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Grant M, Ni Lee L, Chinnakannan S, Tong O, Kwok J, Cianci N, Tillman L, Saha A, Pereira Almeida V, Leung C. Unlocking cancer vaccine potential: What are the key factors? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2331486. [PMID: 38564321 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2331486] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global health challenge, with changing demographics and lifestyle factors producing an increasing burden worldwide. Screening advancements are enabling earlier diagnoses, but current cancer immunotherapies only induce remission in a small proportion of patients and come at a high cost. Cancer vaccines may offer a solution to these challenges, but they have been mired by poor results in past decades. Greater understanding of tumor biology, coupled with the success of vaccine technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, has reinvigorated cancer vaccine development. With the first signs of efficacy being reported, cancer vaccines may be beginning to fulfill their potential. Solid tumors, however, present different hurdles than infectious diseases. Combining insights from previous cancer vaccine clinical development and contemporary knowledge of tumor immunology, we ask: who are the 'right' patients, what are the 'right' targets, and which are the 'right' modalities to maximize the chances of cancer vaccine success?
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Li Y, Hu Z, Li Y, Wu X. Charting new paradigms for CAR-T cell therapy beyond current Achilles heels. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1409021. [PMID: 38751430 PMCID: PMC11094207 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1409021] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy has made remarkable strides in treating hematological malignancies. However, the widespread adoption of CAR-T cell therapy is hindered by several challenges. These include concerns about the long-term and complex manufacturing process, as well as efficacy factors such as tumor antigen escape, CAR-T cell exhaustion, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Additionally, safety issues like the risk of secondary cancers post-treatment, on-target off-tumor toxicity, and immune effector responses triggered by CAR-T cells are significant considerations. To address these obstacles, researchers have explored various strategies, including allogeneic universal CAR-T cell development, infusion of non-activated quiescent T cells within a 24-hour period, and in vivo induction of CAR-T cells. This review comprehensively examines the clinical challenges of CAR-T cell therapy and outlines strategies to overcome them, aiming to chart pathways beyond its current Achilles heels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenhua Hu
- Department of Health and Nursing, Nanfang College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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3
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Shumnalieva R, Velikova T, Monov S. Expanding the role of CAR T-cell therapy: From B-cell hematological malignancies to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15182. [PMID: 38742463 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15182] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy where the lymphocytes, mostly T-cells, are redirected to specifically recognize and eliminate a target antigen by coupling them with CARs. The binding of CAR and target cell surface antigens leads to vigorous T cell activation and robust anti-tumor immune responses. Areas of implication of CAR T-cell therapies include mainly hematological malignancies (i.e., advanced B-cell cancers); however, recent studies have proven the unprecedented success of the new immunotherapy also in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We aim to review the recent advances in CAR T-cell therapies in rheumatology but also to address the limitations of their use in the real clinical practice based on the data on their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russka Shumnalieva
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinic of Rheumatology, Medical University-Sofia, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetelina Velikova
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"- Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Simeon Monov
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinic of Rheumatology, Medical University-Sofia, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Xu MY, Zeng N, Liu CQ, Sun JX, An Y, Zhang SH, Xu JZ, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Hu J, Xia QD, Wang SG. Enhanced cellular therapy: revolutionizing adoptive cellular therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38664743 PMCID: PMC11046957 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00506-6] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced cellular therapy has emerged as a novel concept following the basis of cellular therapy. This treatment modality applied drugs or biotechnology to directly enhance or genetically modify cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT). Drugs or biotechnology that enhance the killing ability of immune cells include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) / antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory factors, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), oncolytic virus (OV), etc. Firstly, overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME) can enhance the efficacy of ACT, which can be achieved by blocking the immune checkpoint. Secondly, cytokines or cytokine receptors can be expressed by genetic engineering or added directly to adoptive cells to enhance the migration and infiltration of adoptive cells to tumor cells. Moreover, multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be designed to enhance the specific recognition of tumor cell-related antigens, and OVs can also stimulate antigen release. In addition to inserting suicide genes into adoptive cells, PROTAC technology can be used as a safety switch or degradation agent of immunosuppressive factors to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive cells. This article comprehensively summarizes the mechanism, current situation, and clinical application of enhanced cellular therapy, describing potential improvements to adoptive cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen-Qian Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Xuan Sun
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ye An
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Han Zhang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhong
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Yang Ma
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao-Dong He
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi-Dong Xia
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Yuan G, Ye M, Zhang Y, Zeng X. Challenges and strategies in relation to effective CAR-T cell immunotherapy for solid tumors. Med Oncol 2024; 41:126. [PMID: 38652178 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02310-y] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but its application to solid tumors is limited. CAR-T cells have poor incapability of entering, surviving, proliferating, and finally exerting function in the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the main strategies related to enhancing the infiltration, efficacy, antigen recognition, and production of CAR-T in solid tumors. Additional applications of CAR-γδ T and macrophages are also discussed. We believe CAR-T will be a milestone in treating solid tumors once these problems are solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxun Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Mengke Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yixi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Xun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Zhao X, Shao S, Hu L. The recent advancement of TCR-T cell therapies for cancer treatment. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024. [PMID: 38557898 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapies involve infusing engineered immune cells into cancer patients to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. Adoptive cell therapy, as a form of living drug, has undergone explosive growth over the past decade. The recognition of tumor antigens by the T-cell receptor (TCR) is one of the natural mechanisms that the immune system used to eliminate tumor cells. TCR-T cell therapy, which involves introducing exogenous TCRs into patients' T cells, is a novel cell therapy strategy. TCR-T cell therapy can target the entire proteome of cancer cells. Engineering T cells with exogenous TCRs to help patients combat cancer has achieved success in clinical trials, particularly in treating solid tumors. In this review, we examine the progress of TCR-T cell therapy over the past five years. This includes the discovery of new tumor antigens, protein engineering techniques for TCR, reprogramming strategies for TCR-T cell therapy, clinical studies on TCR-T cell therapy, and the advancement of TCR-T cell therapy in China. We also propose several potential directions for the future development of TCR-T cell therapy.
