175 A Fas-4–1BB immunomodulatory fusion protein converts a pro-death to a pro-survival signal, enhancing T cell function and efficacy of adoptive cell therapy in murine models of AML and pancreatic cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A189-A189
Author(s):  
Shannon Oda ◽  
Kristin Anderson ◽  
Philip Greenberg ◽  
Nicolas Garcia ◽  
Pranali Ravikumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Fas Ligand ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Adoptive Cell Therapy ◽  
Activated T Cells ◽  
T Cell Function

BackgroundAdoptive cell therapy (ACT) with genetically-modified T cells has shown impressive results against some hematologic cancers, but limited efficacy against tumors with restrictive tumor microenvironments (TMEs). FasL is a particular obstacle for ACT;1 it is expressed in many tumors and TMEs,1 including AML,2 ovarian3 and pancreatic cancers,4 and upregulated on activated T cells, where it can mediate activation-induced cell death (AICD).5MethodsWe engineered T cells to boost function with novel immunomodulatory fusion proteins (IFPs) that combine an inhibitory ectodomain with a costimulatory endodomain. Like current checkpoint-blocking therapies, IFPs can abrogate an inhibitory signal, but also provide an often absent costimulatory signal. Additionally, IFP-driven signals are delivered only to the T cells concurrently engineered to be tumor-specific, thereby avoiding systemic T cell activation. For FasL-expressing TMEs, we developed an IFP that replaces the Fas intracellular tail with costimulatory 4-1BB. We tested the the Fas-4-1BB IFP in primary human T cells and in immunocompetent murine models of leukemia and pancreatic cancer.ResultsFas-4-1BB IFP expression enhanced primary human T cell function and enhanced lysis of Panc1 pancreatic tumor cells in vitro. Fas-4-1BB IFP-engineered murine T cells exhibited increased pro-survival signaling, proliferation, antitumor function and altered metabolism in vitro. Notably, the Fas ectodomain is trimeric5 and the 4-1BB intracellular domain requires trimerization to signal.6 In contrast, the CD28 domain is dimeric and did not enhance function when paired with 4-1BB.In vivo, Fas-4-1BB increased T cell persistence and function, and Fas-4-1BB T cell ACT significantly improved survival in a murine AML model. When delivered with a mesothelin-specific TCR, Fas-4-1BB T cells prolonged survival in the autochthonous KPC pancreatic cancer model, increasing median survival to 65 from 37 days (with TCR-only, **P=0.0042). Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed differences in the endogenous tumor-infiltrating immune cells, included changes in cell frequency and programming.ConclusionsWe developed an engineering approach to enhance the in vivo persistence and antitumor efficacy of transferred T cells. Our targeted, two-hit strategy uses a single fusion protein to overcome a death signal prevalent in the TME of many cancers and on activated T cells, and to provide a pro-survival costimulatory signal to T cells. Our results suggest that this fusion protein can increase T cell function when combined with murine or human TCRs, and can significantly improve therapeutic efficacy in liquid and solid tumors, supporting clinical translation.ReferencesYamamoto, T.N., et al., T cells genetically engineered to overcome death signaling enhance adoptive cancer immunotherapy. J Clin Invest 2019.Contini P, et al., In vivo apoptosis of CD8(+) lymphocytes in acute myeloid leukemia patients: involvement of soluble HLA-I and Fas ligand. Leukemia 2007;21(2):p. 253–60.Motz GT, et al., Tumor endothelium FasL establishes a selective immune barrier promoting tolerance in tumors. Nat Med 2014;20(6):p. 607–15.Kornmann M, et al., Fas and Fas-ligand expression in human pancreatic cancer. Ann Surg 2000. 231(3): p. 368–79.Villa-Morales M and J Fernandez-Piqueras, Targeting the Fas/FasL signaling pathway in cancer therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012;16(1):p. 85–101.Wyzgol, A., et al., Trimer stabilization, oligomerization, and antibody-mediated cell surface immobilization improve the activity of soluble trimers of CD27L, CD40L, 41BBL, and glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor ligand. J Immunol 2009;183(3):p. 1851–61.

scholarly journals Oligomeric Procyanidins Interfere with Glycolysis of Activated T Cells. A Novel Mechanism for Inhibition of T Cell Function

Molecules ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 19014-19026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masao Goto ◽  
Manabu Wakagi ◽  
Toshihiko Shoji ◽  
Yuko Takano-Ishikawa
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Activated T Cells ◽  
T Cell Function

scholarly journals Venetoclax enhances T cell-mediated anti-leukemic activity by increasing ROS production

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
JongBok Lee ◽  
Dilshad H. Khan ◽  
Rose Hurren ◽  
Mingjing Xu ◽  
Yoosu Na ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Adoptive Cell Therapy ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Activated T Cells ◽  
Treatment Naïve

