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de Rooij MA, Remst DF, van der Steen DM, Wouters AK, Hagedoorn RS, Kester MG, Meeuwsen MH, Wachsmann TL, de Ru AH, van Veelen PA, Verdegaal EM, Falkenburg JF, Heemskerk MH. Erratum: A library of cancer testis specific T cell receptors for T cell receptor gene therapy. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100738. [PMID: 37920174 PMCID: PMC10618812 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.100738] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.11.007.].
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de Rooij MA, Remst DF, van der Steen DM, Wouters AK, Hagedoorn RS, Kester MG, Meeuwsen MH, Wachsmann TL, de Ru AH, van Veelen PA, Verdegaal EM, Falkenburg JF, Heemskerk MH. A library of cancer testis specific T cell receptors for T cell receptor gene therapy. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:1-14. [PMID: 36589698 PMCID: PMC9792401 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
To increase the number of cancer patients that can be treated with T cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy, we aimed to identify a set of high-affinity cancer-specific TCRs targeting different melanoma-associated antigens (MAGEs). In this study, peptides derived from MAGE genes with tumor-specific expression pattern were identified by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) peptidomics. Next, peptide-HLA tetramers were generated, and used to sort MAGE-specific CD8+ T cell clones from the allogeneic (allo) HLA repertoire of healthy donors. To evaluate the clinical potential, most potent TCRs were sequenced, transferred into peripheral blood-derived CD8+ T cells, and tested for antitumor efficacy. In total we identified, seven MAGE-specific TCRs that effectively target MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A6, and MAGE-A9 in the context of HLA-A∗01:01, -A∗02:01, -A∗03:01, -B∗07:02, -B∗35:01, or -C∗07:02. TCR gene transfer into CD8⁺ T cells resulted in efficient reactivity against a variety of different tumor types, while no cross-reactivity was detected. In addition, major in vivo antitumor effects of MAGE-A1 specific TCR engineered CD8⁺ T cells were observed in the orthotopic xenograft model for established multiple myeloma. The identification of seven MAGE-specific TCRs expands the pool of cancer patients eligible for TCR gene therapy and increases possibilities for personalized TCR gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije A.J. de Rooij
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis F.G. Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk M. van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anne K. Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Renate S. Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michel G.D. Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda H. Meeuwsen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Tassilo L.A. Wachsmann
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Els M.E. Verdegaal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J.H. Frederik Falkenburg
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H.M. Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
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Meeuwsen MH, Wouters AK, Wachsmann TLA, Hagedoorn RS, Kester MGD, Remst DFG, van der Steen DM, de Ru AH, van Hees EP, Kremer M, Griffioen M, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. Broadly applicable TCR-based therapy for multiple myeloma targeting the immunoglobulin J chain. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:16. [PMID: 36850001 PMCID: PMC9969645 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01408-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunoglobulin J chain (Jchain) is highly expressed in the majority of multiple myeloma (MM), and Jchain-derived peptides presented in HLA molecules may be suitable antigens for T-cell therapy of MM. METHODS Using immunopeptidomics, we identified Jchain-derived epitopes presented by MM cells, and pHLA tetramer technology was used to isolate Jchain-specific T-cell clones. RESULTS We identified T cells specific for Jchain peptides presented in HLA-A1, -A24, -A3, and -A11 that recognized and lysed JCHAIN-positive MM cells. TCRs of the most promising T-cell clones were sequenced, cloned into retroviral vectors, and transferred to CD8 T cells. Jchain TCR T cells recognized target cells when JCHAIN and the appropriate HLA restriction alleles were expressed, while JCHAIN or HLA-negative cells, including healthy subsets, were not recognized. Patient-derived JCHAIN-positive MM samples were also lysed by Jchain TCR T cells. In a preclinical in vivo model for established MM, Jchain-A1, -A24, -A3, and -A11 TCR T cells strongly eradicated MM cells, which resulted in 100-fold lower tumor burden in Jchain TCR versus control-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS We identified TCRs targeting Jchain-derived peptides presented in four common HLA alleles. All four TCRs demonstrated potent preclinical anti-myeloma activity, encouraging further preclinical testing and ultimately clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda H Meeuwsen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anne K Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tassilo L A Wachsmann
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michel G D Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk M van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Els P van Hees
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Kremer
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Griffioen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J H Frederik Falkenburg