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Kashyap D, Salman H. Targeting Interleukin-13 Receptor α2 and EphA2 in Aggressive Breast Cancer Subtypes with Special References to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3780. [PMID: 38612592 PMCID: PMC11011362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073780] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCA) remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. This review delves into the therapeutic challenges of BCA, emphasizing the roles of interleukin-13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2) and erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) in tumor progression and resistance. Highlighting their overexpression in BCA, particularly in aggressive subtypes, such as Her-2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), we discuss the potential of these receptors as targets for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. We examine the structural and functional roles of IL-13Rα2 and EphA2, their pathological significance in BCA, and the promising therapeutic avenues their targeting presents. With an in-depth analysis of current immunotherapeutic strategies, including the limitations of existing treatments and the potential of dual antigen-targeting CAR T-cell therapies, this review aims to summarize potential future novel, more effective therapeutic interventions for BCA. Through a thorough examination of preclinical and clinical studies, it underlines the urgent need for targeted therapies in combating the high mortality rates associated with Her-2-enriched and TNBC subtypes and discusses the potential role of IL-13Rα2 and EphA2 as promising candidates for the development of CAR T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huda Salman
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
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Cho Y, Laird M, Bishop T, Li R, Ruffo E, Lohmueller J, Zervantonakis IK. CAR T cell infiltration and cytotoxic killing within the core of 3D breast cancer spheroids under control of antigen sensing in microwell arrays. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.14.585033. [PMID: 38654820 PMCID: PMC11037865 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.14.585033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in blood cancers has intensified efforts to develop CAR T therapies for solid cancers. In the solid tumor microenvironment, CAR T cell trafficking and suppression of cytotoxic killing represent limiting factors for therapeutic efficacy. Here, we present a microwell platform to study CAR T cell interactions with 3D tumor spheroids and determine predictors of anti-tumor CAR T cell function. To precisely control antigen sensing by CAR T cells, we utilized a switchable adaptor CAR system, that instead of directly binding to an antigen of interest, covalently attaches to co-administered antibody adaptors that mediate tumor antigen recognition. Following addition of an anti-HER2 adaptor antibody, primary human CAR T cells exhibited higher infiltration and clustering compared to the no adaptor control. By tracking CAR T cell killing at the individual spheroid level, we showed the suppressive effects of spheroid size and identified the initial CAR T cell : spheroid area ratio as a predictor of cytotoxicity. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed lower CAR T cell numbers and cytotoxicity in the spheroid core compared to the periphery. Finally, increasing CAR T cell seeding density, resulted in higher CAR T cell infiltration and cancer cell elimination in the spheroid core. Our findings provide new quantitative insights into CAR T cell-mediated killing of HER2+ breast tumor cells. Given the miniaturized nature and live imaging capabilities, our microfabricated system holds promise for discovering cell-cell interaction mechanisms that orchestrate antitumor CAR T cell functions and screening cellular immunotherapies in 3D tumor models.
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Caforio M, Iacovelli S, Quintarelli C, Locatelli F, Folgiero V. GMP-manufactured CRISPR/Cas9 technology as an advantageous tool to support cancer immunotherapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:66. [PMID: 38424590 PMCID: PMC10905844 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02993-1] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRISPR/Cas9 system to treat human-related diseases has achieved significant results and, even if its potential application in cancer research is improving, the application of this approach in clinical practice is still a nascent technology. MAIN BODY CRISPR/Cas9 technology is not yet used as a single therapy to treat tumors but it can be combined with traditional treatment strategies to provide personalized gene therapy for patients. The combination with chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy has been proven to be a powerful means of screening, identifying, validating and correcting tumor targets. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 technology and CAR T-cell therapies have been integrated to open novel opportunities for the production of more efficient CAR T-cells for all patients. GMP-compatible equipment and reagents are already available for several clinical-grade systems at present, creating the basis and framework for the accelerated development of novel treatment methods. CONCLUSION Here we will provide a comprehensive collection of the actual GMP-grade CRISPR/Cas9-mediated approaches used to support cancer therapy highlighting how this technology is opening new opportunities for treating tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Caforio
- U.O. Cellular and Genetic Therapy of Hematological Diseases, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S Iacovelli
- U.O Officina Farmaceutica, Good Manufacturing Practice Facility, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - C Quintarelli
- U.O. Cellular and Genetic Therapy of Hematological Diseases, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F Locatelli
- U.O. Cellular and Genetic Therapy of Hematological Diseases, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- U.O. Cellular and Genetic Therapy of Hematological Diseases, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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Hung YP, Tu CC, Lai JI, Yang MH, Lee JM, Chao Y. Enhanced tumor control activities of anti-mPD-L1 antibody and antigen-presenting cell-like natural killer cell in an allograft model. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:136. [PMID: 38279092 PMCID: PMC10811836 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11889-4] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating numerous types of cancers being approved, their efficacy in tumor control in the clinic is not satisfactory. Since adoptive cell therapy (ACT) can alter the tumor microenvironment, we hypothesized that ACT potentially synergized with ICI in tumor control and examined this hypothesis via a murine allograft model. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were stimulated with interleukin 15 and granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor, followed by collecting their bone marrow cells for murine NKDC cultivation. Then, female C57BL/6 mice, inoculated with lymphoma cancer cell line E.G7-OVA, were administrated with murine NKDC cells, murine anti-program cell death ligand-1 antibody (α-mPD-L1), or both for 28 days. After 28 days of treatment, mice were sacrificed whose inoculated tumors, spleen, sentinel lymph nodes, and peripheral blood were collected to measure tumor size, lymphocyte infiltration, and change of immune cell profile. RESULTS Combined treatment of NKDCs with α-mPD-L1 exhibited significantly stronger tumor control efficacy than treatment of NKDCs or α-mPD-L1 alone. NKDCs/α-mPD-L1 combination increased migration of dendritic cells, CD4, CD8 T cells, and activated CD8 T cells to the tumor-bedding site, and promoted endogenous tumor-specific cytotoxic T-cell response. CONCLUSION The current study confirmed our hypothesis that combining NKDC ACT with ICI therapy can potentiate tumor control efficacy by manipulating the tumor microenvironment. This study provided a novel circumstance on tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Hung
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Tu
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-I Lai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Mou Lee
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan.
| | - Yee Chao
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinic and Hospital, Taipei, 106441, Taiwan.
