Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)remains one of the most lethal malignancies,characterized by a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment(TME),dense stromal architecture,and limited response to conventional...Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)remains one of the most lethal malignancies,characterized by a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment(TME),dense stromal architecture,and limited response to conventional therapies.This review comprehensively examines the emerging role of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)-engineered immune cells,including chimeric antigen receptor-T(CAR-T),CAR-macrophages(CAR-M),and CAR-natural killer(CAR-NK)cells,as innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for PDAC.We delve into the mechanistic foundations of these platforms,highlighting their unique abilities to target tumor-associated antigens,overcome stromal barriers,and remodel the immunosuppressive TME.Recent preclinical and clinical advances demonstrate promising antitumor activity,particularly with targets such as mesothelin,claudin18.2,and human epidermal growth factor 2(HER2),though challenges related to antigen heterogeneity,TME suppression,and cell persistence remain.We further discuss synergistic approaches involving genetic engineering,microenvironment modulation,and combination therapies aimed at enhancing efficacy.Finally,we offer perspectives on the future direction of CARbased therapies,including the development of next-generation constructs,allogeneic“off-the-shelf”products,and personalized combination regimens,underscoring their potential in pancreatic cancer.展开更多
In the human spinal cord,astrocytes are the major glial cells.In vitro studies of human astrocytes are relatively simple.However,the straightforward nature of the in vitro environment and complex nature of the in vivo...In the human spinal cord,astrocytes are the major glial cells.In vitro studies of human astrocytes are relatively simple.However,the straightforward nature of the in vitro environment and complex nature of the in vivo environment limit comprehensive investigations into the structure and function of human astrocytes.Additionally,in vivo studies of human astrocytes are further limited by ethical issues.This means there is an urgent need to develop effective in vivo models to study the structure and function of human astrocytes.Here,we first directed human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into human spinal cord dorsal neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro,before transplanting these cells into the gray matter of the cervical spinal cord(C5-T2 segments)of naïve nude rats to create a chimeric human astrocytic rat spinal cord model.The transplanted human spinal cord dorsal neural stem/progenitor cells survived for at least 20 months in the spinal cord environment of the rats,with over 90%differentiating into human astrocytes.These human astrocytes were able to migrate caudally for long distances along the white matter towards the spinal cord.They expressed astrocytic cytoskeletal proteins and functionally-related proteins,suggesting their maturation and structural integration into the rat spinal cord.Thus,this humanized astrocyte chimeric rat spinal cord model provides a valuable tool for studying the role of human spinal cord astrocytes in various spinal diseases.展开更多
Chimeric antigen receptor T(CAR-T)cell therapy represents a major advance in cancer immunotherapy,offering targeted treatment options,particularly for hematologic malignancies.This review comprehensively explores the ...Chimeric antigen receptor T(CAR-T)cell therapy represents a major advance in cancer immunotherapy,offering targeted treatment options,particularly for hematologic malignancies.This review comprehensively explores the structural evolution,production processes,and cytotoxic mechanisms underlying CAR-T function.Therapy involves engineering autologous T cells with synthetic receptors that allow major histocompatibility complex-independent recognition of tumor-associated antigens.Key structural components such as antigen recognition domains,spacers,transmembrane,and intracellular domains are optimized to enhance specificity,persistence,and cytotoxicity.CAR-T therapy exerts antitumor effects via granzyme-perforin degranulation,Fas/Fas ligand signaling,and cytokine secretion.Over time,the development of second-to fifth-generation CARs has incorporated costimulatory molecules,transcriptional regulation,and logic-gated control to improve efficacy and safety.Additionally,novel engineering strategies such as dual CARs,tandem CARs,SynNotch systems,and universal or inhibitory CARs have expanded antigen targeting and reduced offtumor toxicity.Emerging gene delivery technologies,including viral vectors,transposons,CRISPR/Cas9,and RNA-based electroporation,are improving CART production.Despite notable clinical success,particularly in CD19-and B-cell maturation antigen-targeted therapies,CAR-T applications face challenges,including cell exhaustion,antigen escape,and therapy-induced toxicities,such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.Ongoing efforts in engineering innovation,clinical trials,and regulatory support continue to shape CAR-T therapy into a safer,more precise tool for cancer treatment.This review highlights current advances while outlining the barriers and future prospects of CAR-T immunotherapy.展开更多
Chimeric antigen receptor-T(CAR-T)cell therapy is a precise immunotherapy for lymphoma.However,its long-term efficacy faces many challenges related to tumor cell heterogeneity,interference from immunosuppressive micro...Chimeric antigen receptor-T(CAR-T)cell therapy is a precise immunotherapy for lymphoma.However,its long-term efficacy faces many challenges related to tumor cell heterogeneity,interference from immunosuppressive microenvironments,CAR-T cell exhaustion,and unmanageable adverse events.Diverse modifications have been introduced into conventional CAR-T cells to overcome these obstacles;examples include addition of recognition sites to prevent immune escape,coupling of cytokine domains to enhance killing ability,blocking of immune checkpoint signals to resist tumor microenvironments,and inclusion of suicide systems or safety switches to improve safety and flexibility.With increasing understanding of the importance of metabolism and epigenetics in cancer and cytotherapy,glycolysis,methylation,and acetylation have become crucial CAR-T cell therapeutic targets.Universal and in situ CAR-T cells are also expected to be used in clinical applications,thus providing hope to patients with relapsed/refractory lymphomas.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide1.The primary treatment options for this disease are surgical resection and liver transplantation.Unfortunately,most HCC ca...