RESUMEN
Antibody-based immunotherapy is a promising strategy for targeting chemoresistant leukemic cells. However, classical antibody-based approaches are restricted to targeting lineage-specific cell surface antigens. By targeting intracellular antigens, a large number of other leukemia-associated targets would become accessible. In this study, we evaluated a novel T-cell bispecific (TCB) antibody, generated by using CrossMAb and knob-into-holes technology, containing a bivalent T-cell receptor-like binding domain that recognizes the RMFPNAPYL peptide derived from the intracellular tumor antigen Wilms tumor protein (WT1) in the context of HLA-A*02. Binding to CD3ε recruits T cells irrespective of their T-cell receptor specificity. WT1-TCB elicited antibody-mediated T-cell cytotoxicity against AML cell lines in a WT1- and HLA-restricted manner. Specific lysis of primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells was mediated in ex vivo long-term cocultures by using allogeneic (mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM] specific lysis, 67 ± 6% after 13-14 days; n = 18) or autologous, patient-derived T cells (mean ± SEM specific lysis, 54 ± 12% after 11-14 days; n = 8). WT1-TCB-treated T cells exhibited higher cytotoxicity against primary AML cells than an HLA-A*02 RMF-specific T-cell clone. Combining WT1-TCB with the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide further enhanced antibody-mediated T-cell cytotoxicity against primary AML cells (mean ± SEM specific lysis on days 3-4, 45.4 ± 9.0% vs 70.8 ± 8.3%; P = .015; n = 9-10). In vivo, WT1-TCB-treated humanized mice bearing SKM-1 tumors exhibited a significant and dose-dependent reduction in tumor growth. In summary, we show that WT1-TCB facilitates potent in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo killing of AML cell lines and primary AML cells; these results led to the initiation of a phase 1 trial in patients with relapsed/refractory AML (#NCT04580121).
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Biespecíficos/uso terapéutico , Antineoplásicos Inmunológicos/uso terapéutico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/tratamiento farmacológico , Péptidos/uso terapéutico , Proteínas WT1/inmunología , Animales , Anticuerpos Biespecíficos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Inmunológicos/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Antígeno HLA-A2/inmunología , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Ratones , Péptidos/farmacología , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos T/inmunología , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/inmunología , Células Tumorales CultivadasRESUMEN
Monocyte-derived Dendritic cells (DCs) have successfully been employed to induce immune responses against tumor-associated antigens in patients with various cancer entities. However, objective clinical responses have only been achieved in a minority of patients. Additionally, generation of GMP-compliant DCs requires time- and labor-intensive cell differentiation. In contrast, Blood DCs (BDCs) require only minimal ex vivo handling, as differentiation occurs in vivo resulting in potentially better functional capacities and survival. We aimed to identify a protocol for optimal in vitro activation of BDCs including the three subsets pDCs, cDC1s, and cDC2s. We evaluated several TLR ligand combinations and demonstrated that polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] and R848, ligands for TLR3 and TLR7/8, respectively, constituted the optimal combination for inducing a positive co-stimulatory profile in all BDC subsets. In addition, TLR3 and TLR7/8 activation led to high secretion of IFN-α and IL-12p70. Simultaneous as opposed to separate tailored activation of pDCs and cDCs increased immunostimulatory capacities, suggesting that BDC subsets engage in synergistic cross-talk during activation. Stimulation of BDCs with this protocol resulted in enhanced migration, high NK-cell activation, and potent antigen-specific T-cell induction.We conclude that simultaneous activation of all BDC subsets with a combination of R848 + poly(I:C) generates highly immunostimulatory DCs. These results support further investigation and clinical testing, as standalone or in conjunction with other immunotherapeutic strategies including adoptive T-cell transfer and checkpoint inhibition.
