been observed for four decades, explained by poor knowledge of the origin, difficulties related to diagnosis and the lack of targeted therapies for this pediatric tumor. This review will describe a non-exhaustive overview of osteosarcoma disease from a clinical and biological point of view, describing the origin, diagnosis and therapies.
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20
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Park JA, Cheung NKV. Overcoming tumor heterogeneity by ex vivo arming of T cells using multiple bispecific antibodies. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003771. [PMID: 35086947 PMCID: PMC8796264 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumorous heterogeneity is a hallmark of tumor evolution and cancer progression, being a longstanding challenge to targeted immunotherapy. Ex vivo armed T cells (EATs) using IgG-(L)-scFv bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are potent tumor-specific cytotoxic effectors. To improve the anti-tumor efficacy of EATs against heterogeneous solid tumors, we explored multi-antigen targeting approaches. METHODS Ex vivo expanded T cells were armed with BsAbs built on the IgG-(L)-scFv platform, where an anti-CD3 (huOKT3) scFv was attached to the carboxyl end of both light chains of a tumor specific IgG. Multispecificity was created by combining monospecific EATs, combining BsAbs on the same T cell, or combining specificities on the same antibody. Three multi-antigens targeting EAT strategies were tested: (1) pooled-EATs (EATs each with unique specificity administered simultaneously) or alternate-EATs (EATs each with unique specificity administered in an alternating schedule), (2) dual-EATs or multi-EATs (T cells simultaneously armed with ≥2 BsAbs), and (3) TriAb-EATs (T cells armed with BsAb specific for two targets besides CD3 (TriAb)). The properties and efficiencies of these three strategies were evaluated by flow cytometry, in vitro cytotoxicity, cytokine release assays, and in vivo studies performed in BALB-Rag2 -/-IL-2R-γc-KO (BRG) mice xenografted with cancer cell line (CDX) or patient-derived tumor (PDX). RESULTS Multi-EATs retained target antigen specificity and anti-tumor potency. Cytokine release with multi-EATs in the presence of tumor cells was substantially less than when multiple BsAbs were mixed with unarmed T cells. When tested against CDXs or PDXs, dual-EATs or multi-EATs effectively suppressed tumor growth without clinical toxicities. Most importantly, dual-EATs or multi-EATs were highly efficient in preventing clonal escape while mono-EATs or TriAb- EATs were not as effective. CONCLUSIONS Multi-EATs have the potential to increase potency, reduce toxicity, and overcome tumor heterogeneity without excessive cytokine release. Arming T cells with multiple BsAbs deserves further exploration to prevent or to treat cancer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong A Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Conventionally, adoptive cell therapies have been developed and optimized using αβ T cells. However, the understudied and less abundant γδ T cells offer unique advantages to the immunotherapy field especially for therapies against solid tumors. Recently, γδ T-cell potential against a broad spectrum of malignant cells has been demonstrated in the preclinical setting. In the clinic, γδ T-cell-based immunotherapies have proven to be safe; however, their efficacy needs improvement. Considering the growing body of literature reflecting the increasing interest in γδ T cells, we sought to capture the current topics of discussion in the field, pertaining to their use in adoptive immunotherapy. We aimed to compile information about γδ T-cell enhancement in terms of expansion, phenotype, and inhibitory receptors, in addition to the latest advances in preclinical and clinical research using γδ T cells specifically against solid epithelial tumors.