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide1.The primary treatment options for this disease are surgical resection and liver transplantation.Unfortunately,most HCC cases are diagnosed in advanced stages and are inoperable.Even after surgery,the long-term prognosis remains unsatisfactory,because of a high recurrence rate.展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide and remains a major treatment challenge,particularly in advanced and metastatic stages.Current standard treatments have limited efficacy,underscoring the...Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide and remains a major treatment challenge,particularly in advanced and metastatic stages.Current standard treatments have limited efficacy,underscoring the urgent need for innovative strategies.Adoptive cell therapy(ACT),which involves in vitro expansion or genetic engineering of immune cells,is a promising approach to bolster anti-tumor immune responses.Key ACT modalities include chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T cells,tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs),and T cell receptor(TCR)-engineered T cells.CAR-T cell therapy has shown success in hematological malignancies but faces significant challenges in solid tumors like CRC.These challenges include antigen heterogeneity,an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment,on-target off-tumor toxicity,among other factors.To address these limitations,combinatorial approaches,such as immune checkpoint inhibitors,cytokines,and advanced gene-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9,are being actively explored.These strategies aim to enhance CAR-T cell specificity,improve resistance to immunosuppressive signals,and optimize in vivo functionality.This review summarizes ACT approaches for CRC,with a focus on CAR-T therapy.It briefly introduces TILs and TCR-T cells,while emphasizing the major challenges faced by CAR-T therapy in solid tumors and discusses potential strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes.展开更多
Autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT)and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)therapy represent pivotal treatments for hematologic malignancies,each with distinct strengths and limitations.ASCT reduces tumor bu...Autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT)and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)therapy represent pivotal treatments for hematologic malignancies,each with distinct strengths and limitations.ASCT reduces tumor burden through myeloablative conditioning but remains susceptible to relapse,while CAR-T therapy precisely targets malignant cells but encounters challenges,including cytokine release syndrome(CRS),immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome(ICANS),and limited persistence.Emerging evidence suggests that combining ASCT with CAR-T therapy yields synergistic effects.ASCT reshapes the immune microenvironment,lowers immunosuppressive cells and CRS risk,while CAR-T eliminates residual disease and promotes immune recovery.Clinical trials in relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas and multiple myeloma demonstrate complete remission rates(CRR)of 72%-100%and two-year progression-free survival(PFS)rates of 59%-83%,with severe CRS/ICANS incidences below 10%.However,the precise mechanisms underlying this synergy,optimal timing of CAR-T infusion after ASCT,and ideal dosing regimens require further definition.Future research should prioritize large-scale,randomized controlled trials and establish standardized protocols for toxicity management to maximize therapeutic benefits.By integrating the complementary strengths of ASCT and CAR-T,this combination strategy represents a promising approach for improving outcomes in high-risk hematologic malignancies;however,additional studies are necessary to validate its efficacy and expand its clinical applicability.展开更多
A chimeric gene, Bt29K, composed of coding sequences of activated Cry1Ac insecticidal protein and an endoplasm reticulum-retarding signal peptide, was synthesized. A plant expression vector containing two expression c...A chimeric gene, Bt29K, composed of coding sequences of activated Cry1Ac insecticidal protein and an endoplasm reticulum-retarding signal peptide, was synthesized. A plant expression vector containing two expression cassettes for the Bt29K and API-B genes was constructed. These two insect-resistant genes were transferred into two cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties ( or lines) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and nine homozygous transgenic cotton lines showing a mortality of 90.0% - 99.7% to cotton ballworm (Heliothis armigera) larvae and good agronomic traits were selected through six generations. Molecular biology analysis revealed that one or two copies of the insecticidal protein genes were integrated into the transgenic cotton genome and activated Cry1Ac and API-B protein expression was at a level of 0.17% and 0.09% of the total soluble protein in the transgenic cotton leaves, respectively. Comparison of the insect-resistance of the homozygous lines expressing the activated chimeric Cry1Ac and API-B with that expressing Cry1Ac only revealed that the insect-resistance of the former is apparently higher than the latter. These results also indicate that the strategy to construct a plant expression vector expressing two different insect-resistant genes reported here is reasonable.展开更多
Hypocotyl segments from aseptic seedlings of two important cultivars of upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Northwest China, 'Xinluzao_1', 'Jinmian_7', 'Jinmian_12' and 'Jihe_321&#...Hypocotyl segments from aseptic seedlings of two important cultivars of upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Northwest China, 'Xinluzao_1', 'Jinmian_7', 'Jinmian_12' and 'Jihe_321' were transformed respectively by two efficient plant expression plasmids pBinMoBc and pBinoBc via Agrobacterium tumefaciens . In pBinMoBc, cry 1Ac3 gene, which encodes the Bt toxin, is under the control of chimeric OM promoter. In pBinoBc, it is under control of CaMV 35S promoter. After co_cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefimpfaciens LBA4404 (containing pBinMoBc or pBinoBc), kanamycin_resistant selection, somatic embryos were induced and regenerated plants were obtained. Then the regenerated plantlets were grafted to untransformed stocks in greenhouse to produce descendants. The integration of cry 1Ac3 gene and its expression in T 2 generation of transgenic cotton plants were confirmed by Southern hybridization and Western blotting. The analyses of insect bioassay indicated that the transgenic plants of both constructions have significant resistance to the larvae of cotton bollworm ( Heliothis armigera ) and that cry 1Ac3 gene driven by chimeric OM promoter could endue T 2 generation cotton with high pest_resistant ability, implicating that it has a profound application in genetic engineering to breed new pest_resistant cotton varieties.展开更多
