-
Oncoimmunology 2018: Approximately 50% of melanomas harbor BRAF mutations. Treatment with BRAF +/- MEK inhibition is associated with favorable changes in the tumor microenvironment thus...
: Approximately 50% of melanomas harbor BRAF mutations. Treatment with BRAF +/- MEK inhibition is associated with favorable changes in the tumor microenvironment thus providing the rationale for combining targeted agents with immunotherapy. : Patients with unresectable Stage III or IV BRAF mutant melanoma were enrolled in a single-center prospective study (n = 6). Patients were eligible to receive two courses of HD-IL-2 and vemurafenib twice daily. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) with secondary objectives including overall survival (OS), response rates (RR), and safety of combination therapy as compared to historical controls. Immune profiling was performed in longitudinal tissue samples, when available. : Overall RR was 83.3% (95% CI: 36%-99%) and 66.6% at 12 weeks. All patients eventually progressed, with three progressing on treatment and three progressing after the vemurafenib continuation phase ended. Median PFS was 35.8 weeks (95% CI: 16-57 weeks). Median OS was not reached; however, the time at which 75% of patients were still alive was 104.4 weeks. Change in circulating BRAF levels correlated with response. Though combination therapy was associated with enhanced CD8 T cell infiltrate, an increase in regulatory T cell frequency was seen with HD-IL-2 administration, suggesting a potential limitation in this strategy. : Combination vemurafenib and HD-IL-2 is well tolerated and associated with treatment responses. However, the HD-IL-2 induced increase in Tregs may abrogate potential synergy. Given the efficacy of regimens targeting the PD-1 pathway, strategies combining these regimens with BRAF-targeted therapy are currently underway, and the role of combination vemurafenib and HD-IL-2 is uncertain. : Clinical trial information: NCT01754376; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01754376.
PubMed: 29721378
DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2017.1423172 -
Cancer Research Communications Aug 2022Recombinant human high-dose IL2 (HD-IL2; aldesleukin) was one of the first approved immune-oncology agents based upon clinical activity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and...
UNLABELLED
Recombinant human high-dose IL2 (HD-IL2; aldesleukin) was one of the first approved immune-oncology agents based upon clinical activity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and metastatic melanoma but use was limited due to severe toxicity. Next-generation IL2 agents designed to improve tolerability are in development, increasing the need for future identification of genomic markers of clinical benefit and/or clinical response. In this retrospective study, we report clinical and tumor molecular profiling from patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC) treated with HD-IL2 and compare findings with patients with RCC treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. Genomic characteristics common and unique to IL2 and/or anti-PD-1 therapy response are presented, with insight into rational combination strategies for these agents. Residual pretreatment formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tumor samples from = 36 patients with HD-IL2 mRCC underwent RNA-sequencing and corresponding clinical data were collected. A 40-gene nearest centroid IL2 treatment response classifier and individual gene and/or immune marker signature differences were correlated to clinical response and placed into context with a separate dataset of = 35 patients with anti-PD-1 mRCC. Immune signatures and genes, comprising suppressor and effector cells, were increased in patients with HD-IL2 clinical benefit. The 40-gene response classifier was also highly enriched for immune genes. While several effector immune signatures and genes were common between IL2 and anti-PD-1 treated patients, multiple inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive genes, previously reported to predict poor response to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, were only increased in IL2-responsive tumors. These findings suggest that common and distinct immune-related response markers for IL2 and anti-PD-1 therapy may help guide their use, either alone or in combination.
SIGNIFICANCE
Next-generation IL2 agents, designed for improved tolerability over traditional HD-IL2 (aldesleukin), are in clinical development. Retrospective molecular tumor profiling of patients treated with HD-IL2 or anti-PD-1 therapy provides insights into genomic characteristics of therapy response. This study revealed common and distinct immune-related predictive response markers for IL2 and anti-PD-1 therapy which may play a role in therapy guidance, and rational combination strategies for these agents.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Interleukin-2; Kidney Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36923304
DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-21-0153 -
EBioMedicine Sep 2020Low-dose interleukin-2 (ld-IL-2) enhances regulatory T-cell (Treg) function in auto-inflammatory conditions. Neuroinflammation being a pathogenic feature of amyotrophic... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Low-dose interleukin-2 (ld-IL-2) enhances regulatory T-cell (Treg) function in auto-inflammatory conditions. Neuroinflammation being a pathogenic feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we evaluated the pharmacodynamics and safety of ld-IL-2 in ALS subjects.
