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Park JH, Lee SW, Choi D, Lee C, Sung YC. Harnessing the Power of IL-7 to Boost T Cell Immunity in Experimental and Clinical Immunotherapies. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e9. [PMID: 38455462 PMCID: PMC10917577 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytokine IL-7 plays critical and nonredundant roles in T cell immunity so that the abundance and availability of IL-7 act as key regulatory mechanisms in T cell immunity. Importantly, IL-7 is not produced by T cells themselves but primarily by non-lymphoid lineage stromal cells and epithelial cells that are limited in their numbers. Thus, T cells depend on cell extrinsic IL-7, and the amount of in vivo IL-7 is considered a major factor in maximizing and maintaining the number of T cells in peripheral tissues. Moreover, IL-7 provides metabolic cues and promotes the survival of both naïve and memory T cells. Thus, IL-7 is also essential for the functional fitness of T cells. In this regard, there has been an extensive effort trying to increase the protein abundance of IL-7 in vivo, with the aim to augment T cell immunity and harness T cell functions in anti-tumor responses. Such approaches started under experimental animal models, but they recently culminated into clinical studies, with striking effects in re-establishing T cell immunity in immunocompromised patients, as well as boosting anti-tumor effects. Depending on the design, glycosylation, and the structure of recombinantly engineered IL-7 proteins and their mimetics, recombinant IL-7 molecules have shown dramatic differences in their stability, efficacy, cellular effects, and overall immune functions. The current review is aimed to summarize the past and present efforts in the field that led to clinical trials, and to highlight the therapeutical significance of IL-7 biology as a master regulator of T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute of NeoImmune Tech., Co, Ltd., Bio Open Innovation Center, Pohang 37666, Korea
| | - Changhyung Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
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Seo YB, Ko A, Shin D, Kim J, Suh YS, Na J, Ryu JI, Lee S, Oh MJ, Sung YC. Potentiating the Cross-Reactive IFN-γ T Cell and Polyfunctional T Cell Responses by Heterologous GX-19N DNA Booster in Mice Primed with Either a COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine or Inactivated Vaccine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119753. [PMID: 37298704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119753] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Waning vaccine-induced immunity, coupled with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, has inspired the widespread implementation of COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Here, we evaluated the potential of the GX-19N DNA vaccine as a heterologous booster to enhance the protective immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in mice primed with either an inactivated virus particle (VP) or an mRNA vaccine. We found that in the VP-primed condition, GX-19N enhanced the response of both vaccine-specific antibodies and cross-reactive T Cells to the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC), compared to the homologous VP vaccine prime-boost. Under the mRNA-primed condition, GX-19N induced higher vaccine-induced T Cell responses but lower antibody responses than the homologous mRNA vaccine prime-boost. Furthermore, the heterologous GX-19N boost induced higher S-specific polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses than the homologous VP or mRNA prime-boost vaccinations. Our results provide new insights into booster vaccination strategies for the management of novel COVID-19 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Bok Seo
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ara Ko
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Duckhyang Shin
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyoung Kim
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - You Suk Suh
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Na
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji In Ryu
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyeon Lee
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Oh
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
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Ahn S, Park JS, Kim H, Heo M, Sung YC, Jeun SS. Compassionate use of recombinant human IL-7-hyFc as a salvage treatment for restoring lymphopenia in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Cancer Med 2022; 12:6778-6787. [PMID: 36583472 PMCID: PMC10067043 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5467] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Addressing lymphopenia in cancer patients has been suggested as a novel immunotherapeutic strategy. As interleukin-7 (IL-7) is necessary for proliferation of lymphocytes and to increase total lymphocyte count (TLC), IL-7 therapy has been attempted in various cancers. Here, we describe the clinical results of treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) with a long-acting engineered version of recombinant human IL-7 (rhIL-7-hyFc). METHODS This prospective case series based on compassionate use was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea. Primary outcomes were safety profile and TLC. Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS Among the 18 patients enrolled, 10 received rhIL-7-hyFc with temozolomide, 5 received rhIL-7-hyFc with bevacizumab, 1 received rhIL-7-hyFc with PCV chemotherapy, and 2 received rhIL-7-hyFc alone. Mean TLC of the enrolled patients after the first rhIL-7-hyFc treatment increased significantly from 1131 cells/mm3 (330-2989) at baseline to 4356 cells/mm3 (661-22,661). Higher TLCs were maintained while rhIL-7-hyFc was repeatedly administered. Median OS and PFS were 378 days (107-864 days) and 231 days (55-726 days), respectively. CONCLUSION Our study reports that IL-7 immunotherapy can restore and maintain TLC during treatment with various salvage chemotherapies in recurrent GBM patients without serious toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ahn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heewon Kim
- Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Minkyu Heo
- Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | | | - Sin-Soo Jeun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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Sohn J, Kim GM, Lee KS, Kim SB, Kim JH, Ahn HK, LEE JIEUN, Park KH, Kim JH, Lee KE, Shin EC, Park SH, Yang SH, Heo M, Woo JW, Sung YC, Im YH. Phase 1b/2 study of GX-I7 plus pembrolizumab in patients with refractory or recurrent (R/R) metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC): The KEYNOTE-899 Study. J Clin Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.1081] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
1081 Background: GX-I7 (efineptakin alfa) is a hybrid Fc-fused long-acting recombinant human IL-7 which plays an essential role in the development and homeostasis of T-cells. GX-I7 can potentially enhance the anti-tumor effect of pembrolizumab via induction of T-cell activity. Here, we report results of phase 1b/2 study of GX-I7 plus pembrolizumab in patients with R/R mTNBC. Methods: Eligible patients had R/R mTNBC that failed up to 3rd lines of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. Phase 1b patients received GX-I7 in 5 dose levels ranging from 360 µg/kg to 1,440 µg/kg every 9 (Q9W) or 12 (Q12W) weeks plus pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W (n=51). Phase 2 is an expansion cohort where 33 patients were treated with the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). The primary objective was to determine the RP2D for phase 1b and to assess the objective response rate (ORR) for phase 2. Results: The study included 84 patients (phase 1b, n=51; phase 2, n=33) and 53.6% (45/84) of patients have received 2nd to 3rd lines of previous therapy. In phase 1b, one dose-limiting toxicity (DLT; grade 3 skin rash) was reported in the 1,440 µg/kg cohort and GX-I7 1,200 µg/kg Q9W was selected as RP2D. The ORRs were 15.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.0 – 28.6] for phase 1b (n=51) and 21.2% [95% CI: 9.0 – 38.9] for phase 2 (n=33). Median PFS was 2.4 months (95% CI: 2.1 – 2.7) at the median follow-up of 10.4 months for all patients combined (n=84). GX-I7 induced up to 3.6-fold (range 1.2 – 8.1) increase in absolute lymphocyte counts (including CD4+ and CD8+ T cell) in all dose levels. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade were injection site reaction (50.0%), ALT increased (39.3%), pyrexia (38.1%) and rash (35.7%). The additional correlative study data will be presented. Conclusions: GX-I7 in combination with pembrolizumab demonstrated a manageable safety profile with promising anti-tumor activity in patients with R/R metastatic TNBC. Clinical trial information: NCT03752723. [Table: see text]
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyuk Sohn
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gun Min Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keun Seok Lee
- Center for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Sung-Bae Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jee Hung Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Kyung Ahn
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea
| | - JIEUN LEE
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyong Hwa Park
- Division of Oncology/Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Eun Lee
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Young Hyuck Im
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Ahn JY, Lee J, Suh YS, Song YG, Choi YJ, Lee KH, Seo SH, Song M, Oh JW, Kim M, Seo HY, Kwak JE, Youn JW, Woo JW, Shin EC, Sung YC, Park SH, Choi JY. Safety and immunogenicity of two recombinant DNA COVID-19 vaccines containing the coding regions of the spike or spike and nucleocapsid proteins: an interim analysis of two open-label, non-randomised, phase 1 trials in healthy adults. Lancet Microbe 2022; 3:e173-e183. [PMID: 35156068 PMCID: PMC8824525 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background We assessed the safety and immunogenicity of two recombinant DNA vaccines for COVID-19: GX-19 containing plasmid DNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and GX-19N containing plasmid DNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) foldon, nucleocapsid protein, and plasmid DNA encoding the spike protein. Methods Two open-label non-randomised phase 1 trials, one of GX-19 and the other of GX-19N were done at two hospitals in South Korea. We enrolled healthy adults aged 19–49 years for the GX-19 trial and healthy adults aged 19–54 years for the GX-19N trial. Participants who tested positive by serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 were excluded. At 4-week intervals, the GX-19 trial participants received two vaccine doses (either 1·5 mg or 3·0 mg), and the GX-19N trial participants received two 3·0 mg doses. The vaccines were delivered intramuscularly using an electroporator. The participants were followed up for 52 weeks after first vaccination. Data collected up to day 57 after first vaccination were analysed in this interim analysis. The primary outcome was safety within 28 days after each vaccination measured in the intention-to-treat population. The secondary outcome was vaccine immunogenicity using blood samples collected on day 43 or 57 after first vaccination measured in the intention-to-treat population. The GX-19 (NCT044445389) and GX-19N (NCT04715997) trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. Findings Between June 17 and July 30, 2020, we screened 97 individuals, of whom 40 (41%) participants were enrolled in the GX-19 trial (20 [50%] in the 1·5 mg group and 20 [50%] in the 3·0 mg group). Between Dec 28 and 31, 2020, we screened 23 participants, of whom 21 (91%) participants were enrolled on the GX-19N trial. 32 (52%) of 61 participants reported 80 treatment-emergent adverse events after vaccination. All solicited adverse events were mild except one (2%) case of moderate fatigue in the 1·5 mg GX-19 group; no serious vaccine-related adverse events were detected. Binding antibody responses increased after second dose of vaccination in all groups (p=0·0002 in the 1·5 mg GX-19 group; p<0·0001 in the 3·0 mg GX-19; and p=0·0004 for the spike protein and p=0·0001 for the RBD in the 3·0 mg GX-19N group). Interpretation GX-19 and GX-19N are safe and well tolerated. GX-19N induces humoral and broad SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses. GX-19N shows lower neutralising antibody responses and needs improvement to enhance immunogenicity. Funding The Korea Drug Development Fund, funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, and Ministry of Health and Welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeongsoo Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - You Suk Suh
- Genexine, Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Young Goo Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Jeong Choi
- Genexine, Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Hwa Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Hwan Seo
- Science Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Manki Song
- Science Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong-Won Oh
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minwoo Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Han-Yeong Seo
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Kwak
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jin Won Youn
- Genexine, Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jung Won Woo
- Genexine, Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.,The Center for Epidemic Preparedness, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Genexine, Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.,Division of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.,The Center for Epidemic Preparedness, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jun Yong Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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Hwang I, Jin HT, Kang MC, Kim TY, Sung YC, Kim SW. Generation and functional characterization of a multigene-modified NK101 cell line exerting diverse mechanisms of antitumor action. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2014655. [PMID: 36524207 PMCID: PMC9746629 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.2014655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clonal cell line-based, multigene-modified, off-the-shelf NK cell therapeutics are emerging as the new frontier of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Here, we utilized a newly established NK cell line, NK101, as a backbone to derive multifaceted killer cells armored with various antitumor modalities through repeated cycles of genetic modification and clonal selection. First, NK101 cells were transduced with a tricistronic lentiviral vector expressing CD7, CD28, and cytosine deaminase (CD). The resulting cell line demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against B7+ tumors and exerted bystander killing effects on neighboring tumor cells upon 5-FC treatment. Second, engineered NK101 cells were again transduced with a bicistronic vector expressing membrane-bound interleukin-15 (mbIL-15) and dominant negative TGFβ type II receptor (DNTβRII). Ectopic expression of mbIL-15 resulted in further augmentation of lytic activities against all tested target cells by inducing upregulation of multiple activating receptors, while that of DNTβRII allowed the cells to maintain heightened cytotoxicity in the presence of TGFβ. Finally, dual-transduced NK101 cells were modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting either a solid tumor antigen (EpCAM) or a hematologic tumor antigen (FLT3). The final engineered products not only demonstrated antigen-specific killing activities in vitro but also exerted strong tumor-inhibitory effects in preclinical models of metastatic solid tumor and hematologic malignancy. Notably, combined treatment with 5-FC further enhanced antitumor efficacy of engineered NK101 in the solid tumor model. Our results demonstrate successful generation of multigene-modified NK101 cell therapeutics exerting diverse mechanisms of antitumor action - activation receptor-mediated innate killing, antigen-specific killing, and bystander effect-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Injung Hwang