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 hemat...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.展开更多
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 enco...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.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the c-kit expression in biliary tract cancer cell lines and histological sections from patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （CC） and to evaluate the efficacy of in vitro and in vitro tr...AIM： To investigate the c-kit expression in biliary tract cancer cell lines and histological sections from patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （CC） and to evaluate the efficacy of in vitro and in vitro treatment with imatinib mesilate. METHODS： The protein expression of c-kit in the human biliary tract cancer cell lines Mz-ChA-2 and EGI-1 and histological sections from 19 patients with extrahepatic CC was assessed by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. The anti-proliferative effect of imatinib mesilate on biliary tract cancer cell lines Mz-ChA-2 and EGI-1 was studied in vitro by automated cell counting. In addition, immunodeficient NMRI mice （Taconic^TM） were subcutaneously injected with 5 × 10^6 cells of cell lines MzChA-2 and EGI-1. After having reached a tumour volume of 200 mm^3, daily treatment was started intraperitoneally with imatinib mesilate at a dose of 50 mgikg or normal saline （NS）. Tumor volume was calculated with a Vernier caliper. After 14 d, mice were sacrificed with tumors excised and tumor mass determined.RESULTS： Immunoblotting revealed presence of c-kit in Mz-ChA-2 and absence in EGI-1 cells. Immunocytochemistry with c-kit antibodies displayed a cytoplasmatic and membraneous localization of receptor protein in Mz-ChA-2 cells and absence of c-kit in EGI-1 cells, c-kit was expressed in 7 of 19 （37%） extrahepatic humanCC tissue samples, 2 showed a moderate and 5 a rather weak immunostaining. Imatinib mesilate at a low concentration of 5 μmoliL caused a significant growth inhibition in the c-kit positive cell line Mz-ChA-2 （31%）, but not in the c-kit negative cell line EGI-1 （0%） （P〈0.05）. Imatinib mesilate at an intermediate concentration of 10 μmoliL inhibited cellular growth of both cell lines （51% vs 57%）. Imatinib mesilate at a higher concentration of 20 μmoliL seemed to have a general toxic effect on both cell lines. The IC50 values were 9.7 μmoliL and 11 μmoliL, respectively. After 14 d of in vitro treatment with imatinib mesilate, using the chimeric mouse model, c-kit positive Mz-ChA-2 tumors had a significantly reduced volume and mass as compared to NS treatment （P〈 0.05）. In contrast to that, treatment of mice bearing c-kit negative EGI-1 tumors did not result in any change of tumor volume and mass as compared to NS treatment. CONCLUSION： c-kit expression is detectable at a moderate to low protein level in biliary tract cancer. Imatinib mesilate exerts marked effects on tumor growth in vitro andin vitro dependent on the level of c-kit expression.展开更多
Gram-negative bacteria can cause serious infections and are well known problems in biomedical practices. Biofilms of gramnegative bacteria are notorious for their frequently encountered resistance toward antibiotics. ...Gram-negative bacteria can cause serious infections and are well known problems in biomedical practices. Biofilms of gramnegative bacteria are notorious for their frequently encountered resistance toward antibiotics. We demonstrate that α/β chimeric polypeptide molecular brush (α/β CPMB) exerts potent activities against antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. MTT viability assay, bacterial colony counting, and live/dead staining all indicate that α/β CPMB not only inhibits biofilm formation of gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, but also effectively disrupts mature biofllms that are highly resistant to one of the most active antibiotics-colistin. The superior antibacterial performance of the α/β CPMB implies its potential topical applications in treating biofilms.展开更多
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 therap...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.展开更多
Multiple myeloma(MM),considered an incurable hematological malignancy,is characterized by its clonal evolution of malignant plasma cells.Although the application of autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT)and the in...Multiple myeloma(MM),considered an incurable hematological malignancy,is characterized by its clonal evolution of malignant plasma cells.Although the application of autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT)and the introduction of novel agents such as immunomodulatory drugs(IMiDs)and proteasome inhibitors(PIs)have doubled the median overall survival to eight years,relapsed and refractory diseases are still frequent events in the course of MM.To achieve a durable and deep remission,immunotherapy modalities have been developed for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM).Among these approaches,chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T-cell therapy is the most promising star,based on the results of previous success in B-cell neoplasms.In this immunotherapy,autologous T cells are engineered to express an artificial receptor which targets a tumor-associated antigen and initiates the T-cell killing procedure.Tisagenlecleucel and Axicabtagene,targeting the CD19 antigen,are the two pacesetters of CAR T-cell products.They were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)in 2017 for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia(ALL)and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Their development enabled unparalleled efficacy in combating hematopoietic neoplasms.In this review article,we summarize six promising candidate antigens in MM that can be targeted by CARs and discuss some noteworthy studies of the safety profile of current CAR T-cell therapy.展开更多