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Omotesho QA, Escamilla A, Pérez-Ruiz E, Frecha CA, Rueda-Domínguez A, Barragán I. Epigenetic targets to enhance antitumor immune response through the induction of tertiary lymphoid structures. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1348156. [PMID: 38333212 PMCID: PMC10851080 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348156] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid aggregates found in sites of chronic inflammation such as tumors and autoimmune diseases. The discovery that TLS formation at tumor sites correlated with good patient prognosis has triggered extensive research into various techniques to induce their formation at the tumor microenvironment (TME). One strategy is the exogenous induction of specific cytokines and chemokine expression in murine models. However, applying such systemic chemokine expression can result in significant toxicity and damage to healthy tissues. Also, the TLS formed from exogenous chemokine induction is heterogeneous and different from the ones associated with favorable prognosis. Therefore, there is a need to optimize additional approaches like immune cell engineering with lentiviral transduction to improve the TLS formation in vivo. Similarly, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of the different phases of TLS neogenesis are still unknown. Understanding these molecular regulations could help identify novel targets to induce tissue-specific TLS in the TME. This review offers a unique insight into the molecular checkpoints of the different stages and mechanisms involved in TLS formation. This review also highlights potential epigenetic targets to induce TLS neogenesis. The review further explores epigenetic therapies (epi-therapy) and ongoing clinical trials using epi-therapy in cancers. In addition, it builds upon the current knowledge of tools to generate TLS and TLS phenotyping biomarkers with predictive and prognostic clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quadri Ajibola Omotesho
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alejandro Escamilla
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Human Physiology, Human Histology, Pathological Anatomy and Physical Sport Education, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pérez-Ruiz
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
| | - Cecilia A. Frecha
- Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Civil Hospital, Malaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Rueda-Domínguez
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
| | - Isabel Barragán
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Group of Pharmacoepigenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhang H, Liu Y, Liu J, Chen J, Wang J, Hua H, Jiang Y. cAMP-PKA/EPAC signaling and cancer: the interplay in tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:5. [PMID: 38233872 PMCID: PMC10792844 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01524-x] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease resulting from abnormal cell growth that is induced by a number of genetic and environmental factors. The tumor microenvironment (TME), which involves extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), tumor-infiltrating immune cells and angiogenesis, plays a critical role in tumor progression. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger that has pleiotropic effects on the TME. The downstream effectors of cAMP include cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) and ion channels. While cAMP can activate PKA or EPAC and promote cancer cell growth, it can also inhibit cell proliferation and survival in context- and cancer type-dependent manner. Tumor-associated stromal cells, such as CAF and immune cells, can release cytokines and growth factors that either stimulate or inhibit cAMP production within the TME. Recent studies have shown that targeting cAMP signaling in the TME has therapeutic benefits in cancer. Small-molecule agents that inhibit adenylate cyclase and PKA have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. In addition, cAMP-elevating agents, such as forskolin, can not only induce cancer cell death, but also directly inhibit cell proliferation in some cancer types. In this review, we summarize current understanding of cAMP signaling in cancer biology and immunology and discuss the basis for its context-dependent dual role in oncogenesis. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which cAMP and the TME interact in cancer will be critical for the development of effective therapies. Future studies aimed at investigating the cAMP-cancer axis and its regulation in the TME may provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Zhang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jieya Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinzhu Chen
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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13
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Foley CR, Swan SL, Swartz MA. Engineering Challenges and Opportunities in Autologous Cellular Cancer Immunotherapy. J Immunol 2024; 212:188-198. [PMID: 38166251 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The use of a patient's own immune or tumor cells, manipulated ex vivo, enables Ag- or patient-specific immunotherapy. Despite some clinical successes, there remain significant barriers to efficacy, broad patient population applicability, and safety. Immunotherapies that target specific tumor Ags, such as chimeric Ag receptor T cells and some dendritic cell vaccines, can mount robust immune responses against immunodominant Ags, but evolving tumor heterogeneity and antigenic downregulation can drive resistance. In contrast, whole tumor cell vaccines and tumor lysate-loaded dendritic cell vaccines target the patient's unique tumor antigenic repertoire without prior neoantigen selection; however, efficacy can be weak when lower-affinity clones dominate the T cell pool. Chimeric Ag receptor T cell and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapies additionally face challenges related to genetic modification, T cell exhaustion, and immunotoxicity. In this review, we highlight some engineering approaches and opportunities to these challenges among four classes of autologous cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen R Foley
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Sheridan L Swan
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Melody A Swartz
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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14
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Esmaeilzadeh A, Hadiloo K, Jabbari M, Elahi R. Current progress of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T versus CAR NK cell for immunotherapy of solid tumors. Life Sci 2024; 337:122381. [PMID: 38145710 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122381] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Equipping cancer-fighting immune cells with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has gained immense attention for cancer treatment. CAR-engineered T cells (CAR T cells) are the first immune-engineered cells that have achieved brilliant results in anti-cancer therapy. Despite promising anti-cancer features, CAR T cells could also cause fatal side effects and have shown inadequate efficacy in some studies. This has led to the introduction of other candidates for CAR transduction, e.g., Natural killer cells (NK cells). Regarding the better safety profile and anti-cancer properties, CAR-armored NK cells (CAR NK cells) could be a beneficial and suitable alternative to CAR T cells. Since introducing these two cells as anti-cancer structures, several studies have investigated their efficacy and safety, and most of them have focused on hematological malignancies. Solid tumors have unique properties that make them more resistant and less curable cancers than hematological malignancies. In this review article, we conduct a comprehensive review of the structure and properties of CAR NK and CAR T cells, compare the recent experience of immunotherapy with CAR T and CAR NK cells in various solid cancers, and overview current challenges and future solutions to battle solid cancers using CARNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Marjan Jabbari
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Elahi
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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15
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Lan H, Wu B, Jin K, Chen Y. Beyond boundaries: unraveling innovative approaches to combat bone-metastatic cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1260491. [PMID: 38260135 PMCID: PMC10800370 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1260491] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence demonstrated that bones, liver, and lungs are the most common metastasis sites in some human malignancies, especially in prostate and breast cancers. Bone is the third most frequent target for spreading tumor cells among these organs and tissues. Patients with bone-metastatic cancers face a grim prognosis characterized by short median survival time. Current treatments have proven insufficient, as they can only inhibit metastasis or tumor progression within the bone tissues rather than providing a curative solution. Gaining a more profound comprehension of the interplay between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment (BME) is of utmost importance in tackling this issue. This knowledge will pave the way for developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis and discusses the clinical aspects of this pathologic condition. Additionally, it highlights emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients affected by bone-metastatic cancers. By synthesizing current research, this review seeks to shed light on the complexities of bone metastasis and offer insights for future advancements in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hosptial, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yefeng Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Czaplicka A, Lachota M, Pączek L, Zagożdżon R, Kaleta B. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: A Review of Current Evidence. Cells 2024; 13:101. [PMID: 38201305 PMCID: PMC10777940 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010101] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of malignant and non-malignant disorders. CARs are synthetic transmembrane receptors expressed on genetically modified immune effector cells, including T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, or macrophages, which are able to recognize specific surface antigens on target cells and eliminate them. CAR-modified immune cells mediate cytotoxic antitumor effects via numerous mechanisms, including the perforin and granzyme pathway, Fas and Fas Ligand (FasL) pathway, and cytokine secretion. High hopes are associated with the prospective use of the CAR-T strategy against solid cancers, especially the ones resistant to standard oncological therapies, such as pancreatic cancer (PC). Herein, we summarize the current pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating potential tumor-associated antigens (TAA), CAR-T cell toxicities, and their efficacy in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Czaplicka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Mazovian “Bródnowski” Hospital, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Mieszko Lachota
- Laboratory of Cellular and Genetic Therapies, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (R.Z.)