METHODS
We performed a single centre, parallel three-arm, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eligibility criteria included age < 75 years, disease duration < 5 years, riluzole treatment > 3 months, and a slow vital capacity ≥ 70% of normal. Patients were randomised (1:1:1) to aldesleukin 2 MIU, 1 MIU, or placebo once daily for 5 days every 4 weeks for 3 cycles. Primary outcome was change from baseline in Treg percentage of CD4 T cells (%Tregs) following a first cycle. Secondary laboratory outcomes included: %Treg and Treg number following repeated cycles, and plasma CCL2 and neurofilament light chain protein (NFL) concentrations as surrogate markers of efficacy. Safety outcomes included motor-function (ALSFRS-R), slow vital capacity (SVC), and adverse event reports. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02059759.
FINDINGS
All randomised patients (12 per group), recruited from October 2015 to December 2015, were alive at the end of follow-up and included in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis. No drug-related serious adverse event was observed. Non-serious adverse events occurred more frequently with the 1 and 2 MIU IL-2 doses compared to placebo, including injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms. Primary outcome analysis showed a significant increase (p < 0·0001) in %Tregs in the 2 MIU and 1 MIU arms (mean [SD]: 2 MIU: +6·2% [2·2]; 1 MIU: +3·9% [1·2]) as compared to placebo (mean [SD]: -0·49% [1·3]). Effect sizes (ES) were large in treated groups: 2 MIU ES=3·7 (IC95%: 2·3-4·9) and 1 MIU ES=3·5 (IC95%: 2·1-4·6). Secondary outcomes showed a significant increase in %Tregs following repeated cycles (p < 0·0001) as compared to placebo, and a dose-dependent decrease in plasma CCL2 (p = 0·0049). There were no significant differences amongst the three groups on plasma NFL levels.
INTERPRETATION
Ld-IL-2 is well tolerated and immunologically effective in subjects with ALS. These results warrant further investigation into their eventual therapeutic impact on slowing ALS disease progression.
FUNDING
The French Health Ministry (PHRC-I-14-056), EU H2020 (grant #633413), and the Association pour la Recherche sur la SLA (ARSLA).
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Antineoplastic Agents; Biomarkers; Chemokines; Cytokines; Female; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Interleukin-2; Male; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32651161
DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102844 -
BMJ Open Sep 2018Inflammation and dysregulated immune responses play a crucial role in atherosclerosis, underlying ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACSs)....
Low-dose interleukin-2 in patients with stable ischaemic heart disease and acute coronary syndromes (LILACS): protocol and study rationale for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I/II clinical trial.
INTRODUCTION
Inflammation and dysregulated immune responses play a crucial role in atherosclerosis, underlying ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Immune responses are also major determinants of the postischaemic injury in myocardial infarction. Regulatory T cells (CD4CD25FOXP3; Treg) induce immune tolerance and preserve immune homeostasis. Recent in vivo studies suggested that low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) can increase Treg cell numbers. Aldesleukin is a human recombinant form of IL-2 that has been used therapeutically in several autoimmune diseases. However, its safety and efficacy is unknown in the setting of coronary artery disease.
METHOD AND ANALYSIS
Low-dose interleukin-2 in patients with stable ischaemic heart disease and acute coronary syndromes is a single-centre, first-in-class, dose-escalation, two-part clinical trial. Patients with stable IHD (part A) and ACS (part B) will be randomised to receive either IL-2 (aldesleukin; dose range 0.3-3×10 IU) or placebo once daily, given subcutaneously, for five consecutive days. Part A will have five dose levels with five patients in each group. Group 1 will receive a dose of 0.3×10 IU, while the dose for the remaining four groups will be determined on completion of the preceding group. Part B will have four dose levels with eight patients in each group. The dose of the first group will be based on part A. Doses for each of the subsequent three groups will similarly be determined after completion of the previous group. The primary endpoint is safety and tolerability of aldesleukin and to determine the dose that increases mean circulating Treg levels by at least 75%.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
The study received a favourable opinion by the Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee, UK (17/NW/0012). The results of this study will be reported through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and an internal organisational report.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT03113773; Pre-results.
Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; C-Reactive Protein; Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-6; Lymphocyte Count; Myocardial Ischemia; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recombinant Proteins; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Troponin
PubMed: 30224390
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022452 -
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.) Jun 1999Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma continue to present a therapeutic challenge. Current therapeutic approaches involve surgery and various types of... (Review)
Review
Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma continue to present a therapeutic challenge. Current therapeutic approaches involve surgery and various types of immunotherapy. The rationale for this latter form of therapy include the observations of spontaneous tumor regression, the presence of a T-cell-mediated immune response, and the tumor responses observed in patients receiving cytokine therapy. Analysis of prognostic factors in these patients demonstrates that clinical responses occur most frequently in individuals with good performance status. The cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2, aldesleukin [Proleukin], interferon-alfa (Intron A, Roferon-A), or the combination produce responses in 15% to 20% of patients. Randomized trials suggest that administration of interferon-alfa may result in a modest improvement in median survival. Investigation of the molecular genetics of renal cell carcinoma and the presence of T-lymphocyte immune dysregulation have suggested new therapeutic strategies. Further preclinical and clinical studies investigating inhibitors of angiogenesis or pharmacologic methods to reverse immune dysregulation are ongoing. Therapeutic results in patients with renal cell carcinoma remain limited, and investigational approaches are warranted.