Venetoclax, a Bcl-2 inhibitor, in combination with the hypomethylating agent, Azacytidine, achieves complete response with or without count recovery in approximately 70% of treatment-naïve elderly patients unfit for conventional intensive chemotherapy. However, the mechanism of action of this drug combination is not fully understood. We discovered that Venetoclax directly activated T cells to increase their cytotoxicity against AML in vitro and in vivo. Venetoclax enhanced T cell effector function by increasing ROS generation through inhibition of respiratory chain supercomplexes formation. In addition, Azacytidine induced a viral-mimicry response in AML cells by activating the STING/cGAS pathway, thereby rendering the AML cells more susceptible to T-cell mediated cytotoxicity. Similar findings were seen in patients treated with Venetoclax as this treatment increased ROS generation and activated T cells. Collectively, this study demonstrates a new immune mediated mechanism of action for Venetoclax and Azacytidine in the treatment of AML and highlights a potential combination of Venetoclax and adoptive cell therapy for patients with AML.

scholarly journals The Cysteine-Containing Cell-Penetrating Peptide AP Enables Efficient Macromolecule Delivery to T Cells and Controls Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1134
Author(s):  
Won-Ju Kim ◽  
Gil-Ran Kim ◽  
Hyun-Jung Cho ◽  
Je-Min Choi
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Optimal Sequence ◽  
T Cell Function

T cells are key immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, rendering them important therapeutic targets. Although drug delivery to T cells is the subject of continuous research, it remains challenging to deliver drugs to primary T cells. Here, we used a peptide-based drug delivery system, AP, which was previously developed as a transdermal delivery peptide, to modulate T cell function. We first identified that AP-conjugated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was efficiently delivered to non-phagocytic human T cells. We also confirmed that a nine-amino acid sequence with one cysteine residue was the optimal sequence for protein delivery to T cells. Next, we identified the biodistribution of AP-dTomato protein in vivo after systemic administration, and transduced it to various tissues, such as the spleen, liver, intestines, and even to the brain across the blood–brain barrier. Next, to confirm AP-based T cell regulation, we synthesized the AP-conjugated cytoplasmic domain of CTLA-4, AP-ctCTLA-4 peptide. AP-ctCTLA-4 reduced IL-17A expression under Th17 differentiation conditions in vitro and ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, with decreased numbers of pathogenic IL-17A+GM-CSF+ CD4 T cells. These results collectively suggest the AP peptide can be used for the successful intracellular regulation of T cell function, especially in the CNS.

Glucocorticoids inhibit activation-induced cell death (AICD) via direct DNA-dependent repression of the CD95 ligand gene by a glucocorticoid receptor dimer

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 617-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Baumann ◽  
Anja Dostert ◽  
Natalia Novac ◽  
Anton Bauer ◽  
Wolfgang Schmid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Fas Ligand ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Activated T Cells ◽  
Activation Induced Cell Death

Abstract Glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in the regulation of peripheral T-cell survival. Their molecular mechanism of action and the question of whether they have the ability to inhibit apoptosis in vivo, however, are not fully elucidated. Signal transduction through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is complex and involves different pathways. Therefore, we used mice with T-cell-specific inactivation of the GR as well as mice with a function-selective mutation in the GR to determine the signaling mechanism. Evidence is presented for a functional role of direct binding of the GR to 2 negative glucocorticoid regulatory elements (nGREs) in the CD95 (APO-1/Fas) ligand (L) promoter. Binding of GRs to these nGREs reduces activation-induced CD95L expression in T cells. These in vitro results are fully supported by data obtained in vivo. Administration of GCs to mice leads to inhibition of activation-induced cell death (AICD). Thus, GC-mediated inhibition of CD95L expression of activated T cells might contribute to the anti-inflammatory function of steroid drugs. (Blood. 2005;106:617-625)

CD3 limits the efficacy of TCR gene therapy in vivo

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (13) ◽  
pp. 3528-3537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Ahmadi ◽  
Judith W. King ◽  
Shao-An Xue ◽  
Cécile Voisine ◽  
Angelika Holler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
T Cell Function ◽  
Engineered T Cells ◽  
Rate Limiting

Abstract The function of T-cell receptor (TCR) gene modified T cells is dependent on efficient surface expression of the introduced TCR α/β heterodimer. We tested whether endogenous CD3 chains are rate-limiting for TCR expression and antigen-specific T-cell function. We show that co-transfer of CD3 and TCR genes into primary murine T cells enhanced TCR expression and antigen-specific T-cell function in vitro. Peptide titration experiments showed that T cells expressing introduced CD3 and TCR genes recognized lower concentration of antigen than T cells expressing TCR only. In vivo imaging revealed that TCR+CD3 gene modified T cells infiltrated tumors faster and in larger numbers, which resulted in more rapid tumor elimination compared with T cells modified by TCR only. After tumor clearance, TCR+CD3 engineered T cells persisted in larger numbers than TCR-only T cells and mounted a more effective memory response when rechallenged with antigen. The data demonstrate that provision of additional CD3 molecules is an effective strategy to enhance the avidity, anti-tumor activity and functional memory formation of TCR gene modified T cells in vivo.