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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van Amerongen RA, Tuit S, Wouters AK, van de Meent M, Siekman SL, Meeuwsen MH, Wachsmann TLA, Remst DFG, Hagedoorn RS, van der Steen DM, de Ru AH, Verdegaal EME, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. PRAME and CTCFL-reactive TCRs for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121973. [PMID: 37026005 PMCID: PMC10070997 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent disease emerges in the majority of patients with ovarian cancer (OVCA). Adoptive T-cell therapies with T-cell receptors (TCRs) targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are considered promising solutions for less-immunogenic 'cold' ovarian tumors. In order to treat a broader patient population, more TCRs targeting peptides derived from different TAAs binding in various HLA class I molecules are essential. By performing a differential gene expression analysis using mRNA-seq datasets, PRAME, CTCFL and CLDN6 were selected as strictly tumor-specific TAAs, with high expression in ovarian cancer and at least 20-fold lower expression in all healthy tissues of risk. In primary OVCA patient samples and cell lines we confirmed expression and identified naturally expressed TAA-derived peptides in the HLA class I ligandome. Subsequently, high-avidity T-cell clones recognizing these peptides were isolated from the allo-HLA T-cell repertoire of healthy individuals. Three PRAME TCRs and one CTCFL TCR of the most promising T-cell clones were sequenced, and transferred to CD8+ T cells. The PRAME TCR-T cells demonstrated potent and specific antitumor reactivity in vitro and in vivo. The CTCFL TCR-T cells efficiently recognized primary patient-derived OVCA cells, and OVCA cell lines treated with demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC). The identified PRAME and CTCFL TCRs are promising candidates for the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer, and are an essential addition to the currently used HLA-A*02:01 restricted PRAME TCRs. Our selection of differentially expressed genes, naturally expressed TAA peptides and potent TCRs can improve and broaden the use of T-cell therapies for patients with ovarian cancer or other PRAME or CTCFL expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sander Tuit
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anne K. Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marian van de Meent
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sterre L. Siekman
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Miranda H. Meeuwsen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Dennis F. G. Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Renate S. Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Els M. E. Verdegaal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H. M. Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Mirjam H. M. Heemskerk,
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van Amerongen RA, Hagedoorn RS, Remst DFG, Assendelft DC, van der Steen DM, Wouters AK, van de Meent M, Kester MGD, de Ru AH, Griffioen M, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. WT1-specific TCRs directed against newly identified peptides install antitumor reactivity against acute myeloid leukemia and ovarian carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004409. [PMID: 35728869 PMCID: PMC9214430 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcription factor Wilms’ tumor gene 1 (WT1) is an ideal tumor target based on its expression in a wide range of tumors, low-level expression in normal tissues and promoting role in cancer progression. In clinical trials, WT1 is targeted using peptide-based or dendritic cell-based vaccines and T-cell receptor (TCR)-based therapies. Antitumor reactivities were reported, but T-cell reactivity is hampered by self-tolerance to WT1 and limited number of WT1 peptides, which were thus far selected based on HLA peptide binding algorithms. Methods In this study, we have overcome both limitations by searching in the allogeneic T-cell repertoire of healthy donors for high-avidity WT1-specific T cells, specific for WT1 peptides derived from the HLA class I associated ligandome of primary leukemia and ovarian carcinoma samples. Results Using broad panels of malignant cells and healthy cell subsets, T-cell clones were selected that demonstrated potent and specific anti-WT1 T-cell reactivity against five of the eight newly identified WT1 peptides. Notably, T-cell clones for WT1 peptides previously used in clinical trials lacked reactivity against tumor cells, suggesting limited processing and presentation of these peptides. The TCR sequences of four T-cell clones were analyzed and TCR gene transfer into CD8+ T cells installed antitumor reactivity against WT1-expressing solid tumor cell lines, primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts, and ovarian carcinoma patient samples. Conclusions Our approach resulted in a set of naturally expressed WT1 peptides and four TCRs that are promising candidates for TCR gene transfer strategies in patients with WT1-expressing tumors, including AML and ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A van Amerongen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Danique C Assendelft
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk M van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anne K Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marian van de Meent
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michel G D Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Griffioen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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6