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Antígenos de Neoplasias , Antígenos Virales , Células Dendríticas , Poli I-C , Antígenos de Neoplasias/inmunología , Antígenos Virales/inmunología , Humanos , Activación de Linfocitos , Poli I-C/farmacología , Receptor Toll-Like 3 , Receptor Toll-Like 7 , Receptor Toll-Like 8RESUMEN
We report on 18 patients with myeloid neoplasms and associated tyrosine kinase (TK) fusion genes on treatment with the TK inhibitors (TKI) ruxolitinib (PCM1-JAK2, n = 8; BCR-JAK2, n = 1) and imatinib, nilotinib or dasatinib (ETV6-ABL1, n = 9). On ruxolitinib (median 24 months, range 2-36 months), a complete hematologic response (CHR) and complete cytogenetic response (CCR) was achieved by five of nine and two of nine patients, respectively. However, ruxolitinib was stopped in eight of nine patients because of primary resistance (n = 3), progression (n = 3) or planned allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo SCT, n = 2). At a median of 36 months (range 4-78 months) from diagnosis, five of nine patients are alive: four of six patients after allo SCT and one patient who remains on ruxolitinib. In ETV6-ABL1 positive patients, a durable CHR was achieved by four of nine patients (imatinib with one of five, nilotinib with two of three, dasatinib with one of one). Because of inadequate efficacy (lack of hematological and/or cytogenetic/molecular response), six of nine patients (imatinib, n = 5; nilotinib, n = 1) were switched to nilotinib or dasatinib. At a median of 23 months (range 3-60 months) from diagnosis, five of nine patients are in CCR or complete molecular response (nilotinib, n = 2; dasatinib, n = 2; allo SCT, n = 1) while two of nine patients have died. We conclude that (a) responses on ruxolitinib may only be transient in the majority of JAK2 fusion gene positive patients with allo SCT being an important early treatment option, and (b) nilotinib or dasatinib may be more effective than imatinib to induce durable complete remissions in ETV6-ABL1 positive patients.
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Neoplasias Hematológicas , Trastornos Mieloproliferativos , Proteínas de Fusión Oncogénica , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/administración & dosificación , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas , Adulto , Anciano , Supervivencia sin Enfermedad , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Neoplasias Hematológicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hematológicas/enzimología , Neoplasias Hematológicas/genética , Neoplasias Hematológicas/mortalidad , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Trastornos Mieloproliferativos/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastornos Mieloproliferativos/enzimología , Trastornos Mieloproliferativos/genética , Trastornos Mieloproliferativos/mortalidad , Proteínas de Fusión Oncogénica/antagonistas & inhibidores , Proteínas de Fusión Oncogénica/genética , Proteínas de Fusión Oncogénica/metabolismo , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/efectos adversos , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas/genética , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas/metabolismo , Tasa de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
The modified Matutes score has been the basis for the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) by flow cytometry for the past 15 years. To increase the specificity of the current score we systematically evaluated the diagnostic value of established as well as novel markers, such as CD200, in a large cohort of patients with untreated B-cell malignancies (n = 370). Double positivity for CD5 and CD23 was of very high value to differentiate between CLL and non-CLL cases. In addition, lack of FMC7 expression as well as CD79b expression intensity showed high sensitivity (90·4% and 92·3%) with acceptable specificity (74·4% and 76·9%). For surface IgM, low or absent expression displayed poor specificity in distinguishing CLL from non-CLL cases (51,3%; sensitivity 83,7%). Finally, CD200 positivity showed high sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, CD5/CD23, FMC7, CD79b and CD200 were included in our new CLLflow score, which retained high sensitivity (97·1% vs. 98·6% for the Matutes score, P = 0·38), but showed markedly increased specificity (87·2% vs. 53·8%, P < 0·001). These results were confirmed in our validation cohort (sensitivity 97·0% vs. 100%, P = not applicable; specificity 86·4% vs. 59·1%, P = 0·03). Our data support the use of our new CLLflow score for the diagnosis of CLL with significantly higher specificity.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos CD/sangre , Biomarcadores de Tumor/sangre , Leucemia Linfocítica Crónica de Células B/diagnóstico , Antígenos CD5/sangre , Antígenos CD79/sangre , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Glicoproteínas/sangre , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Inmunofenotipificación , Receptores de IgE/sangre , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
Antibody-based immunotherapy represents a promising strategy to target and eliminate chemoresistant leukemic cells. Here, we evaluated the CD33/CD3-bispecific T cell engaging (BiTE) antibody (AMG 330) for its suitability as a therapeutic agent in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We first assessed CD33 expression levels by flow cytometry and found expression in >99% of patient samples (n = 621). CD33 was highest expressed in AMLs with NPM1 mutations (P < .001) and lower in AMLs with complex karyotypes and t(8;21) translocations (P < .001). Furthermore, leukemic stem cells within the CD34(+)/CD38(-) compartment displayed CD33 at higher levels than healthy donor stem cells (P = .047). In MS-5 feeder cell-based long-term cultures that supported the growth of primary AML blasts for up to 36 days, AMG 330 efficiently recruited and expanded residual CD3(+)/CD45RA(-)/CCR7(+) memory T cells within the patient sample. Even at low effector to target ratios, the recruited T cells lysed autologous blasts completely in the majority of samples and substantially in the remaining samples in a time-dependent manner. This study provides the first correlation of CD33 expression levels with AML genotype in a comprehensive analysis of adult patients. Targeting CD33 ex vivo using AMG 330 in primary AML samples led to T cell recruitment and expansion and remarkable antibody-mediated cytotoxicity, suggesting efficient therapeutic potential in vivo.