| | - Leszek Pączek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Genetic Therapies, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (R.Z.)
| | - Beata Kaleta
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland;
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17
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Teng F, Cui T, Zhou L, Gao Q, Zhou Q, Li W. Programmable synthetic receptors: the next-generation of cell and gene therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:7. [PMID: 38167329 PMCID: PMC10761793 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01680-5] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell and gene therapies hold tremendous promise for treating a range of difficult-to-treat diseases. However, concerns over the safety and efficacy require to be further addressed in order to realize their full potential. Synthetic receptors, a synthetic biology tool that can precisely control the function of therapeutic cells and genetic modules, have been rapidly developed and applied as a powerful solution. Delicately designed and engineered, they can be applied to finetune the therapeutic activities, i.e., to regulate production of dosed, bioactive payloads by sensing and processing user-defined signals or biomarkers. This review provides an overview of diverse synthetic receptor systems being used to reprogram therapeutic cells and their wide applications in biomedical research. With a special focus on four synthetic receptor systems at the forefront, including chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors, we address the generalized strategies to design, construct and improve synthetic receptors. Meanwhile, we also highlight the expanding landscape of therapeutic applications of the synthetic receptor systems as well as current challenges in their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
| | - Tongtong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Li Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qingqin Gao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Wei Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
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18
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Yuan Y, Fan J, Liang D, Wang S, Luo X, Zhu Y, Liu N, Xiang T, Zhao X. Cell surface GRP78-directed CAR-T cells are effective at treating human pancreatic cancer in preclinical models. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101803. [PMID: 37897831 PMCID: PMC10630660 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101803] [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] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal solid malignancy with limited treatment options. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has been successfully applied to treat hematological malignancies, but faces many challenges in solid tumors. One major challenge is the shortage of tumor-selective targets. Cell surface GRP78 (csGRP78) is highly expressed on various solid cancer cells including pancreatic cancer, but not normal cells, providing a potential target for CAR-T cell therapy in pancreatic cancer. Here, we demonstrated that csGRP78-directed CAR-T (GRP78-CAR-T) cells effectively killed the human pancreatic cancer cell lines Bxpc-3-luc, Aspc-1-luc and MIA PaCa-2-luc, and pancreatic cancer stem-like cells derived from Aspc-1-luc cells and MIA PaCa-2-luc cells in vitro by a luciferase-based cytotoxicity assay. Importantly, we showed that GRP78-CAR-T cells efficiently homed to and infiltrated Aspc-1-luc cell-derived xenografts and significantly inhibited pancreatic tumor growth in vivo by performing mouse xenograft experiments. Interestingly, we found that gemcitabine treatment increased csGRP78 expression in gemcitabine-resistant MIA PaCa-2-luc cells, and the coapplication of gemcitabine with GRP78-CAR-T cells led to a robust cytotoxic effect on these cells in vitro. Taken together, our study demonstrates that csGRP78-directed CAR-T cells, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, selectively and efficiently target csGRP78-expressing pancreatic cancer cells to suppress pancreatic tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncang Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiawei Fan
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dandan Liang
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shijie Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Luo
- Development and Application of Human Major Disease Monkey Model Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Hengshu Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Yibin 644600, China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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19
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Han R, Wang Y, Lu L. Sensitizing the Efficiency of ICIs by Neoantigen mRNA Vaccines for HCC Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:59. [PMID: 38258070 PMCID: PMC10821464 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010059] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study builds upon the groundbreaking mRNA vaccine Nobel Prize win in 2023 for COVID-19 prevention, paving the way for next-generation mRNA cancer vaccines to revolutionize immunotherapy. Despite the existing challenges, such as the presence of a suppressive tumor microenvironment and the identification of cancer-associated antigens, recent results from the KEYNOTE-942 trial have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of mRNA-based cancer treatments, providing clinical evidence for the first time. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with mRNA-based therapies in treating cancer. This advancement undeniably represents new hope for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, progress in this field remains limited. In this article, we summarized the current state of applying immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with neoantigen mRNA vaccines. Additionally, we discussed potential targets for designing novel mRNA vaccines and potential mRNA vaccine delivery vehicles. The objective of this article is to inspire enthusiasm for the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies that combine ICIs with neoantigen mRNA vaccines for HCC treatment and HCC prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Yuqian Wang
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
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20
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Seyed-Khorrami SM, Azadi A, Rastegarvand N, Habibian A, Soleimanjahi H, Łos MJ. A promising future in cancer immunotherapy: Oncolytic viruses. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176063. [PMID: 37797673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176063] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Alongside the conventional methods, attention has been drawn to the use of immunotherapy-based methods for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy has developed as a therapeutic option that can be more specific with better outcomes in tumor treatment. It can boost or regulate the immune system behind the targeted virotherapy. Virotherapy is a kind of oncolytic immunotherapy that investigated broadly in cancer treatment in recent decades, due to its several advantages. According to recent advance in the field of understanding cancer cell biology and its occurrence, as well as increasing the knowledge about conditionally replicating oncolytic viruses and their destructive function in the tumor cells, nowadays, it is possible to apply this strategy in the treatment of malignancies. Relying on achievements in clinical trials of oncolytic viruses, we can certainly expect that this therapeutic perception can play a more central role in cancer treatment. In cancer treatment, combination therapy using oncolytic viruses alongside standard cancer treatment methods and other immunotherapy-based treatments can expect more promising results in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arezou Azadi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Rastegarvand
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ala Habibian
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marek J Łos
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, 8 Krzywousty St., 44-100, Gliwice, Poland; LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, Linkoping, Sweden.