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Meeuwsen MH, Wouters AK, Hagedoorn RS, Kester MGD, Remst DFG, van der Steen DM, de Ru A, van Veelen PA, Rossjohn J, Gras S, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. Cutting Edge: Unconventional CD8 + T Cell Recognition of a Naturally Occurring HLA-A*02:01-Restricted 20mer Epitope. J Immunol 2022; 208:1851-1856. [PMID: 35379743 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional HLA class I-restricted CD8+ T cell epitopes, longer than 10 aa, have been implicated to play a role in human immunity against viruses and cancer. T cell recognition of long peptides, centrally bulging from the HLA cleft, has been described previously. Alternatively, long peptides can contain a linear HLA-bound core peptide, with a N- or C-terminal peptide "tail" extending from the HLA peptide binding groove. The role of such a peptide "tail" in CD8+ T cell recognition remains unclear. In this study, we identified a 20mer peptide (FLPTPEELGLLGPPRPQVLA [FLP]) derived from the IL-27R subunit α gene restricted to HLA-A*02:01, for which we solved the crystal structure and demonstrated a long C-terminal "tail" extension. FLP-specific T cell clones demonstrated various recognition modes, some T cells recognized the FLP core peptide, while for other T cells the peptide tail was essential for recognition. These results demonstrate a crucial role for a C-terminal peptide tail in immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda H Meeuwsen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands;
| | - Anne K Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michel G D Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk M van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arnoud de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands;
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Meeuwsen MH, Wouters AK, Jahn L, Hagedoorn RS, Kester MG, Remst DF, Morton LT, van der Steen DM, Kweekel C, de Ru AH, Griffioen M, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JF, Heemskerk MH. A broad and systematic approach to identify B cell malignancy-targeting TCRs for multi-antigen-based T cell therapy. Mol Ther 2022; 30:564-578. [PMID: 34371177 PMCID: PMC8821929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR T cell therapy has shown great promise for the treatment of B cell malignancies. However, antigen-negative escape variants often cause disease relapse, necessitating the development of multi-antigen-targeting approaches. We propose that a T cell receptor (TCR)-based strategy would increase the number of potential antigenic targets, as peptides from both intracellular and extracellular proteins can be recognized. Here, we aimed to isolate a broad range of promising TCRs targeting multiple antigens for treatment of B cell malignancies. As a first step, 28 target genes for B cell malignancies were selected based on gene expression profiles. Twenty target peptides presented in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A∗01:01, -A∗24:02, -B∗08:01, or -B∗35:01 were identified from the immunopeptidome of B cell malignancies and used to form peptide-HLA (pHLA)-tetramers for T cell isolation. Target-peptide-specific CD8 T cells were isolated from HLA-mismatched healthy donors and subjected to a stringent stepwise selection procedure to ensure potency and eliminate cross-reactivity. In total, five T cell clones specific for FCRL5 in HLA-A∗01:01, VPREB3 in HLA-A∗24:02, and BOB1 in HLA-B∗35:01 recognized B cell malignancies. For all three specificities, TCR gene transfer into CD8 T cells resulted in cytokine production and efficient killing of multiple B cell malignancies. In conclusion, using this systematic approach we successfully identified three promising TCRs for T cell therapy against B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda H. Meeuwsen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands,Corresponding author: Miranda H. Meeuwsen, Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Anne K. Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Lorenz Jahn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands,Department of Immunology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Renate S. Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Michel G.D. Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis F.G. Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Laura T. Morton
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk M. van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Christiaan Kweekel
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Griffioen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H.M. Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands,Corresponding author: Mirjam H.M. Heemskerk, Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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8
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de Waard AA, Verkerk T, Hoefakker K, van der Steen DM, Jongsma ML, Melamed Kadosh D, Bliss S, de Ru AH, Admon A, van Veelen PA, Griffioen M, Heemskerk MH, Spaapen RM. Healthy cells functionally present TAP-independent SSR1 peptides: implications for selection of clinically relevant antigens. iScience 2021; 24:102051. [PMID: 33554062 PMCID: PMC7847959 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors with an impaired transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) present several endoplasmic reticulum-derived self-antigens on HLA class I (HLA-I) which are absent on healthy cells. Selection of such TAP-independent antigens for T cell-based immunotherapy should include analysis of their expression on healthy cells to prevent therapy-induced adverse toxicities. However, it is unknown how the absence of clinically relevant antigens on healthy cells needs to be validated. Here, we monitored TAP-independent antigen presentation on various healthy cells after establishing a T cell tool recognizing a TAP-independent signal sequence receptor 1-derived antigen. We found that most but not all healthy cells present this antigen under normal and inflammatory conditions, indicating that TAP-independent antigen presentation is a variable phenomenon. Our data emphasize the necessity of extensive testing of a wide variety of healthy cell types to define clinically relevant TAP-independent antigens that can be safely targeted by immunotherapy. The ER-resident SSR1 holds an antigenic peptide that is processed independently of TAP TAP-independent peptide presentation is functional in healthy cell types TAP-independent SSR1-derived antigen presentation varies between healthy cells This exposes safety and efficacy risks of clinical TAP-independent peptide targeting
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonius A. de Waard
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Verkerk
