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Oncoimmunology 2018Cetuximab immunotherapy targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) with some success. Therefore, combining...
Cetuximab immunotherapy targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) with some success. Therefore, combining an immune adjuvant to boost the immune microenvironment may improve its clinical efficacy. Herein, we investigate the immune-stimulatory effects of Poly-ICLC (a TLR3 agonist) in enhancing cetuximab-based immunotherapy and correlate these responses with FcɣRIIIa (V158F) or TLR3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs- L412F and C829T) expressed on immune effector cells. We observed high levels of TLR3 mRNA in NPC cells; and both TLR3 and EGFR expression were unaffected by Poly-ICLC treatment. Cetuximab plus Poly-ICLC significantly enhanced NK-mediated ADCC through up-regulation of CD107a and Granzyme B expression. This effect was independent of FcɣRIIIa-V158F and TLR3-L412F or TLR3-C829T polymorphisms expressed on NK cells. Additionally, IFN-ɣ expression and secretion were doubled following cetuximab plus poly-ICLC treatment; compared to either treatment alone. This effect was independent of TLR3 polymorphisms. Consequentially, adaptive immune responses were also seen with increased DC maturation (CD83), co-stimulatory molecules expression (CD80 and CD86) and increased frequency of EGFR-specific CD8 + T cells following Poly-ICLC treatment. The percentage of CD80+ CD83+ and CD83+ CD86+ DC was highest in the Poly-ICLC plus cetuximab group, compared to either treatment alone. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of Poly-ICLC in enhancing both cetuximab-mediated innate and adaptive anti-tumor immunity against NPC, which is independent of FcɣRIIIa-158, TLR3-L412F or TLR3-C829T polymorphisms. Additionally, Poly-ICLC does not downregulate EGFR expression on NPC cells and hence, will not dampen cetuximab anti-tumor activity.
PubMed: 30377565
DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2018.1500109 -
Oncotarget Sep 2015Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with high mortality and the current therapy for advanced HCC, Sorafenib, offers limited survival benefits. Here we assessed...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with high mortality and the current therapy for advanced HCC, Sorafenib, offers limited survival benefits. Here we assessed whether combining the TLR3 agonist: lysine-stabilized polyinosinic-polycytidylic-acid (poly-ICLC) with Sorafenib could enhance tumor control in HCC. Combinatorial therapy with poly-ICLC and Sorafenib increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation of HCC cell lines in vitro, in association with impaired phosphorylation of AKT, MEK and ERK. In vivo, the combinatorial treatment enhanced control of tumor growth in two mouse models: one transplanted with Hepa 1-6 cells, and the other with liver tumors induced using the Sleeping beauty transposon. Tumor cell apoptosis and host immune responses in the tumor microenvironment were enhanced. Particularly, the activation of local NK cells, T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells was enhanced. Decreased expression of the inhibitory signaling molecules PD-1 and PD-L1 was observed in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and tumor cells, respectively. Tumor infiltration by monocytic-myeloid derived suppressor cells (Mo-MDSC) was also reduced indicating the reversion of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Our data demonstrated that the combinatorial therapy with poly-ICLC and Sorafenib enhances tumor control and local immune response hence providing a rationale for future clinical studies.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Apoptosis; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Disease Progression; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Humans; Immune System; Immunosuppressive Agents; Liver Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, SCID; Niacinamide; Phenylurea Compounds; Phosphorylation; Poly I-C; Polylysine; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; Sorafenib; Toll-Like Receptor 3
PubMed: 26287667
DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4583 -
Stroke Jan 2016Preconditioning with poly-l-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose (ICLC) provides robust neuroprotection from cerebral ischemia in a mouse stroke model. However, the...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Preconditioning with poly-l-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose (ICLC) provides robust neuroprotection from cerebral ischemia in a mouse stroke model. However, the receptor that mediates neuroprotection is unknown. As a synthetic double-stranded RNA, poly-ICLC may bind endosomal Toll-like receptor 3 or one of the cytosolic retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptor family members, retinoic acid-inducible gene-I, or melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5. Activation of these receptors culminates in type I interferons (IFN-α/β) induction-a response required for poly-ICLC-induced neuroprotection. In this study, we investigate the receptor required for poly-ICLC-induced neuroprotection.