Topics: Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cytokines; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunotherapy; Kidney Neoplasms; Neoplasm Metastasis
PubMed: 10378218
DOI: No ID Found -
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity May 2024Immune-inflammatory mechanisms are promising targets for antidepressant pharmacology. Immune cell abnormalities have been reported in mood disorders showing a partial T... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Immune-inflammatory mechanisms are promising targets for antidepressant pharmacology. Immune cell abnormalities have been reported in mood disorders showing a partial T cell defect. Following this line of reasoning we defined an antidepressant potentiation treatment with add-on low-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2). IL-2 is a T-cell growth factor which has proven anti-inflammatory efficacy in autoimmune conditions, increasing thymic production of naïve CD4 + T cells, and possibly correcting the partial T cell defect observed in mood disorders. We performed a single-center, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial evaluating the safety, clinical efficacy and biological responses of low-dose IL-2 in depressed patients with major depressive (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). 36 consecutively recruited inpatients at the Mood Disorder Unit were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive either aldesleukin (12 MDD and 12 BD) or placebo (6 MDD and 6 BD). Active treatment significantly potentiated antidepressant response to ongoing SSRI/SNRI treatment in both diagnostic groups, and expanded the population of T regulatory, T helper 2, and percentage of Naive CD4+/CD8 + immune cells. Changes in cell frequences were rapidly induced in the first five days of treatment, and predicted the later improvement of depression severity. No serious adverse effect was observed. This is the first randomised control trial (RCT) evidence supporting the hypothesis that treatment to strengthen the T cell system could be a successful way to correct the immuno-inflammatory abnormalities associated with mood disorders, and potentiate antidepressant response.
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Interleukin-2; Antidepressive Agents; Biomarkers; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38367846
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.019 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Advancements in science enable researchers to constantly innovate and create novel biologics. However, the use of non-human animal models during the development of...
Advancements in science enable researchers to constantly innovate and create novel biologics. However, the use of non-human animal models during the development of biologics impedes identification of precise interactions between the human immune system and treatments. Due to lack of this understanding, adverse effects are frequently observed in healthy volunteers and patients exposed to potential biologics during clinical trials. In this study, we evaluated and compared the effects of known immunotoxic biologics, Proleukin/IL-2 and OKT3 in humanized mice (reconstituted with human fetal cells) to published clinical outcomes. We demonstrated that humanized mice were able to recapitulate pathological changes and human-specific immune responses, such as elevated cytokine levels and modulated lymphocytes and myeloid subsets. Given the high similarities of immunological side effects observed between humanized mice and clinical studies, this model could be used to assess immunotoxicity of biologics at a pre-clinical stage, without placing research participants and/or patients at risk.
Topics: Animals; Drug Evaluation; Fetus; Humans; Interleukin-2; Mice; Models, Immunological; Recombinant Proteins
PubMed: 33193321
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.553362 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2023Sepsis is an organ dysfunction with high mortality. Early identification, diagnosis, and effective treatment of sepsis are beneficial to the survival of patients. This...
PURPOSE
Sepsis is an organ dysfunction with high mortality. Early identification, diagnosis, and effective treatment of sepsis are beneficial to the survival of patients. This study aimed to find potential diagnosis and immune-related genes, and drug targets, which could provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic markers for sepsis.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The GSE69063, GSE154918 and GSE28750 datasets were integrated to evaluate immune infiltration and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune-related genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to find the hub module related to immune score and sepsis. Immune-related key genes were screened out by taking interaction of DEGs, immune-related genes, and genes in hub module. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was used to further screen immune-related hub genes, followed by construction of a diagnostic model based on immune-related hub genes. Functional analysis and drug prediction of immune-related hub genes were, respectively, performed by David software and DGIdb database, followed by expression validation by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
RESULTS
Totally, 93 immune-related key genes were identified between 561 DEGs, 1793 immune-related genes and 12,459 genes in the hub module of WGCNA. Through PPI analysis, a total of 5 diagnose and immune-related hub genes were further obtained, including IL7R, IL10, CD40LG, CD28 and LCN2. Relationship pairs between these 5 genes and immune cell were identified, including LCN2/IL7R/CD28-activated dendritic cell and IL10-immature B cell. Based on pharmacogenomics, 17 candidate drugs might interact with IL 10, including CYCLOSPORINE. Six candidate drugs might interact with CD28 and 11 with CD40LG, CD40LG and CD28 were drug targets of ALDESLEUKIN. Four significantly enriched signaling pathways were identified, such as T cell receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
The 5-gene diagnostic model could be used to diagnose and guide clinical immunotherapy for sepsis.