scholarly journals PRMT5 Is Upregulated in Activated T Cells and Is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Acute Gvhd

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2034-2034
Author(s):  
Parvathi Ranganathan ◽  
Katiri Snyder ◽  
Nina Zizter ◽  
Hannah K. Choe ◽  
Robert A Baiocchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
T Cell Proliferation ◽  
Activated T Cells ◽  
And Function

Abstract Introduction: Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), a T cell-mediated immunological disorder is the leading cause of non-relapse mortality in patients receiving allogeneic bone marrow transplants. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) catalyzes symmetric dimethylation (me2s) of arginine (R) residues on histones (primarily H3R8 and H3R4) and other proteins. PRMT5 is overexpressed in many leukemias and lymphomas, and epigenetic changes driven by PRMT5 lead to repression of tumor suppressors and promote growth and survival of cancer cells. Recently it was shown that T cells are sensitive to R-methylation and PRMT5 promotes activation of memory T helper cells. Here we investigate: 1) mechanisms by which PRMT5 regulates T cell function; and 2) PRMT5 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for aGVHD. Materials and Methods: Splenic T cells were isolated from lethally irradiated B6D2F1 mice that received either T cell depleted bone marrow (TCD-BM) or TCD-BM with C57/BL6 (B6) allogeneic splenocytes on day 21 post-transplant. In vitro activation of B6 T cells was achieved with CD3/CD28 Dynabeads or co-culture with allogeneic BM-derived dendritic cells. PRMT5 expression (RT-PCR, western blot) and function (H3R8me2s western blot) were evaluated. PRT220, a novel inhibitor of PRMT5, was used to evaluate PRMT5 inhibition on T cell function in vitro and in vivo. We assessed T cell proliferation (Cell Trace Violet, Ki67), apoptosis (Annexin V), cytokine secretion (ELISA, flow cytometry), cell cycle (PI incorporation), and cell signaling (western blot). Lethally irradiated F1 recipients received TCD-BM only (10x106 cells) or TCD-BM + B6 splenocytes (20 x 106). Recipients of allogeneic splenocytes were treated with PRT220 (2mg/kg) or vehicle by oral gavage once weekly starting day 7 post-transplant. Mice were monitored for survival and clinical aGVHD scores. Results: PRMT5 expression and function is upregulated following T cell activation. Inhibition of PRMT5 reduces T cell proliferation and IFN-g secretion. PRMT5 inhibition in CD3/CD28 stimulated T cells results in disruption of multiple histone epigenetic marks, cell-cycle progression (via G1 arrest) and perturbation of ERK-MAPK signaling cascades. Finally, administration of PRT220 resulted in significantly prolonging the survival of allo-transplanted recipient mice (median survival, PRT220 vs. vehicle, 36.5 vs. 26 days, p=0.01). PRT220-treated recipients also exhibited significant lower aGVHD clinical (p<0.05), pathological scores (p<0.05) and lower serum TNF-a (p<0.05) and IFN-g (p<0.05) than vehicle-treated recipients. Conclusions: PRMT5 expression and function are upregulated in activated T cells. Inhibition of PRMT5 function using a novel and specific small-molecule inhibitor, PRT220, down-regulates T cells proliferative and effector response, induces cell-cycle arrest and perturbs signaling pathways. PRT220 shows potent biological activity in vivo by reducing aGVHD clinical severity and significantly prolonging survival in mouse models of aGVHD. Therefore, PRMT5 is a novel and druggable target for aGVHD. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Glycolysis Inhibition Induces Functional and Metabolic Exhaustion of CD4+ T Cells in Type 1 Diabetes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina P. Martins ◽  
Lee A. New ◽  
Erin C. O’Connor ◽  
Dana M. Previte ◽  
Kasey R. Cargill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
T Cell Responses ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
T Cell Function

In Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), CD4+ T cells initiate autoimmune attack of pancreatic islet β cells. Importantly, bioenergetic programs dictate T cell function, with specific pathways required for progression through the T cell lifecycle. During activation, CD4+ T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to the less efficient aerobic glycolysis, similarly to highly proliferative cancer cells. In an effort to limit tumor growth in cancer, use of glycolytic inhibitors have been successfully employed in preclinical and clinical studies. This strategy has also been utilized to suppress T cell responses in autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, modulating T cell metabolism in the context of T1D has remained an understudied therapeutic opportunity. In this study, we utilized the small molecule PFK15, a competitive inhibitor of the rate limiting glycolysis enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6- biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3). Our results confirmed PFK15 inhibited glycolysis utilization by diabetogenic CD4+ T cells and reduced T cell responses to β cell antigen in vitro. In an adoptive transfer model of T1D, PFK15 treatment delayed diabetes onset, with 57% of animals remaining euglycemic at the end of the study period. Protection was due to induction of a hyporesponsive T cell phenotype, characterized by increased and sustained expression of the checkpoint molecules PD-1 and LAG-3 and downstream functional and metabolic exhaustion. Glycolysis inhibition terminally exhausted diabetogenic CD4+ T cells, which was irreversible through restimulation or checkpoint blockade in vitro and in vivo. In sum, our results demonstrate a novel therapeutic strategy to control aberrant T cell responses by exploiting the metabolic reprogramming of these cells during T1D. Moreover, the data presented here highlight a key role for nutrient availability in fueling T cell function and has implications in our understanding of T cell biology in chronic infection, cancer, and autoimmunity.

scholarly journals Combination rhIL-15 and Anti-PD-L1 (Avelumab) Enhances HIVGag-Specific CD8 T-Cell Function

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (9) ◽  
pp. 1540-1549
Author(s):  
Bruktawit A Goshu ◽  
Hui Chen ◽  
Maha Moussa ◽  
Jie Cheng ◽  
Marta Catalfamo
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Cd8 T Cell ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
T Cell Function ◽  
Interleukin 15 ◽  
Checkpoint Receptors

Abstract In chronic HIV infection, virus-specific cytotoxic CD8 T cells showed expression of checkpoint receptors and impaired function. Therefore, restoration of CD8 T-cell function is critical in cure strategies. Here, we show that in vitro blockade of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) by an anti-PD-L1 antibody (avelumab) in combination with recombinant human interleukin-15 (rhIL-15) synergistically enhanced cytokine secretion by proliferating HIVGag-specific CD8 T cells. In addition, these CD8 T cells have a CXCR3+PD1−/low phenotype, suggesting a potential to traffic into peripheral tissues. In vitro, proliferating CD8 T cells express PD-L1 suggesting that anti-PD-L1 treatment also targets virus-specific CD8 T cells. Together, these data indicate that rhIL-15/avelumab combination therapy could be a useful strategy to enhance CD8 T-cell function in cure strategies.

scholarly journals IMMU-15. A UNIQUE SELF-STIMULATIVE PROPERTY OF CD70 CAR ADVANCES T CELL FUNCTION AND ANTI-TUMOR RESPONSE IN GLIOBLASTOMA

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi122-vi122
Author(s):  
Linchun Jin ◽  
Alicia Hou ◽  
Haipeng Tao ◽  
Aida Karachi ◽  
Meng Na ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Tumor Response ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Antitumor Efficacy ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
T Cell Function ◽  
Car T

Abstract BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is a refractory brain tumor that desperately needs new therapeutic interventions. Our group identified CD70 as a novel target of CAR-T therapy for this malignancy. We demonstrate that CD70 is overexpressed by low-/high-grade gliomas and associated with poor survival for patients; CD70 promotes CD8 specific cell death and tumor-associated macrophage infiltration in gliomas. The CD70 CAR (using CD27, a natural costimulatory receptor of T cells as an antigen-binding region) T cells can efficiently eradicate CD70 positive tumors in syngeneic and xenograft mouse models. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the properties of CD70 CAR-transduced T cells in GBM treatment. METHODS CD70 CAR or IL13Rα2 CAR was linked with fluorescent reporter gene EGFP, and cloned into a retroviral vector (pMSGV8). In vitro T cell culture and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the self-enrichment property and susceptibility to TCR stimulation of the CAR T cells. KI67, Bcl-2, CD70 gene expression was tested by qPCR to measure the proliferation/apoptosis properties of the CAR T cells. Cytokine profile was analyzed by ELISA. The anti-tumor response was evaluated using Xenograft mouse models. RESULTS Compared with IL13Rα2 CAR T cells, the frequency of CD70 CAR T cells was significantly increased 3 weeks post transduction, and approximately 100 to 150-fold CD70 CAR T cell expansion without additional stimuli was achieved in vitro. The expanded CD70 CAR T cells were mostly (up to 85%) CD8+ T cells three weeks post CAR transduction. Enhanced proliferative capacity and production of IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α of the CD70 CAR-transduced T cells upon anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation were also revealed. Results from animal models show that the CD70 CAR T cells present superior in vivo persistence and antitumor efficacy. CONCLUSION We show the auto-stimulative property, as well as superior T cell function and antitumor efficacy of CD70 CAR T cells in GBM models.

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