scholarly journals Anti-PSMA CAR-Engineered NK-92 Cells: An Off-the-Shelf Cell Therapy for Prostate Cancer

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Monia Montagner ◽  
Alessandro Penna ◽  
Giulio Fracasso ◽  
Debora Carpanese ◽  
Anna Dalla Pietà ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Car T ◽  
The Usa

Prostate cancer (PCa) has become the most common tumor among males in Europe and the USA. Adoptive immunotherapy appears as a promising strategy to control the advanced stages of the disease by specific targeting the tumor, in particular through chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. Despite the advancements of CAR-T technology in the treatment of hematological malignancies, solid tumors still represent a challenge. To overcome current limits, other cellular effectors than T lymphocytes are under study as possible candidates for CAR-engineered cancer immunotherapy. A novel approach involves the NK-92 cell line, which mediates strong cytotoxic responses against a variety of tumor cells but has no effect on non-malignant healthy counterparts. Here, we report a therapeutic approach against PCa based on engineering of NK-92 cells with a CAR recognizing the human prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed in prostatic neoplastic cells. Upon CAR transduction, NK-92/CAR cells acquired high and specific lytic activity against PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells in vitro, and also underwent degranulation and produced high levels of IFN-γ in response to antigen recognition. Lethal irradiation of the effectors, a safety measure requested for the clinical application of retargeted NK-92 cells, fully abrogated replication but did not impact on phenotype and short-term functionality. PSMA-specific recognition and antitumor activity were retained in vivo, as adoptive transfer of irradiated NK-92/CAR cells in prostate cancer-bearing mice restrained tumor growth and improved survival. Anti-PSMA CAR-modified NK-92 cells represent a universal, off-the-shelf, renewable and cost-effective product endowed with relevant potentialities as a therapeutic approach for PCa immunotherapy.

scholarly journals Anti-PSMA CAR-Engineered NK-92 Cells: An Off-the-Shelf Cell Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Monia Montagner ◽  
Alessandro Penna ◽  
Giulio Fracasso ◽  
Debora Carpanese ◽  
Anna Dalla Pietà ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Car T ◽  
The Usa

Prostate cancer (PCa) has become the most common cancer among males in Europe and the USA. Adoptive immunotherapy appears a promising strategy to control the advanced stages of the disease by specifically targeting the tumor, in particular through chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. Despite the advancements of CAR-T technology in the treatment of hematological malignancies, solid tumors still represent a challenge. To overcome current limits, other cellular effectors than T lymphocytes are under study as possible candidates for CAR-engineered cancer immunotherapy. A novel approach involves the NK-92 cell line, which mediates strong cytotoxic responses against a variety of tumor cells but has no effect on non-malignant healthy counterparts. Here, we report a novel therapeutic approach against PCa based on engineering of NK-92 cells with a CAR recognizing the human prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed in prostatic neoplastic cells. More importantly, the potential utility of NK-92/CAR cells to treat PCa has not yet been explored. Upon CAR transduction, NK-92/CAR cells acquired high and specific lytic activity against PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells in vitro, and also underwent degranulation and produced high levels of IFN-γ in response to antigen recognition. Lethal irradiation of the effectors, a safety measure requested for the clinical application of retargeted NK-92 cells, fully abrogated replication but did not impact on phenotype and short-term functionality. PSMA-specific recognition and antitumor activity were retained in vivo, as adoptive transfer of irradiated NK-92/CAR cells in prostate cancer-bearing mice restrained tumor growth and improved survival. Anti-PSMA CAR-modified NK-92 cells represent a universal, off-the-shelf, renewable, and cost-effective product endowed with relevant potentialities as a therapeutic approach for PCa immunotherapy.

scholarly journals 124 Functionalizing CAR T cells for selective proliferation and dual-targeting using the meditope technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A133-A133
Author(s):  
Cheng-Fu Kuo ◽  
Yi-Chiu Kuo ◽  
Miso Park ◽  
Zhen Tong ◽  
Brenda Aguilar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