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
| | - Kelly Hoefakker
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marlieke L.M. Jongsma
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, LUMC, Leiden, ZA 2333, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sophie Bliss
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, LUMC, Leiden, ZA 2333, The Netherlands
| | - Arie Admon
- Faculty of Biology, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, LUMC, Leiden, ZA 2333, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Robbert M. Spaapen
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, CX 1066, The Netherlands
- Corresponding author
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9
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Lee DIVD, Reijmers RM, Honders MW, Hagedoorn RS, Jong RMD, Kester MG, Steen DMVD, Ru AHD, Kweekel C, Jedema I, Veelken H, Heemskerk MM, Veelen PAV, Falkenburg JF, Griffioen M. Abstract A044: Mutated NPM1 as target for immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Immunol Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6074.cricimteatiaacr18-a044] [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
The most frequent subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is defined by mutations in the nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene. Mutated NPM1 is an attractive target for immunotherapy, since it is an essential driver gene and 4 base pair frameshift insertions in exon 12 occur in 30-35% of AML, resulting in a novel C-terminal alternative reading frame of 11 amino acids. By searching in the HLA class I ligandome of primary AML, we identified multiple peptides derived from mutated NPM1. For one of these peptides, i.e., HLA-A*02:01-presented CLAVEEVSL, we searched for specific T-cells in AML patients and healthy individuals using peptide-MHC tetramers. Tetramer-positive CD8 T-cell clones were isolated and analyzed for reactivity against primary AML with mutated NPM1. From one selected clone with superior antitumor reactivity, we isolated the T-cell receptor (TCR) and demonstrated specific recognition and lysis of HLA-A*02:01-positive AML with mutated NPM1 in vitro after retroviral transfer to CD8 and CD4 T-cells. In vivo antitumor efficacy of TCR-transduced CD8 and CD4 T-cells was confirmed in immunodeficient mice engrafted with a human AML cell line expressing mutated NPM1. These data show that mutated NPM1-derived peptides are presented on AML and that CLAVEEVSL is a neoantigen that can be efficiently targeted on AML with mutated NPM1 by TCR gene transfer in a co-receptor independent fashion. Immunotherapy targeting mutated NPM1 may therefore contribute to treatment of AML.
Citation Format: Dyantha I. van der Lee, Rogier M. Reijmers, M. Willy Honders, Renate S. Hagedoorn, Rob. M. de Jong, Michel G.D. Kester, Dirk M. van der Steen, Arnoud H. de Ru, Christiaan Kweekel, Inge Jedema, Hendrik Veelken, Mirjam M. Heemskerk, Peter A. van Veelen, J.H. Frederik Falkenburg, Marieke Griffioen. Mutated NPM1 as target for immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A044.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Inge Jedema
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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van der Lee DI, Reijmers RM, Honders MW, Hagedoorn RS, de Jong RC, Kester MG, van der Steen DM, de Ru AH, Kweekel C, Bijen HM, Jedema I, Veelken H, van Veelen PA, Heemskerk MH, Falkenburg JHF, Griffioen M. Mutated nucleophosmin 1 as immunotherapy target in acute myeloid leukemia. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:774-785. [PMID: 30640174 DOI: 10.1172/jci97482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [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: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is defined by mutations in the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene. Mutated NPM1 (ΔNPM1) is an attractive target for immunotherapy, since it is an essential driver gene and 4 bp frameshift insertions occur in the same hotspot in 30%-35% of AMLs, resulting in a C-terminal alternative reading frame of 11 aa. By searching the HLA class I ligandome of primary AMLs, we identified multiple ΔNPM1-derived peptides. For one of these peptides, HLA-A*02:01-binding CLAVEEVSL, we searched for specific T cells in healthy individuals using peptide-HLA tetramers. Tetramer-positive CD8+ T cells were isolated and analyzed for reactivity against primary AMLs. From one clone with superior antitumor reactivity, we isolated the T cell receptor (TCR) and demonstrated specific recognition and lysis of HLA-A*02:01-positive ΔNPM1 AML after retroviral transfer to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Antitumor efficacy of TCR-transduced T cells was confirmed in immunodeficient mice engrafted with a human AML cell line expressing ΔNPM1. In conclusion, the data show that ΔNPM1-derived peptides are presented on AML and that CLAVEEVSL is a neoantigen that can be efficiently targeted on AML by ΔNPM1 TCR gene transfer. Immunotherapy targeting ΔNPM1 may therefore contribute to treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arnoud H de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter A van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Luk SJ, van der Steen DM, Hagedoorn RS, Jordanova ES, Schilham MW, Bovée JV, Cleven AH, Falkenburg JF, Szuhai K, Heemskerk MH. PRAME and HLA Class I expression patterns make synovial sarcoma a suitable target for PRAME specific T-cell receptor gene therapy. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1507600. [PMID: 30524904 PMCID: PMC6279314 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1507600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma expresses multiple cancer testis antigens that could potentially be targeted by T-cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy. In this study we investigated whether PRAME-TCR-gene therapy could be an effective treatment for synovial sarcoma by investigating the potential of PRAME-specific T-cells to recognize sarcoma cells and by evaluating the expression patterns of PRAME and HLA class I (HLA-I) in synovial sarcoma tumor samples. All PRAME expressing sarcoma cell lines, including 2 primary synovial sarcoma cell cultures (passage < 3), were efficiently recognized by PRAME-specific T-cells. mRNA FISH demonstrated that PRAME was expressed in all synovial sarcoma samples, mostly in an homogeneous pattern. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated low HLA-I baseline expression in synovial sarcoma, but its expression was elevated in specific areas of the tumors, especially in biphasic components of biphasic synovial sarcoma. In 5/11 biphasic synovial sarcoma patients and in 1/17 monophasic synovial sarcoma patients, elevated HLA-I on tumor cells was correlated with infiltration of T-cells in these specific areas. In conclusion, low-baseline expression of HLA-I in synovial sarcoma is elevated in biphasic areas and in areas with densely infiltrating T-cells, which, in combination with homogeneous and high PRAME expression, makes synovial sarcoma potentially a suitable candidate for PRAME-specific TCR-gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sietse J Luk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk M van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ekaterina S Jordanova
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco W Schilham
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Vmg Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen Hg Cleven
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Hm Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Jahn L, van der Steen DM, Hagedoorn RS, Hombrink P, Kester MGD, Schoonakker MP, de Ridder D, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. Generation of CD20-specific TCRs for TCR gene therapy of CD20low B-cell malignancies insusceptible to CD20-targeting antibodies. Oncotarget 2018; 7:77021-77037. [PMID: 27776339 PMCID: PMC5363567 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of B-cell leukemia and lymphoma with CD20-targeting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has demonstrated clinical efficacy. However, the emergence of unresponsive disease due to low or absent cell surface CD20 urges the need to develop additional strategies. In contrast to mAbs, T-cells via their T-cell receptor (TCR) can recognize not only extracellular but also intracellular antigens in the context of HLA molecules. We hypothesized that T-cells equipped with high affinity CD20-targeting TCRs would be able to recognize B-cell malignancies even in the absence of extracellular CD20. We isolated CD8+ T-cell clones binding to peptide-MHC-tetramers composed of HLA-A*02:01 and CD20-derived peptide SLFLGILSV (CD20SLF) from HLA-A*02:01neg healthy individuals to overcome tolerance towards self-antigens such as CD20. High avidity T-cell clones were identified that readily recognized and lysed primary HLA-A2pos B-cell leukemia and lymphoma in the absence of reactivity against CD20-negative but HLA-A2pos healthy hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells. The T-cell clone with highest avidity efficiently lysed malignant cell-lines that had insufficient extracellular CD20 to be targeted by CD20 mAbs. Transfer of this TCR installed potent CD20-specificity onto recipient T-cells and led to lysis of CD20low malignant cell-lines. Moreover, our approach facilitates the generation of an off-the-shelf TCR library with broad applicability by targeting various HLA alleles. Using the same methodology, we isolated a T-cell clone that efficiently lysed primary HLA-B*07:02pos B-cell malignancies by targeting another CD20-derived peptide. TCR gene transfer of high affinity CD20-specific TCRs can be a valuable addition to current treatment options for patients suffering from CD20low B-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Jahn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk M van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pleun Hombrink
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1006 AD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michel G D Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daniëlle de Ridder
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A van Veelen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Gezgin G, Luk SJ, Cao J, Dogrusöz M, van der Steen DM, Hagedoorn RS, Krijgsman D, van der Velden PA, Field MG, Luyten GPM, Szuhai K, Harbour JW, Jordanova ES, Heemskerk MHM, Jager MJ. PRAME as a Potential Target for Immunotherapy in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. JAMA Ophthalmol 2017; 135:541-549. [PMID: 28448663 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2017.0729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Importance Uveal melanoma (UM) is an intraocular primary malignant neoplasm that often gives rise to metastatic disease for which there are no effective therapies. A substantial proportion of UMs express the cancer-testis antigen PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma), which can potentially be targeted by adoptive T-cell therapy. Objective To determine whether there may be a rationale for PRAME-directed T-cell therapy for metastatic UM. Design, Setting, and Participants An experimental study using a retrospective cohort of 64 patients with UM (median follow-up, 62 months) was conducted from January 8, 2015, to November 20, 2016, at the Leiden University Medical Center. Clinical, histopathologic, and genetic parameters were compared between 64 PRAME-positive and PRAME-negative UMs. HLA class I restricted, PRAME-specific T cells were stimulated with UM cell lines to measure their antigen-specific reactivity against these cell lines, which were analyzed for PRAME expression by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Uveal melanoma metastases from 16 unrelated patients were assessed for PRAME expression by messenger RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and for HLA class I expression by immunofluorescence staining. Main Outcomes and Measures Interferon γ production for antigen-specific