- SL BiGen, Inc., Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Tak Jin
- Progen. Co., Ltd., Research Institute, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Cheol Kang
- SL BiGen, Inc., Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yoon Kim
- SL BiGen, Inc., Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea,Young Chul Sung Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Won Kim
- SL BiGen, Inc., Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea,CONTACT Sae Won Kim Sl BiGen, Inc, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Park JS, Hur SY, Lim MC, Kim YM, No JH, Kim BG, Cho CH, Kim SH, Jeong DH, Lee JK, Kim K, Choi YJ, Suh YS, Woo JW, Sung YC. Efficacy and safety results of GX-188E, a therapeutic DNA vaccine, combined with pembrolizumab administration in patients with HPV 16- and/or 18- positive advanced cervical cancer: Phase II interim analysis results (KEYNOTE-567). J Clin Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.5511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
5511 Background: Pembrolizumab was approved for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, based on 14.3% of objective response rate (ORR) in patients with PD-L1 expression (CPS≥1). GX-188E vaccination has been shown to induce human papillomavirus (HPV) E6- and E7-specific T-cell responses. We aimed to investigate whether a combination of GX-188E (Tirvalimogene teraplasmid) therapeutic DNA vaccine plus pembrolizumab showed antitumor activity against recurrent or advanced cervical cancer. Methods: In this open-label, single-arm, phase 2 trial, patients with recurrent or advanced cervical cancer, who were aged over 18 years with ECOG PS of 0 or 1, HPV-16 or HPV-18 and histologically confirmed positive cervical cancer, and who had progressed after standard-of-care therapy were recruited from nine hospitals in South Korea. Patients received intramuscular 2 mg GX-188E at weeks 1, 2, 4, 7, 13, 19, and optional dose at week 46, and intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression. The primary endpoint was the Best Overall Response Rate assessed by the investigator using RECIST version 1.1. Results: To date, a total of 52 patients have been enrolled and received at least one study treatment, and this interim analysis was performed after obtaining at least one post-baseline tumor assessment data from 48 patients. Median age was 52 (range, 27-79) years and 46.2% had ECOG PS 1. At the data cutoff date on January 11, 2021, median follow-up duration was 6.2 months (range; 1.7- 24.2 months). According to investigator evaluation, 15 (31.3%) of 48 patients achieved best overall response; 5 (10.4 %) patients had a complete response (CR) and 10 (20.8 %) had a partial response (PR). Especially, this combination treatment showed higher response rate, 48.0 %, in patients with PD-L1 positive, HPV-16 and squamous cell carcinoma. Median PFS was 4.1 months (range; 1.3-24.2) and median OS was 16.7 months (range; 1.7-24.2). In this clinical trial with cervical cancer patients, GX-188E in combination with pembrolizumab has shown an improved median PFS and OS than the monotherapy of pembrolizumab (KEYNOTE-158). 17 (32.7%) of 52 patients had treatment-related adverse events of any grade and two (3.8%) had grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events; increased aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase. No treatment-related deaths were reported. Conclusions: GX-188E vaccine combined with pembrolizumab in recurrent/advanced cervical cancer was safe and tolerable, and showed an enhanced clinical response rate compared with pembrolizumab alone in particular in patients with PD-L1 positive, HPV-16 and squamous cell carcinoma. The combination therapy could represent a new potential treatment option for this patient population. Clinical trial information: NCT03444376.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soo-Young Hur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Yong Man Kim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Hong No
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Byoung-Gie Kim
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chi Heum Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Taegu, South Korea
| | | | | | - Jae-Kwan Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guro Hospital, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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Seo YB, Suh YS, Ryu JI, Jang H, Oh H, Koo BS, Seo SH, Hong JJ, Song M, Kim SJ, Sung YC. Soluble Spike DNA Vaccine Provides Long-Term Protective Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in Mice and Nonhuman Primates. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9040307. [PMID: 33804981 PMCID: PMC8063950 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) has motivated the need for a rapidly producible and scalable vaccine. Here, we developed a synthetic soluble SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) DNA-based vaccine candidate, GX-19. In mice, immunization with GX-19 elicited not only S-specific systemic and pulmonary antibody responses but also Th1-biased T cell responses in a dose-dependent manner. GX-19-vaccinated nonhuman primates seroconverted rapidly and exhibited a detectable neutralizing antibody response as well as multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Notably, when the immunized nonhuman primates were challenged at 10 weeks after the last vaccination with GX-19, they had reduced viral loads in contrast to non-vaccinated primates as a control. These findings indicate that GX-19 vaccination provides a durable protective immune response and also support further development of GX-19 as a vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Bok Seo
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea; (Y.B.S.); (J.I.R.); (H.J.)
| | - You Suk Suh
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea;
| | - Ji In Ryu
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea; (Y.B.S.); (J.I.R.); (H.J.)
| | - Hwanhee Jang
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea; (Y.B.S.); (J.I.R.); (H.J.)
| | - Hanseul Oh
- National Primate Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk 34141, Korea; (H.O.); (B.-S.K.); (J.J.H.)
| | - Bon-Sang Koo
- National Primate Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk 34141, Korea; (H.O.); (B.-S.K.); (J.J.H.)
| | - Sang-Hwan Seo
- Science Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.-H.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Jung Joo Hong
- National Primate Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk 34141, Korea; (H.O.); (B.-S.K.); (J.J.H.)
| | - Manki Song
- Science Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.-H.S.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Young Chul Sung
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea; (Y.B.S.); (J.I.R.); (H.J.)
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea;
- Correspondence:
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9
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Youn JW, Hur SY, Woo JW, Kim YM, Lim MC, Park SY, Seo SS, No JH, Kim BG, Lee JK, Shin SJ, Kim K, Chaney MF, Choi YJ, Suh YS, Park JS, Sung YC. Pembrolizumab plus GX-188E therapeutic DNA vaccine in patients with HPV-16-positive or HPV-18-positive advanced cervical cancer: interim results of a single-arm, phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol 2021; 21:1653-1660. [PMID: 33271094 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30486-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival outcomes for patients with recurrent or advanced cervical cancer are poor. Pembrolizumab has been approved for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, with an overall response rate of 14·3%. GX-188E vaccination has been shown to induce human papillomavirus (HPV) E6-specific and E7-specific T-cell responses and cervical lesion regression in patients with cervical precancer. We aimed to investigate whether a combination of GX-188E therapeutic DNA vaccine plus pembrolizumab showed antitumour activity against recurrent or advanced cervical cancer. METHODS In this open-label, single-arm, phase 2 trial, patients with recurrent or advanced, inoperable cervical cancer, who were aged 18 years or older with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 and histologically confirmed recurrent or advanced HPV-positive (HPV-16 or HPV-18) cervical cancer, and who had progressed after available standard-of-care therapy were recruited from seven hospitals in South Korea. Patients received intramuscular 2 mg GX-188E at weeks 1, 2, 4, 7, 13, and 19, with one optional dose at week 46 that was at the investigator's discretion, and intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate within 24 weeks assessed by the investigator using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 in patients who received at least 45 days of treatment 45 days of treatment with at least one post-baseline tumour assessment, and this is the report of a planned interim analysis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03444376. FINDINGS Between June 19, 2018, and March 20, 2020, 36 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of the study treatment. 26 patients were evaluable for interim activity assessment, with at least one post-baseline tumour assessment at week 10. At the data cutoff date on March 30, 2020, median follow-up duration was 6·2 months (IQR 3·5-8·1). At 24 weeks, 11 (42%; 95% CI 23-63) of 26 patients achieved an overall response; four (15%) had a complete response and seven (27%) had a partial response. 16 (44%) of 36 patients had treatment-related adverse events of any grade and four (11%) had grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events. Grade 3 increased aspartate aminotransferase, syncope, pericardial effusion, and hyperkalaemia, and grade 4 increased alanine aminotransferase were reported in one patient each. No treatment-related deaths were reported. INTERPRETATION Treatment with GX-188E therapeutic vaccine plus pembrolizumab for patients with recurrent or advanced cervical cancer was safe and treatment-related adverse events were manageable. This combination therapy showed preliminary antitumour activity in this interim analysis, which could represent a new potential treatment option for this patient population. This trial is ongoing. FUNDING National OncoVenture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Won Youn
- Genexine, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Soo-Young Hur
- The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Won Woo
- Genexine, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Yong-Man Kim
- Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myong Cheol Lim
- National Cancer Center, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Sang Yoon Park
- National Cancer Center, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Sang Soo Seo
- National Cancer Center, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jae Hong No
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | | | - Jae-Kwan Lee
- Korea University Guro Hospital, Guro-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - So Jin Shin
- Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kyungun Kim
- National Onco Venture, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | | | | | - You Suk Suh
- Genexine, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jong Sup Park
- Genexine, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Genexine, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea.
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10
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Kim S, Kim YM, Kim H, Kang YW, Park S, Yang SI, Choi D, Sung YC, Lee SW. Fc-fused IL-7 mobilizes long-term HSCs in a pro-B cell-dependent manner and synergizes with G-CSF and AMD3100. Leukemia 2021; 35:3030-3034. [PMID: 34007048 PMCID: PMC8478653 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sora Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyekang Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Woo Kang
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Park
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-In Yang
- grid.488254.7Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute of NeoImmunetech, Co., ltd. Bio Open Innovation Center, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea ,grid.488254.7Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea ,grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
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11
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Hur S, Park JS, Kim YM, Lim MC, No JH, Kim BG, Lee JK, Cho CH, Choi YJ, Suh YS, Woo JW, Sung YC. Abstract CT033: Efficacy and safety results of pembrolizumab combined with GX-188E, a therapeutic DNA vaccine administration in patients with HPV 16- and/or 18- positive advanced cervical cancer: Phase II interim analysis results. Cancer Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2020-ct033] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Pembrolizumab was approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy, whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS≥1), with a 14.3% objective response rate (ORR) by the U.S. FDA in 2018 (KEYNOTE-158). Combination of pembrolizumab with GX-188E, a DNA vaccine targeting HPV 16 and 18 types is expected to show synergistic anti-tumor effects presumably by antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses induced by GX-188E DNA vaccine. The objectives of this interim analysis are to assess preliminary anti-tumor efficacy, safety and tolerability. Patients and Design: This is a prospective, open-label, phase II study in patients with advanced, inoperable or metastatic cervical cancer, ECOG PS 0-1, positivity for HPV 16 and/or 18 types who have failed all available standard-of-care (SoC) therapies including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or who have refused those (≥2 lines). Patients received GX-188E 2 mg intramuscularly, seven times at weeks 1, 2, 4, 7, 13, 19, and 46, with pembrolizumab 200 mg IV every three weeks for up to 2 years or until progression. This interim analysis was performed after obtaining at least one post baseline tumor assessment data from 22 patients (approximately 50% of total patients to be enrolled in Phase II). Results: Among 24 patients treated, 22 patients were evaluable for anti-tumor efficacy. Median age was 52 (range, 27-68) years and 37.5% had ECOG PS 1. As of the Dec 11, 2019 data cutoff, the median follow-up duration was 5.3 months (range; 0.9-16.3 months). ORR was 45.5%, with 5 CRs and 5 PRs. Additionally, one patient had SD at week 14. Median PFS was 4.1 months (range; 1.7-not reached). Median DoR and OS have not been reached. Treatment related AEs occurred in 54.2% of patients with grade 1 or 2 and 12.5% of patients with grade 3-4. The most common treatment related AEs classified by system organ class were gastrointestinal disorders (20.8%) and respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders (16.7%), which were similar to those of pembrolizumab monotherapy. In contrast to pembrolizumab monotherapy, combined therapy showed therapeutic effect in PD-L1 negative tumor. Conclusions: Pembrolizumab combined with GX-188E demonstrated a higher response rate than pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with cervical cancer showing great synergy regardless of PD-L1 expression. The safety profile was manageable and similar to that of pembrolizumab monotherapy. Further evaluation of anti-tumor response and antigen specific immune response is ongoing in a larger number of patients with and without PD-L1 expression.