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21
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Kausar MA, Anwar S, El-Horany HES, Khan FH, Tyagi N, Najm MZ, Sadaf, Eisa AA, Dhara C, Gantayat S. Journey of CAR T‑cells: Emphasising the concepts and advancements in breast cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:130. [PMID: 37830150 PMCID: PMC10622179 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5578] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the primary and one of the most prominent causes of the rising global mortality rate, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually. Specific methods have been devised to cure cancerous tumours. Effective therapeutic approaches must be developed, both at the cellular and genetic level. Immunotherapy offers promising results by providing sustained remission to patients with refractory malignancies. Genetically modified T‑lymphocytic cells have emerged as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of solid tumours, haematological malignancies, and relapsed/refractory B‑lymphocyte malignancies as a result of recent clinical trial findings; the treatment is referred to as chimeric antigen receptor T‑cell therapy (CAR T‑cell therapy). Leukapheresis is used to remove T‑lymphocytes from the leukocytes, and CARs are created through genetic engineering. Without the aid of a major histocompatibility complex, these genetically modified receptors lyse malignant tissues by interacting directly with the carcinogen. Additionally, the outcomes of preclinical and clinical studies reveal that CAR T‑cell therapy has proven to be a potential therapeutic contender against metastatic breast cancer (BCa), triple‑negative, and HER 2+ve BCa. Nevertheless, unique toxicities, including (cytokine release syndrome, on/off‑target tumour recognition, neurotoxicities, anaphylaxis, antigen escape in BCa, and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in solid tumours, negatively impact the mechanism of action of these receptors. In this review, the potential of CAR T‑cell immunotherapy and its method of destroying tumour cells is explored using data from preclinical and clinical trials, as well as providing an update on the approaches used to reduce toxicities, which may improve or broaden the effectiveness of the therapies used in BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Adnan Kausar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81411, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Ha'il, Hail 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadaf Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81411, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Ha'il, Hail 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hemat El-Sayed El-Horany
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81411, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Ha'il, Hail 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Farida Habib Khan
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Ha'il, Hail 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neetu Tyagi
- Bone Biology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | | | - Sadaf
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Alaa Abdulaziz Eisa
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina 30002, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chandrajeet Dhara
- School of Biosciences, Apeejay Stya University, Sohna, Gurugram 122003, Haryana
| | - Saumyatika Gantayat
- School of Biosciences, Apeejay Stya University, Sohna, Gurugram 122003, Haryana
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22
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Vryza P, Fischer T, Mistakidi E, Zaravinos A. Tumor mutation burden in the prognosis and response of lung cancer patients to immune-checkpoint inhibition therapies. Transl Oncol 2023; 38:101788. [PMID: 37776617 PMCID: PMC10542015 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101788] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapies have reshaped the therapeutic landscape in lung cancer management, providing first-time improvements in patient response, prognosis, and overall survival. Despite their clinical effectiveness, variability in treatment responsiveness, as well as drug resistance, have led to a compelling need for predictive biomarkers facilitating the individualized selection of the most efficient therapeutic approach. Significant progress has been made in the identification of such biomarkers, with tumor mutation burden (ΤΜΒ) appearing as the leading and most promising predictive biomarker for the efficacy of ICIs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among other tumors. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies have been extensively studied and clinically utilized. However, the overall efficiency of these drugs remains unsatisfactory, urging for the investigation of novel inhibitors, such as those targeting LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT and VISTA, which could be used either as a monotherapy or synergistically with the PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 blockers. Here, we investigate the role of TMB and cancer neoantigens as predictive biomarkers in the response of lung cancer patients to different ICI therapies, specifically focusing on the most recent immune checkpoint inhibitors, against LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT and VISTA. We further discuss the new trends in immunotherapies, including CAR T-cell therapy and personalized tumor vaccines. We also review further potential biomarkers that could be used in lung cancer response to immunotherapy, such as PD-L1+ IHC, MSI/dMMR, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), as well as the role of the microbiome and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vryza
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Timo Fischer
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Elena Mistakidi
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus.