reactivity and detection of PRAME and HLA class I expression in primary and metastatic UM. Results Of the 64 patients in the study (31 women and 33 men; mean [SD] age at the time of enucleation, 60.6 [15.6] years), PRAME expression was negative in 35 primary UMs and positive in 29 primary UMs. Positive PRAME expression was associated with a high largest basal diameter (15.0 vs 12.0 mm; P = .005), ciliary body involvement (59% vs 26%; P = .008), and amplification of chromosome 8q (66% vs 23%; P = .002). PRAME-specific T cells reacted against 4 of 7 UM cell lines, demonstrating that T-cell reactivity correlated with PRAME expression. Metastatic UM samples were positive for PRAME messenger RNA in 11 of 16 patients and for HLA class I in 10 of 16 patients, with 8 of 16 patients demonstrating coexpression of both PRAME and HLA class I. Conclusions and Relevance PRAME is expressed in many primary and metastatic UMs, and about half of the metastatic UMs coexpress PRAME and HLA class I. The finding that PRAME-specific T cells in this study reacted against PRAME-positive UM cell lines suggests a potential role for PRAME-directed immunotherapy for selected patients with metastatic UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülçin Gezgin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sietse J Luk
- Department of Haematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jinfeng Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands3Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mehmet Dogrusöz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk M van der Steen
- Department of Haematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Haematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Matthew G Field
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Gregorius P M Luyten
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J William Harbour
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ekaterina S Jordanova
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands7Center for Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Haematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martine J Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Spel L, Boelens JJ, van der Steen DM, Blokland NJG, van Noesel MM, Molenaar JJ, Heemskerk MHM, Boes M, Nierkens S. Natural killer cells facilitate PRAME-specific T-cell reactivity against neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:35770-81. [PMID: 26452036 PMCID: PMC4742140 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor in children with an estimated 5-year progression free survival of 20–40% in stage 4 disease. Neuroblastoma actively avoids recognition by natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Although immunotherapy has gained traction for neuroblastoma treatment, these immune escape mechanisms restrain clinical results. Therefore, we aimed to improve neuroblastoma immunogenicity to further the development of antigen-specific immunotherapy against neuroblastoma. We found that neuroblastoma cells significantly increase surface expression of MHC I upon exposure to active NK cells which thereby readily sensitize neuroblastoma cells for recognition by CTLs. We show that oncoprotein PRAME serves as an immunodominant antigen for neuroblastoma as NK-modulated neuroblastoma cells are recognized by PRAMESLLQHLIGL/A2-specific CTL clones. Furthermore, NK cells induce MHC I upregulation in neuroblastoma through contact-dependent secretion of IFNγ. Our results demonstrate remarkable plasticity in the peptide/MHC I surface expression of neuroblastoma cells, which is reversed when neuroblastoma cells experience innate immune attack by sensitized NK cells. These findings support the exploration of NK cells as adjuvant therapy to enforce neuroblastoma-specific CTL responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Spel
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap-Jan Boelens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk M van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nina J G Blokland
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Max M van Noesel
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Department of Oncogenomics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne Boes
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Spel L, Boelens JJ, Til NV, Steen DMVD, Blokland NJ, Noesel MMV, Molenaar JJ, Heemskerk MH, Boes M, Nierkens S. Abstract B037: Improved CD8+ T-cell recognition of neuroblastoma after innate immune attack by natural killer cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6074.cricimteatiaacr15-b037] [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
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor in children, with mortality rates after conventional treatments still being 80% for high-risk (stage 4) disease. There is a clear medical need for development of new treatment strategies. Recently, immunotherapy has gained traction. However, restrained MHC I expression evades recognition of neuroblastoma by immune cells, for a suppressed immunogenic status of neuroblastoma tumors. We here describe a preclinical study aimed to improve neuroblastoma immunogenicity. We found that neuroblastoma cells significantly increase surface expression of MHC I upon exposure to active NK cells and thereby readily sensitize neuroblastoma cells for recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). We show that oncoprotein PRAME serves as a T-cell antigen in neuroblastoma as NK-modulated neuroblastoma cells are recognized by PRAMESLLQHLIGL/A2-specific CTL clones. Furthermore, NK cell induced MHC I upregulation in neuroblastoma cells requires IFNγ production by NK cells that is triggered by neuroblastoma contact. Our results demonstrate remarkable plasticity in the immunogenic properties of neuroblastoma cells, which are exposed when neuroblastoma cells attempt to escape innate immune attack. These findings support the exploration of NK cells in combined immunotherapy to enforce tumor-specific CTL responses, and thereby strengthen immune-mediated tumor reactivity.