Citation Format: Sooyoung Hur, Jong Sup Park, Yong-Man Kim, Myong Cheol Lim, Jae Hong No, Byoung-Gie Kim, Jae-Kwan Lee, Chi Heum Cho, Yoon-Jeong Choi, You Suk Suh, Jung Won Woo, Young Chul Sung. Efficacy and safety results of pembrolizumab combined with GX-188E, a therapeutic DNA vaccine administration in patients with HPV 16- and/or 18- positive advanced cervical cancer: Phase II interim analysis results [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr CT033.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyoung Hur
- 1The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Sup Park
- 2Genexine, Inc., Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Man Kim
- 3Asan Medical Center, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myong Cheol Lim
- 4National Cancer Center, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hong No
- 5Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Gie Kim
- 6Samsung Medical Center, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Kwan Lee
- 7Korea University Guro Hospital, Guro-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Heum Cho
- 8Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Jeong Choi
- 2Genexine, Inc., Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - You Suk Suh
- 2Genexine, Inc., Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Won Woo
- 2Genexine, Inc., Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- 2Genexine, Inc., Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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An IB, Byun MS, Yang SI, Choi Y, Woo JW, Jang HC, Sung YC. A glycosylated Fc-fused glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exhibits equivalent glucose lowering to but fewer gastrointestinal side effects than dulaglutide. Diabetes Obes Metab 2020; 22:1455-1468. [PMID: 32314505 PMCID: PMC7383507 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a novel glycosylated Fc-fused glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1-gFc) receptor agonist with distinctive receptor binding affinity, designed to improve in vivo stability and safety relative to the commercial GLP-1 analogue dulaglutide, and assess its safety profile and pharmacokinetics in healthy humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS We constructed GLP-1-gFc and determined its binding affinity and potency using in vitro instrumental and cell-based analyses followed by in vivo comparison of the glucose-lowering and gastrointestinal side effects between GLP-1-gFc and dulaglutide. A phase 1 clinical trial was conducted to confirm the efficacy and safety profile of GLP-1-gFc. RESULTS GLP-1-gFc showed 10-fold less binding affinity and 4-fold less potency than dulaglutide in in vitro. A potency-adjusted dose delayed HbA1c increase comparable with that of dulaglutide (Change for 6 weeks: 2.4 mg/kg GLP-1-gFc, 4.34 ± 0.40 vs. 0.6 mg/kg dulaglutide, 4.26 ± 0.22; n.s.). However, the equivalent efficacy dose and higher dose did not induce malaise-related responses (blueberry bar consumption, g/mouse: 2.4 mg/kg GLP-1-gFc, 0.15% ± 0.03% vs. 0.6 mg/kg dulaglutide, 0.04% ± 0.01%; P < .01) or QT interval changes (mean at 14-20 hours, mSc: 0.28 mg/kg GLP-1-gFc, 0.0-8.0 vs. 0.07 mg/kg dulaglutide, 8.0-27.7; n.s.), observed as safety variables in rats and monkeys, compared with those of dulaglutide. Glucose reductions in an oral glucose tolerance test were significant at day 3 postdose without severe gastrointestinal adverse events and pulse rate changes in healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that GLP-1-gFc could be used as a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist with better safety than dulaglutide to maximize therapeutic benefits in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Bok An
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of MedicineSeongnamRepublic of Korea
- Research Institute, Genexine Co. Ltd.SeongnamRepublic of Korea
| | - Mi Sun Byun
- Research Institute, Genexine Co. Ltd.SeongnamRepublic of Korea
| | - Sang In Yang
- Research Institute, Genexine Co. Ltd.SeongnamRepublic of Korea
| | - Yuri Choi
- Research Institute, Genexine Co. Ltd.SeongnamRepublic of Korea
| | - Jung Won Woo
- Research Institute, Genexine Co. Ltd.SeongnamRepublic of Korea
| | - Hak Chul Jang
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of MedicineSeongnamRepublic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Research Institute, Genexine Co. Ltd.SeongnamRepublic of Korea
- Department of Life SciencePohang University of Science and TechnologyPohangRepublic of Korea
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13
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Lee SW, Choi D, Heo M, Shin EC, Park SH, Kim SJ, Oh YK, Lee BH, Yang SH, Sung YC, Lee H. hIL-7-hyFc, A Long-Acting IL-7, Increased Absolute Lymphocyte Count in Healthy Subjects. Clin Transl Sci 2020; 13:1161-1169. [PMID: 32339447 PMCID: PMC7719369 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A low lymphocyte count puts immune-compromised patients at risk of mortality. hIL-7-hyFc is a homodimeric interleukin-7 (IL-7), a potent T-cell amplifier, fused to the hybridizing IgD/IgG4 immunoglobulin domain. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation, phase I study to assess the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity profiles of hIL-7-hyFc administered s.c. and i.m. to healthy volunteers. Thirty subjects randomly received hIL-7-hyFc or its matching placebo in an 8:2 ratio at 20, 60 μg/kg s.c., or 60 μg/kg i.m. The hIL-7-hyFc was slowly absorbed and its terminal half-life was 63.26 hours after i.m. administration. The hIL-7-hyFc increased absolute lymphocyte count, mostly in T-cells, which peaked 3 weeks after administration and then lasted for several additional weeks. The hIL-7-hyFc was well-tolerated after a single s.c. and i.m. administration. Injection site reaction was the most common treatment-emergent adverse event, which resolved spontaneously without treatment. The hIL-7-hyFc can be developed into a beneficial treatment option for patients with compromised T-cell immunity. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02860715.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Won Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - MinKyu Heo
- Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea.,Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea.,Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - So Jeong Kim
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Howard Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Transdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Sohn J, Park KH, Ahn HK, Lee KS, Kim JH, Kim SB, Lee KE, Kim JH, Yang SH, Le NT, Kim J, Heo M, Woo JW, Sung YC, Im YH. Preliminary safety and efficacy of GX-I7, a long-acting interleukin-7, in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with refractory or recurrent metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC): Dose escalation period of Phase Ib/II study (KEYNOTE-899). J Clin Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
1072 Background: Pembrolizumab monotherapy did not significantly improve OS as 2nd and 3rd-lines treatment for mTNBC compared to standard chemotherapy in phase III study (KEYNOTE-119) leading to high unmet needs of effective treatment. Recent studies showed that higher lymphocyte count is an independent factor which correlates with better response to checkpoint blockade in cancer patients. GX-I7, a long-acting interleukin-7, could potentially provide synergistic anti-tumor efficacy with pembrolizumab by increasing number of T cells both in tumor microenvironment (TME) and peripheral blood (PB). Methods: This is an open-label, phase Ib/II study in patients with refractory or recurrent TNBC who failed from standard chemotherapy in the metastatic setting, with ≤3rd-lines of previous chemotherapy. The dose escalation phase adopted the 3+3 design. The GX-I7 doses were administered IM q9w or q12w, with or without cyclophosphamide pre-conditioning depending on the allocation, and in combination with pembrolizumab 200 mg IV q3w. The objectives were dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), safety, pharmacodynamic markers including lymphocyte increase and RP2D. Results: As of January 30, 2020, GX-I7 and pembrolizumab were exposed to 24 patients (median age 46.0 years [29-75], ECOG PS 1 [58.3%], median cycle no. 3 [1-9]). Treatment was discontinued in 13 (54.2%), majority due to PD and 11 patients are ongoing. No DLTs were reported in all dose groups. Treatment related AEs occurred in 91.7% of patients with grade 1-2 and 9.1% with grade 3 (no grade 4). Common AEs were injection site reaction (39.0%) and fever (13.0%), which were easily managed. Grade 3 toxicity were AST/ALT elevation and infusion related reaction, reported from 1 patient each (4.2%). GX-I7 induced dose-dependent lymphocyte proliferation in PB, with approximately 4-folds increase in high doses. 17 patients were evaluable; confirmed objective responses from ongoing patients included one partial response (5.9%), 2 stable disease (11.8%) and 1 durable unconfirmed PD (5.9%). Conclusions: GX-I7 in combination with pembrolizumab was well tolerated, with no DLTs reported. There was no apparent increase of immune-related AEs with the addition of GX-I7. Pharmacodynamics data support proof of mechanism and it warrants further clinical studies. Clinical trial information: NCT03752723 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyuk Sohn
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyong Hwa Park
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Kyung Ahn
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Keun Seok Lee
- Center for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sung-Bae Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Eun Lee
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jee Hung Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | - Jiwon Kim
- Genexine, Inc., Seongnam, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Young Hyuck Im
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Malievskiy O, Mykola A, Zelinska N, Bolshova E, Senatorova G, Oroszlán G, Skorodok J, Peterkova V, Chorna N, Sorokman T, Yang S, Lee JE, Muzsnai A, Hwang JS, Lee SY, Son H, Heo S, Heo M, Choi YJ, Sung YC. SAT-LB15 24-Month Efficacy and Safety of Once Weekly and Every Other Week Administration of GX-H9, Hybrid FC-Fused Long-Acting Human Growth Hormone: A Phase 2 Study in Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency. J Endocr Soc 2020. [PMCID: PMC7208270 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.2162] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives GX-H9 is a long-acting form of recombinant human GH under clinical development for both adults and children with GHD. In this report, 24-month efficacy and safety of once weekly and every other week (EOW) administration of GX-H9 were evaluated, in addition to Genotropin® switch-ability to GX-H9 after 12-month of treatment. Methods Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either one of three doses of GX-H9 (0.8 mg/kg/week, 1.2 mg/kg/week or 2.4 mg/kg every other week) or 0.03 mg/kg/day of Genotropin®. Treatment duration is 24-month for all patients in GX-H9 arms while patients in Genotropin® arm were re-randomized to one of three doses of GX-H9 at the completion of the first 12-month of treatment. Doses of GX-H9 were adjusted throughout the treatment period whenever necessary, based on IGF-1 levels. Results Out of 56 randomized, 54 received either GX-H9 or Genotropin®. Fifty subjects completed the 12-month treatment period. Of 50, 45 subjects completed the next 12-month, comprising 33 patients from GX-H9 and 12 patients who switched from Genotropin®. First year/second year mean±SD annualized height velocity (aHV) for 0.8 mg/kg/week, 1.2 mg/kg/week or 2.4 mg/kg every other week of GX-H9 were 10.50±2.54/9.14±1.96, 11.76±1.96/9.88±1.92 and 11.03±2.92/9.72±1.90 cm/year, respectively. First year mean±SD aHV for Genotropin® was 9.14±3.09 cm/year. Patients switched to one of the three doses of GX-H9 in the second year showed comparable aHV in the second year (8.73±2.69/7.60±0.90/9.13±1.07 cm/year for 0.8 mg/kg/week, 1.2 mg/kg/week and 2.4 mg/kg/EOW GX-H9, respectively). No significant slow-down of the growth was observed in the second year from patients who received GX-H9 throughout and patients who switched from Genotropin®. Mean change in height SDS after 12 months/24 months of GX-H9 treatment throughout from baseline treatment improved continuously (+1.10/+1.61 and +1.31/+1.89 and +1.15/+1.69 for 0.8 mg/kg/week, 1.2 mg/kg/week and 2.4 mg/kg EOW GX-H9, respectively). First year mean change in height SDS for Genotropin® was +0.92 SDS, and showed comparable improvement in height SDS after switching to GX-H9 weekly arms (+0.76 and +0.79 SDS for 0.8 mg/kg/week and 1.2 mg/kg/week, respectively). Most treatment-emergent adverse events were evaluated as unrelated to the study drug and were mild or moderate in severity. No new safety concerns were observed throughout 24 months of long-term GX-H9 treatment or after switching to GX-H9 from Genotropin®.Conclusions Growth response and safety profile of GX-H9 in children with GHD is comparable to those of daily GH, achieving robust growth rates after 24-month treatment. Subjects switched from Genotropin® in the second year, also showed substantial catch-up growth indicated by improvement in height SDS. GX-H9 has a unique potential to be a convenient long-term GH providing not only weekly but also twice-monthly treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nataliya Zelinska
- Ukrainian Scientifically Practical Center of Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Endocrine Organs and Tissues, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Elena Bolshova
- Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism named after Komisarenko NAMS of Ukraine, Kyev, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Julia Skorodok
- St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | | | - Nataliya Chorna
- Regional Clinical Children’s Hospital, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | | | - Seung Yang
- Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- INHA University Hospital, Inchon, Korea, Republic of
| | - Agota Muzsnai
- St. John’s Hospital and United Hospitals of Northern Buda, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jin Soon Hwang
- Ajou University School of Medical, Suwon City, Korea, Republic of
| | | | | | | | - Minkyu Heo
- Genexine Inc., Seongnam, Korea, Republic of
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16
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Kim S, Heo M, Jeong S, Woo J, Sung YC, Shin EC, Park SH. A single administration of Fc-fused recombinant human IL-7 induces expansions of T lymphocytes in healthy adults and cancer patients. The Journal of Immunology 2020. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.246.25] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a cytokine that plays important roles in T cell development and homeostasis. IL-7 is a potent agent for promoting T cell reconstruction in lymphopenia patients. In this study, we investigated the effects of GX-I7 (human IL-7 fused to hyFcTM for half-life extension and improved stability) in healthy volunteers (20~60 μg/kg, n=24) and advanced solid cancer patients who had no available effective treatments (60~1,200 μg/kg, n=33).