We have previously reported that the human ACAT1 gene produces a chimeric mRNA through the interchromosomal processing of two discontinuous RNAs transcribed from chromosomes 1 and 7. The chimeric mRNA uses AUG1397-139...We have previously reported that the human ACAT1 gene produces a chimeric mRNA through the interchromosomal processing of two discontinuous RNAs transcribed from chromosomes 1 and 7. The chimeric mRNA uses AUG1397-1399 and GGC1274-1276 as translation initiation codons to produce normal 50-kDa ACAT1 and a novel enzymatically active 56-kDa isoform, respectively, with the latter being authentically present in human cells, including human monocyte- derived macrophages. In this work, we report that RNA secondary structures located in the vicinity of the GGC1274-1276 codon are required for production of the 56-kDa isoform. The effects of the three predicted stem-loops （nt 1255-1268, 1286-1342 and 1355-1384） were tested individually by transfecting expression plasmids into cells that contained the wild-type, deleted or mutant stem-loop sequences linked to a partial ACAT1 AUG open reading frame （ORF） or to the ORFs of other genes. The expression patterns were monitored by western blot analyses. We found that the upstream stem-loop1255-1268 from chromosome 7 and downstream stem-loop1286-1342 from chromosome 1 were needed for production of the 56-kDa isoform, whereas the last stem-loop135s-1384 from chromosome 1 was dispensable. The results of experi- ments using both monocistronic and bicistronic vectors with a stable hairpin showed that translation initiation from the GGC1274-1276 codon was mediated by an internal ribosome entry site （IRES）. Further experiments revealed that translation initiation from the GGC1274-1276 codon requires the upstream AU-constituted RNA secondary structure and the downstream GC-rich structure. This mechanistic work provides further support for the biological significance of the chimeric nature of the human ACAT1 transcript.展开更多
c-Met is a hepatocyte growth factor receptor overexpressed in many tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Therefore,c-Met may serve as a promising target for HCC immunotherapy.Modifying T cells to express c-Met-...c-Met is a hepatocyte growth factor receptor overexpressed in many tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Therefore,c-Met may serve as a promising target for HCC immunotherapy.Modifying T cells to express c-Met-specific chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)is an attractive strategy in treating c-Met-positive HCC.This study aimed to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects of 2^(nd)-and 3^(rd)-generation c-Met CAR-T cells on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells.Here,2^(nd)-and 3^(rd)-generation c-Met CARs containing an anti-c-Met singlechain variable fragment(scFv)as well as the CD28 signaling domain and CD3ζ(c-Met-28-3ζ),the CD137 signaling domain and CD3ζ(c-Met-137-3ζ),or the CD28 and CD137 signaling domains and CD3ζ(c-Met-28-137-3ζ)were constructed,and their abilities to target c-Met-positive HCC cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.All c-Met CARs were stably expressed on T cell membrane,and c-Met CAR-T cells aggregated around c-Met-positive HCC cells and specifically killed them in vitro.c-Met-28-137-3ζCAR-T cells secreted more interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)and interleukin 2(IL-2)than c-Met-28-3ζCAR-T cells and c-Met-137-3ζCAR-T cells.Compared with c-Met low-expressed cells,c-Met CAR-T cells secreted more cytokines when co-cultured with c-Met high-expressed cells.Moreover,c-Met-28-137-3ζCAR-T cells eradicated HCC more effectively in xenograft tumor models compared with the control groups.This study suggests that 3^(rd)-generation c-Met CAR-T cells are more effective in inhibiting c-Met-positive HCC cells than 2^(nd)-generation c-Met CAR-T cells,thereby providing a promising therapeutic intervention for c-Met-positive HCC.展开更多
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR T) therapy is a kind of effective cancer immunotherapy. However,designing CARs remains a challenge because many targetable antigens are shared by T cells and tumor cells. This shar...Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR T) therapy is a kind of effective cancer immunotherapy. However,designing CARs remains a challenge because many targetable antigens are shared by T cells and tumor cells. This shared expression of antigens can cause CAR T cell fratricide. CD38-targeting approaches(e.g.,daratumumab) have been used in clinical therapy and have shown promising results. CD38 is a kind of surface glycoprotein present in a variety of cells, such as T lymphocytes and tumor cells. It was previously reported that CD38-based CAR T cells may undergo apoptosis or T cell-mediated killing(fratricide) during cell manufacturing. In this study, a CAR containing a sequence targeting human CD38 was designed to be functional. To avoid fratricide driven by CD38 and ensure the production of CAR T cells, two distinct strategies based on antibodies(clone MM12 T or clone MM27) or proteins(H02 H or H08 H) were used to block CD38 or the CAR single-chain variable fragment(scFv) domain, respectively, on the T cell surface.The results indicated that the antibodies or proteins, especially the antibody MM27, could affect CAR T cells by inhibiting fratricide while promoting expansion and enrichment. Anti-CD38 CAR T cells exhibited robust and specific cytotoxicity to CD38+ cell lines and tumor cells. Furthermore, the levels of the proinflammatory factors TNF-a, IFN-g and IL-2 were significantly upregulated in the supernatants of A549CD38+ cells. Finally, significant control of disease progression was demonstrated in xenograft mouse models. In conclusion, these findings will help to further enhance the expansion, persistence and function of anti-CD38 CAR T cells in subsequent clinical trials.展开更多
文摘Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)remains one of the most lethal malignancies,characterized by a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment(TME),dense stromal architecture,and limited response to conventional therapies.This review comprehensively examines the emerging role of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)-engineered immune cells,including chimeric antigen receptor-T(CAR-T),CAR-macrophages(CAR-M),and CAR-natural killer(CAR-NK)cells,as innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for PDAC.We delve into the mechanistic foundations of these platforms,highlighting their unique abilities to target tumor-associated antigens,overcome stromal barriers,and remodel the immunosuppressive TME.Recent preclinical and clinical advances demonstrate promising antitumor activity,particularly with targets such as mesothelin,claudin18.2,and human epidermal growth factor 2(HER2),though challenges related to antigen heterogeneity,TME suppression,and cell persistence remain.We further discuss synergistic approaches involving genetic engineering,microenvironment modulation,and combination therapies aimed at enhancing efficacy.Finally,we offer perspectives on the future direction of CARbased therapies,including the development of next-generation constructs,allogeneic“off-the-shelf”products,and personalized combination regimens,underscoring their potential in pancreatic cancer.