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23
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Mannan A, Kakkar C, Dhiman S, Singh TG. Advancing the frontiers of adaptive cell therapy: A transformative mechanistic journey from preclinical to clinical settings. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111095. [PMID: 37875038 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111095] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Although the concept of using the patient's immune system to combat cancer has been around for a while, it is only in recent times that substantial progress has been achieved in this field. Over the last ten years, there has been a significant advancement in the treatment of cancer through immune checkpoint blockade. This treatment has been approved for multiple types of tumors. Another approach to modifying the immune system to detect tumor cells and fight them off is adaptive cell therapy (ACT). This therapy involves using T cells that have been modified with either T cell receptors (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) to target the tumor cells. ACT has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in different types of tumors, and clinical trials are currently underway worldwide to enhance this form of treatment. This review focuses on the advancements that have been made in ACT from preclinical to clinical settings till now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashi Mannan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
| | - Chirag Kakkar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
| | - Sonia Dhiman
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
| | - Thakur Gurjeet Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
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Zhang X, Guo H, Chen J, Xu C, Wang L, Ke Y, Gao Y, Zhang B, Zhu J. Highly proliferative and hypodifferentiated CAR-T cells targeting B7-H3 enhance antitumor activity against ovarian and triple-negative breast cancers. Cancer Lett 2023; 572:216355. [PMID: 37597651 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216355] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy is highly effective against hematological neoplasms. However, owing to tumor variability, low antigen specificity, and impermanent viability of CAR-T cells, their use in the treatment of solid tumors is limited. Here, a novel CAR-T cell targeting B7-H3 and incorporating a 4-1BB costimulatory molecule with STAT3-and STAT5-related activation motifs was constructed using lentivirus transduction. B7-H3, a tumor-associated antigen, and its scFv antibody endowed CAR-T cells with tumor-specific targeting capabilities. Moreover, the integration of the trIL2RB and YRHQ motifs stimulated STAT5 and STAT3 in an antigen-dependent manner, inducing a remarkable increase in the proliferation and survival of CAR-T cells via the activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Besides, the proportion of less-differentiated T cells increased among BB-trIL2RB-z(YRHQ) CAR-T cells. Moreover, BB-trIL2RB-z(YRHQ) effectively inhibited ovarian cancer (OC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in vivo at low doses, without high serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and organ toxicity. Therefore, our study proposes a combination of elements for the construction of superior pluripotent CAR-T cells to provide an effective strategy for the treatment of intractable solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuai Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Haiyan Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Jecho Biopharmaceutical Institute, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Chenxiao Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yong Ke
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Jecho Biopharmaceutical Institute, Shanghai, 200240, China
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25
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Meng L, Yang Y, Mortazavi A, Zhang J. Emerging Immunotherapy Approaches for Treating Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14347. [PMID: 37762648 PMCID: PMC10531627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814347] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an important approach for cancer treatment, but its clinical efficacy has been limited in prostate cancer compared to other malignancies. This review summarizes key immunotherapy strategies under evaluation for prostate cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific T cell-engaging antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, therapeutic vaccines, and cytokines. For each modality, the rationale stemming from preclinical studies is discussed along with outcomes from completed clinical trials and strategies to improve clinical efficacy that are being tested in ongoing clinical trials. Imperative endeavors include biomarker discovery for patient selection, deciphering resistance mechanisms, refining cellular therapies such as CAR T cells, and early-stage intervention were reviewed. These ongoing efforts instill optimism that immunotherapy may eventually deliver significant clinical benefits and expand treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbin Meng
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (Y.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Yuanquan Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (Y.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Amir Mortazavi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (Y.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Jingsong Zhang
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of South Florida, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Zhu S, Wu Y, Song B, Yi M, Yan Y, Mei Q, Wu K. Recent advances in targeted strategies for triple-negative breast cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:100. [PMID: 37641116 PMCID: PMC10464091 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01497-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer, negatively expresses estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Although chemotherapy is the main form of treatment for patients with TNBC, the effectiveness of chemotherapy for TNBC is still limited. The search for more effective therapies is urgent. Multiple targeted therapeutic strategies have emerged according to the specific molecules and signaling pathways expressed in TNBC. These include PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, Notch inhibitors, poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates. Moreover, immune checkpoint inhibitors, for example, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab, are widely explored in the clinic. We summarize recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy in TNBC, with the aim of serving as a reference for the development of individualized treatment of patients with TNBC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangli Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bin Song
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yuheng Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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27
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Farooq MA, Ajmal I, Hui X, Chen Y, Ren Y, Jiang W. β2-Adrenergic Receptor Mediated Inhibition of T Cell Function and Its Implications for CAR-T Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12837. [PMID: 37629018 PMCID: PMC10454818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612837] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment of most tumors is complex, comprising numerous aspects of immunosuppression. Several studies have indicated that the adrenergic system is vital for controlling immunological responses. In the context of the tumor microenvironment, nor-adrenaline (NA) is poured in by innervating nerves and tumor tissues itself. The receptors for nor-adrenaline are present on the surfaces of cancer and immune cells and are often involved in the activation of pro-tumoral signaling pathways. Beta2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) are an emerging class of receptors that are capable of modulating the functioning of immune cells. β2-AR is reported to activate regulatory immune cells and inhibit effector immune cells. Blocking β2-AR increases activation, proliferation, and cytokine release of T lymphocytes. Moreover, β2-AR deficiency during metabolic reprogramming of T cells increases mitochondrial membrane potential and biogenesis. In the view of the available research data, the immunosuppressive role of β2-AR in T cells presents it as a targetable checkpoint in CAR-T cell therapies. In this review, we have abridged the contemporary knowledge about adrenergic-stress-mediated β2-AR activation on T lymphocytes inside tumor milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; (M.A.F.); (I.A.)
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28
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Giorgioni L, Ambrosone A, Cometa MF, Salvati AL, Magrelli A. CAR-T State of the Art and Future Challenges, A Regulatory Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11803. [PMID: 37511562 PMCID: PMC10380644 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411803] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review is an outlook on CAR-T development up to the beginning of 2023, with a special focus on the European landscape and its regulatory field, highlighting the main features and limitations affecting this innovative therapy in cancer treatment. We analysed the current state of the art in the EU and set out a showcase of the field's potential advancements in the coming years. For this analysis, the data used came from the available scientific literature as well as from the European Medicines Agency and from clinical trial databases. The latter were investigated to query the studies on CAR-Ts that are active and/or relevant to the review process. As of this writing, CAR-Ts have started to move past the "ceiling" of third-line treatment with positive results in comparison trials with the Standard of Care (SoC). One such example is the trial Zuma-7 (NCT03391466), which resulted in approval of CAR-T products (Yescarta™) for second-line treatment, a crucial achievement for the field which can increase the use of this type of therapy. Despite exciting results in clinical trials, limitations are still many: they regard access, production, duration of response, resistance, safety, overall efficacy, and cost mitigation strategies. Nonetheless, CAR-T constructs are becoming more diverse, and the technology is starting to produce some remarkable results in treating diseases other than cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Giorgioni
- Faculty of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ambrosone
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cometa
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Armando Magrelli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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29
