Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T-cell therapy for liver cancer

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T-cell(CAR-T) therapy is a newly developed immunotherapy used in the treatment of cancers. Because CAR-T therapy has shown great success in treating CD19-positive hematological malignancies, its application has been explored in the treatment of solid tumors, such as liver cancer. In this review, we discuss the immune characteristics of liver cancer, the obstacles encountered during the application of CAR-T therapy, and preclinical and clinical progress in the use of CAR-T therapy in patients with liver cancer.Data sources: The data on CAR-T therapy related to liver cancers were collected by searching Pub Med and the Web of Science databases prior to December 2017 with the keywords "chimeric antigen receptor","CAR-T", "liver cancer", "hepatocellular carcinoma", and "solid tumor". Additional articles were identified by manual search of references found in the primary articles. The data for clinical trials were collected by searching Clinical Trials.gov.Results: The liver has a tolerogenic nature in the intrahepatic milieu and its tumor microenvironment significantly affects tumor progression. The obstacles that reduce the efficacy of CAR-T therapy in solid tumors include a lack of specific tumor antigens, limited trafficking and penetration of CAR-T cells to tumor sites, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To overcome these obstacles, several strategies have emerged. In addition, several strategies have been developed to manage the side effects of CAR-T, including enhancing the selectivity of CARs and controlling CAR-T activity. To date, no clinical trials of CAR-T therapy against HCC have been completed. However, preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo have shown potent antitumor efficacy. Glypican-3, mucin-1, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, carcinoembryonic antigen, and other targets are currently being studied.Conclusions: The application of CAR-T therapy for liver cancer is just beginning to be explored and more research is needed. However, we are optimistic that CAR-T therapy will offer a new approach for the treatment of liver cancers in the future.

Relevant nursing measures for the adverse reactions associated with chimeric antigen receptor T cells(CAR-T) immunotherapy: a systematic review of case reports

Objective: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) that occur after chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells are reinfused, which severely affect the survival and prognosis of patients. Although several articles have reported on the care of CAR-T cell immunotherapy, the quality of the study and the effectiveness of holistic nursing interventions have not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the existing holistic nursing interventions of CAR-T cell immunotherapy. Methods: A literature search for keywords was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, and Wanfang Data from its inception until January 2018. Studies were deemed eligible if they comprised patients with tumor receiving CAR-T cell immunotherapy, described the holistic nursing process, and were published in Chinese and English. Results: A total of 6 articles on holistic nursing interventions of CAR-T cell immunotherapy are reported, and the nursing methods and results of each article are analyzed. The quality of the studies included was medium. All nursing measures were considered effective. Conclusions: Holistic nursing programs reduce the incidence of CRS and TLS and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

T cells expressing a LMP1-specific chimeric antigen receptor mediate antitumor effects against LMP1-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

T cells modified with chimeric antigen receptor are an attractive strategy to treat Epstein-Barr virus（EBV） associated malignancies.The EBV latent membrane protein 1（LMP1） is a 66-KD integral membrane protein encoded by EBV that consists of transmembrane-spanning loops.Previously,we have identified a functional signal chain variable fragment（scFv） that specifically recognizes LMP1 through phage library screening.Here,we constructed a LMP1 specific chimeric antigen receptor containing anti-LMP1 scFv,the CD28 signalling domain,and the CD3ζchain（HELA/CAR）.We tested its functional ability to target LMP1 positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.HELA/CAR cells were efficiently generated using lentivirus vector encoding the LMP1-specific chimeric antigen receptor to infect activated human CD3＋ T cells.The HELA/CAR T cells displayed LMP1 specific cytolytic action and produced IFN-γ and IL-2 in response to nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells overexpressing LMP1.To demonstrate in vivo anti-tumor activity,we tested the HELA/CAR T cells in a xenograft model using an LMP1 overexpressing tumor.Intratumoral injection of anti-LMP1 HELA/CAR-T cells significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo.These results show that targeting LMP1 using HELA/CAR cells could represent an alternative therapeutic approach for patients with EBV-positive cancers.