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Biespecíficos/inmunología , Inmunoterapia/métodos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Lectina 3 Similar a Ig de Unión al Ácido Siálico/metabolismo , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Anticuerpos Biespecíficos/uso terapéutico , Técnicas de Cultivo de Célula , Técnicas de Cocultivo , Femenino , Citometría de Flujo , Genotipo , Humanos , Cariotipificación , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/terapia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Nucleofosmina , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Immune checkpoint molecules are highly relevant as potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in malignant diseases. HVEM belongs to the TNF receptor family and provides stimulatory as well as inhibitory signals depending on the ligand. Abnormal HVEM expression has been described in various malignancies, but the role in AML is unknown. Here we report extensive data on HVEM surface protein expression analyzed by flow cytometry on bone marrow leukemic cells of 169 AML patients at diagnosis. An independent cohort of 512 AML patients was analyzed for HVEM mRNA expression in bone marrow samples by Affymetrix microarrays. Consistently for both cohorts and methods, we show that HVEM was differentially expressed and that expression levels were associated with defined genetic markers. HVEM expression was lower in cases with FLT3-ITD (p = 0.001, p < 0.001), with mutations in NPM1 (p = 0.001, p < 0.001) or with the combination of NPM1 mutation and FLT3 wild type (p = 0.049, p = 0.050), while a biallelic mutation in CEBPA correlated positively with higher HVEM expression (p = 0.015, p < 0.001). In a differential gene expression analysis, we found 13 genes including HOXA9, MEIS1 and MN1 that were closely associated with HVEM expression. Besides, four gene sets closely linked to immunity were enriched in HVEM (high) samples. Finally, high expression of HVEM was associated with a trend toward longer relapse-free survival. The results of this study provide new information on the potential significance of HVEM in AML.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores de Tumor/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Miembro 14 de Receptores del Factor de Necrosis Tumoral/genética , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Médula Ósea/metabolismo , Supervivencia sin Enfermedad , Femenino , Citometría de Flujo , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/diagnóstico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/mortalidad , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Nucleofosmina , ARN/genética , Miembro 14 de Receptores del Factor de Necrosis Tumoral/inmunologíaRESUMEN
Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is a promising strategy for the elimination of minimal residual disease in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Particularly, patients with a high risk of relapse who are not eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation could benefit from such a therapeutic approach. Here, we review our extensive studies on the development of a protocol for the generation of DCs with improved immunogenicity and optimized for the use in cell-based immunotherapy. This new generation DC vaccine combines the production of DCs in only 3 days with Toll-like receptor-signaling-induced cell maturation. These mature DCs are then loaded with RNA encoding the leukemia-associated antigens Wilm's tumor protein 1 and preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma in order to stimulate an AML-specific T-cell-based immune response. In vitro as well as in vivo studies demonstrated the enhanced capacity of these improved DCs for the induction of tumor-specific immune responses. Finally, a proof-of-concept Phase I/II clinical trial is discussed for post-remission AML patients with high risk for disease relapse.
Asunto(s)
Vacunas contra el Cáncer/inmunología , Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Inmunoterapia Adoptiva/métodos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/terapia , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , RatonesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Active dendritic cell (DC) immunization protocols are rapidly gaining interest as therapeutic options in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we present for the first time a GMP-compliant 3-day protocol for generation of monocyte-derived DCs using different synthetic Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists in intensively pretreated patients with AML. METHODS: Four different maturation cocktails were compared for their impact on cell recovery, phenotype, cytokine secretion, migration, and lymphocyte activation in 20 AML patients and 25 healthy controls. RESULTS: Maturation cocktails containing the TLR7/8 agonists R848 or CL075, with and without the addition of the TLR3 agonist poly(I:C), induced DCs that had a positive costimulatory profile, secreted high levels of IL-12(p70), showed chemotaxis to CCR7 ligands, had the ability to activate NK cells, and efficiently stimulated antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that this approach translates into biologically improved DCs, not only in healthy controls but also in AML patients. This data supports the clinical application of TLR-matured DCs in patients with AML for activation of innate and adaptive immune responses.
