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.

Focused evaluation of the roles of macrophages in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy associated cytokine release syndrome

Cytokine release syndrome(CRS)is a major obstacle to the widespread clinical application of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T cell therapies.CRS can also be induced by infections(such as SARS-CoV-2),drugs(such as therapeutic antibodies),and some autoimmune diseases.Myeloid-derived macrophages play key roles in the pathogenesis of CRS,and participate in the production and release of the core CRS cytokines,including interleukin(IL)-1,IL-6,and interferon-γ.In this review,we summarize the roles of macrophages in CRS and discuss new developments in macrophage activation and the related mechanisms of cytokine regulation in CRS.

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.

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.

Advancement of chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells targeting hepatocellular carcinoma

With the advance of genome engineering technology,chimeric antigen receptors(CARs)-based immunotherapy has become an emerging therapeutic strategy for tumors.Although initially designed for T cells in tumor immunotherapy,CARs have been exploited to modify the function of natural killer(NK)cells against a variety of tumors,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).CAR-NK cells have the potential to sufficiently kill tumor antigen-expressing HCC cells,independent of major histocompatibility complex matching or prior priming.In this review,we summarize the recent advances in genetic engineering of CAR-NK cells against HCC and discuss the current challenges and prospects of CAR-NK cells as a revolutionary cellular immunotherapy against HCC.

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.

Chimeric Antigen Receptors and Regulatory T Cells:The Potential for HLA-Specific Immunosuppression in Transplantation

Chimeric antigen receptors(CARs)are a breakthrough in genetic engineering that have revolutio nized the field of adoptive cellular therapy(ACT).Cells expressing these receptors are rerouted to a predefined target by the inclusion of an antigen-specific binding region within the synthetic CAR construct.The advantage of cells with programmed specificity has been demonstrated clinically in the field of oncology,and it is clear that such cells have greater accuracy,potency,and reduced off-target therapeutic effects compared with their unmodified counterparts.In contrast to conventional T cells(Tconvs),regulatory T cells(Tregs)play a major role in suppressing immune activation and regulating the host immune response.CAR expression within Tregs has been proposed as a therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,graft-versus-host disease(GVHD),and organ transplant rejectio n.In the latter,they hold immense potential as mediators of immune tolerance for recipients of allotransplants.However,current research into CAR-Treg engineering is extremely limited,and there is uncertainty regarding optimal design for therapeutic use.This review examines the rationale behind the development of CAR-Tregs,their significance for human transplantation,potential designs,safety considerations,and comparisons of CAR-Tregs in transplantation models to date.

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.

Adoptive immunotherapy for acute leukemia:New insights in chimeric antigen receptors

Relapses remain a major concern in acute leukemia. It is well known that leukemia stem cells(LSCs) hide in hematopoietic niches and escape to the immune system surveillance through the outgrowth of poorly immunogenic tumor-cell variants and the suppression of the active immune response. Despitethe introduction of new reagents and new therapeutic approaches, no treatment strategies have been able to definitively eradicate LSCs. However, recent adoptive immunotherapy in cancer is expected to revolutionize our way to fight against this disease, by redirecting the immune system in order to eliminate relapse issues. Initially described at the onset of the 90's, chimeric antigen receptors(CARs) are recombinant receptors transferred in various T cell subsets, providing specific antigens binding in a non-major histocompatibility complex restricted manner, and effective on a large variety of human leukocyte antigen-divers cell populations. Once transferred, engineered T cells act like an expanding "living drug" specifically targeting the tumor-associated antigen, and ensure long-term antitumor memory. Over the last decades, substantial improvements have been made in CARs design. CAR T cells have finally reached the clinical practice and first clinical trials have shown promising results. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia, high rate of complete and prolonged clinical responses have been observed after anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy, with specific but manageable adverse events. In this review, our goal was to describe CAR structures and functions, and to summarize recent data regarding pre-clinical studies and clinical trials in acute leukemia.

Roles of antigen receptors and CA215 in the innate immunity of cancer cells

Antigen receptors, including immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors, are known to be widely expressed by cancer cells through unconfirmed mechanisms and for unknown purposes. Recently, a monoclonal antibody, designated as RP215, was generated against the ovarian cancer cell line, OC-3-VGH, and was shown to react with CA215, which consisted mainly of these cancer cell-expressed antigen receptors. Experimental evidence has clearly indicated that cancerous immunoglobulins play significant roles in the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. RP215 and anti-antigen receptor antibodies were equally effective in inducing apoptosis and complement-dependent cytotoxicity reactions to cultured cancer cells. Through gene regulation studies, both RP215 and antibodies against antigen-receptors were shown to affect more than a dozen of genes involved in cell proliferation (such as NFκB-1, IgG, P21, cyclin D1, ribosomal P1, and c-fos). Furthermore, selected toll-like receptor genes (TLR- 2, -3, -4, and -9) were also found to be highly regulated by both RP215 and anti-antigen receptor antibodies. For example, RP215 and anti-antigen receptor antibodies were found to both up-regulate TLR-2 and/or TLR-3 and down- regulate TLR-4 and TLR-9 intwo types of cancer cells. Based on these studies, it is reasonable to postulate that cancerous immunoglobulins play important roles in the modulation of the innate immune system to allow the growth and survival of cancer cells within the human body. Consequently, RP215 inits humanized forms may be utilized to target cancer cells for potential therapeutic purposes.