BackgroundMeditope is a small cyclic peptide that was identified to bind to cetuximab within the Fab region. The meditope binding site can be grafted onto any Fab framework, creating a platform to uniquely and specifically target monoclonal antibodies. Here we demonstrate that the meditope binding site can be grafted onto chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and utilized to regulate and extend CAR T cell function. We demonstrate that the platform can be used to overcome key barriers to CAR T cell therapy, including T cell exhaustion and antigen escape.MethodsMeditope-enabled CARs (meCARs) were generated by amino acid substitutions to create binding sites for meditope peptide (meP) within the Fab tumor targeting domain of the CAR. meCAR expression was validated by anti-Fc FITC or meP-Alexa 647 probes. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed and compared to standard scFv CAR T cells. For meCAR T cell proliferation and dual-targeting assays, the meditope peptide (meP) was conjugated to recombinant human IL15 fused to the CD215 sushi domain (meP-IL15:sushi) and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (meP-rituximab).ResultsWe generated meCAR T cells targeting HER2, CD19 and HER1/3 and demonstrate the selective specific binding of the meditope peptide along with potent meCAR T cell effector function. We next demonstrated the utility of a meP-IL15:sushi for enhancing meCAR T cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Proliferation and persistence of meCAR T cells was dose dependent, establishing the ability to regulate CAR T cell expansion using the meditope platform. We also demonstrate the ability to redirect meCAR T cells tumor killing using meP-antibody adaptors. As proof-of-concept, meHER2-CAR T cells were redirected to target CD20+ Raji tumors, establishing the potential of the meditope platform to alter the CAR specificity and overcome tumor heterogeneity.ConclusionsOur studies show the utility of the meCAR platform for overcoming key challenges for CAR T cell therapy by specifically regulating CAR T cell functionality. Specifically, the meP-IL15:sushi enhanced meCAR T cell persistence and proliferation following adoptive transfer in vivo and protects against T cell exhaustion. Further, meP-ritiuximab can redirect meCAR T cells to target CD20-tumors, showing the versatility of this platform to address the tumor antigen escape variants. Future studies are focused on conferring additional ‘add-on’ functionalities to meCAR T cells to potentiate the therapeutic effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy.

scholarly journals Efficient elimination of primary B-ALL cells in vitro and in vivo using a novel 4-1BB-based CAR targeting a membrane-distal CD22 epitope

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e000896
Author(s):  
Talia Velasco-Hernandez ◽  
Samanta Romina Zanetti ◽  
Heleia Roca-Ho ◽  
Francisco Gutierrez-Aguera ◽  
Paolo Petazzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T

BackgroundThere are few therapeutic options available for patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) relapsing as CD19– either after chemotherapy or CD19-targeted immunotherapies. CD22-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells represent an attractive addition to CD19-CAR T cell therapy because they will target both CD22+CD19– B-ALL relapses and CD19– preleukemic cells. However, the immune escape mechanisms from CD22-CAR T cells, and the potential contribution of the epitope binding of the anti-CD22 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) remain understudied.MethodsHere, we have developed and comprehensively characterized a novel CD22-CAR (clone hCD22.7) targeting a membrane-distal CD22 epitope and tested its cytotoxic effects against B-ALL cells both in in vitro and in vivo assays.ResultsConformational epitope mapping, cross-blocking, and molecular docking assays revealed that the hCD22.7 scFv is a high-affinity binding antibody which specifically binds to the ESTKDGKVP sequence, located in the Ig-like V-type domain, the most distal domain of CD22. We observed efficient killing of B-ALL cells in vitro, although the kinetics were dependent on the level of CD22 expression. Importantly, we show an efficient in vivo control of patients with B-ALL derived xenografts with diverse aggressiveness, coupled to long-term hCD22.7-CAR T cell persistence. Remaining leukemic cells at sacrifice maintained full expression of CD22, ruling out CAR pressure-mediated antigen loss. Finally, the immunogenicity capacity of this hCD22.7-scFv was very similar to that of other CD22 scFv previously used in adoptive T cell therapy.ConclusionsWe report a novel, high-affinity hCD22.7 scFv which targets a membrane-distal epitope of CD22. 4-1BB-based hCD22.7-CAR T cells efficiently eliminate clinically relevant B- CD22high and CD22low ALL primary samples in vitro and in vivo. Our study supports the clinical translation of this hCD22.7-CAR as either single or tandem CD22–CD19-CAR for both naive and anti-CD19-resistant patients with B-ALL.

scholarly journals Sulforaphane enhances the antitumor response of chimeric antigen receptor T cells by regulating PD-1/PD-L1 pathway

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunyi Shen ◽  
Zhen Zhang ◽  
Yonggui Tian ◽  
Feng Li ◽  
Lingxiao Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