Asunto(s)
Diferenciación Celular , Células Dendríticas/citología , Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/terapia , Receptores Toll-Like/agonistas , Adulto , Anciano , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/inmunología , Diferenciación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Quimiocina CCL19/farmacología , Quimiotaxis/efectos de los fármacos , Células Dendríticas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Dendríticas/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Interleucina-12/metabolismo , Células Asesinas Naturales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Asesinas Naturales/inmunología , Activación de Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fosfoproteínas/inmunología , Inducción de Remisión , Factores de Tiempo , Receptores Toll-Like/inmunología , Proteínas de la Matriz Viral/inmunología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a cytoplasmic immune receptor sensing viral RNA. It triggers the release of type I interferons (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokines inducing an adaptive cellular immune response. We investigated the therapeutic potential of systemic RIG-I activation by short 5'-triphosphate-modified RNA (ppp-RNA) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the syngeneic murine C1498 AML tumor model. ppp-RNA treatment significantly reduced tumor burden, delayed disease onset and led to complete remission including immunological memory formation in a substantial proportion of animals. Therapy-induced tumor rejection was dependent on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but not on NK or B cells, and relied on intact IFN and mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) signaling in the host. Interestingly, ppp-RNA treatment induced programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on AML cells and established therapeutic sensitivity to anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade in vivo. In immune-reconstituted humanized mice, ppp-RNA treatment reduced the number of patient-derived xenografted (PDX) AML cells in blood and bone marrow while concomitantly enhancing CD3+ T cell counts in the respective tissues. Due to its ability to establish a state of full remission and immunological memory, our findings show that ppp-RNA treatment is a promising strategy for the immunotherapy of AML.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/farmacología , Proteína 58 DEAD Box/inmunología , Inmunoterapia/métodos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/terapia , ARN Bicatenario/farmacología , Receptores Virales/inmunología , Proteínas Adaptadoras Transductoras de Señales/genética , Proteínas Adaptadoras Transductoras de Señales/inmunología , Animales , Antígeno B7-H1/antagonistas & inhibidores , Antígeno B7-H1/genética , Antígeno B7-H1/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Proteína 58 DEAD Box/genética , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Xenoinjertos , Humanos , Memoria Inmunológica/efectos de los fármacos , Interferones/genética , Interferones/inmunología , Isoinjertos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/mortalidad , Ratones , Receptores Virales/agonistas , Receptores Virales/genética , Inducción de Remisión , Transducción de Señal , Análisis de Supervivencia , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Innovative post-remission therapies are needed to eliminate residual AML cells. DC vaccination is a promising strategy to induce anti-leukaemic immune responses. METHODS: We conducted a first-in-human phase I study using TLR7/8-matured DCs transfected with RNA encoding the two AML-associated antigens WT1 and PRAME as well as CMVpp65. AML patients in CR at high risk of relapse were vaccinated 10× over 26 weeks. RESULTS: Despite heavy pretreatment, DCs of sufficient number and quality were generated from a single leukapheresis in 11/12 cases, and 10 patients were vaccinated. Administration was safe and resulted in local inflammatory responses with dense T-cell infiltration. In peripheral blood, increased antigen-specific CD8+ T cells were seen for WT1 (2/10), PRAME (4/10) and CMVpp65 (9/10). For CMVpp65, increased CD4+ T cells were detected in 4/7 patients, and an antibody response was induced in 3/7 initially seronegative patients. Median OS was not reached after 1057 days; median RFS was 1084 days. A positive correlation was observed between clinical benefit and younger age as well as mounting of antigen-specific immune responses. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of TLR7/8-matured DCs to AML patients in CR at high risk of relapse was feasible and safe and resulted in induction of antigen-specific immune responses. Clinical benefit appeared to occur more likely in patients <65 and in patients mounting an immune response. Our observations need to be validated in a larger patient cohort. We hypothesise that TLR7/8 DC vaccination strategies should be combined with hypomethylating agents or checkpoint inhibition to augment immune responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov on 17 October 2012 (NCT01734304) and at https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu (EudraCT-Number 2010-022446-24) on 10 October 2013.