We observed significant increases in the number of circulating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in healthy volunteers, the peak of which was seen on days 14-21. Importantly, naïve, TEM, and TCM subsets of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells increased, coupled with upregulation of Ki-67. TCR diversity of the naïve T cells tends to be increased in healthy adults by single administration of GX-I7. In addition, cytokine secretion assay using PBMCs revealed that Ag–specific (CMV-specific) T cell responses were maintained after GX-I7 administration in healthy volunteers. Moreover, in advanced solid cancer patients, GX-I7 administration significantly increased the number of all subsets (naïve, TEM, TCM and TEMRA) of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. More importantly, single GX-I7 administration increased the absolute lymphocyte count above the normal range in all patients with lymphopenic conditions (ALC < 1,000/mm3).
In conclusion, following GX-I7 administration, dose-dependent increase of ALC and T cell subsets were observed. Our study suggests that GX-I7 as a T cell amplifier provides a unique opportunity for immuno-oncology combination strategies by reconstituting persistent T cell immunity, where anti-tumor effects are mediated by T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sojeong Kim
- 1BioMedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, KAIST, South Korea
| | - Minkyu Heo
- 2Clinical Development Division, Genexine Inc., South Korea
| | - Sohee Jeong
- 2Clinical Development Division, Genexine Inc., South Korea
| | - Jungwon Woo
- 2Clinical Development Division, Genexine Inc., South Korea
| | | | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- 3Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, South Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- 3Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, South Korea
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17
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Choi YJ, Hur SY, Kim TJ, Hong SR, Lee JK, Cho CH, Park KS, Woo JW, Sung YC, Suh YS, Park JS. A Phase II, Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label Study of GX-188E, an HPV DNA Vaccine, in Patients with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 26:1616-1623. [PMID: 31727676 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the efficacy of the therapeutic DNA vaccine GX-188E for inducing regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a prospective, randomized, multicenter, open-label, phase II clinical trial of GX-188E in CIN3 patients positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16/18. The primary endpoint was to determine the histopathologic regression to ≤CIN1 at visit seven (V7; 20 weeks after the first GX-188E injection), and an extension study was pursued until visit 8 (V8; 36 weeks after the first GX-188E injection). HPV-sequencing analysis and an ex vivo IFNγ ELISpot assay were performed using the collected cervical biopsy and blood samples from patients. RESULTS In total, 72 patients were enrolled and underwent randomization. Of them, 64 patients were included in per-protocol analysis (V7) and 52 in extension analysis (V8). Our data showed 52% (33/64) of patients at V7 and 67% (35/52) of patients at V8 presented histopathologic regression after receiving the GX-188E injection. We found that 73% (V7) and 77% (V8) of the patients with histologic regression showed HPV clearance. HPV clearance and histopathologic regression were significantly associated at V7 and at V8. Compared with the measurements at V1 (baseline), the patients at V8 with HPV clearance showed significantly higher fold changes in their IFNγ ELISpot responses compared with those without HPV clearance. The HPV sequence analysis revealed that the HPV type 16 E6/E7 variants D25E, V83L, and N29S were inversely associated with histopathologic regression at V8. CONCLUSIONS GX-188E is an effective therapeutic vaccine against a cohort containing only CIN3 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Jin Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South)
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Medical Lifescience, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - Soo Young Hur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South)
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Medical Lifescience, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - Tae-Jin Kim
- Cheil General Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - Sung Ran Hong
- Cheil General Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - Jae Kwan Lee
- Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - Chi-Heum Cho
- Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - Ki Seok Park
- Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - Jung Won Woo
- Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Gyeonggbuk, Republic of Korea (South)
| | - You Suk Suh
- Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea (South).
| | - Jong Sup Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South).
- Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea (South)
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18
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Yang HG, Kang MC, Kim TY, Hwang I, Jin HT, Sung YC, Eom KS, Kim SW. Discovery of a novel natural killer cell line with distinct immunostimulatory and proliferative potential as an alternative platform for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:138. [PMID: 31126350 PMCID: PMC6534912 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human natural killer (NK) cell lines serve as an attractive source for adoptive immunotherapy, but NK-92 remains the only cell line being assessed in the clinic. Here, we established a novel NK cell line, NK101, from a patient with extra-nodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma and examined its phenotypic, genomic and functional characteristics. METHODS Single cell suspensions from lymphoma tissue were expanded with anti-NKp46/anti-CD2-coated beads in the presence of IL-2. A continuously growing CD56+ cell clone was selected and designated as NK101. Flow cytometry and RNA sequencing were used to characterize phenotypic and genomic features of NK101. In vitro cytotoxicity and IFN-γ/TNF-α secretion were measured by flow cytometry-based cytotoxicity assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively, after direct co-culture with tumor cells. Immunomodulatory potential of NK101 was assessed in an indirect co-culture system using conditioned medium. Finally, in vivo antitumor efficacy was evaluated in an immunocompetent, syngeneic 4T1 mammary tumor model. RESULTS NK101 displayed features of CD56dimCD62L+ intermediate stage NK subset with the potential to simultaneously act as a cytokine producer and a cytotoxic effector. Comparative analysis of NK101 and NK-92 revealed that NK101 expressed lower levels of perforin and granzyme B that correlated with weaker cytotoxicity, but produced higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ and TNF-α. Contrarily, NK-92 produced greater amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10. Genome-wide analysis revealed that genes associated with positive regulation of leukocyte proliferation were overexpressed in NK101, while those with opposite function were highly enriched in NK-92. The consequence of such expressional and functional discrepancies was well-represented in (i) indirect co-culture system where conditioned medium derived from NK101 induced greater proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and (ii) immunocompetent 4T1 tumor model where peritumoral injections of NK101 displayed stronger anti-tumor activities by inducing higher tumor-specific immune responses. In a manufacturing context, NK101 not only required shorter recovery time after thawing, but also exhibited faster growth profile than NK-92, yielding more than 200-fold higher cell numbers after 20-day culture. CONCLUSION NK101 is a unique NK cell line bearing strong immunostimulatory potential and substantial scalability, providing an attractive source for adoptive cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Gul Yang
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Cheol Kang
- SL-BIGEN Inc., 700 Daewangpanyo-Ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yoon Kim
- SL-BIGEN Inc., 700 Daewangpanyo-Ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Injung Hwang
- SL-BIGEN Inc., 700 Daewangpanyo-Ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Tak Jin
- SL-BIGEN Inc., 700 Daewangpanyo-Ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ki-Seong Eom
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-Daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sae Won Kim
- SL-BIGEN Inc., 700 Daewangpanyo-Ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13488, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Ertan-Ahmed S, Kiehl MG, Radinoff A, Graklanov V, Tzvetkov N, Mihăescu R, Özatlı D, Atalay F, Turgut B, Cho SG, Rekhtman G, Sahin A, Oncel H, Choi Y, Yang SI, Choi YJ, Heo M, Sung YC. GX-G3, a long-acting G-CSF, compared with pegfilgrastim in reducing duration of severe neutropenia after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. J Clin Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.e19065] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e19065 Background: G-CSF is used in patients at significant risk for developing severe neutropenia (neutrophil count < 0.5 × 109/L or grade 4 neutropenia) following myelosuppresive chemotherapy. GX-G3, human G-CSF fused to hyFc is a proposed alternative to Neulasta. Methods: An open-label, randomized, phase II study was designed to compare the effects of subcutaneous (SC) injection of GX-G3 (a long-acting G-CSF) at doses of 150, 250 and 350 μg/kg with Neulasta 6 mg administered SC in patients receiving R-CHOP for advanced NHL (n = 65). The primary objective was to assess the duration of severe neutropenia after 1st cycle of chemotherapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (R-CHOP). The following parameters were also assessed: duration of severe neutropenia after 2nd cycle of chemotherapy, optimal time for GX-G3 intervention (two GX-G3 250 μg/kg cohorts; administered 24 and 72 hours after R-CHOP), incidence of severe neutropenia and febrile neutropenia post R-CHOP, pharmacokinetics, and safety. Patients were randomly assigned to receive GX-G3 or reference drug, Neulasta, one dose after 1st and 2nd cycle of R-CHOP for a total of 2 doses. Results: The mean duration of severe neutropenia after 1st cycle was shortest in GX-G3 350 μg/kg group [GX-G3 150, 250 (24h, 72h), 350 μg/kg and Neulasta®; 3.2, 2.3, 2.0, 1.3 and 2.4 days, respectively]. The results of all GX-G3 groups and Neulasta were not significantly different for duration of severe neutropenia after 2nd cycle of R-CHOP, incidence of severe neutropenia and febrile neutropenia, or toxicity profile. The elimination half-life of GX-G3 and Neulasta ranged from 29.8 to 66 hours and 19.2 to 76.8 hours, respectively. Conclusions: GX-G3, in all tested dosage regimen, was safe and well tolerated in this patient population. A single injection of GX-G3 per chemotherapy cycle provided neutrophil support with safety and efficacy similar to that provided by Neulasta. GX-G3 administration after 24 hours, compared to 72 hours post R-CHOP treatment resulted in relatively shorter duration of severe neutropenia. Clinical trial information: 2015-002693-20.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Atanas Radinoff
- UMHAT “Sveti Ivan Rilski” EOOD, Department Clinic of Clinical Hematology, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Vasko Graklanov
- UMHAT “Sveti Georgi” EAD, Department Clinical Hematology, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Tzvetkov
- UMHAT "Georgi Stranski" EAD, Department Clinic of Hematology, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rodica Mihăescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Timisoara, Romania
| | - Düzgün Özatlı
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz MayIs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Figen Atalay
- Department of Hematology, Baskent University Istanbul Application and Research Center Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burhan Turgut
- Department of Hematology, Namık Kemal University, School of Medicine, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Seok-Gu Cho
- Department of Hematology, Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Grygoriy Rekhtman
- Department of Hematology, Khmelnytskyi Regional Hospital, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine
| | - Adem Sahin
- Department of Clinical Reseach, ILKOGEN, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hatice Oncel
- Department of Clinical Reseach, ILKOGEN, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yuri Choi
- Genexine, Inc., 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Korea Bio-Park Bldg. Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-Si, South Korea
| | - Sang-In Yang
- Genexine, Inc., 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Korea Bio-Park Bldg. Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-Si, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Jeong Choi
- Genexine, Inc., 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Korea Bio-Park Bldg. Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-Si, South Korea
| | - MinKyu Heo
- Genexine, Inc., 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Korea Bio-Park Bldg. Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-Si, South Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Genexine, Inc., 700, Daewangpangyo-ro, Korea Bio-Park Bldg. Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-Si, South Korea
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20
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Kim S, Choi DH, Heo M, Lee BH, Yang SH, Sung YC, Lee H, Shin EC, Park SH. A Single Administration of Fc-Fused Recombinant Human IL-7 Induces Expansions of T Lymphocytes in Healthy Adult Volunteers. The Journal of Immunology 2019. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.202.supp.189.15] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a cytokine that plays important roles in the development and homeostasis of T lymphocytes, which supports its application to reconstruct T cell populations in patients with a low lymphocyte count caused by various reasons such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or intensive chemotherapy. We investigated the effects of Fc-fused recombinant human IL-7 (rhIL-7-Fc) on T cell immunity in 24 healthy volunteers, who received a single subcutaneous (20 and 60 mg/kg) or intramuscular (60 mg/kg) dose of rhIL-7-Fc. We observed a significant increase in the number of CD8 and CD4 T cells after rhIL-7-Fc administration, the peak of which was seen on days 14–21 post dose. Importantly, single administration of rhIL-7-Fc increased the number of all subsets (naïve, EM, CM) of both CD8 and CD4 T cells, coupled with an enhanced expression of Ki-67, a marker of T cell proliferation. Furthermore, the numbers of other immune cells such as NK cells, NKT cells and γδ T cells were also increased after rhIL-7-Fc administration, whereas the number of B cells was transiently decreased on 7–14 days after rhIL-7-Fc administration and gradually recovered to the pre-treatment value. In conclusion, our results indicated that rhIL7-Fc’s potential immunomodulatory role can be further tested in humans to develop it as a beneficial agent to treat patients with a low lymphocyte count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sojeong Kim
- 1BioMedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, KAIST, South Korea
| | | | - MinKyu Heo
- 3Research Institute, Genexine, Inc., South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Howard Lee
- 4Department of Transdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, South Korea
- 5Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Eui-Chul Shin
- 1BioMedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, KAIST, South Korea
- 6Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, South Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- 1BioMedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, KAIST, South Korea
- 6Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, South Korea
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21