PubMed: 37662976
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S418176 -
Wellcome Open Research 2017The infection of a participant with norovirus during the adaptive study of interleukin-2 dose on regulatory T cells in type 1 diabetes (DILT1D) allowed a detailed...
BACKGROUND
The infection of a participant with norovirus during the adaptive study of interleukin-2 dose on regulatory T cells in type 1 diabetes (DILT1D) allowed a detailed insight into the cellular and cytokine immune responses to this prevalent gastrointestinal pathogen.
METHODS
Serial blood, serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected pre-, and post-development of the infection. To differentiate between the immune response to norovirus and to control for the administration of a single dose of aldesleukin (recombinant interleukin-2, rIL-2) alone, samples from five non-infected participants administered similar doses were analysed in parallel.
RESULTS
Norovirus infection was self-limited and resolved within 24 hours, with the subsequent development of anti-norovirus antibodies. Serum pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-10, peaked during the symptomatic period of infection, coincident with increased frequencies of monocytes and neutrophils. At the same time, the frequency of regulatory CD4 T cell (Treg), effector T cell (Teff) CD4 and CD8 subsets were dynamically reduced, rebounding to baseline levels or above at the next sampling point 24 hours later. NK cells and NKT cells transiently increased CD69 expression and classical monocytes expressed increased levels of CD40, HLA-DR and SIGLEC-1, biomarkers of an interferon response. We also observed activation and mobilisation of Teffs, where increased frequencies of CD69 and Ki-67 effector memory Teffs were followed by the emergence of memory CD8 Teff expressing the mucosal tissue homing markers CD103 and β7 integrin. Treg responses were coincident with the innate cell, Teff and cytokine response. Key Treg molecules FOXP3, CTLA-4, and CD25 were upregulated following infection, alongside an increase in frequency of Tregs with the capacity to home to tissues.
CONCLUSIONS
The results illustrate the innate, adaptive and counter-regulatory immune responses to norovirus infection. Low-dose IL-2 administration induces many of the Treg responses observed during infection.
PubMed: 28815218
DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.11300.3 -
Clinical Cancer Research : An Official... Feb 2015High-dose aldesleukin (HD IL2) received FDA approval for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) in 1992, producing a 14% objective response rate (ORR)... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
PURPOSE
High-dose aldesleukin (HD IL2) received FDA approval for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) in 1992, producing a 14% objective response rate (ORR) and durable remissions. Retrospective studies suggested that clinical and pathologic features could predict for benefit. The Cytokine Working Group conducted this prospective trial to validate proposed predictive markers of response to HD IL2.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Standard HD IL2 was administered to prospectively evaluate whether the ORR of patients with mRCC with "good" predictive pathologic features based on an "integrated selection" model [ISM (e.g., clear-cell histology subclassification and carbonic anhydrase-9 (CA-9) IHC staining] was significantly higher than the ORR of a historical, unselected population. Archived tumor was collected for pathologic analysis including tumor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression.
RESULTS
One hundred and twenty eligible patients were enrolled between June 11 and September 7; 70% were Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) intermediate risk, 96% had clear cell RCC, and 99% had prior nephrectomy. The independently assessed ORR was 25% (30/120, 95% CI, 17.5%-33.7%, P = 0.0014; 3 complete responses, 27 partial responses) and was higher than a historical ORR. Thirteen patients (11%) remained progression free at 3 years and the median overall survival was 42.8 months. ORR was not statistically different by ISM classification ("good-risk" 23% vs. "poor-risk" 30%; P = 0.39). ORR was positively associated with tumor PD-L1 expression (P = 0.01) by IHC.
CONCLUSIONS
In this prospective, biomarker validation study, HD IL2 produced durable remissions and prolonged survival in both "good" and "poor-risk" patients. The proposed ISM was unable to improve the selection criteria. Novel markers (e.g., tumor PD L1 expression) appeared useful, but require independent validation.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Humans; Interleukin-2; Kidney Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Prognosis; Recombinant Proteins; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25424850
DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-14-1520