METHODS
Toll-like receptor 3, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5-, and IFN-promoter stimulator 1-deficient mice were treated with poly-ICLC 24 hours before middle cerebral artery occlusion. Infarct volume was measured 24 hours after stroke to identify the receptor signaling pathways involved in protection. IFN-α/β induction was measured in plasma samples collected 6 hours after poly-ICLC treatment. IFN-β-deficient mice were used to test the requirement of IFN-β for poly-ICLC-induced neuroprotection. Mice were treated with recombinant IFN-α-A to test the role of IFN-α as a potential mediator of neuroprotection.
RESULTS
Poly-ICLC induction of both neuroprotection and systemic IFN-α/β requires the cytosolic receptor melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 and the adapter molecule IFN-promoter stimulator 1, whereas it is independent of Toll-like receptor 3. IFN-β is not required for poly-ICLC-induced neuroprotection. IFN-α treatment protects against stroke.
CONCLUSIONS
Poly-ICLC preconditioning is mediated by melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 and its adaptor molecule IFN-promoter stimulator 1. This is the first evidence that a cytosolic receptor can mediate neuroprotection, providing a new target for the development of therapeutic agents to protect the brain from ischemic injury.
Topics: Animals; Brain Ischemia; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; DEAD-box RNA Helicases; Interferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1; Ischemic Preconditioning; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Neuroprotective Agents; Poly I-C; Polylysine; Stroke
PubMed: 26564103
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.115.010329 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer Sep 2020Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have revolutionized cancer treatment and resulted in complete and durable responses in...
BACKGROUND
Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have revolutionized cancer treatment and resulted in complete and durable responses in some patients. Unfortunately, most immunotherapy treated patients still fail to respond. Absence of T cell infiltration to the tumor site is one of the major obstacles limiting immunotherapy efficacy against solid tumors. Thus, the development of strategies that enhance T cell infiltration and broaden the antitumor efficacy of immunotherapies is greatly needed.
METHODS
We used mouse tumor models, genetically deficient mice and vascular endothelial cells (VECs) to study the requirements for T cell infiltration into tumors.
RESULTS
A specific formulation of poly-IC, containing poly-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose (PICLC) facilitated the traffic and infiltration of effector CD8 T cells into the tumors that reduced tumor growth. Surprisingly, intratumoral injection of PICLC was significantly less effective in inducing tumor T cell infiltration and controlling growth of tumors as compared with systemic (intravenous or intramuscular) administration. Systemically administered PICLC, but not poly-IC stimulated tumor VECs via the double-stranded RNA cytoplasmic sensor MDA5, resulting in enhanced adhesion molecule expression and the production of type I interferon (IFN-I) and T cell recruiting chemokines. Expression of IFNαβ receptor in VECs was necessary to obtain the antitumor effects by PICLC and IFN-I was found to directly stimulate the secretion of T cell recruiting chemokines by VECs indicating that this cytokine-chemokine regulatory axis is crucial for recruiting effector T cells into the tumor parenchyma. Unexpectedly, these effects of PICLC were mostly observed in tumors and not in normal tissues.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings have strong implications for the improvement of all types of T cell-based immunotherapies for solid cancers. We predict that systemic administration of PICLC will improve immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, adoptive cell therapies and therapeutic cancer vaccines.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Mice; Poly I-C; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 32958686
DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001224 -
Neuro-oncology Aug 2016Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are the most common brain tumors of childhood. Although surgical resection is curative for well-circumscribed superficial lesions, tumors that...
BACKGROUND
Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are the most common brain tumors of childhood. Although surgical resection is curative for well-circumscribed superficial lesions, tumors that are infiltrative or arise from deep structures are therapeutically challenging, and new treatment approaches are needed. Having identified a panel of glioma-associated antigens (GAAs) overexpressed in these tumors, we initiated a pilot trial of vaccinations with peptides for GAA epitopes in human leukocyte antigen-A2+ children with recurrent LGG that had progressed after at least 2 prior regimens.
METHODS
Peptide epitopes for 3 GAAs (EphA2, IL-13Rα2, and survivin) were emulsified in Montanide-ISA-51 and administered subcutaneously adjacent to intramuscular injections of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid stabilized by lysine and carboxymethylcellulose every 3 weeks for 8 courses, followed by booster vaccines every 6 weeks. Primary endpoints were safety and T-lymphocyte responses against GAA epitopes. Treatment response was evaluated clinically and by MRI.