RESUMEN
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer characterized by the uncontrolled clonal proliferation of myeloid hematopoietic progenitor cells in the bone marrow. The outcome of AML is poor, with five-year overall survival rates of less than 10% for the predominant group of patients older than 65 years. One of the main reasons for this poor outcome is that the majority of AML patients will relapse, even after they have attained complete remission by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, supplemented with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients at high risk of relapse, is still the cornerstone of current AML treatment. Both therapies are, however, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. These observations illustrate the need for more effective and less toxic treatment options, especially in elderly AML and have fostered the development of novel immune-based strategies to treat AML. One of these strategies involves the use of a special type of immune cells, the dendritic cells (DCs). As central orchestrators of the immune system, DCs are key to the induction of anti-leukemia immunity. In this review, we provide an update of the clinical experience that has been obtained so far with this form of immunotherapy in patients with AML.
RESUMEN
Immune checkpoint inhibition has been shown to successfully reactivate endogenous T cell responses directed against tumor-associated antigens, resulting in significantly prolonged overall survival in patients with various tumor entities. For malignancies with low endogenous immune responses, this approach has not shown a clear clinical benefit so far. Therapeutic vaccination, particularly dendritic cell (DC) vaccination, is a strategy to induce T cell responses. Interaction of DCs and T cells is dependent on receptor-ligand interactions of various immune checkpoints. In this study, we analyzed the influence of blocking antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), HVEM, CD244, TIM-3, and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) on the proliferation and cytokine secretion of T cells after stimulation with autologous TLR-matured DCs. In this context, we found that LAG-3 blockade resulted in superior T cell activation compared to inhibition of other pathways, including PD-1/PD-L1. This result was consistent across different methods to measure T cell stimulation (proliferation, IFN-γ secretion), various stimulatory antigens (viral and bacterial peptide pool, specific viral antigen, specific tumor antigen), and seen for both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Only under conditions with a weak antigenic stimulus, particularly when combining antigen presentation by peripheral blood mononuclear cells with low concentrations of peptides, we observed the highest T cell stimulation with dual blockade of LAG-3 and PD-1 blockade. We conclude that priming of novel immune responses can be strongly enhanced by blockade of LAG-3 or dual blockade of LAG-3 and PD-1, depending on the strength of the antigenic stimulus.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Bloqueadores/farmacología , Células Presentadoras de Antígenos/inmunología , Antígenos CD/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Receptor de Muerte Celular Programada 1/inmunología , Diferenciación Celular , Proliferación Celular , Células Cultivadas , Técnicas de Cocultivo , Humanos , Interferón gamma/metabolismo , Activación de Linfocitos , Receptores Toll-Like/metabolismo , Proteína del Gen 3 de Activación de LinfocitosRESUMEN
The advent of new immunotherapeutic agents in clinical practice has revolutionized cancer treatment in the past decade, both in oncology and hematology. The transfer of the immunotherapeutic concepts to the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is hampered by various characteristics of the disease, including non-leukemia-restricted target antigen expression profile, low endogenous immune responses, and intrinsic resistance mechanisms of the leukemic blasts against immune responses. However, considerable progress has been made in this field in the past few years.Within this manuscript, we review the recent developments and the current status of the five currently most prominent immunotherapeutic concepts: (1) antibody-drug conjugates, (2) T cell-recruiting antibody constructs, (3) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, (4) checkpoint inhibitors, and (5) dendritic cell vaccination. We focus on the clinical data that has been published so far, both for newly diagnosed and refractory/relapsed AML, but omitting immunotherapeutic concepts in conjunction with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Besides, we have included important clinical trials that are currently running or have recently been completed but are still lacking full publication of their results.While each of the concepts has its particular merits and inherent problems, the field of immunotherapy of AML seems to have taken some significant steps forward. Results of currently running trials will reveal the direction of further development including approaches combining two or more of these concepts.