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Roe JM, Seely K, Bussard CJ, Eischen Martin E, Mouw EG, Bayles KW, Hollingsworth MA, Brooks AE, Dailey KM. Hacking the Immune Response to Solid Tumors: Harnessing the Anti-Cancer Capacities of Oncolytic Bacteria. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2004. [PMID: 37514190 PMCID: PMC10384176 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15072004] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic bacteria are a classification of bacteria with a natural ability to specifically target solid tumors and, in the process, stimulate a potent immune response. Currently, these include species of Klebsiella, Listeria, Mycobacteria, Streptococcus/Serratia (Coley's Toxin), Proteus, Salmonella, and Clostridium. Advancements in techniques and methodology, including genetic engineering, create opportunities to "hijack" typical host-pathogen interactions and subsequently harness oncolytic capacities. Engineering, sometimes termed "domestication", of oncolytic bacterial species is especially beneficial when solid tumors are inaccessible or metastasize early in development. This review examines reported oncolytic bacteria-host immune interactions and details the known mechanisms of these interactions to the protein level. A synopsis of the presented membrane surface molecules that elicit particularly promising oncolytic capacities is paired with the stimulated localized and systemic immunogenic effects. In addition, oncolytic bacterial progression toward clinical translation through engineering efforts are discussed, with thorough attention given to strains that have accomplished Phase III clinical trial initiation. In addition to therapeutic mitigation after the tumor has formed, some bacterial species, referred to as "prophylactic", may even be able to prevent or "derail" tumor formation through anti-inflammatory capabilities. These promising species and their particularly favorable characteristics are summarized as well. A complete understanding of the bacteria-host interaction will likely be necessary to assess anti-cancer capacities and unlock the full cancer therapeutic potential of oncolytic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Roe
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
| | - Kevin Seely
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
| | - Caleb J Bussard
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80130, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth G Mouw
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
| | - Kenneth W Bayles
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Amanda E Brooks
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80130, USA
- Office of Research & Scholarly Activity, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
| | - Kaitlin M Dailey
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Szebeni GJ, Alföldi R, Nagy LI, Neuperger P, Gémes N, Balog JÁ, Tiszlavicz L, Puskás LG. Introduction of an Ultraviolet C-Irradiated 4T1 Murine Breast Cancer Whole-Cell Vaccine Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1254. [PMID: 37515069 PMCID: PMC10386199 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071254] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatments. However, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors may entail severe side effects, with the risk of therapeutic resistance. The generation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells or CAR-NK cells requires specialized molecular laboratories, is costly, and is difficult to adapt to the rapidly growing number of cancer patients. To provide a simpler but effective immune therapy, a whole-cell tumor vaccine protocol was established based on ultraviolet C (UCV)-irradiated 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer cells. The apoptosis of tumor cells after UVC irradiation was verified using resazurin and Annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometric assays. Protective immunity was achieved in immunized BALB/c mice, showing partial remission. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes or plasma from the mice in remission showed a protective effect in the naive BALB/c mice that received a living 4T1 tumor cell injection. 4T1-specific IgG antibodies were recorded in the plasma of the mice following immunization with the whole-cell vaccine. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and oligonucleotide 2006 (ODN2006) adjuvants were used for the transfer of splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice into cyclophosphamide-treated BALB/c mice, resulting in prolonged survival, reduced tumor growth, and remission in 33% of the cases, without the development of the graft-versus-host disease. Our approach offers a simple, cost-effective whole-cell vaccine protocol that can be administered to immunocompetent healthy organisms. The plasma or the adoptive transfer of HLA-matching immunized donor-derived leukocytes could be used as an immune cell therapy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor J Szebeni
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
- CS-Smartlab Devices Ltd., Ady E. u. 14, H7761 Kozármisleny, Hungary
| | - Róbert Alföldi
- AstridBio Technologies Ltd., Wimmer Fülöp utca 1, H6728 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lajos I Nagy
- Avidin Ltd., Alsó Kikötő sor 11/D, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Patrícia Neuperger
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Gémes
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - József Á Balog
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Tiszlavicz
- Department of Pathology, University of Szeged, Állomás u. 2, H6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László G Puskás
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Avidin Ltd., Alsó Kikötő sor 11/D, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
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Lakes N, Canaday LM, Waggoner SN. Can't drop the MIC(A/B): Preventing stress-ligand shedding to enhance pan-cancer targeting. Med 2023; 4:398-400. [PMID: 37453414 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based cellular therapies have achieved remarkable success against hematologic malignancies, but their application against solid tumors remains challenging. In this issue, Goulding et al.1 describe a unique CAR natural killer (NK) cell platform with pan-cancer activity via preservation and recognition of stress ligands on tumor cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Lakes
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Laura M Canaday
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Stephen N Waggoner
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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32
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Śledź M, Wojciechowska A, Zagożdżon R, Kaleta B. In Situ Programming of CAR-T Cells: A Pressing Need in Modern Immunotherapy. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2023; 71:18. [PMID: 37419996 PMCID: PMC10329070 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-023-00683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell-based therapy has become a successful option for treatment of numerous hematological malignancies, but also raises hope in a range of non-malignant diseases. However, in a traditional approach, generation of CAR-T cells is associated with the separation of patient's lymphocytes, their in vitro modification, and expansion and infusion back into patient's bloodstream. This classical protocol is complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Those problems could be solved by successful protocols to produce CAR-T cells, but also CAR-natural killer cells or CAR macrophages, in situ, using viral platforms or non-viral delivery systems. Moreover, it was demonstrated that in situ CAR-T induction may be associated with reduced risk of the most common toxicities associated with CAR-T therapy, such as cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and "on-target, off-tumor" toxicity. This review aims to summarize the current state-of-the-art and future perspectives for the in situ-produced CAR-T cells. Indeed, preclinical work in this area, including animal studies, raises hope for prospective translational development and validation in practical medicine of strategies for in situ generation of CAR-bearing immune effector cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Śledź
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Kaleta
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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33
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Lin AY, Gordon LI. Discovering the fibroblastic reticular cell in the immune tumor microenvironment in lymphoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e171310. [PMID: 37395274 DOI: 10.1172/jci171310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of the cellular and molecular microenvironment in B cell lymphoma, especially diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), has led to prognostic and therapeutic algorithms that may improve patient outcomes. Emerging gene signature panels provide a granular understanding of DLBCL based on the immune tumor microenvironment (iTME). In addition, some gene signatures identify lymphomas that are more responsive to immune-based treatment, indicating that the iTME has a biological signature that could affect outcomes when targeted. In this issue of the JCI, Apollonio et al. report on fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) as potential targets in aggressive lymphoma. FRCs interacted with lymphoma cells and induced a state of chronic inflammation that suppressed immune function by impeding optimal T cell migration and inhibiting CD8+ T cell lytic function. These findings suggest that manipulating the iTME by directly targeting FRCs may enhance responses to immunotherapy in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Yuh Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leo I Gordon
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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34
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Sun L, Su Y, Jiao A, Wang X, Zhang B. T cells in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:235. [PMID: 37332039 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are crucial for immune functions to maintain health and prevent disease. T cell development occurs in a stepwise process in the thymus and mainly generates CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Upon antigen stimulation, naïve T cells differentiate into CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic effector and memory cells, mediating direct killing, diverse immune regulatory function, and long-term protection. In response to acute and chronic infections and tumors, T cells adopt distinct differentiation trajectories and develop into a range of heterogeneous populations with various phenotype, differentiation potential, and functionality under precise and elaborate regulations of transcriptional and epigenetic programs. Abnormal T-cell immunity can initiate and promote the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of T cell development, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell classification, and differentiation in physiological settings. We further elaborate the heterogeneity, differentiation, functionality, and regulation network of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in infectious disease, chronic infection and tumor, and autoimmune disease, highlighting the exhausted CD8+ T cell differentiation trajectory, CD4+ T cell helper function, T cell contributions to immunotherapy and autoimmune pathogenesis. We also discuss the development and function of γδ T cells in tissue surveillance, infection, and tumor immunity. Finally, we summarized current T-cell-based immunotherapies in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on their clinical applications. A better understanding of T cell immunity provides insight into developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Anjun Jiao
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China.