基金Ministry of Science and Technology of China(STI2030-Major Projects),No.2022ZD0204700(to WW)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82301572(to XZ)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2023M731202(to XZ).
文摘In the human spinal cord,astrocytes are the major glial cells.In vitro studies of human astrocytes are relatively simple.However,the straightforward nature of the in vitro environment and complex nature of the in vivo environment limit comprehensive investigations into the structure and function of human astrocytes.Additionally,in vivo studies of human astrocytes are further limited by ethical issues.This means there is an urgent need to develop effective in vivo models to study the structure and function of human astrocytes.Here,we first directed human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into human spinal cord dorsal neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro,before transplanting these cells into the gray matter of the cervical spinal cord(C5-T2 segments)of naïve nude rats to create a chimeric human astrocytic rat spinal cord model.The transplanted human spinal cord dorsal neural stem/progenitor cells survived for at least 20 months in the spinal cord environment of the rats,with over 90%differentiating into human astrocytes.These human astrocytes were able to migrate caudally for long distances along the white matter towards the spinal cord.They expressed astrocytic cytoskeletal proteins and functionally-related proteins,suggesting their maturation and structural integration into the rat spinal cord.Thus,this humanized astrocyte chimeric rat spinal cord model provides a valuable tool for studying the role of human spinal cord astrocytes in various spinal diseases.
文摘Chimeric antigen receptor T(CAR-T)cell therapy represents a major advance in cancer immunotherapy,offering targeted treatment options,particularly for hematologic malignancies.This review comprehensively explores the structural evolution,production processes,and cytotoxic mechanisms underlying CAR-T function.Therapy involves engineering autologous T cells with synthetic receptors that allow major histocompatibility complex-independent recognition of tumor-associated antigens.Key structural components such as antigen recognition domains,spacers,transmembrane,and intracellular domains are optimized to enhance specificity,persistence,and cytotoxicity.CAR-T therapy exerts antitumor effects via granzyme-perforin degranulation,Fas/Fas ligand signaling,and cytokine secretion.Over time,the development of second-to fifth-generation CARs has incorporated costimulatory molecules,transcriptional regulation,and logic-gated control to improve efficacy and safety.Additionally,novel engineering strategies such as dual CARs,tandem CARs,SynNotch systems,and universal or inhibitory CARs have expanded antigen targeting and reduced offtumor toxicity.Emerging gene delivery technologies,including viral vectors,transposons,CRISPR/Cas9,and RNA-based electroporation,are improving CART production.Despite notable clinical success,particularly in CD19-and B-cell maturation antigen-targeted therapies,CAR-T applications face challenges,including cell exhaustion,antigen escape,and therapy-induced toxicities,such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.Ongoing efforts in engineering innovation,clinical trials,and regulatory support continue to shape CAR-T therapy into a safer,more precise tool for cancer treatment.This review highlights current advances while outlining the barriers and future prospects of CAR-T immunotherapy.
基金supported by grants from the Science Technology Department of Zhejiang Province(Grant No.2021C03117)Noncommunicable Chronic DiseasesNational Science and Technology Major Project(Grant No.2023ZD0501300)+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82170219)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.LQ24H080009)。
文摘Chimeric antigen receptor-T(CAR-T)cell therapy is a precise immunotherapy for lymphoma.However,its long-term efficacy faces many challenges related to tumor cell heterogeneity,interference from immunosuppressive microenvironments,CAR-T cell exhaustion,and unmanageable adverse events.Diverse modifications have been introduced into conventional CAR-T cells to overcome these obstacles;examples include addition of recognition sites to prevent immune escape,coupling of cytokine domains to enhance killing ability,blocking of immune checkpoint signals to resist tumor microenvironments,and inclusion of suicide systems or safety switches to improve safety and flexibility.With increasing understanding of the importance of metabolism and epigenetics in cancer and cytotherapy,glycolysis,methylation,and acetylation have become crucial CAR-T cell therapeutic targets.Universal and in situ CAR-T cells are also expected to be used in clinical applications,thus providing hope to patients with relapsed/refractory lymphomas.