Abstract Background Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has limited effects in the treatment of solid tumors. Sulforaphane (SFN) is known to play an important role in inhibiting tumor growth, but its effect on CAR-T cells remains unclear. The goal of the current study was to determine whether combined CAR-T cells and SFN could provide antitumor efficacy against solid tumors. Methods The effect of combined SFN and CAR-T cells was determined in vitro using a co-culture system and in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. We further validated the effects of combination therapy in patients with cancer. Results In vitro, the combination of SFN and CAR-T cells resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity and increased lysis of tumor cells. We found that SFN suppressed programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) expression in CAR-T cells and potentiated antitumor functions in vitro and in vivo. As a ligand of PD-1, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was also decreased in tumor cells after SFN treatment. In addition, β-TrCP was increased by SFN, resulting in higher activation of ubiquitination-mediated proteolysis of PD-L1, which induced PD-L1 degradation. The combination of SFN and CAR-T cell therapy acted synergistically to promote better immune responses in vivo compared with monotherapy. In clinical treatments, PD-1 expression was lower, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were higher in patients with various cancers who received CAR-T cells and took SFN orally than that in the control group. Conclusion SFN improves the cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells by modulating the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which may provide a promising strategy for the combination of SFN with CAR-T cells for cancer immunotherapy.

scholarly journals PTK7-Targeting CAR T-Cells for the Treatment of Lung Cancer and Other Malignancies

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamin Jie ◽  
Guijun Liu ◽  
Lina Feng ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Mingyan E ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Lung Cancers ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

In spite of impressive success in treating hematologic malignancies, adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells (CAR T) has not yet been effective in solid tumors, where identification of suitable tumor-specific antigens remains a major obstacle for CAR T-cell therapy due to the “on target off tumor” toxicity. Protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) is a member of the Wnt-related pseudokinases and identified as a highly expressed antigen enriched in cancer stem cells (CSCs) from multiple solid tumors, including but not limited to triple-negative breast cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, and ovarian cancer, suggesting it may serve as a promising tumor-specific target for CAR T-cell therapy. In this study, we constructed three different PTK7-specific CAR (PTK7-CAR1/2/3), each comprising a humanized PTK7-specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv), hinge and transmembrane (TM) regions of the human CD8α molecule, 4-1BB intracellular co-stimulatory domain (BB-ICD), and CD3ζ intracellular domain (CD3ζ-ICD) sequence, and then prepared the CAR T cells by lentivirus-mediated transduction of human activated T cells accordingly, and we sequentially evaluated their antigen-specific recognition and killing activity in vitro and in vivo. T cells transduced with all three PTK7-CAR candidates exhibited antigen-specific cytokine production and potent cytotoxicity against naturally expressing PTK7-positive tumor cells of multiple cancer types without mediating cytotoxicity of a panel of normal primary human cells; meanwhile, in vitro recursive cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that only PTK7-CAR2 modified T cells retained effective through multiple rounds of tumor challenge. Using in vivo xenograft models of lung cancers with different expression levels of PTK7, systemic delivery of PTK7-CAR2 modified T cells significantly prevented tumor growth and prolonged overall survival of mice. Altogether, our results support PTK7 as a therapeutic target suitable for CAR T-cell therapy that could be applied for lung cancers and many other solid cancers with PTK7 overexpression.

PTK7-Targeting CAR T-cells for the Treatment of Lung Cancer and other Malignancies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamin Jie ◽  
Guijun Liu ◽  
Lina Feng ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Mingyan E ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Lung Cancers ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

Abstract Background: In spite of impressive success in treating hematologic malignancies, adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells (CAR T) has not yet been effective in solid tumors, where identification of suitable tumor-specific antigens remains a major obstacle for CAR T-cell therapy due to the “on target off tumor” toxicity. Protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) is a member of the Wnt-related pseudokinases and identified as a highly expressed antigen enriched in cancer stem cells (CSCs) from multiple solid tumors, including but not limited to triple-negative breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and ovarian cancer, suggesting it may serve as a promising tumor-specific target for CAR T-cell therapy. Methods: In this study, we constructed 3 different PTK7-specific CAR (PTK7-CAR1/2/3) each comprising a humanized PTK7-specific single chain variable fragment (scFv), hinge and transmembrane (TM) regions of the human CD8α molecule, 4-1BB intracellular co-stimulatory domain (BB-ICD), and CD3ζ intracellular domain (CD3ζ-ICD) sequence, and then prepared the CAR T cells by lentivirus mediated transduction of human activated T cells accordingly, and sequentially evaluated their antigen-specific recognition and killing activity in vitro and in vivo.Results: T cells transduced with all 3 PTK7-CAR candidates exhibited antigen-specific cytokine production and potent cytotoxicity against naturally expressing PTK7-positive tumor cells of multiple cancer types without mediating cytotoxicity of a panel of normal primary human cells; meanwhile, in vitro recursive cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that only PTK7-CAR2 modified T cells retained effective through multiple rounds of tumor challenge. Using in vivo xenograft models of lung cancers with different expression level of PTK7, systemic delivery of PTK7-CAR2 modified T cells significantly prevented tumor growth and prolonged overall survival of mice. Conclusion: Altogether, our results support PTK7 as a therapeutic target suitable for CAR T-cell therapy that could be applied for lung cancers and many other solid cancers with PTK7 overexpression.