Asunto(s)
Inmunoterapia/métodos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/patologíaRESUMEN
Antibody-based immunotherapy represents a promising strategy to eliminate chemorefractory leukemic cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we evaluated a novel Fc-engineered antibody against CD157 (MEN1112) for its suitability as immunotherapy in AML. CD157 was expressed in 97% of primary AML patient samples. A significant, albeit lower expression level of CD157 was observed within the compartment of leukemia-initiating cells, which are supposed to be the major source of relapse. In healthy donor bone marrow, CD157 was expressed on CD34+ cells. In ex vivo assays, MEN1112 triggered natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity against AML cell lines and primary AML cells. Compared to its parental analogue, the Fc-engineered antibody exhibited higher antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity responses. Using NK cells from AML patients, we observed heterogeneous MEN1112-mediated cytotoxicity against AML cells, most likely due to well-documented defects in AML-NK cells and corresponding inter-patient variations in NK cell function. Cytotoxicity could not be correlated to the time after completion of chemotherapy. In summary, we could demonstrate that CD157 is strongly expressed in AML. MEN1112 is a promising antibody construct that showed high cytotoxicity against AML cells and warrants further clinical testing. Due to variability in NK-cell function of AML patients, the time of application during the course of the disease as well as combinatorial strategies might influence treatment results.
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ADP-Ribosil Ciclasa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/uso terapéutico , Antineoplásicos Inmunológicos/uso terapéutico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/tratamiento farmacológico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/metabolismo , Terapia Molecular Dirigida , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/uso terapéutico , ADP-Ribosil Ciclasa/genética , ADP-Ribosil Ciclasa/metabolismo , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Citotoxicidad Celular Dependiente de Anticuerpos , Antígenos CD/genética , Antígenos CD/metabolismo , Biomarcadores de Tumor , Línea Celular Tumoral , Femenino , Citometría de Flujo , Proteínas Ligadas a GPI/antagonistas & inhibidores , Proteínas Ligadas a GPI/genética , Proteínas Ligadas a GPI/metabolismo , Expresión Génica , Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/metabolismo , Humanos , Células Asesinas Naturales/inmunología , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/diagnóstico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Gene knock-out and knock-in mice are becoming increasingly indispensable for mechanism-oriented studies of EAE. Most gene-modified mice are on the C57BL/6 background, for which presently there are only two EAE models available, the MOG peptide 35-55 and the PLP 178-191 peptide induced disease. However, because MS is not a single pathogenic entity, different EAE models are required to reproduce and study its various features. Here we are introducing MBP-PLP fusion protein (MP4)-induced EAE for C57BL/6 mice. B cell- and CD8+ T cell-dependence, as well as multi-determinant recognition are among the unique features of this demyelinating EAE.
Asunto(s)
Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/inducido químicamente , Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/inmunología , Proteína Básica de Mielina , Proteína Proteolipídica de la Mielina , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión , Animales , Linfocitos B/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos B/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/genética , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad/genética , Activación de Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Activación de Linfocitos/inmunología , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Proteína Básica de Mielina/genética , Proteína Básica de Mielina/inmunología , Proteína Proteolipídica de la Mielina/genética , Proteína Proteolipídica de la Mielina/inmunologíaRESUMEN
Despite longstanding efforts in basic research and clinical studies, the prognosis for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains poor. About half of the patients are not medically fit for intensive induction therapy to induce a complete remission and are treated with palliative treatment concepts. The patients medically fit for intensive induction therapy have a high complete remission rate but the majority suffers from relapse due to chemo-refractory leukemic cells. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation as post-remission therapy can significantly reduce the likelihood of relapse, but it is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Novel therapeutic concepts are therefore urgently sought after. During recent years, the focus has shifted towards the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Some of the most promising are drug-conjugated monoclonal antibodies, T-cell engaging antibody constructs, adoptive transfer with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and dendritic cell vaccination. Here, we review recent progress in these four fields and speculate about the optimal time points during the course of AML treatment for their application.
