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Chu GJ, Bailey CG, Nagarajah R, Liang O, Metierre C, Sagnella SM, Castelletti L, Yeo D, Adelstein S, Rasko JEJ. Mesothelin antigen density influences anti-mesothelin chimeric antigen receptor T cell cytotoxicity. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:325-333. [PMID: 38349311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.01.011] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Several anti-mesothelin (MSLN) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are in phase 1/2 clinical trials to treat solid-organ malignancies. The effect of MSLN antigen density on MSLN CAR cytotoxicity against tumor cells has not been examined previously, nor are there data regarding the effect of agents that increase MSLN antigen density on anti-MSLN CAR T cell efficacy. METHODS MSLN antigen density was measured on a panel of pancreatic cancer and mesothelioma cell lines by flow cytometry. In parallel, the cytotoxicity and specificity of two anti-MSLN CAR T cells (m912 and SS1) were compared against these cell lines using a real-time impedance-based assay. The effect of two MSLN 'sheddase' inhibitors (lanabecestat and TMI-1) that increase MSLN surface expression was also tested in combination with CAR T cells. RESULTS SS1 CAR T cells were more cytotoxic compared with m912 CAR T cells against cell lines that expressed fewer than ∼170 000 MSLN molecules/cell. A comparison of the m912 and amatuximab (humanized SS1) antibodies identified that amatuximab could detect and bind to lower levels of MSLN on pancreatic cancer and mesothelioma cell lines, suggesting that superior antibody/scFv affinity was the reason for the SS1 CAR's superior cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity of m912 CAR T cells was improved in the presence of sheddase inhibitors, which increased MSLN antigen density. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight the value of assessing CAR constructs against a panel of cells expressing varying degrees of target tumor antigen as occurs in human tumors. Furthermore, the problem of low antigen density may be overcome by concomitant administration of drugs that inhibit enzymatic shedding of MSLN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J Chu
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Charles G Bailey
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Cancer and Gene Regulation Laboratory Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rajini Nagarajah
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Oliver Liang
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Cell & Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Cynthia Metierre
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sharon M Sagnella
- Cell & Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Laura Castelletti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Cell & Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Dannel Yeo
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Cell & Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Stephen Adelstein
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - John E J Rasko
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Cell & Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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Chu GJ, Bailey CG, Nagarajah R, Sagnella SM, Adelstein S, Rasko JEJ. The 4-1BBζ costimulatory domain in chimeric antigen receptors enhances CD8+ T-cell functionality following T-cell receptor stimulation. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:327. [PMID: 38105188 PMCID: PMC10726568 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03171-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have revolutionized the treatment of CD19- and B-cell maturation antigen-positive haematological malignancies. However, the effect of a CAR construct on the function of T-cells stimulated via their endogenous T-cell receptors (TCRs) has yet to be comprehensively investigated. METHODS Experiments were performed to systematically assess TCR signalling and function in CAR T-cells using anti-mesothelin human CAR T-cells as a model system. CAR T-cells expressing the CD28 or 4-1BB costimulatory endodomains were manufactured and compared to both untransduced T-cells and CAR T-cells with a non-functional endodomain. These cell products were treated with staphylococcal enterotoxin B to stimulate the TCR, and in vitro functional assays were performed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Increased proliferation, CD69 expression and IFNγ production were identified in CD8+ 4-1BBζ CAR T-cells compared to control untransduced CD8+ T-cells. These functional differences were associated with higher levels of phosphorylated ZAP70 after stimulation. In addition, these functional differences were associated with a differing immunophenotype, with a more than two-fold increase in central memory cells in CD8+ 4-1BBζ CAR T-cell products. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that the 4-1BBζ CAR enhances CD8+ TCR-mediated function. This could be beneficial if the TCR targets epitopes on malignant tissues or infectious agents, but detrimental if the TCR targets autoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J Chu
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charles G Bailey
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cancer & Gene Regulation Laboratory Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Rajini Nagarajah
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon M Sagnella
- Cell & Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Adelstein
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John E J Rasko
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Cell & Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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Chu GJ, Linton A, Kao S, Klebe S, Adelstein S, Yeo D, Rasko JEJ, Cooper WA. High mesothelin expression by immunohistochemistry predicts improved survival in pleural mesothelioma. Histopathology 2023; 83:202-210. [PMID: 37040900 PMCID: PMC10952516 DOI: 10.1111/his.14916] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cancer-associated antigen that is overexpressed in malignancies such as mesothelioma, pancreatic and ovarian cancer. It is also a target for novel personalised therapies, including antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Immunohistochemistry may predict those who would best respond to anti-mesothelin therapies and guide decisions in therapeutic strategy. This study aimed to assess the intensity and distribution of MSLN immunostaining in mesothelioma, and to determine the prognostic value of MSLN expression by histochemical-score (H-score). METHODS AND RESULTS The MN1 anti-MSLN antibody was used to stain a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue microarray of histologically confirmed mesothelioma from 75 consecutive patients who had undergone pleurectomy with or without decortication. MSLN positivity, the staining intensity, distribution of staining and H-score were evaluated. The correlation of H-score with prognosis was investigated. Sixty-six per cent of epithelioid tumours were MSLN-positive (with expression in > 5% tumour cells). Of MSLN-expressing epithelioid tumours, 70.4% had moderate (2+) or strong (3+) intensity MSLN immunostaining, although only 37% of samples had staining in ≥ 50% of tumour cells. In multivariate analysis, MSLN H-score as a continuous variable and an H-score ≥ 33 were independent predictors of improved survival (P = 0.04 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS MSLN expression was more heterogenous in epithelioid mesothelioma than reported previously. Therefore, it would be appropriate to perform an immunohistochemical assessment of MSLN expression to stratify and assess patient suitability for mesothelin-targeted personalised therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J Chu
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Anthony Linton
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyConcord HospitalConcordNSWAustralia
- Asbestos Diseases Research InstituteConcordNSWAustralia
| | - Steven Kao
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Asbestos Diseases Research InstituteConcordNSWAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyChris O'Brien LifehouseCamperdownNSWAustralia
| | - Sonja Klebe
- Asbestos Diseases Research InstituteConcordNSWAustralia
- Department of Anatomical PathologyFlinders University and SA PathologyAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Stephen Adelstein
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergyRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Dannel Yeo
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
| | - John E J Rasko
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
| | - Wendy A Cooper
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalCamperdownNSWAustralia
- School of MedicineWestern Sydney UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
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Chu GJ, van Zandwijk N, Rasko JEJ. The Immune Microenvironment in Mesothelioma: Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1366. [PMID: 31867277 PMCID: PMC6908501 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mesothelioma is the consequence of a protracted immune response to asbestos fibers and characterized by a clear immune infiltrate, novel immunotherapy approaches show less convincing results as compared to those seen in melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. The immune suppressive microenvironment in mesothelioma is likely contributing to this therapy resistance. Therefore, it is important to explore the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment for explanations for this recalcitrant behavior. This review describes the stromal, cytokine, metabolic, and cellular milieu of mesothelioma, and attempts to make connection with the outcome of immunotherapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J. Chu
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Department of Immunology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nico van Zandwijk
- Sydney Medical School, Sydney Local Health District (Concord Repatriation General Hospital), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John E. J. Rasko
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Cell & Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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