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Yang SJ, Son JK, Hong SJ, Lee NE, Shin DY, Park SH, An SB, Sung YC, Park JB, Yang HM, Kim SJ. Ectopic vascularized bone formation by human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells expressing bone morphogenetic factor-2 and endothelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 504:302-308. [PMID: 30190122 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.08.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from numerous tissues including human fetal tissue are currently used in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Among fetal tissues, the umbilical cord (UC) is one of the sources for both MSCs and endothelial cells (ECs). To establish ectopic vascularized bone tissue formation, UC-derived MSCs and ECs were isolated. UC-MSCs expressing human BMP-2 (hBMP-2-MSCs) were generated using an adenoviral system to promote bone formation. These cells were then transplanted with Matrigel into the subcutaneous tissue of an immune deficient NSG mouse, and bone tissue was analyzed after several weeks. The osteogenic differentiation ability of MSCs was elevated by transduction of the hBMP-2 expressing adenoviral system, and vascularization of bone tissue was enhanced by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In this study, our results provide evidence that MSCs and HUVECs from human umbilical cord are suitable cells to investigate bone tissue engineering. The results also suggest that the co-transplantation of hBMP2-MSCs and HUVECs may be a simple and efficient strategy for improving tissue generation and angiogenesis in bone tissue engineering using stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Jip Yang
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kyung Son
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jun Hong
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Eun Lee
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Du Yeon Shin
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Graduate School, Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Park
- SL BIGEN Inc, Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Beom An
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Berm Park
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea; Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung-Mo Yang
- Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; APR Lab Inc, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Joo Kim
- Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea; Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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22
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Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is a coinhibitory molecule and plays a pivotal role in immune regulation. Here, we demonstrate a role for PD-1 in pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Wild-type (WT) mice had severe wasting disease during experimentally induced colitis, while mice deficient for PD-1 (PD-1−/−) did not develop colon inflammation. Interestingly, PD-1−/− mice cohoused with WT mice became susceptible to colitis, suggesting that resistance of PD-1−/− mice to colitis is dependent on their gut microbiota. 16S rRNA gene-pyrosequencing analysis showed that PD-1−/− mice had altered composition of gut microbiota with significant reduction in Rikenellaceae family. These altered colon bacteria of PD-1−/− mice induced less amount of inflammatory mediators from colon epithelial cells, including interleukin (IL)-6, and inflammatory chemokines. Taken together, our study indicates that PD-1 expression is involved in the resistance to experimental colitis through altered bacterial communities of colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Jeong Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Ji-Hae Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Mi-Young Song
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, and Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, and Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Yunji Park
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
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23
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Kim JH, Choi D, Ji MK, Jo SB, Park HW, Oh YK, Kim Y, Kim H, Lee BH, Yang SH, Sung YC, Lee SW. Abstract 1731: Preclinical evaluation of the anti-tumor activity of Fc-fused interleukin-7 in both monotherapy and combination therapy. Cancer Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2018-1731] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A remarkable progress of cancer immunotherapy in a recent decade, including immune checkpoint blockades (ICB), has shed a new light on the medical treatment of cancer patients. These successes of immunotherapies affirm the notion that modulation of immune-related environment, although not directly targeting a tumor cell, might lead to a better efficacy for cancer treatment. Interleukine-7 (IL-7), a member of the common γ chain family cytokine, plays important roles in the development and homeostasis of lymphocytes in both mouse and human, in particular T lymphocytes. Positive effects of recombinant IL-7 on anti-tumor activity in preclinical models have placed IL-7 as a strong candidate for a novel immunotherapeutic agent in clinics; however, a short half-life of recombinant protein has remained a challenge. Here, we investigated anti-tumor effects in mice of the long-acting form of recombinant human IL-7 fused with hybrid Fc (IL-7-hyFc) in syngeneic tumor models. A dramatic inhibition of tumor growth was achieved when IL-7-hyFc is given in a single subcutaneous injection with palpable tumor burdens. IL-7-hyFc administration significantly enhanced the expression level of CXCR3 on T cells and the frequency of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Of interest, the fraction of PD-1+CD8+ TILs was decreased by IL-7-hyFc, with the cell surface level of PD-1 being diminished. Therefore, IL-7-hyFc is able to expand tumor antigen specific CD8+ effector T cells, resulting in the enhanced infiltration and functional recuperation of TILs. Nonetheless, the tumor growth inhibition by IL-7-hyFc was not observed in mice with large tumor burdens. To increase the therapeutic efficacy of IL-7-hyFc in this model, we combined single injection of the conventional chemotherapeutics cyclophosphamide (CTX) with a moderate dose in which CTX confers immunogenic tumor cell death without severely depleting immune compartment. The combinatorial treatment with IL-7-hyFc and CTX augmented the infiltration of CD8+ TILs, leading to an increased survival in a large established tumor model. In sum, IL-7-hyFc confers the effective anti-tumor responses through reconstructing CD8+ T lymphocytes; this activity was limited when the tumor burden was high but restored along with combination with the chemotherapeutics. Thus, these results imply that IL-7-hyFc can be applied to various cancer immunotherapy regimens as monotherapy or a combination partner with conventional and other immunotherapy, like ICB.
Citation Format: Ji-Hae Kim, Donghoon Choi, Man Kyu Ji, Seat-byeul Jo, Han Wook Park, Yeon Kyung Oh, Youngmin Kim, Hyekang Kim, Byung Ha Lee, Se Hwan Yang, Young Chul Sung, Seung-Woo Lee. Preclinical evaluation of the anti-tumor activity of Fc-fused interleukin-7 in both monotherapy and combination therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1731.
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24
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Park SJ, Kim JH, Song MY, Sung YC, Lee SW, Park Y. Erratum to: PD-1 deficiency protects experimental colitis via alteration of gut microbiota. BMB Rep 2018; 51:314. [PMID: 29941089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The BMB Reports would like to correct in the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS of BMB Rep. 50(11): 578-583 titled "PD-1 deficiency protects experimental colitis via alteration of gut microbiota."
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Jeong Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Ji-Hae Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Mi-Young Song
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, and Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, and Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Yunji Park
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
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Kang MC, Park HW, Choi DH, Choi YW, Park Y, Sung YC, Lee SW. Erratum: Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Contribute to the Protective Immunity Induced by Intranasal Treatment with Fc-fused Interleukin-7 against Lethal Influenza Virus Infection. Immune Netw 2018; 17:460. [PMID: 29303155 PMCID: PMC5746615 DOI: 10.4110/in.2017.17.6.460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Moon Cheol Kang
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Han Wook Park
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Choi
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Young Woo Choi
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Yunji Park
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea.,Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea.,Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea.,Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
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26
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Kang MC, Park HW, Choi DH, Choi YW, Park Y, Sung YC, Lee SW. Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Contribute to the Protective Immunity Induced by Intranasal Treatment with Fc-fused Interleukin-7 against Lethal Influenza Virus Infection. Immune Netw 2017; 17:343-351. [PMID: 29093655 PMCID: PMC5662783 DOI: 10.4110/in.2017.17.5.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing a novel vaccine that can be applied against multiple strains of influenza virus is of utmost importance to human health. Previously, we demonstrated that the intranasal introduction of Fc-fused IL-7 (IL-7-mFc), a long-acting cytokine fusion protein, confers long-lasting prophylaxis against multiple strains of influenza A virus (IAV) by inducing the development of lung-resident memory-like T cells, called TRM-like cells. Here, we further investigated the mechanisms of IL-7-mFc-mediated protective immunity to IAVs. First, we found that IL-7-mFc treatment augments the accumulation of pulmonary T cells in 2 ways: recruiting blood circulating T cells into the lung and expanding T cells at the lung parenchyma. Second, the blockade of T cell migration from the lymph nodes (LNs) with FTY720 treatment was not required for mounting the protective immunity to IAV with IL-7-mFc, suggesting a more important role of IL-7 in T cells in the lungs. Third, IL-7-mFc treatment also recruited various innate immune cells into the lungs. Among these cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play an important role in IL-7-mFc-mediated protective immunity through reducing the immunopathology and increasing IAV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. In summary, our results show that intranasal treatment with IL-7-mFc modulates pulmonary immune responses to IAV, affecting both innate and adaptive immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Cheol Kang
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Han Wook Park
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Choi
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Young Woo Choi
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Yunji Park
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea.,Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Korea.,Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea.,Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
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Lee H, Jo EB, Kim SJ, Yang HM, Kim YM, Sung YC, Park JB, Hong D, Park H, Choi YL, Kim SJ. Therapeutic strategies for locally recurrent and metastatic de-differentiated liposarcoma with herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase-expressing mesenchymal stromal cells. Cytotherapy 2017; 19:1035-1047. [PMID: 28760351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Major challenges in de-differentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) therapy are the high rate of sequential recurrence (>80%) and metastasis (20-30%) following surgical removal. However, well-defined therapeutic strategies for this rare malignancy are lacking and are critically needed. METHODS We investigated a new approach to DDLPS therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells expressing herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (MSC-TK). In an effort to evaluate this efficacy, in vitro cytotoxicity of MSC-TK against DDLPS cells was analyzed using an apoptosis assay. For pre-clinical study, the MSC-TK-induced reduction in recurrence and metastasis was validated in a recurrent DDLPS model after the macroscopic complete resection and lung metastasis DDLPS model. RESULTS MSC-TK induced apoptosis in DDLPS cells by bystander effects via gap junction intracellular communication (GJIC) of toxic ganciclovir (GCV). Recurrent DDLPS models following no residual tumor/microscopic tumor resection and lung metastasis DDLPS models were established, which suggested clinical relevance. MSC-TK markedly reduced locoregional recurrence rates and prolonged recurrence-free survival, thus increasing overall survival in the recurrent DDLPS model. MSC-TK followed by GCV treatment yielded a statistically significant reduction in early- and advanced-stage lung metastasis. DISCUSSION This therapeutic strategy may serve as an alternative or additional strategy by applying MSC-TK to target residual tumors following surgical resection, thus reducing local relapse and metastasis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjoo Lee
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Personalized Medicine, Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eun Byeol Jo
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung Mo Yang
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - You Min Kim
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Berm Park
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doopyo Hong
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojun Park
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-La Choi
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Joo Kim
- Transplantation Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Kim YM, Kim SW, Lee S, Kim H, Kim JH, Park HW, Sung YC, Lee SW. Abstract B012: Preclinical study of Kiatomab, a novel monoclonal antibody to the cancer stem cell surface marker KIAA1114, for anti-cancer therapy in colorectal carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.imm2016-b012] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Most targeted therapy drugs block the growth of cancer cells by targeting specific molecules needed for tumor growth. Among targeted therapy drugs, cetuximab, the monoclonal antibody which binds to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and inhibits downstream signaling of EGFR, has greatly improved the median survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Yet, cetuximab showed limited therapeutic effect in CRC patients who carry certain mutation in the KRAS, which emphasizes the necessity of developing new targeted therapy drugs for CRC. KIA1114 is a full-length protein of the trophinin gene and is localized on the cell surface. In our previous research, we identified the role of KIA1114 as a novel surface marker of tumor initiating cells of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by developing Kiatomab, KIA1114-specific monoclonal antibody. Here, we show that KIA1114 is also highly expressed in various CRC cells with mouse or human origin. Kiatomab treatment inhibits tumor growth in a syngeneic graft CRC mouse model in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) dependent manner. In the metastatic CRC model, Kiatomab therapy suppresses metastasis, with a significant increase of survival. Of note, the anticancer efficacy of Kiatomab is further improved by combinatorial treatment with the standard chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide (CTX), in both metastatic and solid tumor models. In summary, our findings suggest that KIAA1114 is a new target for CRC and its monoclonal antibody Kiatomab might have a potential for anticancer therapy.