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Shin MH, Oh E, Kim Y, Nam DH, Jeon SY, Yu JH, Minn D. Recent Advances in CAR-Based Solid Tumor Immunotherapy. Cells 2023; 12:1606. [PMID: 37371075 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121606] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology is one of the most advanced engineering platforms for cancer immunotherapy. CAR-T cells have shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, their limitations in solid tumors include an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), insufficient tumor infiltration, toxicity, and the absence of tumor-specific antigens. Although recent advances in CAR-T cell design-such as the incorporation of co-stimulatory domains and the development of armored CAR-T cells-have shown promising results in treating solid tumors, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. To overcome these limitations, other immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages (M), have been developed as attractive options for efficient cancer immunotherapy of solid tumors. CAR-NK cells exhibit substantial clinical improvements with "off-the-shelf" availability and low toxicity. CAR-M cells have promising therapeutic potential because macrophages can infiltrate the TME of solid tumors. Here, we review the recent advances and future perspectives associated with engineered immune cell-based cancer immunotherapies for solid tumors. We also summarize ongoing clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of engineered immune cells, such as CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M, for targeting solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hwa Shin
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunha Oh
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Nam
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Jeon
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyuk Yu
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohsik Minn
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
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36
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Urak R, Gittins B, Soemardy C, Grepo N, Goldberg L, Maker M, Shevchenko G, Davis A, Li S, Scott T, Morris KV, Forman SJ, Wang X. Evaluation of the Elements of Short Hairpin RNAs in Developing shRNA-Containing CAR T Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2848. [PMID: 37345185 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102848] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) have emerged as a powerful tool for gene knockdown in various cellular systems, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. However, the elements of shRNAs that are crucial for their efficacy in developing shRNA-containing CAR T cells remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the impact of different shRNA elements, including promoter strength, orientation, multiple shRNAs, self-targeting, and sense and antisense sequence composition on the knockdown efficiency of the target gene in CAR T cells. Our findings highlight the importance of considering multiple shRNAs and their orientation to achieve effective knockdown. Moreover, we demonstrate that using a strong promoter and avoiding self-targeting can enhance CAR T cell functionality. These results provide a framework for the rational design of CAR T cells with shRNA-mediated knockdown capabilities, which could improve the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Urak
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Brenna Gittins
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Citradewi Soemardy
- Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Nicole Grepo
- Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lior Goldberg
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Madeleine Maker
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Galina Shevchenko
- Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Alicia Davis
- Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Shirley Li
- Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tristan Scott
- Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia
| | - Stephen J Forman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xiuli Wang
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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37
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Moeckel C, Bakhl K, Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Zaravinos A. The Efficacy of Tumor Mutation Burden as a Biomarker of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076710. [PMID: 37047684 PMCID: PMC10095310 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world; therefore, extensive research has been dedicated to exploring potential therapeutics, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Initially, programmed-death ligand-1 was the biomarker utilized to predict the efficacy of ICIs. However, its heterogeneous expression in the tumor microenvironment, which is critical to cancer progression, promoted the exploration of the tumor mutation burden (TMB). Research in various cancers, such as melanoma and lung cancer, has shown an association between high TMB and response to ICIs, increasing its predictive value. However, the TMB has failed to predict ICI response in numerous other cancers. Therefore, future research is needed to analyze the variations between cancer types and establish TMB cutoffs in order to create a more standardized methodology for using the TMB clinically. In this review, we aim to explore current research on the efficacy of the TMB as a biomarker, discuss current approaches to overcoming immunoresistance to ICIs, and highlight new trends in the field such as liquid biopsies, next generation sequencing, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and personalized tumor vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Moeckel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Personalized Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Katrina Bakhl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Personalized Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Personalized Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Diogenis Str., 6, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
- Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
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38
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Samantasinghar A, Sunildutt NP, Ahmed F, Soomro AM, Salih ARC, Parihar P, Memon FH, Kim KH, Kang IS, Choi KH. A comprehensive review of key factors affecting the efficacy of antibody drug conjugate. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114408. [PMID: 36841027 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) is an emerging technology to overcome the limitations of chemotherapy by selectively targeting the cancer cells. ADC binds with an antigen, specifically over expressed on the surface of cancer cells, results decrease in bystander effect and increase in therapeutic index. The potency of an ideal ADC is entirely depending on several physicochemical factors such as site of conjugation, molecular weight, linker length, Steric hinderance, half-life, conjugation method, binding energy and so on. Inspite of the fact that there is more than 100 of ADCs are in clinical trial only 14 ADCs are approved by FDA for clinical use. However, to design an ideal ADC is still challenging and there is much more to be done. Here in this review, we have discussed the key components along with their significant role or contribution towards the efficacy of an ADC. Moreover, we also explained about the recent advancement in the conjugation method. Additionally, we spotlit the mode of action of an ADC, recent challenges, and future perspective regarding ADC. The profound knowledge regarding key components and their properties will help in the synthesis or production of different engineered ADCs. Therefore, contributes to develop an ADC with low safety concern and high therapeutic index. We hope this review will improve the understanding and encourage the practicing of research in anticancer ADCs development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Faheem Ahmed
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, the Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Pratibha Parihar
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, the Republic of Korea
| | - Fida Hussain Memon
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, the Republic of Korea
| | | | - In Suk Kang
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, the Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, the Republic of Korea.
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