T_H1 AND T_H2 CELL ANTIGEN RECEPTORS IN EXPERIMENTAL LEISHMANIASIS

The complexity and ehronicity of parasitic infections have obscured the identification of biologically relevant antigens.Analysis of the T cell receptor repertoire used by mice infected with leishmania major revealed the expansion of a restricted population of CD4+ cells.These cells expressed the Vα 8-JαTA72,Vβ4 heterodimer in both progressive infection and protective immunity and across several major histocompatibility haplotypes.Thus,the same immunodominant parasite epitope drives the disparate outcomes of this infectious process, suggesting that candidate vaccine antigens selected by screening of immune individuals may be capable of exacerbating disease in genetically susceptible individuals.

Chidamide and sintilimab combination in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progressing after chimeric antigen receptor T therapy

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is curable with first-line chemoimmunotherapy but patients with relapsed/refractory(R/R)DLBCL still face a poor prognosis.For patients with R/R DLBCL,the complete response rate to traditional next-line therapy is only 7%and the median overall survival is 6.3 mo.Recently,CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells(CAR-T)have shown promise in clinical trials.However,approximately 50%of patients treated with CAR-T cells ultimately progress and few salvage therapies are effective.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report on 7 patients with R/R DLBCL whose disease progressed after CAR-T infusion.They received a PD-1 inhibitor(sintilimab)and a histone deacetylase inhibitor(chidamide).Five of the 7 patients tolerated the treatment without any serious adverse events.Two patients discontinued the treatment due to lung infection and rash.At the 20-mo follow-up,the median overall survival of these 7 patients was 6 mo.Of note,there were 2 complete response rates(CRs)and 2 partial response rates(PRs)during this novel therapy,with an overall response rate(ORR)of 57.1%,and one patient had a durable CR that lasted at least 20 mo.CONCLUSION In conclusion,chidamide combined with sintilimab may be a choice for DLBCL patients progressing after CD19-targeting CAR-T therapy.

Refractory lymphoma treated with chimeric antigen receptor T cells combined with programmed cell death-1 inhibitor:A case report

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is a common aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL),accounting for 30%-40%of adult NHL.Primary testicular(PT)lymphoma is an uncommon extranodal disease representing approximately 1%-2%of lymphoma.Approximately 30%–40%of patients are refractory to frontline therapy or relapse after complete remission.Refractory DLBCL responds poorly to other lines of chemotherapy,and experiences short-term survival.CASE SUMMARY We present a 41-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with PT-DLBCL.Further disease progression was observed after multiline chemotherapy.Chimeric antigen receptor T cells(CAR-T)therapy salvaged the patient.Unfortunately,a new mass was observed in the right adrenal area after six months.The patient was administered programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitor therapy and maintained progression-free survival at more than 17 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION Our findings support the potential benefit of CAR-T combined with PD-1 inhibitor therapies in this type of relapsed and refractory PT-DLBCL.

Programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor combined with chimeric antigen receptor T cells in the treatment of relapsed refractory non- Hodgkin lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor T cell(CART)therapy has benefited many refractory lymphoma patients,but some patients experience poor effects.Previous studies have shown that programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitors can improve and prolong the therapeutic effect of CAR-T cell treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old male presented with 15-d history of diarrhea and lower-limb edema.A large mass was detected in the pelvis,and pathology indicated non-Hodgkin diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.After three cycles of the R-CHOP chemotherapeutic regimen,the patient showed three subcutaneous nodules under the left armpit and both sides of the cervical spine.Pathological examination of the nodules indicated DLBCL again.The patient was diagnosed with relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.We recommended CAR-T cell treatment.Before treatment,the patient’s T cell function and expression of immune detection points were tested.Expression of PD-1 was obviously increased(52.7%)on cluster of differentiation(CD)3+T cells.The PD-1 inhibitor(3 mg/kg)was infused prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.CAR-CD19 T cells of 3×10^(6)/kg and CAR-CD22 T cells 1×10^(6)/kg were infused,respectively.The therapeutic effect was significant,and the deoxyribonucleic acid copy numbers of CAR-CD19 T cells and CAR-CD22 T cells were stable.Presently,the patient has been disease-free for more than 12 mo.CONCLUSION This case suggests that the combination of PD-1 inhibitors and CAR-T cellsimproved therapeutic efficacy in B-cell lymphoma.