RESULTS
Fourteen children were enrolled. Other than grade 3 urticaria in one child, no regimen-limiting toxicity was encountered. Vaccination induced immunoreactivity to at least one vaccine-targeted GAA in all 12 evaluable patients: to IL-13Rα2 in 3, EphA2 in 11, and survivin in 3. One child with a metastatic LGG had asymptomatic pseudoprogression noted 6 weeks after starting vaccination, followed by dramatic disease regression with >75% shrinkage of primary tumor and regression of metastatic disease, persisting >57 months. Three other children had sustained partial responses, lasting >10, >31, and >45 months, and one had a transient response.
CONCLUSIONS
GAA peptide vaccination in children with recurrent LGGs is generally well tolerated, with preliminary evidence of immunological and clinical activity.
Topics: Adolescent; Antigens, Neoplasm; Brain Neoplasms; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease-Free Survival; Epitopes; Female; Glioma; Humans; Infant; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; Interferon Inducers; Interleukin-13 Receptor alpha2 Subunit; Male; Neoplasm Grading; Pilot Projects; Poly I-C; Polylysine; Receptor, EphA2; Survivin; Treatment Outcome; Vaccination
PubMed: 26984745
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/now026 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer May 2020Phosphorylated peptides presented by MHC molecules represent a new class of neoantigens expressed on cancer cells and recognized by CD8 T-cells. These peptides are...
BACKGROUND
Phosphorylated peptides presented by MHC molecules represent a new class of neoantigens expressed on cancer cells and recognized by CD8 T-cells. These peptides are promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Previous work identified an HLA-A*0201-restricted phosphopeptide from insulin receptor substrate 2 (pIRS2) as one such target. The purpose of this study was to characterize a second phosphopeptide, from breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 3 (BCAR3), and to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of a novel immunotherapic vaccine comprising either or both of these phosphorylated peptides.
METHODS
Phosphorylated BCAR3 protein was evaluated in melanoma and breast cancer cell lines by Western blot, and recognition by T-cells specific for HLA-A*0201-restricted phosphorylated BCAR3 peptide (pBCAR3) was determined by Cr release assay and intracellular cytokine staining. Human tumor explants were also evaluated by mass spectrometry for presentation of pIRS2 and pBCAR3 peptides. For the clinical trial, participants with resected stage IIA-IV melanoma were vaccinated 6 times over 12 weeks with one or both peptides in incomplete Freund's adjuvant and Hiltonol (poly-ICLC). Adverse events (AEs) were coded based on National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) V.4.03, with provision for early study termination if dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) rates exceeded 33%. The enrollment target was 12 participants evaluable for immune response to each peptide. T-cell responses were assessed by interferon-γ ELISpot assay.
RESULTS
pBCAR3 peptides were immunogenic in vivo in mice, and in vitro in normal human donors, and T-cells specific for pBCAR3 controlled outgrowth of a tumor xenograft. The pIRS2 peptide was identified by mass spectrometry from human hepatocellular carcinoma tumors. In the clinical trial, 15 participants were enrolled. All had grade 1 or 2 treatment-related AEs, but there were no grade 3-4 AEs, DLTs or deaths on study. T-cell responses were induced to the pIRS2 peptide in 5/12 patients (42%, 90% CI 18% to 68%) and to the pBCAR3 peptide in 2/12 patients (17%, 90% CI 3% to 44%).
CONCLUSION
This study supports the safety and immunogenicity of vaccines containing the cancer-associated phosphopeptides pBCAR3 and pIRS2, and the data support continued development of immune therapy targeting phosphopeptides. Future studies will define ways to further enhance the magnitude and durability of phosphopeptide-specific immune responses.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT01846143.
Topics: Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Antigens, Neoplasm; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cancer Vaccines; Cell Line, Tumor; Female; Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; HLA-A2 Antigen; Humans; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Immunotherapy; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins; Male; Melanoma; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Middle Aged; Phosphopeptides; Pilot Projects; Proof of Concept Study; Skin Neoplasms; Vaccines, Subunit; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 32385144
DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000262 -
Oncoimmunology Mar 2021Ipilimumab (IPI) can enhance immunity to the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1. A clinical trial was designed to assess safety, immunogenicity, and clinical responses with...