Citation Format: Young Min Kim, Sae Won Kim, Seungwon Lee, Hyekang Kim, Ji-Hae Kim, Han Wook Park, Young Chul Sung, Seung-Woo Lee. Preclinical study of Kiatomab, a novel monoclonal antibody to the cancer stem cell surface marker KIAA1114, for anti-cancer therapy in colorectal carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B012.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seungwon Lee
- 2Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyekang Kim
- 2Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Han Wook Park
- 2Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
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Choi YW, Kang MC, Seo YB, Namkoong H, Park Y, Choi DH, Suh YS, Lee SW, Sung YC, Jin HT. Intravaginal Administration of Fc-Fused IL7 Suppresses the Cervicovaginal Tumor by Recruiting HPV DNA Vaccine-Induced CD8 T Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:5898-5908. [PMID: 27407095 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The induction of tissue-localized virus-specific CD8 T-cell response is essential for the development of an effective therapeutic vaccine against genital diseases, such as cervical cancer and genital herpes. Here, we aimed to elucidate the immunologic role of IL7 in the induction of mucosal cellular immunity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN IL7 was engineered through Fc fusion to enhance mucosal delivery across the genital epithelial barrier. The immunomodulatory role of IL7 was evaluated by monitoring the kinetics of various immune cells and measuring the expression of chemokines and cytokines after intravaginal administration of Fc-fused IL7 (IL7-Fc). The antitumor effects of intramuscular human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA vaccine or topical IL7-Fc alone or in a combinational regimen on mice survival were compared using a orthotopic cervical cancer model. RESULTS Intravaginal treatment of IL7-Fc, but not native IL7, induces upregulation of chemokines (CXCL10, CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5), cytokines (IFNγ, TNFα, IL6, and IL1β), and an adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) in the genital tract, leading to the recruitment of several leukocytes, including CD4, CD8, γδ T cells, and dendritic cells. Importantly, in this murine cervical cancer model, topical administration of IL7-Fc after intramuscular HPV DNA vaccination increases the number of HPV-specific CD8 T cells in the genital mucosa, but not in the spleen, leading to stronger antitumor activity than the HPV DNA vaccine alone. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide an important insight into the immunomodulatory role of IL7-Fc via topical application and the design of therapeutic vaccine regimen that induces effective genital-mucosal CD8 T-cell responses. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5898-908. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Woo Choi
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Cheol Kang
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Bok Seo
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Namkoong
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunji Park
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Choi
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - You Suk Suh
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Tak Jin
- Research Institute, Biodion Inc, Korea Bio Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Hong SM, Park CW, Kim SW, Nam YJ, Yu JH, Shin JH, Yun CH, Im SH, Kim KT, Sung YC, Choi KY. NAMPT suppresses glucose deprivation-induced oxidative stress by increasing NADPH levels in breast cancer. Oncogene 2015; 35:3544-54. [PMID: 26568303 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a rate-limiting enzyme involved in NAD+ biosynthesis. Although NAMPT has emerged as a critical regulator of metabolic stress, the underlying mechanisms by which it regulates metabolic stress in cancer cells have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we determined that breast cancer cells expressing a high level of NAMPT were resistant to cell death induced by glucose depletion. Furthermore, NAMPT inhibition suppressed tumor growth in vivo in a xenograft model. Under glucose deprivation conditions, NAMPT inhibition was found to increase the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, leading to cell death. This cell death was rescued by treatment with antioxidants or NAD+. Finally, we showed that NAMPT increased the pool of NAD+ that could be converted to NADPH through the pentose phosphate pathway and inhibited the depletion of reduced glutathione under glucose deprivation. Collectively, our results suggest a novel mechanism by which tumor cells protect themselves against glucose deprivation-induced oxidative stress by utilizing NAMPT to maintain NADPH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Hong
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - C W Park
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea.,Biokogen Inc. POSTECH Biotech Center #226, Pohang, Korea
| | - S W Kim
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Y J Nam
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - J H Yu
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - J H Shin
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - C H Yun
- Academy of Immunology and Microbiology (AIM), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, Korea
| | - S-H Im
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea.,Academy of Immunology and Microbiology (AIM), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, Korea
| | - K-T Kim
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Y C Sung
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - K Y Choi
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
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Hwang BW, Kim SJ, Park KM, Kim H, Yeom J, Yang JA, Jeong H, Jung H, Kim K, Sung YC, Hahn SK. Genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cell therapy using self-assembling supramolecular hydrogels. J Control Release 2015; 220:119-129. [PMID: 26485045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has attracted a great deal of attention for treating intractable diseases such as cancer, stroke, liver cirrhosis, and ischemia. Especially, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely investigated for therapeutic applications due to the advantageous characteristics of long life-span, facile isolation, rapid proliferation, prolonged transgene expression, hypo-immunogenicity, and tumor tropism. MSCs can exert their therapeutic effects by releasing stress-induced therapeutic molecules after their rapid migration to damaged tissues. Recently, to improve the therapeutic efficacy, genetically engineered MSCs have been developed for therapeutic transgene expression by viral gene transduction and non-viral gene transfection. In general, the number of therapeutic cells for injection should be more than several millions for effective cell therapy. Adequate carriers for the controlled delivery of MSCs can reduce the required cell numbers and extend the duration of therapeutic effect, which provide great benefits for chronic disease patients. In this review, we describe genetic engineering of MSCs, recent progress of self-assembling supramolecular hydrogels, and their applications to cell therapy for intractable diseases and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Woo Hwang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea
| | - Kyeng Min Park
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Center for Self-assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea; Department of Nanomaterials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 305-333, Korea
| | - Hyemin Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea
| | - Junseok Yeom
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea
| | - Jeong-A Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea
| | - Hyeonseon Jeong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea
| | - Hyuntae Jung
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea
| | - Kimoon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Advanced Materials Science, Center for Self-assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea; School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea.
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea; School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea.
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea; School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790-784, Korea.
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Lee SY, Jung YO, Kim DJ, Kang CM, Moon YM, Heo YJ, Oh HJ, Park SJ, Yang SH, Kwok SK, Ju JH, Park SH, Sung YC, Kim HY, Cho ML. IL-12p40 Homodimer Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Arthritis. J Immunol 2015; 195:3001-10. [PMID: 26324771 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
IL-23 is the key cytokine that induces the expansion of Th17 cells. It is composed of p19 and p40 subunits of IL-12. The p40 subunit binds competitively to the receptor of IL-23 and blocks its activity. Our aim was to assess the preventive and therapeutic effect of the IL-12p40 homodimer (p40)2 subunit in autoimmune arthritis animal models. In the current study, using IL-1R antagonist-knockout mice and a collagen-induced arthritis model, we investigated the suppressive effect of (p40)2 on inflammatory arthritis. We demonstrated that the recombinant adenovirus-expressing mouse (p40)2 model prevented the development of arthritis when given before the onset of arthritis. It also decreased the arthritis index and joint erosions in the mouse model if transferred after arthritis was established. (p40)2 inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines and Ag-specific T cell proliferation. It also induced CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3 regulatory T (Treg) cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas the generation of retinoic acid receptor-related organ receptor γt and Th17 cells was suppressed. The induction of Treg cells and the suppression of Th17 cells were mediated via activated STAT5 and suppressed STAT3. Our data suggest that (p40)2 suppressed inflammatory arthritis successfully. This could be a useful therapeutic approach in autoimmune arthritis to regulate the Th17/Treg balance and IL-23 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Yeong Lee
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Immune Network, Conversant Research Consortium in Immunologic Disease, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ok Jung
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Kang-Nam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul 150-950, Republic of Korea; and
| | - Doo-Jin Kim
- Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, World Class University, Pohang University of Science and Technology Biotechnology Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Min Kang
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mee Moon
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Immune Network, Conversant Research Consortium in Immunologic Disease, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jung Heo
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jwa Oh
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jeong Park
- Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, World Class University, Pohang University of Science and Technology Biotechnology Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hwan Yang
- Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, World Class University, Pohang University of Science and Technology Biotechnology Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ki Kwok
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyeon Ju
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan Park
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, World Class University, Pohang University of Science and Technology Biotechnology Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Youn Kim
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea;
| | - Mi-La Cho
- Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Immune Network, Conversant Research Consortium in Immunologic Disease, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea;
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Lee SE, Hong SH, Verma V, Lee YS, Duong TMN, Jeong K, Uthaman S, Sung YC, Lee JT, Park IK, Min JJ, Rhee JH. Flagellin is a strong vaginal adjuvant of a therapeutic vaccine for genital cancer. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1081328. [PMID: 27057462 PMCID: PMC4801456 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1081328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a high-incidence female cancer most commonly caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the genital mucosa. Immunotherapy targeting HPV-derived tumor antigens (TAs) has been widely studied in animal models and in patients. Because the female genital tract is a portal for the entry of HPV and a highly compartmentalized system, the development of topical vaginal immunotherapy in an orthotopic cancer model would provide an ideal therapeutic. Thus, we examined whether flagellin, a potent mucosal immunomodulator, could be used as an adjuvant for a topical therapeutic vaccine for female genital cancer. Intravaginal (IVAG) co-administration of the E6/E7 peptides with flagellin resulted in tumor suppression and long-term survival of tumor-bearing mice. In contrast to IVAG vaccination, intranasal (IN) or subcutaneous (SC) immunization did not induce significant tumor suppression in the same model. The vaginal adjuvant effect of the flagellin was completely abolished in Toll-like receptor-5 (TLR5) knock-out mice. IVAG immunization with the E6/E7 peptides plus flagellin induced the accumulation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells and the expression of T cell activation-related genes in the draining genital lymph nodes (gLNs). The co-administered flagellin elicited antigen-specific IFNγ production in the gLNs and spleen. The intravaginally administered flagellin was found in association with CD11c+ cells in the gLNs. Moreover, after immunization with a flagellin and the E6/E7 peptides, the TLR5 expression in gLN cells was significantly upregulated. These results suggest that flagellin serves as a potent vaginal adjuvant for a therapeutic peptide cancer vaccine through the activation of TLR5 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shee Eun Lee
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol Hee Hong
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Vivek Verma
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Suhk Lee
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Tra-My Nu Duong
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangjoon Jeong
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Saji Uthaman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School , Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH , Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Tae Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine , Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Kyu Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School, Chonnam National University , Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School , Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Haeng Rhee
- Clinical Vaccine R&D Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Jeong KY, Lee EJ, Kim SJ, Yang SH, Sung YC, Seong J. Irradiation-induced localization of IL-12-expressing mesenchymal stem cells to enhance the curative effect in murine metastatic hepatoma. Int J Cancer 2015. [PMID: 25639194 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29428.] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Irradiation in conjunction with gene therapy is considered for efficient cancer treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), due to their irradiation-promotable tumor tropism, are ideal delivery vehicles for gene therapy. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with radiation and interleukin (IL)-12-expressing MSCs (MSCs/IL-12) exerts improved antitumor effects on murine metastatic hepatoma. HCa-I and Hepa 1-6 cells were utilized to generate heterotopic murine hepatoma models. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with irradiation or MSCs/IL-12 alone, or a combination. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) expression was assessed in irradiated hepatoma tissues to confirm a chemotactic effect. Combination treatment strategies were established and their therapeutic efficacies were evaluated by monitoring tumor growth, metastasis and survival rate. IL-12 expression was assessed and the apoptotic activity and immunological alterations in the tumor microenvironment were examined. MCP-1/CCL2 expression and localization of MSCs/IL-12 increased in the irradiated murine hepatoma cells. The antitumor effects, including suppression of pulmonary metastasis and survival rate improvements, were increased by the combination treatment with irradiation and MSCs/IL-12. IL-12 expression was increased in tumor cells, causing proliferation of cluster of differentiation 8(+) T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells. The apoptotic activity increased, indicating that the cytotoxicity of immune cells was involved in the antitumor effect of the combined treatment. Treatment with irradiation and MSCs/IL-12 showed effectiveness in treating murine metastatic hepatoma. IL-12-induced proliferation of immune cells played an important role in apoptosis of tumor cells. Our results suggest that treatment with irradiation and MSCs/IL-12 may be a useful strategy for enhancing antitumor activity in metastatic hepatoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun-Yeong Jeong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Jinsil Seong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea
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Moon HE, Byun K, Park HW, Kim JH, Hur J, Park JS, Jun JK, Kim HS, Paek SL, Kim IK, Hwang JH, Kim JW, Kim DG, Sung YC, Koh GY, Song CW, Lee B, Paek SH. COMP-Ang1 Potentiates EPC Treatment of Ischemic Brain Injury by Enhancing Angiogenesis Through Activating AKT-mTOR Pathway and Promoting Vascular Migration Through Activating Tie2-FAK Pathway. Exp Neurobiol 2015; 24:55-70. [PMID: 25792870 PMCID: PMC4363334 DOI: 10.5607/en.2015.24.1.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful recovery from brain ischemia is limited due to poor vascularization surrounding the ischemic zone. Cell therapy with strong angiogenic factors could be an effective strategy to rescue the ischemic brain. We investigated whether cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)-Ang1, a soluble, stable and potent Ang1 variant, enhances the angiogenesis of human cord blood derived endothelial progenitor cells (hCB-EPCs) for rescuing brain from ischemic injury. COMP-Ang1 markedly improved the tube formation of capillaries by EPCs and incorporation of EPCs into tube formation with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) upon incubation on matrigel in vitro. COMP-Ang1 stimulated the migration of EPCs more than HUVECs in a scratch wound migration assay. The transplanted EPCs and COMP-Ang1 were incorporated into the blood vessels and decreased the infarct volume in the rat ischemic brain. Molecular studies revealed that COMP-Ang1 induced an interaction between Tie2 and FAK, but AKT was separated from the Tie2-FAK-AKT complex in the EPC plasma membrane. Tie2-FAK increased pp38, pSAPK/JNK, and pERK-mediated MAPK activation and interacted with integrins ανβ3, α4, β1, finally leading to migration of EPCs. AKT recruited mTOR, SDF-1, and HIF-1α to induce angiogenesis. Taken together, it is concluded that COMP-Ang1 potentiates the angiogenesis of EPCs and enhances the vascular morphogenesis indicating that combination of EPCs with COMP-Ang1 may be a potentially effective regimen for ischemic brain injury salvage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Eun Moon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Kyunghee Byun
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Korea. ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gachon University Medical School, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Hyung Woo Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Kim
- Clinical Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 660-702, Korea
| | - Jin Hur
- Innovative Research Institute for Cell Therapy (IRICT), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Joong Shin Park
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Jong Kwan Jun
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Hyo-Soo Kim
- Innovative Research Institute for Cell Therapy (IRICT), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Seung Leal Paek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, USA
| | - In Keyoung Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Jae Ha Hwang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Jin Wook Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Dong Gyu Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, USA
| | - Gou-Young Koh
- Laboratory for Vascular Biology and Stem Cell, Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-338, Korea
| | - Chang W Song
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology-Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Bonghee Lee
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Korea. ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gachon University Medical School, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Sun Ha Paek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. ; Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea
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Yoon SK, Seo YB, Im SJ, Bae SH, Song MJ, You CR, Jang JW, Yang SH, Suh YS, Song JS, Kim BM, Kim CY, Jeong SH, Sung YC. Safety and immunogenicity of therapeutic DNA vaccine with antiviral drug in chronic HBV patients and its immunogenicity in mice. Liver Int 2015; 35:805-15. [PMID: 24620920 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Here, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA vaccine, HB-110, in mice and Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) undergoing adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment. METHODS For animal study, mice (BALB/c or HBV transgenic) were immunized with mHB-110, and T-cell and antibody responses were evaluated. For clinical study, 27 patients randomly received either ADV alone or ADV in combination with HB-110. Liver function tests, serum HBV DNA levels and the presence of HBeAg/anti-HBe were analysed. T-cell responses were estimated by ELISPOT and FACS analysis. RESULTS mHB-110 induced higher T-cell and antibody responses than mHB-100 in mice. No adverse effects were observed by HB-110 cotreated with ADV. HBV-specific T-cell responses were induced in a portion of patients in medium to high dose of HB-110. Interestingly, HB-110 exhibited positive effects on ALT normalization and maintenance of HBeAg seroconversion. One patient, who received high dose of HB-110 exhibited HBeAg seroconversion during vaccination, which correlated with vaccine-induced T-cell responses without ALT elevation. CONCLUSIONS HB-110 was safe and tolerable in CHB patients. In contrast to results in animal models, HB-110 in Korean patients exhibited weaker capability of inducing HBV-specific T-cell responses and HBeAg seroconversion than HB-100 in Caucasian patients. As Asian patients, who are generally infected via vertical transmission, appeared to have higher level of immune tolerance than Caucasian, novel approaches for breaking immune tolerance rather than enhancing immunogenicity may be more urgently demanded to develop effective therapeutic HBV DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Jeong KY, Lee EJ, Kim SJ, Yang SH, Sung YC, Seong J. Irradiation-induced localization of IL-12-expressing mesenchymal stem cells to enhance the curative effect in murine metastatic hepatoma. Int J Cancer 2015; 137:721-30. [PMID: 25639194 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Irradiation in conjunction with gene therapy is considered for efficient cancer treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), due to their irradiation-promotable tumor tropism, are ideal delivery vehicles for gene therapy. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with radiation and interleukin (IL)-12-expressing MSCs (MSCs/IL-12) exerts improved antitumor effects on murine metastatic hepatoma. HCa-I and Hepa 1-6 cells were utilized to generate heterotopic murine hepatoma models. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with irradiation or MSCs/IL-12 alone, or a combination. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) expression was assessed in irradiated hepatoma tissues to confirm a chemotactic effect. Combination treatment strategies were established and their therapeutic efficacies were evaluated by monitoring tumor growth, metastasis and survival rate. IL-12 expression was assessed and the apoptotic activity and immunological alterations in the tumor microenvironment were examined. MCP-1/CCL2 expression and localization of MSCs/IL-12 increased in the irradiated murine hepatoma cells. The antitumor effects, including suppression of pulmonary metastasis and survival rate improvements, were increased by the combination treatment with irradiation and MSCs/IL-12. IL-12 expression was increased in tumor cells, causing proliferation of cluster of differentiation 8(+) T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells. The apoptotic activity increased, indicating that the cytotoxicity of immune cells was involved in the antitumor effect of the combined treatment. Treatment with irradiation and MSCs/IL-12 showed effectiveness in treating murine metastatic hepatoma. IL-12-induced proliferation of immune cells played an important role in apoptosis of tumor cells. Our results suggest that treatment with irradiation and MSCs/IL-12 may be a useful strategy for enhancing antitumor activity in metastatic hepatoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun-Yeong Jeong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Jinsil Seong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University Medical College, Seoul, South Korea
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Yeom J, Kim SJ, Jung H, Namkoong H, Yang J, Hwang BW, Oh K, Kim K, Sung YC, Hahn SK. Supramolecular hydrogels for long-term bioengineered stem cell therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:237-44. [PMID: 25100551 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201400304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [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: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic hydrogels have been extensively investigated as artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs) for tissue engineering in vitro and in vivo. Crucial challenges for such hydrogels are sustaining long-term cytocompatible encapsulation and providing appropriate cues at the right place and time for spatio-temporal control of the cells. Here, in situ supramolecularly assembled and modularly modified hydrogels for long-term engineered mesenchymal stem cell (eMSC) therapy are reported using cucurbit[6]uril-conjugated hyaluronic acid (CB[6]-HA), diaminohexane conjugated HA (DAH-HA), and drug-conjugated CB[6] (drug-CB[6]). The eMSCs producing enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) remain alive and emit the fluorescence within CB[6]/DAH-HA hydrogels in mice for more than 60 d. Furthermore, the long-term expression of mutant interleukin-12 (IL-12M) by eMSCs within the supramolecular hydrogels results in effective inhibition of tumor growth with a significantly enhanced survival rate. Taken together, these findings confirm the feasibility of supramolecular HA hydrogels as 3D artificial ECMs for cell therapies and tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junseok Yeom
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Life Sciences; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuntae Jung
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Namkoong
- Department of Life Sciences; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonga Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Woo Hwang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghoon Oh
- Department of Chemistry; Division of Advanced Materials Science; Center for Self-assembly and Complexity; Institute for Basic Science (IBS); 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Kimoon Kim
- Department of Chemistry; Division of Advanced Materials Science; Center for Self-assembly and Complexity; Institute for Basic Science (IBS); 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
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Yeom J, Kim SJ, Jung H, Namkoong H, Yang J, Hwang BW, Oh K, Kim K, Sung YC, Hahn SK. Stem Cells: Supramolecular Hydrogels for Long-Term Bioengineered Stem Cell Therapy (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 2/2015). Adv Healthc Mater 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201570014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junseok Yeom
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Life Sciences; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuntae Jung
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Namkoong
- Department of Life Sciences; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonga Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Woo Hwang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghoon Oh
- Department of Chemistry; Division of Advanced Materials Science; Center for Self-assembly and Complexity; Institute for Basic Science (IBS); 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Kimoon Kim
- Department of Chemistry; Division of Advanced Materials Science; Center for Self-assembly and Complexity; Institute for Basic Science (IBS); 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu Pohang 790-784 Republic of Korea
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Kim SW, Yang HG, Kang MC, Lee S, Namkoong H, Lee SW, Sung YC. KIAA1114, a full-length protein encoded by the trophinin gene, is a novel surface marker for isolating tumor-initiating cells of multiple hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes. Oncotarget 2015; 5:1226-40. [PMID: 24713374 PMCID: PMC4012722 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of novel biomarkers for tumor-initiating cells (TICs) is of critical importance for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against cancers. Here we identified the role of KIAA1114, a full-length translational product of the trophinin gene, as a distinctive marker for TICs in human liver cancer by developing a DNA vaccine-induced monoclonal antibody targeting the putative extracellular domain of KIAA1114. Compared with other established markers of liver TICs, KIAA1114 was unique in that its expression was detected in both alpha fetoprotein (AFP)-positive and AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines with the expression levels of KIAA1114 being positively correlated to their tumorigenic potentials. Notably, KIAA1114 expression was strongly detected in primary hepatic tumor, but neither in the adjacent non-tumorous tissue from the same patient nor normal liver tissue. KIAA1114high cells isolated from HCC cell lines displayed TIC-like features with superior functional and phenotypic traits compared to their KIAA1114low counterparts, including tumorigenic abilities in xenotransplantation model, in vitro colony- and spheroid-forming capabilities, expression of stemness-associated genes, and migratory capacity. Our findings not only address the value of a novel antigen, KIAA1114, as a potential diagnostic factor of human liver cancer, but also as an independent biomarker for identifying TIC populations that could be broadly applied to the heterogeneous HCC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Won Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyungbuk, Republic of Korea
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Lee G, Na YJ, Yang BG, Choi JP, Seo YB, Hong CP, Yun CH, Kim DH, Sohn EJ, Kim JH, Sung YC, Kim YK, Jang MH, Hwang I. Oral immunization of haemaggulutinin H5 expressed in plant endoplasmic reticulum with adjuvant saponin protects mice against highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus infection. Plant Biotechnol J 2015; 13:62-72. [PMID: 25065685 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Pandemics in poultry caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A virus occur too frequently globally, and there is growing concern about the HPAI A virus due to the possibility of a pandemic among humans. Thus, it is important to develop a vaccine against HPAI suitable for both humans and animals. Various approaches are underway to develop such vaccines. In particular, an edible vaccine would be a convenient way to vaccinate poultry because of the behaviour of the animals. However, an edible vaccine is still not available. In this study, we developed a strategy of effective vaccination of mice by the oral administration of transgenic Arabidopsis plants (HA-TG) expressing haemagglutinin (HA) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Expression of HA in the ER resulted in its high-level accumulation, N-glycosylation, protection from proteolytic degradation and long-term stability. Oral administration of HA-TG with saponin elicited high levels of HA-specific systemic IgG and mucosal IgA responses in mice, which resulted in protection against a lethal influenza virus infection with attenuated inflammatory symptoms. Based on these results, we propose that oral administration of freeze-dried leaf powders from transgenic plants expressing HA in the ER together with saponin is an attractive strategy for vaccination against influenza A virus.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Administration, Oral
- Animals
- Antibody Formation/drug effects
- Antibody Formation/immunology
- Antibody Specificity/drug effects
- Antibody Specificity/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Arabidopsis/genetics
- Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
- Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism
- Female
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology
- Immunity, Humoral/drug effects
- Immunity, Mucosal/drug effects
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/immunology
- Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology
- Plants, Genetically Modified
- Pneumonia/immunology
- Pneumonia/pathology
- Pneumonia/prevention & control
- Pneumonia/virology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Saponins/immunology
- Vaccination
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Affiliation(s)
- Goeun Lee
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea; Academy of Immunology and Microbiology (AIM), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, Korea
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Namkoong H, Song MY, Seo YB, Choi DH, Kim SW, Im SJ, Sung YC, Park Y. Enhancement of antigen-specific CD8 T cell responses by co-delivery of Fc-fused CXCL11. Vaccine 2013; 32:1205-12. [PMID: 23928465 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.07.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 04/27/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines have been known to play an important role in eliciting adaptive immune responses by, selectively attracting the innate cellular components to the site of antigen presentation. In this study, we demonstrated that all three CXCR3 ligands, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, could act as a strong, genetic adjuvant. Among them, CXCL11 increased vaccine antigen-specific CD8 T cells, including, several cytokine secretions (IFN-γ and TNF-α) to a greater degree than the other two CXCR3 ligands. Fc-fusion of CXCL11 (CXCL11-Fc) induced similar but slightly higher CD8 T cell response, which, appeared to be antigen- (ovalbumin (OVA) vs. human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E7) and vaccine, type- (adenovirus vs. DNA vaccine) independent. In addition, the adjuvant effect of CXCL11-Fc was, further confirmed by suppressing tumor growth and extension of survival rates in a therapeutic tumor, model, which was correlated with enhanced antigen-specific CD8 T cell responses. Interestingly, the, enhanced antigen-specific CD8 T cell responses by co-delivery of CXCL11-Fc were associated with CD8, T cell proliferation, followed by increased total and effector memory T cell frequencies. Taken together, our findings provide a novel role of CXCL11 as a strong genetic adjuvant which might be used to, increase antigen-specific CD8 T cell immunity elicited by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Namkoong
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Song
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Bok Seo
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Choi
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Won Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Im
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea; Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yunji Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea.