The human application of gene therapy to re-program T-cell specificity using chimeric antigen receptors

The adoptive transfer of T cells is a promising approach to treat cancers. Primary human T cells can be modified using viral and non-viral vectors to promote the specific targeting of cancer cells via the introduction of exogenous T-cell receptors(TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors(CARs). This gene transfer displays the potential to increase the specificity and potency of the anticancer response while decreasing the systemic adverse effects that arise from conventional treatments that target both cancerous and healthy cells. This review highlights the generation of clinical-grade T cells expressing CARs for immunotherapy, the use of these cells to target B-cell malignancies and, particularly, the first clinical trials deploying the Sleeping Beauty gene transfer system, which engineers T cells to target CD19+ leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Chimeric antigen receptors:On the road to realising their full potential

Chimeric antigen receptors （CARs） are fusion molecules that may be genetically delivered ex-vivo to T-cells and other immune cell populations, thereby conferring specifcity for native target antigens found on the surface of tumour and other target cell types. Antigen recognition by CARs is neither restricted by nor dependent upon human leukocyte antigen antigen expression, favouring widespread use of this technology across transplantation barriers. Signalling is delivered by a designer endodomain that provides a tailored and target-dependent activation signal to polyclonal circulating T-cells. Recent clinical data emphasise the enormous promise of this emer-ging immunotherapeutic strategy for B-cell malignancy, notably acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In that context, CARs are generally targeted against the ubiquitous B-cell antigen, CD19. However, CAR T-cell immunotherapy is limited by potential for severe ontarget toxicity, notably due to cytokine release syndrome. Furthermore, effcacy in the context of solid tumours remains unproven, owing in part to lack of availability of safe tumourspecific targets, inadequate CAR T-cell homing and hostility of the tumour microenvironment to immune effector deployment. Manufacture and commercial development encountered with more traditional drug products. Finally, there is increasing interest in the application of this technology to the treatment of non-malignant disease states, such as autoimmunity, chronic infection and in the suppression of allograft rejection. Here, we consider the background and direction of travel of this emerging and highly promising treatment for malignant and other disease types.

淋巴瘤患者行干细胞移植联合CD30嵌合抗原受体T细胞输注治疗的护理

目的 总结6例复发/难治性CD30阳性淋巴瘤患者进行自体干细胞移植联合抗CD30嵌合抗原受体T细胞输注治疗的护理经验。方法 对6例复发/难治性CD30阳性淋巴瘤患者,完善治疗前的护理评估,重点落实预处理毒性、细胞因子释放综合征以及植入综合征的护理,并将心理支持及健康教育纳入整个治疗过程。结果 6例患者均成功植入造血干细胞,外周血中检测到持续性CAR30转基因,其中5例完全缓解,1例部分缓解。5例出现细胞因子释放综合征,均为Ⅰ级,未观察到神经毒性。随访20.4(12.1,34.4)个月,患者均存活并保持其反应性。结论 自体干细胞移植联合抗CD30嵌合抗原受体T细胞输注治疗具有良好的耐受性和高度活性,护理在治疗各阶段以及毒副反应管理中发挥重要作用。