Ipilimumab (IPI) can enhance immunity to the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1. A clinical trial was designed to assess safety, immunogenicity, and clinical responses with IPI + NY-ESO-1 vaccines and effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Patients with measurable NY-ESO-1 tumors were enrolled among three arms: A) IPI + NY-ESO-1 protein + poly-ICLC (pICLC) + incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA); B) IPI + NY-ESO-1 overlapping long peptides (OLP) + pICLC + IFA; and C) IPI + NY-ESO-1 OLP + pICLC. Clinical responses were assessed by irRC. T cell and Ab responses were assessed by IFN-gamma ELIspot and ELISA. Tumor biopsies pre- and post-treatment were evaluated for immune infiltrates. Eight patients were enrolled: 5, 2, and 1 in Arms A-C, respectively. There were no DLTs. Best clinical responses were SD (4) and PD (4). T-cell and antibody (Ab) responses to NY-ESO-1 were detected in 6 (75%) and 7 (88%) patients, respectively, and were associated with SD. The breadth of Ab responses was greater for patients with SD than PD ( = .036). For five patients evaluable in the TME, treatment was associated with increases in proliferating (Ki67) CD8 T cells and decreases in RORγt CD4 T cells. T cell densities increased for those with SD. Detection of T cell responses to NY-ESO-1 ex vivo in most patients suggests that IPI may have enhanced those responses. Proliferating intratumoral CD8 T cells increased after vaccination plus IPI suggesting favorable impact of IPI plus NY-ESO-1 vaccines on the TME. : Ab = antibody; CTCAE = NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events; DHFR/DHRP = dihydrofolate reductase; DLT = Dose-limiting toxicity; ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IFA = incomplete Freund's adjuvant (Montanide ISA-51); IFNγ = Interferon gamma; IPI = Ipilimumab; irRC = immune-related response criteria; mIFH = multispectral immunofluorescence histology; OLP = NY-ESO-1 overlapping long peptides; PBMC = peripheral blood mononuclear cells; PD = Progressive disease; pICLC = poly-ICLC (Hiltonol), a TLR3/MDA-5 agonist; RLT = Regimen-limiting Toxicity; ROI = regions of interest; RT = room temperature; SAE = serious adverse event; SD = stable disease; TEAE = treatment-emergent adverse events; TLR = toll-like receptor; TME = tumor microenvironment; TRAE = treatment-related adverse events.
Topics: Antigens, Neoplasm; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cancer Vaccines; Humans; Ipilimumab; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Melanoma; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 33796406
DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2021.1898105 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer Nov 2017Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. There is evidence that immunotherapy may play a role in the eradication of residual disease. Peptide...
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. There is evidence that immunotherapy may play a role in the eradication of residual disease. Peptide vaccines for immunotherapy are capable of durable immune memory, but vaccines alone have shown sparse clinical activity against breast cancer to date. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and helper peptides are excellent adjuvants for vaccine immunotherapy and they are examined in this human clinical trial.
METHODS
A vaccine consisting of 9 MHC class I-restricted breast cancer-associated peptides (from MAGE-A1, -A3, and -A10, CEA, NY-ESO-1, and HER2 proteins) was combined with a TLR3 agonist, poly-ICLC, along with a helper peptide derived from tetanus toxoid. The vaccine was administered on days 1, 8, 15, 36, 57, 78. CD8 T cell responses to the vaccine were assessed by both direct and stimulated interferon gamma ELIspot assays.
RESULTS
Twelve patients with breast cancer were treated: five had estrogen receptor positive disease and five were HER2 amplified. There were no dose-limiting toxicities. Toxicities were limited to Grade 1 and Grade 2 and included mild injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms, which occurred in most patients. The most common toxicities were injection site reaction/induration and fatigue, which were experienced by 100% and 92% of participants, respectively. In the stimulated ELIspot assays, peptide-specific CD8 T cell responses were detected in 4 of 11 evaluable patients. Two patients had borderline immune responses to the vaccine. The two peptides derived from CEA were immunogenic. No difference in immune response was evident between patients receiving endocrine therapy and those not receiving endocrine therapy during the vaccine series.