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22
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Moon D, Tae N, Park Y, Lee SW, Kim DH. Development of Bispecific Antibody for Cancer Immunotherapy: Focus on T Cell Engaging Antibody. Immune Netw 2022; 22:e4. [PMID: 35291652 PMCID: PMC8901699 DOI: 10.4110/in.2022.22.e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of immunotherapeutic control of cancers, many advances in biotechnology, especially in Ab engineering, have provided multiple new candidates as therapeutic immuno-oncology modalities. Bispecific Abs (BsAbs) that recognize 2 different antigens in one molecule are promising drug candidates and have inspired an upsurge in research in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Among several BsAbs, T cell engaging BsAb (TCEB), a new class of therapeutic agents designed to simultaneously bind to T cells and tumor cells via tumor cell specific antigens in immunotherapy, is the most promising BsAb. Herein, we are providing an overview of the current status of the development of TCEBs. The diverse formats and characteristics of TCEBs, in addition to the functional mechanisms of BsAbs are discussed. Several aspects of a new TCEB-Blinatumomab-are reviewed, including the current clinical data, challenges of patient treatment, drawbacks regarding toxicities, and resistance of TCEB therapy. Development of the next generation of TCEBs is also discussed in addition to the comparison of TCEB with current chimeric antigen receptor-T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dain Moon
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Nara Tae
- Global/Gangwon Innovative Biologics Regional Leading Research Center (GIB-RLRC), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Yunji Park
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Biotech Center, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Dae Hee Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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23
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Lin TY, Park JA, Long A, Guo HF, Cheung NKV. Novel potent anti-STEAP1 bispecific antibody to redirect T cells for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003114. [PMID: 34497115 PMCID: PMC8438958 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis for metastatic Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (EFT) is still poor despite high-dose chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Immunotherapies hold promise, but cancer antigen-targeting immunotherapies have largely failed to induce effective T cell receptor-mediated antitumor response. However, T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) have yet to be adequately explored. METHODS Rehumanized STEAP1-IgG was used to build T-BsAb (named BC261) using the 2+2 IgG-[L]-scFv platform carrying the anti-CD3 huOKT3 scFv as the second specificity. Its binding epitope mapping, species cross-reactivity, tumor cell line staining, and in vitro cytotoxicity were investigated thoroughly. Its potency in driving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was quantified using bioluminescence, correlated with in vivo antitumor response against cell line-derived or patient-derived xenografts (CDXs or PDXs) and compared with anti-STEAP1 T-BsAbs built on representative antibody platforms. RESULTS BC261 binding epitope was mapped to its second extracellular domain of STEAP1 shared among canine and primate orthologs. BC261 induced potent cytotoxicity against panels of EFT, prostate cancer, and canine osteosarcoma cell lines despite their low antigen density. BC261 drove significantly more TILs into tumors (30-fold) and exerted superior antitumor effects compared with the other standard BsAb platforms. The antitumor efficacy of BC261 was consistent against EFT and prostate cancer CDXs and PDXs. CONCLUSIONS BC261 was highly efficient in driving T cell infiltration and tumor ablation. Either as stand-alone therapeutics or for ex vivo armed T cells, this novel anti-STEAP1 T-BsAb BC261 has therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Yi Lin
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeong A Park
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan Long
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hong-Fen Guo
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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24
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Park JA, Wang L, Cheung NKV. Modulating tumor infiltrating myeloid cells to enhance bispecific antibody-driven T cell infiltration and anti-tumor response. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:142. [PMID: 34496935 PMCID: PMC8424962 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic cellular milieu to promote tumor angiogenesis, growth, proliferation, and metastasis, while derailing the host anti-tumor response. TME impedes bispecific antibody (BsAb) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-driven T cells infiltration, survival, and cytotoxic efficacy. Modulating tumor infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) could potentially improve the efficacy of BsAb. METHODS We evaluated the effects of TIM modulation on BsAb-driven T cell infiltration into tumors, their persistence, and in vivo anti-tumor response. Anti-GD2 BsAb and anti-HER2 BsAb built on IgG-[L]-scFv platform were tested against human cancer xenografts in BALB-Rag2-/-IL-2R-γc-KO (BRG) mice. Depleting antibodies specific for polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cell (PMN-MDSC), monocytic MDSC (M-MDSC), and tumor associated macrophage (TAM) were used to study the role of each TIM component. Dexamethasone, an established anti-inflammatory agent, was tested for its effect on TIMs. RESULTS BsAb-driven T cells recruited myeloid cells into human tumor xenografts. Each TIM targeting therapy depleted cells of interest in blood and in tumors. Depletion of PMN-MDSCs, M-MDSCs, and particularly TAMs was associated with enhanced T cell infiltration into tumors, significantly improving tumor control and survival in multiple cancer xenograft models. Dexamethasone premedication depleted monocytes in circulation and TAMs in tumors, enhanced BsAb-driven T cell infiltration, and anti-tumor response with survival benefit. CONCLUSION Reducing TIMs markedly enhanced anti-tumor effects of BsAb-based T cell immunotherapy by improving intratumoral T cell infiltration and persistence. TAM depletion was more effective than PMN- or M-MDSCs depletion at boosting the anti-tumor response of T cell engaging BsAb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong A Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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