scholarly journals Engineering clinically-approved drug gated CAR circuits

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-Shan Li ◽  
Nicole M. Wong ◽  
Elliot Tague ◽  
John T. Ngo ◽  
Ahmad S. Khalil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Logic Gate ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

SUMMARYChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy has the potential to revolutionize cancer medicine. However, excessive CAR activation, lack of tumor-specific surface markers, and antigen escape have limited the safety and efficacy of CAR T cell therapy. A multi-antigen targeting CAR system that is regulated by safe, clinically-approved pharmaceutical agents is urgently needed, yet only a few simple systems have been developed, and even fewer have been evaluated for efficacy in vivo. Here, we present NASCAR (NS3 ASsociated CAR), a collection of induc-ible ON and OFF switch CAR circuits engineered with a NS3 protease domain deriving from the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). We establish their ability to regulate CAR activity using multiple FDA-approved antiviral protease inhibitors, including grazoprevir (GZV), both in vitro and in a xenograft tumor model. In addition, we have engineered several dual-gated NASCAR circuits, consisting of an AND logic gate CAR, universal ON-OFF CAR, and a switchboard CAR. These engineered receptors enhance control over T cell activity and tumor-targeting specificity. Together, our com-prehensive set of multiplex drug-gated CAR circuits represent a dynamic, tunable, and clinically-ready set of modules for enhancing the safety of CAR T cell therapy.

scholarly journals Co-Expression of IL-7 Improves NKG2D-Based CAR T Cell Therapy on Prostate Cancer by Enhancing the Expansion and Inhibiting the Apoptosis and Exhaustion

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong He ◽  
Ying Zhou ◽  
Zhenlong Li ◽  
Muhammad Asad Farooq ◽  
Iqra Ajmal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a promising approach in treating solid tumors but the therapeutic effect is limited. Prostate cancer is a typical solid malignancy with invasive property and a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Ligands for the NKG2D receptor are primarily expressed on many cancer cells, including prostate cancer. In this study, we utilized NKG2D-based CAR to treat prostate cancer, and improved the therapeutic effect by co-expression of IL-7. The results showed that NKG2D-CAR T cells performed significantly increased cytotoxicity against prostate cancer compared to non-transduced T cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the introduction of the IL-7 gene into the NKG2D-CAR backbone enhanced the production of IL-7 in an antigen-dependent manner. NKG2DIL7-CAR T cells exhibited better antitumor efficacy at 16 h and 72 h in vitro, and inhibited tumor growth in xenograft models more effectively. In mechanism, enhanced proliferation and Bcl-2 expression in CD8+ T cells, decreased apoptosis and exhaustion, and increased less-differentiated cell phenotype may be the reasons for the improved persistence and survival of NKG2DIL7-CAR T cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that NKG2D is a promising option for CAR T-cell therapy on prostate cancer, and IL-7 has enhanced effect on NKG2D-based CAR T-cell immunotherapy, providing a novel adoptive cell therapy for prostate cancer either alone or in combination with IL-7.

scholarly journals Enhancing the Antigen-Sensitivity of the CD22 CAR through Modulation of the Affinity and Linker-Length of the Single-Chain Fragment Variable

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 41-42
Author(s):  
M. Eric Kohler ◽  
Zachary Walsh ◽  
Kole Degolier ◽  
Terry J. Fry
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Car T Cell ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T