儿童CAR-T细胞治疗的挑战与展望

嵌合抗原受体T细胞(CAR-T)首次应用于治疗急性淋巴细胞白血病复发患儿已有10年余,至今全世界范围内已有成千上万的患者从中受益,CAR-T细胞治疗在很大程度上提高了复发、难治儿童急性淋巴细胞白血病患者的整体预后,同时也正在逐渐改变着复发、难治儿童血液肿瘤患者的治疗历史。目前的研究显示,儿童CAR-T细胞治疗前景光明,但临床上仍面临着一些挑战。

双靶点嵌合抗原受体T细胞治疗系统性红斑狼疮患者停药后安全孕产1例

系统性红斑狼疮(systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)是一种弥漫性、全身性自身免疫病,可累及多个器官和系统,皮肤、肾脏是较常累及的器官。SLE患者血清中可检测到多种自身抗体和免疫指标异常。目前认为B细胞活化失调在SLE发病中起着关键性作用,异常活化的B细胞分泌自身抗体,并通过补体激活和抗体依赖性细胞介导的细胞毒作用,造成多个脏器功能受损。

CAR-T细胞免疫疗法在实体瘤中的研究进展

嵌合抗原受体T细胞(chimeric antigen receptor T cell,CAR-T)成功治疗复发难治性白血病的历史已超过十年,如今,已有多款CAR-T细胞疗法获批用于治疗白血病和淋巴瘤等血液系统癌症,标志着免疫细胞治疗时代的到来。大量研究结果提示,CAR-T细胞疗法在实体瘤治疗领域同样充满潜力,但相关临床研究数据却不令人满意。CAR-T细胞疗法在实体瘤中面临靶抗原特异性不足、肿瘤物理屏障、异常代谢及免疫抑制性肿瘤微环境等多重不利因素,需要继续深入相关机制的研究,借助基因工程技术对CAR-T细胞进行改造,进一步提升其对实体瘤的疗效。本文就近年来CAR-T细胞疗法在实体瘤中的研究进展做一述评,探讨未来CAR-T细胞治疗的挑战和发展方向。

BCMA CAR-T治疗复发/难治性多发性骨髓瘤患者的长期疗效和影响因素分析

目的:评价靶向B细胞成熟抗原(B cell maturation antigen,BCMA)嵌合抗原受体T细胞(chimeric antigen receptor-T cell,CAR-T)治疗复发/难治性多发性骨髓瘤(relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma,R/R MM)的长期疗效和安全性。方法:回顾性分析2018年7月至2023年7月在南昌大学第一附属医院接受BCMA CAR-T细胞治疗20例R/R MM患者的临床资料,随访日期截至2023年12月31日。应用Kaplan-Meier生存分析评估患者总生存(overall survival,OS)率和无进展生存(progression-free survival,PFS)率,并统计相关不良反应。结果:20例R/R MM患者,既往中位治疗线数为3(2~6)线,客观缓解率(objective response rate,ORR)为75%,完全缓解(complete response,CR)率为50%;中位随访时间29个月,中位PFS为26个月。10例CR的患者中,5例在末次随访时仍处于缓解状态,缓解持续时间最短为6个月,最长48个月。亚组分析中,髓外浸润、17p缺失遗传学异常和肿瘤高负荷患者PFS显著更差(P<0.05)。细胞因子释放综合征(cytokine release syndrome,CRS)是CAR-T细胞治疗最常见的不良反应,发生率为90%,3~4级CRS的发生率为35%;远期不良反应少,未发生CAR-T细胞治疗相关死亡。结论:BCMA CAR-T细胞是当前R/R MM治疗的有效方案,不良反应可控。髓外浸润和肿瘤高负荷的患者治疗有效,但持久反应欠佳,如何进一步巩固和维持患者的疗效,值得进一步设计前瞻性的临床研究并探究其差异性。