Citation Format: Lotte Spel, Jaap J. Boelens, Niek van Til, Dirk M. van der Steen, Nina J.G. Blokland, Max M. van Noesel, Jan J. Molenaar, Mirjam H.M. Heemskerk, Marianne Boes, Stefan Nierkens. Improved CD8+ T-cell recognition of neuroblastoma after innate immune attack by natural killer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B037.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Spel
- 1University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | - Jaap J. Boelens
- 1University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | - Niek van Til
- 1University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | | | | | - Max M. van Noesel
- 3Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | | | | | - Marianne Boes
- 1University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- 1University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
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Breman E, van Miert PP, van der Steen DM, Heemskerk MH, Doxiadis II, Roelen D, Claas FH, van Kooten C. HLA monomers as a tool to monitor indirect allorecognition. Transplantation 2014; 97:1119-27. [PMID: 24798312 PMCID: PMC4032218 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognition of donor antigens can occur through two separate pathways: the direct pathway (non-self HLA on donor cells) and the indirect pathway (self-restricted presentation of donor derived peptides on recipient cells). Indirect allorecognition is important in the development of humoral rejection; therefore, there is an increasing interest in the monitoring of indirect alloreactive T-cells. We have used an in vitro model to determine the optimal requirements for indirect presentation and assessed the risk for semidirect presentation in this system. METHODS HLA-typed monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) were incubated with cellular fragments or necrotic cells and incubated with either indirect or direct alloreactive T-cell clones. T-cell reactivity was measured through proliferation or cytokine secretion. HLA-typed moDC, monocytes, or PBMCs were incubated with HLA class I monomers, in combination with either direct/indirect T-cell clones. RESULTS Although both were efficiently taken up, alloreactivity was limited to the semi-direct pathway, as measured by allospecific CD4 (indirect) and CD8 T-cell clones (direct) when cells were used. In contrast, HLA-A2 monomers were not only efficiently taken up but also processed and presented by HLA-typed moDC, monocytes, and PBMCs. Activation was shown by a dose-dependent induction of IFN-γ production and proliferation by the CD4 T-cell clone. Antigen presentation was most efficient when the monomers were cultured for longer periods (24-48 hr) in the presence of the T-cells. Using this method, no reactivity was observed by the CD8 T-cell clone, confirming no semidirect alloreactivity. CONCLUSION We have developed a system that could be used to monitor indirect alloreactive T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eytan Breman
- 1 Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands. 2 Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands. 3 Department of Hematology, LUMC, Leiden, The Netherlands. 4 Address correspondence to: Cees van Kooten, MD, PhD, Albinusdreef 2, C07-35 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Amir AL, van der Steen DM, van Loenen MM, Hagedoorn RS, de Boer R, Kester MDG, de Ru AH, Lugthart GJ, van Kooten C, Hiemstra PS, Jedema I, Griffioen M, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. PRAME-specific Allo-HLA-restricted T cells with potent antitumor reactivity useful for therapeutic T-cell receptor gene transfer. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:5615-25. [PMID: 21771875 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-1066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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
PURPOSE In human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched stem cell transplantation (SCT), it has been shown that beneficial immune response mediating graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses can be separated from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) immune responses. In this study, we investigated whether it would be possible to dissect the beneficial immune response of allo-HLA-reactive T cells with potent antitumor reactivity from GVHD-inducing T cells present in the detrimental immune response after HLA-mismatched SCT. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The presence of specific tumor-reactive T cells in the allo-HLA repertoire was analyzed at the time of severe GVHD after HLA-mismatched SCT, using tetramers composed of different tumor-associated antigens (TAA). RESULTS High-avidity allo-HLA-restricted T cells specific for the TAA preferentially expressed antigen on melanomas (PRAME) were identified that exerted highly single-peptide-specific reactivity. The T cells recognized multiple different tumor cell lines and leukemic cells, whereas no reactivity against a large panel of nonmalignant cells was observed. These T cells, however, also exerted low reactivity against mature dendritic cells (DC) and kidney epithelial cells, which was shown to be because of low PRAME expression. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of potential beneficial specificity and high reactivity, the T-cell receptors of these PRAME-specific T cells may be effective tools for adoptive T-cell therapy. Clinical studies have to determine the significance of the reactivity observed against mature DCs and kidney epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital L Amir