基金supported by the RGC Research Impact Fund(Grant No.R5008-22F).
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide1.The primary treatment options for this disease are surgical resection and liver transplantation.Unfortunately,most HCC cases are diagnosed in advanced stages and are inoperable.Even after surgery,the long-term prognosis remains unsatisfactory,because of a high recurrence rate.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality,China,No.23ZR1458300Key Discipline Project of Shanghai Municipal Health System,China,No.2024ZDXK0004+1 种基金Doctoral Innovation Talent Base Project for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases,China,No.RCJD2021B02Pujiang Project of Shanghai Magnolia Talent Plan,China,No.24PJD098.
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide and remains a major treatment challenge,particularly in advanced and metastatic stages.Current standard treatments have limited efficacy,underscoring the urgent need for innovative strategies.Adoptive cell therapy(ACT),which involves in vitro expansion or genetic engineering of immune cells,is a promising approach to bolster anti-tumor immune responses.Key ACT modalities include chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T cells,tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs),and T cell receptor(TCR)-engineered T cells.CAR-T cell therapy has shown success in hematological malignancies but faces significant challenges in solid tumors like CRC.These challenges include antigen heterogeneity,an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment,on-target off-tumor toxicity,among other factors.To address these limitations,combinatorial approaches,such as immune checkpoint inhibitors,cytokines,and advanced gene-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9,are being actively explored.These strategies aim to enhance CAR-T cell specificity,improve resistance to immunosuppressive signals,and optimize in vivo functionality.This review summarizes ACT approaches for CRC,with a focus on CAR-T therapy.It briefly introduces TILs and TCR-T cells,while emphasizing the major challenges faced by CAR-T therapy in solid tumors and discusses potential strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes.
基金supported by funding from the National KeyR&D Program of China(No.2022YFC2502604)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82470194)+1 种基金the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS)(No.2024-I2M-3-021)the ChenXiaoping Foundation for the development of Science and Technology of Hubei Province(No.CXPJJH122001-2221)。
文摘Autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT)and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)therapy represent pivotal treatments for hematologic malignancies,each with distinct strengths and limitations.ASCT reduces tumor burden through myeloablative conditioning but remains susceptible to relapse,while CAR-T therapy precisely targets malignant cells but encounters challenges,including cytokine release syndrome(CRS),immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome(ICANS),and limited persistence.Emerging evidence suggests that combining ASCT with CAR-T therapy yields synergistic effects.ASCT reshapes the immune microenvironment,lowers immunosuppressive cells and CRS risk,while CAR-T eliminates residual disease and promotes immune recovery.Clinical trials in relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas and multiple myeloma demonstrate complete remission rates(CRR)of 72%-100%and two-year progression-free survival(PFS)rates of 59%-83%,with severe CRS/ICANS incidences below 10%.However,the precise mechanisms underlying this synergy,optimal timing of CAR-T infusion after ASCT,and ideal dosing regimens require further definition.Future research should prioritize large-scale,randomized controlled trials and establish standardized protocols for toxicity management to maximize therapeutic benefits.By integrating the complementary strengths of ASCT and CAR-T,this combination strategy represents a promising approach for improving outcomes in high-risk hematologic malignancies;however,additional studies are necessary to validate its efficacy and expand its clinical applicability.
文摘A chimeric gene, Bt29K, composed of coding sequences of activated Cry1Ac insecticidal protein and an endoplasm reticulum-retarding signal peptide, was synthesized. A plant expression vector containing two expression cassettes for the Bt29K and API-B genes was constructed. These two insect-resistant genes were transferred into two cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties ( or lines) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and nine homozygous transgenic cotton lines showing a mortality of 90.0% - 99.7% to cotton ballworm (Heliothis armigera) larvae and good agronomic traits were selected through six generations. Molecular biology analysis revealed that one or two copies of the insecticidal protein genes were integrated into the transgenic cotton genome and activated Cry1Ac and API-B protein expression was at a level of 0.17% and 0.09% of the total soluble protein in the transgenic cotton leaves, respectively. Comparison of the insect-resistance of the homozygous lines expressing the activated chimeric Cry1Ac and API-B with that expressing Cry1Ac only revealed that the insect-resistance of the former is apparently higher than the latter. These results also indicate that the strategy to construct a plant expression vector expressing two different insect-resistant genes reported here is reasonable.
文摘Hypocotyl segments from aseptic seedlings of two important cultivars of upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Northwest China, 'Xinluzao_1', 'Jinmian_7', 'Jinmian_12' and 'Jihe_321' were transformed respectively by two efficient plant expression plasmids pBinMoBc and pBinoBc via Agrobacterium tumefaciens . In pBinMoBc, cry 1Ac3 gene, which encodes the Bt toxin, is under the control of chimeric OM promoter. In pBinoBc, it is under control of CaMV 35S promoter. After co_cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefimpfaciens LBA4404 (containing pBinMoBc or pBinoBc), kanamycin_resistant selection, somatic embryos were induced and regenerated plants were obtained. Then the regenerated plantlets were grafted to untransformed stocks in greenhouse to produce descendants. The integration of cry 1Ac3 gene and its expression in T 2 generation of transgenic cotton plants were confirmed by Southern hybridization and Western blotting. The analyses of insect bioassay indicated that the transgenic plants of both constructions have significant resistance to the larvae of cotton bollworm ( Heliothis armigera ) and that cry 1Ac3 gene driven by chimeric OM promoter could endue T 2 generation cotton with high pest_resistant ability, implicating that it has a profound application in genetic engineering to breed new pest_resistant cotton varieties.