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.

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.

Targeted Therapy of CEA-CAR-NK Cells Against Colorectal Cancer Cells

Objective:Investigate the cytotoxic effect of CAR-NK cells targeting CEA on colorectal cancer cells with positive CEA expression.Methods:The mRNA and protein levels of CEA in different CRC cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis.Lentiviral transduction was used to construct CAR-NK cells and empty vector CON-NK cells targeting CEA.Fluorescence microscopy and WB were used to determine whether the cells successfully constructed and expressed CAR structures.The effector NK cells were co-cultured with target cells,and the levels of LDH,IFN-γ,and GM-CSF were detected.The killing rate of effector cells was calculated,and the release of cytokines during the killing of target cells by different effector cells was compared.Results:The expression level of CEA in colorectal cancer patients was significantly higher than that in normal samples and other tumor samples,and the prognosis survival time of patients with high CEA expression was lower than that of CRC patients with low or no CEA expression(P<0.05).The CEA expression of the HT29 cell line was significantly higher than that of the SW1116 cell line at both the mRNA and protein levels.CEA-CAR-NK92 cells and CON-NK92 cells expressed green fluorescence under a microscope,and WB results showed that CEA-CAR-NK92 cells successfully expressed the CAR structure.Compared with CON-NK92 cells and NK92 cells,CEA-CAR-NK92 cells effectively killed HT29 cells(P<0.05).CEA-CAR-NK92 cells secreted a large amount of IFN-γand GM-CSF during the killing of HT29 cells,while the cytokine secretion of CON-NK92 cells and NK92 cells was not significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:CAR-NK92 cells targeting CEA can effectively kill CEA-positive colorectal cancer cells.

CD19 CAR-T细胞治疗难治/复发急性B淋巴细胞白血病儿童及青少年患者的疗效及安全性

目的探讨CD19嵌合抗原受体T细胞(CAR-T)治疗对于儿童及青少年难治/复发急性B淋巴细胞白血病(B-ALL)的疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析2017年6月至2021年3月接受CD19 CAR-T治疗的<25岁难治/复发B-ALL患者的临床资料,评估该疗法的疗效及安全性。结果共纳入64例难治/复发B-ALL患者,男35例、女29例,中位年龄8.5(1.0~17.0)岁。CD 19 CAR-T回输后1个月进行短期疗效评估,64例患者均获得完全缓解(CR)/完全缓解兼部分血细胞计数缓解(CRi),其中有62例患者达骨髓微小残留病灶(MRD)阴性。细胞因子释放综合征(CRS)及免疫效应细胞相关神经毒性综合征(ICANS)发生率分别为78.1%及23.4%。共22例患者复发,中位复发时间10.1个月,4年总生存(OS)率为(66.0±6.0)%,4年无白血病生存(LFS)率为(63.0±6.0)%。长期随访结果显示桥接异基因造血干细胞移植(allo-HSCT)患者的LFS和OS率均优于未桥接移植患者(4年LFS率:81.8%±6.2%对24.0%±9.8%,4年OS率:81.4%±5.9%对44.4%±11.2%;均P<0.01)。结论CD 19 CAR-T可有效治疗难治/复发B-ALL,输注后桥接allo-HSCT能进一步改善患者的长期生存情况。

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。

IL-21和CCL19修饰可提高NKP30 CAR-T细胞对肺癌的杀伤效率并促进其肿瘤浸润

目的探讨细胞因子IL-21和趋化因子CCL19修饰的NKP30 CAR-T细胞是否增强对肺癌的杀伤和浸润作用。方法在NKP30 CAR基础上融合基因IL-21和CCL19构建IL-21-CCL19 NKP30 CAR;CAR-T细胞的培养使用CD3CD28单抗及细胞因子IL-2刺激;流式细胞术检测免疫细胞表型;迁移实验检测IL-21对免疫细胞的迁移作用;乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)及成球实验检测CAR-T细胞的杀伤及浸润能力;酶联免疫斑点技术(ELISPOT)检测IFN-γ的分泌数量;ELISA检测IL-21及CCL19的分泌情况;体内实验中,将肿瘤细胞显微注射到斑马鱼卵黄囊,构建斑马鱼移植瘤模型,24 h后将免疫细胞注射至同样部位,体式荧光显微镜拍摄荧光。结果NKP30配体(B7H6)在正常组织及血液细胞不表达,在肺癌细胞上高表达(90%以上)。IL-21-CCL19 NKP30 CAR-T细胞与NKP30 CAR-T细胞和常规T细胞相比,具有更强的增殖能力、迁移能力及中心记忆T细胞的形成(P<0.001),免疫抑制分子CTLA4与PD1显著降低(P<0.005),对肺癌细胞具有更强的杀伤能力(P<0.001),伴随IFN-γ数量明显增加(P<0.001)。IL-21-CCL19 CAR-T细胞杀伤肺癌细胞中产生大量细胞因子IL‑21(3152.33±526.74 pg/mL)和趋化因子CCL19(1853±211.95 pg/mL)。体内实验中,CAR-T细胞和普通T细胞比较,具有较强的杀伤能力和增殖能力,但2种CAR-T细胞无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论IL-21-CCL19 NKP30 CAR-T细胞更容易浸润到肿瘤内部,有效杀伤肿瘤细胞,同时产生更多的记忆T细胞。