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Inmunoterapia , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/terapia , Animales , Anticuerpos/inmunología , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Pronóstico , Recurrencia , Linfocitos T/inmunologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: T cell function is crucial for the success of several novel immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, changes in phenotype and function of T cells have been described in various hematologic malignancies, mimicking T cell exhaustion known from chronic viral infections. Detailed knowledge about phenotype and function of T cells in AML patients at different stages of the disease is indispensable for optimal development and application of immunotherapeutic strategies for this disease. METHODS: We used flow cytometry-based assays to characterize T cell phenotype and function in peripheral blood and bone marrow of AML patients at diagnosis, at relapse after intensive chemotherapy, and at relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Surface expression of CD244, PD-1, CD160, and TIM-3 was determined, and proliferation and production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 were measured. RESULTS: We detected similar expression of inhibitory molecules on T cells from patients at diagnosis and from age-matched healthy controls. At relapse after SCT, however, PD-1 expression was significantly increased compared to diagnosis, both on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. This pattern was not associated with age and cytomegalovirus (CMV) status but with a shift towards effector memory cells in relapsed AML patients. Proliferation and cytokine production assays did not reveal functional defects in T cells of AML patients, neither at diagnosis nor at relapse. CONCLUSION: We thus conclude that T cell exhaustion does not play a major role in AML. Immunotherapeutic strategies targeting autologous T cells thus have particularly good prospects in the setting of AML.
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Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Inmunoterapia/métodos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/inmunología , Receptor de Muerte Celular Programada 1/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Masculino , Receptor de Muerte Celular Programada 1/inmunología , RecurrenciaRESUMEN
Cyclic cytotoxic maintenance therapy can be applied to patients with AML in post-remission. We studied the immune status of AML patients in complete remission and the effect of maintenance therapy on different immune cell populations. Patients in complete remission had reduced NK, TH and Treg counts and a reduced NK activation capacity. In the course of cytotoxic maintenance therapy, NK counts further declined, while TH and Treg cells increased, with lower proliferative potential of TH cells. We conclude that immunotherapeutic approaches in post-remission have to consider reduced NK cell function and further impairment of cellular immune responses during cytotoxic therapy.
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Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Células Asesinas Naturales/efectos de los fármacos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/tratamiento farmacológico , Quimioterapia de Mantención/efectos adversos , Linfocitos T Reguladores/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Humanos , Células Asesinas Naturales/patología , Células Asesinas Naturales/fisiología , Activación de Linfocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Recuento de Linfocitos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Inducción de Remisión , Linfocitos T Reguladores/patología , Linfocitos T Reguladores/fisiologíaRESUMEN
DNA-based nanostructures have received great attention as molecular vehicles for cellular delivery of biomolecules and cancer drugs. Here, we report on the cellular uptake of tubule-like DNA tile-assembled nanostructures 27 nm in length and 8 nm in diameter that carry siRNA molecules, folic acid and fluorescent dyes. In our observations, the DNA structures are delivered to the endosome and do not reach the cytosol of the GFP-expressing HeLa cells that were used in the experiments. Consistent with this observation, no elevated silencing of the GFP gene could be detected. Furthermore, the presence of up to six molecules of folic acid on the carrier surface did not alter the uptake behavior and gene silencing. We further observed several challenges that have to be considered when performing in vitro and in vivo experiments with DNA structures: (i) DNA tile tubes consisting of 42 nt-long oligonucleotides and carrying single- or double-stranded extensions degrade within one hour in cell medium at 37 °C, while the same tubes without extensions are stable for up to eight hours. The degradation is caused mainly by the low concentration of divalent ions in the media. The lifetime in cell medium can be increased drastically by employing DNA tiles that are 84 nt long. (ii) Dyes may get cleaved from the oligonucleotides and then accumulate inside the cell close to the mitochondria, which can lead to misinterpretation of data generated by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. (iii) Single-stranded DNA carrying fluorescent dyes are internalized at similar levels as the DNA tile-assembled tubes used here.
RESUMEN
The prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia, particularly when associated with adverse chromosomal or molecular aberrations, is poor due to a high relapse rate after induction chemotherapy. Postremission therapy for elimination of minimal residual disease remains a major challenge. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has proven to provide a potent antileukemic effect. Novel strategies are needed for patients ineligible for this treatment. Here current immunotherapeutic concepts in acute myeloid leukemia in a nonallogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting are reviewed. Data gathered with different monoclonal antibodies are discussed. Adoptive transfer of NK and T cells is reviewed, including evolving data on T-cell engineering. Results of systemic cytokine administration and of therapeutic vaccinations with peptides, modified leukemic cells and dendritic cells are presented. One particular focus of this review is the integration of currently running clinical trials. Recent immunotherapeutic studies have been encouraging and further interesting results are to be expected.