文摘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.
基金supported in part by grants from the Special Fund of Clinical Medicine in Jiangsu Province(BL2013038)the Graduate Student Innovation Fund(CXZZ12_0563)
文摘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.
文摘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.
基金Supported by the Deutsche Krebshilfe, No. 10-2106-Wi1
文摘AIM： To investigate the c-kit expression in biliary tract cancer cell lines and histological sections from patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （CC） and to evaluate the efficacy of in vitro and in vitro treatment with imatinib mesilate. METHODS： The protein expression of c-kit in the human biliary tract cancer cell lines Mz-ChA-2 and EGI-1 and histological sections from 19 patients with extrahepatic CC was assessed by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. The anti-proliferative effect of imatinib mesilate on biliary tract cancer cell lines Mz-ChA-2 and EGI-1 was studied in vitro by automated cell counting. In addition, immunodeficient NMRI mice （Taconic^TM） were subcutaneously injected with 5 × 10^6 cells of cell lines MzChA-2 and EGI-1. After having reached a tumour volume of 200 mm^3, daily treatment was started intraperitoneally with imatinib mesilate at a dose of 50 mgikg or normal saline （NS）. Tumor volume was calculated with a Vernier caliper. After 14 d, mice were sacrificed with tumors excised and tumor mass determined.RESULTS： Immunoblotting revealed presence of c-kit in Mz-ChA-2 and absence in EGI-1 cells. Immunocytochemistry with c-kit antibodies displayed a cytoplasmatic and membraneous localization of receptor protein in Mz-ChA-2 cells and absence of c-kit in EGI-1 cells, c-kit was expressed in 7 of 19 （37%） extrahepatic humanCC tissue samples, 2 showed a moderate and 5 a rather weak immunostaining. Imatinib mesilate at a low concentration of 5 μmoliL caused a significant growth inhibition in the c-kit positive cell line Mz-ChA-2 （31%）, but not in the c-kit negative cell line EGI-1 （0%） （P〈0.05）. Imatinib mesilate at an intermediate concentration of 10 μmoliL inhibited cellular growth of both cell lines （51% vs 57%）. Imatinib mesilate at a higher concentration of 20 μmoliL seemed to have a general toxic effect on both cell lines. The IC50 values were 9.7 μmoliL and 11 μmoliL, respectively. After 14 d of in vitro treatment with imatinib mesilate, using the chimeric mouse model, c-kit positive Mz-ChA-2 tumors had a significantly reduced volume and mass as compared to NS treatment （P〈 0.05）. In contrast to that, treatment of mice bearing c-kit negative EGI-1 tumors did not result in any change of tumor volume and mass as compared to NS treatment. CONCLUSION： c-kit expression is detectable at a moderate to low protein level in biliary tract cancer. Imatinib mesilate exerts marked effects on tumor growth in vitro andin vitro dependent on the level of c-kit expression.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 21574038, 21774031, and 21861162010)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (No. 18ZR1410300)+2 种基金the “Eastern Scholar Professorship” from Shanghai local government (No. TP2014034)the national special fund for State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering (No. 2060204)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 22221818014)
文摘Gram-negative bacteria can cause serious infections and are well known problems in biomedical practices. Biofilms of gramnegative bacteria are notorious for their frequently encountered resistance toward antibiotics. We demonstrate that α/β chimeric polypeptide molecular brush (α/β CPMB) exerts potent activities against antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. MTT viability assay, bacterial colony counting, and live/dead staining all indicate that α/β CPMB not only inhibits biofilm formation of gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, but also effectively disrupts mature biofllms that are highly resistant to one of the most active antibiotics-colistin. The superior antibacterial performance of the α/β CPMB implies its potential topical applications in treating biofilms.
基金supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2020YFA0707704)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2016YFC1303800)+1 种基金the Jilin Scientific and Technological Development Program(CN)(Grant No.20190303146SF)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81874052).
文摘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.
文摘Multiple myeloma(MM),considered an incurable hematological malignancy,is characterized by its clonal evolution of malignant plasma cells.Although the application of autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT)and the introduction of novel agents such as immunomodulatory drugs(IMiDs)and proteasome inhibitors(PIs)have doubled the median overall survival to eight years,relapsed and refractory diseases are still frequent events in the course of MM.To achieve a durable and deep remission,immunotherapy modalities have been developed for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM).Among these approaches,chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T-cell therapy is the most promising star,based on the results of previous success in B-cell neoplasms.In this immunotherapy,autologous T cells are engineered to express an artificial receptor which targets a tumor-associated antigen and initiates the T-cell killing procedure.Tisagenlecleucel and Axicabtagene,targeting the CD19 antigen,are the two pacesetters of CAR T-cell products.They were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)in 2017 for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia(ALL)and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Their development enabled unparalleled efficacy in combating hematopoietic neoplasms.In this review article,we summarize six promising candidate antigens in MM that can be targeted by CARs and discuss some noteworthy studies of the safety profile of current CAR T-cell therapy.