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Kim SJ, Park SH, Sung YC, Kim SW. Effect of mesenchymal stem cells associated to matrixen on the erectile function in the rat model with bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury. Int Braz J Urol 2013; 38:833-41. [PMID: 23302404 DOI: 10.1590/1677-553820133806833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSCs mixed with Matrixen as a cell carrier on the erectile dysfunction caused by bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS White male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated control group (n = 5), bilateral cavernous nerve crushing group (BCNC group, n = 10), BCNC administered with MSCs group (n = 10,1x106 in 20 µL), BCNC administered with Matrixen group (n = 10.1x106 in 20 µL), BCNC administered with MSCs/Matrixen group (n = 10.1x106 in 20 µL). After functional assessment at 4 weeks, major pelvic ganglion (MPG) and penile tissue were collected. Immunofluorescent staining of MPG was performed with PKH26 and Tuj1. Western blot analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were done in corpus cavernosum. RESULTS ICP/MAP ratios of BCNC with MSCs and MSCs/Matrixen groups were significantly increased compared with BCNC and BCNC with Matrixen group. Moreover, ICP/MAP ratios of MSCs/Matrixen group were significantly increased compared with BCNC with MSCs group. In MPG, the more implantation of MSCs and increased expression of nerve cells were observed in MSCs/Matrixen group compared with BCNC with MSCs group. Significant increase expression of eNOS and nNOS was also noted in BCNC with MSCs/Matrixen group. CONCLUSION The erectile function was more preserved in MSCs/Matrixen group compared with the administration of MSCs alone in the rats with bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury. Therefore, we consider that the use of transplant cell carrier such as Matrixen may help the implantation of MSCs and improve the therapeutic effect of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Kim
- Department of Urology, Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Pohang, Republic of Korea
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Kim ES, Jang DS, Yang SY, Lee MN, Jin KS, Cha HJ, Kim JK, Sung YC, Choi KY. Controlled release of human growth hormone fused with a human hybrid Fc fragment through a nanoporous polymer membrane. Nanoscale 2013; 5:4262-4269. [PMID: 23546513 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00474k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology has been applied to the development of more effective and compatible drug delivery systems for therapeutic proteins. Human growth hormone (hGH) was fused with a hybrid Fc fragment containing partial Fc domains of human IgD and IgG4 to produce a long-acting fusion protein. The fusion protein, hGH-hyFc, resulted in the increase of the hydrodynamic diameter (ca. 11 nm) compared with the diameter (ca. 5 nm) of the recombinant hGH. A diblock copolymer membrane with nanopores (average diameter of 14.3 nm) exhibited a constant release rate of hGH-hyFc. The hGH-hyFc protein released in a controlled manner for one month was found to trigger the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) in human B lymphocyte and to exhibit an almost identical circular dichroism spectrum to that of the original hGH-hyFc, suggesting that the released fusion protein should maintain the functional and structural integrity of hGH. Thus, the nanoporous release device could be a potential delivery system for the long-term controlled release of therapeutic proteins fused with the hybrid Fc fragment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eung-Sam Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
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Kim SJ, Choi SW, Hur KJ, Park SH, Sung YC, Ha YS, Cho HJ, Hong SH, Lee JY, Hwang TK, Kim SW. Synergistic effect of mesenchymal stem cells infected with recombinant adenovirus expressing human BDNF on erectile function in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury. Korean J Urol 2012; 53:726-32. [PMID: 23136635 PMCID: PMC3490095 DOI: 10.4111/kju.2012.53.10.726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the combined role of mescenchymal stem cells (MSCs) infected with recombinant adenoviruses expressing human BDNF (rAd/hBDNF) on the erectile dysfunction in rat with cavernous nerve injury. Materials and Methods Rats divided into 4 groups: control group, bilateral cavernous nerve crushing group (BCNC group), BCNC with MSCs group and BCNC with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF group. After 4-week, functional assessment was done. PKH26 and BDNF staining of major pelvic ganglion and masson's trichrome staining of corpus cavernosum were performed. Western blot analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was done in corpus cavernosum. Results After 4 weeks, BCNC with MSCs and MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF groups showed significantly well-preserved erectile function compared with BCNC group. Moreover, the erectile function of MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF group was significantly well-preserved than BCNC with MSCs group. The smooth muscle of corpus cavernosum was significantly preserved in BCNC with MSCs and MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF groups compared with BCNC group. More preservation of smooth muscle was observed in rats with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF than with MSCs alone. Significant increase expression of eNOS and nNOS was noted in rats with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF than with MSCs alone. Conclusions The erectile function was more preserved after injection with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF in rat with ED caused by cavernous nerve injury. Therefore, the use of MSC infected with rAd/hBDNF may have a better treatment effect on ED cause by cavernous nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Kim
- Department of Urology, The Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Lee JH, Yeo J, Park HS, Sung G, Lee SH, Yang SH, Sung YC, Kang JH, Park CS. Biochemical characterization of a new recombinant TNF receptor-hyFc fusion protein expressed in CHO cells. Protein Expr Purif 2012; 87:17-26. [PMID: 23009882 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The currently used Tumor Nectosis Factor (TNF)-α blockers such as infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept have Fc regions of the human IgG1 subtype have advantages in terms of in vivo half-life, however these could raise potential concerns for unwanted effector-mediated effects, such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). To address this issue, we constructed a novel hybrid protein with decreased ADCC and CDC potentials by fusing the TNF receptor to a hybrid Fc (hyFc) containing CH2 and CH3 regions of IgG4 and highly flexible hinge regions of IgD which neither has ADCC and CDC activities. The resulting fusion protein, TNFR-hyFc, was over-expressed in CHO cells. For use as a pre-clinical material in pharmacology, PK and toxicological evaluations were carried out for biochemical characterization which was then compared with etanercept that has similarity in structure. Amino acid composition analysis and peptide mapping showed that the expressed TNFR-hyFc matched the theoretical composition derived from the DNA sequence. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) showed that TNFR-hyFc is 2.9 kDa larger than etanercept. MALDI-TOF after removal of N-glycans by PNGase treatment showed that TNFR-hyFc is 3.9 kDa larger than etanercept. Isoelectric focusing and monosaccharide analysis showed that TNFR-hyFc is slightly more acidic than etanercept. N-terminal amino acid sequencing showed that N-terminal heterogeneity is present in both TNFR-hyFc and etanercept, although the ratios are somewhat different. Glycan analysis showed that the main glycan form is bi-antennary, similar to etanercept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hwan Lee
- Biopharmaceutical Research Labs, Research Center, Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sanggal-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Kyungki-do 446-905, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
Although adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) has become a promising immunotherapeutic regime for cancer treatment, its effectiveness has been hindered by several inherent shortcomings regarding safety and efficacy. During the past few decades, several strategies for enhancing the efficacy of ACT have been developed and introduced in clinic. This review will summarize not only the past approaches but also the latest strategies which have been shown to enhance the anticancer activity of ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghoon Choi
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Division of Molecular and Life Science, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
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Kim SJ, Sung YC, Bae WJ, Choi YS, Bae JH, Cho HJ, Hong SH, Lee JY, Hwang TK, Kim SW. 215 SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF MESCENCHYMAL STEM CELLS AND MATRIXEN ON THE ERECTILE FUNCTION IN THE RAT MODEL WITH BILATERAL CAVERNOUS NERVE CRUSHING INJURY. J Urol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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You CR, Park SH, Jeong SW, Woo HY, Bae SH, Choi JY, Sung YC, Yoon SK. Serum IP-10 Levels Correlate with the Severity of Liver Histopathology in Patients Infected with Genotype-1 HCV. Gut Liver 2011; 5:506-12. [PMID: 22195251 PMCID: PMC3240796 DOI: 10.5009/gnl.2011.5.4.506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) plays important roles in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the association between serum IP-10 levels and liver pathology in patients with chronic HCV infection. METHODS The serum IP-10 concentration was assessed in 85 patients with chronic HCV infection using a solid phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and a liver biopsy specimen was obtained. The pathology was scored using the Knodell histologic activity index (HAI). RESULTS Of the 85 patients, 58 had genotype 1 HCV infection, 21 had genotype non-1, and 6 were undetermined. The serum IP-10 levels did not differ between patients infected with genotype 1 and genotype non-1 (p=0.472). In patients with genotype 1 infection, the total HAI score and the stage of fibrosis were highly correlated with the serum IP-10 level (r=0.555, r=0.578, p<0.001). Furthermore, the serum IP-10 concentrations of patients with severe fibrosis (stages 3, 4) were higher than those of patients with mild fibrosis (stages 0 to 2; 214.4 vs. 72.3 pg/mL, p=0.002) among patients with genotype 1 infection. However, in patients without genotype 1 infection, the histopathology was not associated with the serum IP-10 level. A multivariate analysis showed that serum IP-10 was an independent predictor of fibrosis (stages 3, 4) in patients with genotype 1 infection (odds ratio, 1.034; 95% confidence interval, 1.006 to 1.064; p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS Serum IP-10 concentration was significantly correlated with the severity of liver histology in genotype 1 HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Ran You
- Department of Internal Medicine, WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Choi DH, Kim KS, Yang SH, Chung DH, Song B, Sprent J, Cho JH, Sung YC. Dendritic cell internalization of α-galactosylceramide from CD8 T cells induces potent antitumor CD8 T-cell responses. Cancer Res 2011; 71:7442-51. [PMID: 22028323 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-1459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) present α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer) to invariant T-cell receptor-expressing natural killer T cells (iNKT) activating these cells to secrete a variety of cytokines, which in turn results in DC maturation and activation of other cell types, including NK cells, B cells, and conventional T cells. In this study, we showed that αGalCer-pulsing of antigen-activated CD8 T cells before adoptive transfer to tumor-bearing mice caused a marked increase in donor T-cell proliferation, precursor frequency, and cytotoxic lymphocyte activity. This effect was interleukin (IL)-2 dependent and involved both natural killer T cells (NKT) and DCs, as mice lacking IL-2, NKTs, and DCs lacked any enhanced response to adoptively transferred αGalCer-loaded CD8 T cells. iNKT activation was mediated by transfer of αGalCer from the cell membrane of the donor CD8 T cells onto the αGalCer receptor CD1d which is present on host DCs. αGalCer transfer was increased by prior activation of the donor CD8 T cells and required AP-2-mediated endocytosis by host DCs. In addition, host iNKT cell activation led to strong IL-2 synthesis, thereby increasing expansion and differentiation of donor CD8 T cells. Transfer of these cells led to improved therapeutic efficacy against established solid tumors in mice. Thus, our findings illustrate how αGalCer loading of CD8 T cells after antigen activation in vitro may leverage the therapeutic potential of adoptive T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Choi
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Pohang, Korea
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