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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18
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Zandvliet ML, Falkenburg JHF, van Liempt E, Veltrop-Duits LA, Lankester AC, Kalpoe JS, Kester MGD, van der Steen DM, van Tol MJ, Willemze R, Guchelaar HJ, Schilham MW, Meij P. Combined CD8+ and CD4+ adenovirus hexon-specific T cells associated with viral clearance after stem cell transplantation as treatment for adenovirus infection. Haematologica 2010; 95:1943-51. [PMID: 20562315 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2010.022947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human adenovirus can cause morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Reconstitution of adenovirus-specific CD4(+) T cells has been reported to be associated with sustained protection from adenovirus disease, but epitope specificity of these responses has not been characterized. Since mainly CD4(+) T cells and no CD8(+) T cells specific for adenovirus have been detected after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, the relative contribution of adenovirus-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in protection from adenovirus disease remains to be elucidated. DESIGN AND METHODS The presence of human adenovirus hexon-specific T cells was investigated in peripheral blood of pediatric and adult allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients, who showed spontaneous resolution of disseminated adenovirus infection. Subsequently, a clinical grade method was developed for rapid generation of adenovirus-specific T-cell lines for adoptive immunotherapy. RESULTS Clearance of human adenovirus viremia coincided with emergence of a coordinated CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cell response against adenovirus hexon epitopes in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Activation of adenovirus hexon-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells with a hexon protein-spanning peptide pool followed by interferon-γ-based isolation allowed rapid expansion of highly specific T-cell lines from healthy adults, including donors with very low frequencies of adenovirus hexon-specific T cells. Adenovirus-specific T-cell lines recognized multiple MHC class I and II restricted epitopes, including known and novel epitopes, and efficiently lysed human adenovirus-infected target cells. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a rationale and strategy for the adoptive transfer of donor-derived human adenovirus hexon-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells for the treatment of disseminated adenovirus infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten L Zandvliet
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Louwerse JD, van Lier MCM, van der Steen DM, de Vlaam CMT, Hooykaas PJJ, Vergunst AC. Stable recombinase-mediated cassette exchange in Arabidopsis using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Plant Physiol 2007; 145:1282-93. [PMID: 17921337 PMCID: PMC2151714 DOI: 10.1104/pp.107.108092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2007] [Accepted: 09/27/2007] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific integration is an attractive method for the improvement of current transformation technologies aimed at the production of stable transgenic plants. Here, we present a Cre-based targeting strategy in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) using recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) of transferred DNA (T-DNA) delivered by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The rationale for effective RMCE is the precise exchange of a genomic and a replacement cassette both flanked by two heterospecific lox sites that are incompatible with each other to prevent unwanted cassette deletion. We designed a strategy in which the coding region of a loxP/lox5171-flanked bialaphos resistance (bar) gene is exchanged for a loxP/lox5171-flanked T-DNA replacement cassette containing the neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) coding region via loxP/loxP and lox5171/lox5171 directed recombination. The bar gene is driven by the strong 35S promoter, which is located outside the target cassette. This placement ensures preferential selection of RMCE events and not random integration events by expression of nptII from this same promoter. Using root transformation, during which Cre was provided on a cotransformed T-DNA, 50 kanamycin-resistant calli were selected. Forty-four percent contained a correctly exchanged cassette based on PCR analysis, indicating the stringency of the selection system. This was confirmed for the offspring of five analyzed events by Southern-blot analysis. In four of the five analyzed RMCE events, there were no additional T-DNA insertions or they easily segregated, resulting in high-efficiency single-copy RMCE events. Our approach enables simple and efficient selection of targeting events using the advantages of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine D Louwerse
- Institute of Biology, Clusius Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands
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