CONCLUSIONS
Peptide vaccine administered in the adjuvant breast cancer setting was safe and feasible. The TLR3 adjuvant, poly-ICLC, plus helper peptide mixture provided modest immune stimulation. Further optimization is required for this multi-peptide vaccine/adjuvant combination.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov (posted 2/15/2012): NCT01532960. Registered 2/8/2012. https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01532960.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adult; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer Vaccines; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Interferon Inducers; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Poly I-C; Polylysine
PubMed: 29157306
DOI: 10.1186/s40425-017-0295-5 -
Cells Oct 2022Elongated peptides (EPs), containing possibly one or multiple epitope/s, are increasingly used for the screening of antigen-specific CD8 and CD4 cell responses. Here, we...
Elongated peptides (EPs), containing possibly one or multiple epitope/s, are increasingly used for the screening of antigen-specific CD8 and CD4 cell responses. Here, we present an in vitro protocol that allows the amplification of antigen-specific cells and the subsequent functional analysis of both T cell types using EPs. Known viral-derived epitopes were elongated to 20 mer EPs on the N-, C-, and both termini for HLA class I binders, or on the N- and C- termini for HLA class II binders. With EP stimulation only, the percentage of responding CD8 T cells was dependent on the elongation site of the EP, whereas CD4 T cell responses were completely lost in 22% of the tests performed ex vivo. A short-term amplification step plus the addition of a TLR3 agonist (Poly-ICLC) together with an increased EP concentration improved markedly the detection of CD8 and CD4 T cell reactivities.
Topics: CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Peptides
PubMed: 36359847
DOI: 10.3390/cells11213451 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a technology for inducing release of endocytosed antigens into the cell cytosol a light-induced process. Preclinical experiments...
Photochemical Internalization Enhanced Vaccination Is Safe, and Gives Promising Cellular Immune Responses to an HPV Peptide-Based Vaccine in a Phase I Clinical Study in Healthy Volunteers.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a technology for inducing release of endocytosed antigens into the cell cytosol a light-induced process. Preclinical experiments have shown that PCI improves MHC class I antigen presentation, resulting in strongly enhanced CD8+ T-cell responses to polypeptide antigens. In PCI vaccination a mixture of the photosensitizing compound fimaporfin, vaccine antigens, and an adjuvant is administered intradermally followed by illumination of the vaccination site. This work describes an open label, phase I study in healthy volunteers, to assess the safety, tolerability, and immune response to PCI vaccination in combination with the adjuvant poly-ICLC (Hiltonol) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02947854).
METHODS
The primary objective of the study was to assess the safety and local tolerance of PCI mediated vaccination, and to identify a safe fimaporfin dose for later clinical studies. A secondary objective was to analyze the immunological responses to the vaccination. Each subject received 3 doses of HPV16 E7 peptide antigens and two doses of Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH) protein. A control group received Hiltonol and vaccine antigens only, whereas the PCI groups in addition received fimaporfin + light. Local and systemic adverse effects were assessed by standard criteria, and cellular and humoral immune responses were analyzed by ELISpot, flow cytometry, and ELISA assays.
RESULTS
96 healthy volunteers were vaccinated with fimaporfin doses of 0.75-50 µg. Doses below 17.5 µg were safe and tolerable, higher doses exhibited local tolerability issues in some study subjects, mainly erythema, and pain during illumination. There were few, and only mild and expected systemic adverse events. The employment of PCI increased the number of subjects exhibiting a T-cell response to the HPV peptide vaccine about 10-fold over what was achieved with the antigen/Hiltonol combination without PCI. Moreover, the use of PCI seemed to result in a more consistent and multifunctional CD8+ T-cell response. An enhancement of the humoral immune response to KLH vaccination was also observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Using PCI in combination with Hiltonol for intradermal vaccination is safe at fimaporfin doses below 17.5 µg, and gives encouraging immune responses to peptide and protein based vaccination.
Topics: Adult; Cells, Cultured; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Human papillomavirus 16; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Lighting; Male; Middle Aged; Papillomavirus E7 Proteins; Papillomavirus Infections; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Peptides; Photochemical Processes; Photosensitizing Agents; T-Lymphocytes; Vaccination; Vaccines, Subunit; Young Adult
PubMed: 33488576
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.576756