CAR-T细胞治疗在儿童中的毒副作用

嵌合抗原受体(CAR)-T细胞因其特异性识别功能及细胞毒性,已成为治疗恶性肿瘤最有前途的方法之一,但它也具有一系列的毒副作用,特别是对儿童,毒性反应发展迅速,严重者还会危及生命。本文对CAR-T细胞治疗在儿童中的毒副作用,及其临床表现和治疗等方面进行概述,旨在优化其在儿童中的应用。

嵌合抗原受体T细胞免疫疗法在晚期胃癌中的应用进展

胃癌是最常见的恶性肿瘤之一,当前我国胃癌就诊患者仍以进展期为主,晚期患者就诊时多已失去手术治疗的机会,而传统的放疗、化疗和靶向治疗效果并不理想。嵌合抗原受体(CAR)-T细胞(CAR-T)免疫疗法作为一种新的治疗手段,在血液系统恶性肿瘤中疗效显著,也为胃癌的免疫治疗开辟了新途径。然而,由于胃癌的异质性、肿瘤微环境免疫抑制、肿瘤靶抗原逃逸及脱靶毒性等问题,使得CAR-T免疫疗法在胃癌治疗中的应用存在挑战。本文综述了CAR的结构及CAR-T治疗原理、CAR-T治疗晚期胃癌的主要靶点及治疗现状,并探讨了CAR-T治疗胃癌面临的挑战,旨在为晚期胃癌的临床免疫治疗提供新思路。

IL-7的诱导表达增强靶向GPC3 CAR-T细胞的增殖及体外抗肿瘤活性

目的:探讨IL-7的诱导表达对靶向磷脂酰肌醇蛋白聚糖3(GPC3)嵌合抗原受体基因修饰T淋巴细胞(CAR-T细胞)的增殖和体外抗肿瘤活性的影响。方法:通过无缝克隆将GPC3 CAR序列片段插入GV400载体的Bam HⅠ/Eco RⅠ位置,构建第二代CAR慢病毒载体GPC3-BBZ及GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7,以293T细胞包装相应的慢病毒载体后,感染人T细胞制备CAR-T细胞。实验分为未转导T细胞(NT)组、GPC3-BBZ CAR-T细胞组、GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7 CAR-T细胞组。采用流式细胞术检测各组CAR-T细胞中CAR的表达水平,qPCR法检测经GPC3蛋白激活的CAR-T细胞中IL-7 m RNA的表达水平,细胞计数法检测CAR-T细胞在GPC3抗原刺激下的增殖能力,ELISA检测CAR-T细胞在受到肿瘤细胞刺激后IL-7、IFN-γ和TNF-α的分泌水平。应用实时细胞分析(RTCA)技术检测CAR-T细胞对人肝癌Huh-7细胞的杀伤作用。结果:成功构建慢病毒载体GPC3-BBZ和GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7,制备出靶向GPC3的CAR-T细胞。经GPC3抗原激活后,GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7 CAR-T细胞可有效表达IL-7 mRNA(P<0.01),其表现出更强的增殖能力(P<0.05)。与GPC3-BBZ CAR-T细胞相比,GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7 CAR-T细胞与GPC3阳性靶细胞Huh-7细胞共培养后,分泌更高水平的IL-7、IFN-γ和TNF-α(P<0.01或P<0.001)。RTCA结果显示,GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7 CAR-T细胞对GPC3阳性Huh-7细胞的杀伤活性显著高于GPC3-BBZ CAR-T细胞(P<0.05)。结论:成功制备可诱导表达IL-7的靶向GPC3的CAR-T细胞,IL-7的诱导表达增强靶向GPC3 CAR-T细胞的免疫活性,在体外展现出较强的肿瘤细胞杀伤能力。