The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r ALL). CD19 directed CAR T cells have demonstrated the ability to induce complete remissions in up to 90% of r/r ALL patients. Despite this remarkable upfront success, relapse after CAR T cell therapy remains a major obstacle to long term remissions. A major mechanism for relapse after CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy is the recurrence of antigen-negative ALL cells. In recent years, CD22 CAR T cell therapy has emerged as an effective salvage therapy for patients with CD19-negative ALL. In a phase I clinical trial, CD22 CAR T cells were able to induce remission in up to 80% of patients with CD19-negative ALL. Patients achieving remission, who did not undergo a consolidative hematopoietic stem cell transplant, were found to be at high risk of relapse due to downregulation of the CD22 antigen below the threshold required for effective CD22 CAR T cell activity. Thus, strategies to increase the antigen-sensitivity of CD22 CAR T cells have the potential to enhance the induction and duration of remission in ALL patients. As the properties of a CAR that influence sensitivity to antigen are not well defined, we began by testing the impact of increasing the affinity of the single-chain fragment variable (scFv) for the CD22 antigen. T cells from healthy donors were activated and transduced with a second-generation, 4-1BB CAR containing either the standard affinity (SA)-m971 scFv used in the prior clinical trial, or a high affinity (HA) scFv generated by affinity maturation of the m971 scFv. SA- and HA-CD22 CAR T cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo against clones of the pre-B ALL cell line, NALM6, which express CD22 at wild type levels (CD22WT), sub-physiologic levels (CD22Lo), supra-physiologic levels (CD22Hi) or in which CD22 was deleted (CD22Neg). We found that the amount of CD22 expressed on the leukemia cells resulted in dose-dependent expression of activation markers, such as CD69 and CD25 (p<0.05) on CD22 CAR T cells. Similarly, CAR T cell functions, such as the secretion of interferon-gamma (IFNg, p<0.0001) and interleukin-2 (IL-2, p<0.0001) as well as cytotoxic degranulation (p<0.0001) were all significantly impacted by the amount of CD22 on the surface of NALM6. A similar pattern of antigenic dose-response was seen in the signaling of CAR T cells, with phosphorylation of ERK reflecting the level of CD22 antigen (p<0.001) and correlating with the increased in vivo efficacy of the CAR T cells against CD22WT NALM6, relative to CD22Lo NALM6. Increasing the affinity of the CD22 CAR did not impact the in vivo efficacy against CD22WT NALM6 at either a therapeutic or subtherapeutic dose, however, HA-CD22 CAR T cells significantly prolonged the survival of NSG mice with CD22Lo NALM6, relative to SA-CD22 CAR T cells (p<0.01). The enhanced activity of HA-CD22 CAR T cells against CD22Lo leukemia did not correlate with improved in vitro functionality, as the HA-CD22 CAR T cells surprisingly demonstrated lower IL-2 secretion (p<0.01), lower proliferation (p<0.05) and diminished in vitro lysis of CD22Lo NALM6 (p<0.05), relative to SA-CD22 CAR T cells. ERK phosphorylation, however, was significantly increased in HA-CD22 CAR T cells (p<0.01) and was the only in vitro marker which correlated with the enhanced in vivo activity seen with the affinity-matured CAR. Previous clinical experience has demonstrated the importance of using a short linker (consisting of a single G4S sequence) between the heavy and light chains of the m971 scFv, therefore we next evaluated the impact of linker length on the activity of the HA-CD22 CAR. HA-CD22 CARs were generated with either a short- or long-linker (G4S x1 vs G4S x3, respectively) and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. While the short linker improved proliferation in vitro, there was no significant impact of linker length on cytokine production or lysis of CD22Lo NALM6. In a xenograft model, HA-CD22 CAR T cells with the long-linker demonstrated slower progression of CD22Lo leukemia and significantly prolonged survival of NSG mice with CD22WT leukemia relative to HA-CD22 CAR T cells with the short-linker (p<0.01). Taken together, these studies suggest that increasing the affinity of a scFv is a promising strategy for enhancing CAR sensitivity to low levels of target antigen, with the potential to decrease post-CAR T cell relapses due to antigen downregulation. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Co-Expression of miR155 or LSD1 shRNA Increases the Anti-Tumor Functions of CD19 CAR-T Cells

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Jingjing Zhu ◽  
Genhui Zheng ◽  
Qianyu Wang ◽  
Xiaorui Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Transcriptional Profiling ◽  
Retroviral Vectors ◽  
Shrna Expression ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T Cells ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Car T

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting CD19 antigen have produced remarkable clinical outcomes for cancer patients. However, identifying measures to enhance effector function remains one of the most challenging issues in CD19-targeted immunotherapy. Here, we report a novel approach in which a microRNA (miRNA) or short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) cassette was integrated into CAR-expressing retroviral vectors. Using this system, we generated anti-CD19 CAR-T cells co-expressing miR155 or LSD1 shRNA and found that anti-CD19 CAR-T cells with miR155 upregulation or LSD1 downregulation exhibited increased anti-tumor functions in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptional profiling analysis by RNA sequencing revealed the targets of miR155 and LSD1 in anti-CD19 CAR-T cells. Our experiments indicated that introduction of miRNA or shRNA expression into anti-CD19 CAR T-cells might be an effective strategy to improve the anti-tumor effects of CAR-T cell therapy.

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