双靶点嵌合抗原受体-T细胞治疗复发难治多发性骨髓瘤患者疗效和安全性的Meta分析

背景嵌合抗原受体(CAR)-T细胞免疫疗法已在多发性骨髓瘤(MM)中取得较好的疗效,最常见的靶点为B细胞成熟抗原(BCMA)。单靶点CAR-T细胞免疫疗法的缺点是会导致疾病抵抗和复发,可能与抗原逃逸有关。为此,改进开发了双靶点CAR-T细胞治疗复发难治多发性骨髓瘤(RRMM),此方面尚缺乏系统的临床分析。目的对RRMM患者应用双靶点CAR-T细胞免疫疗法治疗的有效性及安全性进行Meta分析。方法计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、Web of Science、中国知网、万方数据知识服务平台、维普网7个数据库中有关双靶点CAR-T细胞治疗RRMM的单组率研究,检索时限为建库至2023-02-06。由2名研究人员使用自制的数据表单来提取收集数据,并采用非随机对照试验方法学评价指标进行文献质量评价。采用R Studio软件进行数据分析。结果共纳入9篇文献,包括200例既往接受过多线治疗的RRMM患者。双靶点CAR-T细胞疗法根据不同靶点可分为4类:BCMA+CD19、BCMA+CD38,BCMA+跨膜剂与钙调节亲环素配体的相互作用者(TACI)、BCMA+人信号淋巴细胞激活分子家族成员7(CS1),其中BCMA+CD19靶点的研究较多。根据输注形式不同CAR-T细胞疗法可分为4类:双特异性CAR-T细胞、联合或序贯输注两种不同CAR-T细胞、双顺反子结构、共转导。Meta分析显示,双靶点CAR-T细胞治疗RRMM的总缓解率(ORR)为90.0%(95%CI=0.849~0.943),完全缓解率(CRR)为54.6%(95%CI=0.416~0.673),微小残留病(MRD)阴性率为75.6%(95%CI=0.489~0.952),髓外病变(EMD)总缓解率为55.1%(95%CI=0.234~0.851),最后一次随访时的复发率为29.7%(95%CI=0.141~0.454),最后一次随访时的生存率为75.6%(95%CI=0.554~0.915),3~4级细胞释放因子综合征(CRS)发生率为16.4%(95%CI=0.094~0.245),神经毒性(ICANS)发生率为4.0%(95%CI=0~0.120)。敏感性分析提示结果稳定。Egger's检验结果显示,ORR(P=0.03)及EMD总缓解率(P=0.02)提示存在一定的偏倚风险;CRR(P=0.53)、MRD阴性率(P=0.79)、最后一次随访时的复发率(P=0.71)、生存率(P=0.98)、3~4级CRS发生率(P=0.90)、ICANS发生率(P=0.30)提示不存在发表偏倚。结论双靶点CAR-T细胞免疫治疗RRMM显示出良好的疗效和安全性,未来需要多中心、大样本、更长随访期的研究来进一步评估其疗效和安全性。

CAR T Cell Therapy for Hematological Malignancies

As a rapidly progressing field in oncology,the adoptive transfer of T cells that have been genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors(CARs)has shown striking efficacy in the management of hematological malignancies and has been reported in a number of clinical trials.of note,CAR T cell therapy has shown extraordinary potential,especially in relapsed/refractory patients.However,there are still challenges regarding the further development of this strategy,spanning from engineering and manufacturing issues,to limited applications,to accompanying toxicities.In this review,we will summarize the general knowledge of this novel method,including receptor composition,applications,adverse events and challenges.Additionally,we will propose several comprehensive recommendations.

Engineered T cells and their therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells(CAR-T cells) are engineered recombinant T cells, which were initially used to treat hematopoietic malignancies and are now widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Considering their intrinsic targeting efficiency, CAR-T cells show considerable potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.Furthermore, regulatory T cells(Treg), a subset of CD4 T cells exhibiting immunosuppressive functions,have attracted increasing attention regarding CARTreg cell production. In this review, we report on recent developments in preclinical and clinical studies on CAR-T cells in autoimmune diseases and provide an outlook on opportunities and challenges of CAR-T application in such diseases.