文摘We have previously reported that the human ACAT1 gene produces a chimeric mRNA through the interchromosomal processing of two discontinuous RNAs transcribed from chromosomes 1 and 7. The chimeric mRNA uses AUG1397-1399 and GGC1274-1276 as translation initiation codons to produce normal 50-kDa ACAT1 and a novel enzymatically active 56-kDa isoform, respectively, with the latter being authentically present in human cells, including human monocyte- derived macrophages. In this work, we report that RNA secondary structures located in the vicinity of the GGC1274-1276 codon are required for production of the 56-kDa isoform. The effects of the three predicted stem-loops （nt 1255-1268, 1286-1342 and 1355-1384） were tested individually by transfecting expression plasmids into cells that contained the wild-type, deleted or mutant stem-loop sequences linked to a partial ACAT1 AUG open reading frame （ORF） or to the ORFs of other genes. The expression patterns were monitored by western blot analyses. We found that the upstream stem-loop1255-1268 from chromosome 7 and downstream stem-loop1286-1342 from chromosome 1 were needed for production of the 56-kDa isoform, whereas the last stem-loop135s-1384 from chromosome 1 was dispensable. The results of experi- ments using both monocistronic and bicistronic vectors with a stable hairpin showed that translation initiation from the GGC1274-1276 codon was mediated by an internal ribosome entry site （IRES）. Further experiments revealed that translation initiation from the GGC1274-1276 codon requires the upstream AU-constituted RNA secondary structure and the downstream GC-rich structure. This mechanistic work provides further support for the biological significance of the chimeric nature of the human ACAT1 transcript.
基金grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China(81773268)Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine,China(JX21817902/005).
文摘c-Met is a hepatocyte growth factor receptor overexpressed in many tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Therefore,c-Met may serve as a promising target for HCC immunotherapy.Modifying T cells to express c-Met-specific chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)is an attractive strategy in treating c-Met-positive HCC.This study aimed to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects of 2^(nd)-and 3^(rd)-generation c-Met CAR-T cells on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells.Here,2^(nd)-and 3^(rd)-generation c-Met CARs containing an anti-c-Met singlechain variable fragment(scFv)as well as the CD28 signaling domain and CD3ζ(c-Met-28-3ζ),the CD137 signaling domain and CD3ζ(c-Met-137-3ζ),or the CD28 and CD137 signaling domains and CD3ζ(c-Met-28-137-3ζ)were constructed,and their abilities to target c-Met-positive HCC cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.All c-Met CARs were stably expressed on T cell membrane,and c-Met CAR-T cells aggregated around c-Met-positive HCC cells and specifically killed them in vitro.c-Met-28-137-3ζCAR-T cells secreted more interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)and interleukin 2(IL-2)than c-Met-28-3ζCAR-T cells and c-Met-137-3ζCAR-T cells.Compared with c-Met low-expressed cells,c-Met CAR-T cells secreted more cytokines when co-cultured with c-Met high-expressed cells.Moreover,c-Met-28-137-3ζCAR-T cells eradicated HCC more effectively in xenograft tumor models compared with the control groups.This study suggests that 3^(rd)-generation c-Met CAR-T cells are more effective in inhibiting c-Met-positive HCC cells than 2^(nd)-generation c-Met CAR-T cells,thereby providing a promising therapeutic intervention for c-Met-positive HCC.
基金supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81830002 and 31870873 to W.D.H.)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Nos. 2016YFC1303501 and 2016YFC1303504 to WDH, and No. 2017YFC0909803 to W.Y.)
文摘Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR T) therapy is a kind of effective cancer immunotherapy. However,designing CARs remains a challenge because many targetable antigens are shared by T cells and tumor cells. This shared expression of antigens can cause CAR T cell fratricide. CD38-targeting approaches(e.g.,daratumumab) have been used in clinical therapy and have shown promising results. CD38 is a kind of surface glycoprotein present in a variety of cells, such as T lymphocytes and tumor cells. It was previously reported that CD38-based CAR T cells may undergo apoptosis or T cell-mediated killing(fratricide) during cell manufacturing. In this study, a CAR containing a sequence targeting human CD38 was designed to be functional. To avoid fratricide driven by CD38 and ensure the production of CAR T cells, two distinct strategies based on antibodies(clone MM12 T or clone MM27) or proteins(H02 H or H08 H) were used to block CD38 or the CAR single-chain variable fragment(scFv) domain, respectively, on the T cell surface.The results indicated that the antibodies or proteins, especially the antibody MM27, could affect CAR T cells by inhibiting fratricide while promoting expansion and enrichment. Anti-CD38 CAR T cells exhibited robust and specific cytotoxicity to CD38+ cell lines and tumor cells. Furthermore, the levels of the proinflammatory factors TNF-a, IFN-g and IL-2 were significantly upregulated in the supernatants of A549CD38+ cells. Finally, significant control of disease progression was demonstrated in xenograft mouse models. In conclusion, these findings will help to further enhance the expansion, persistence and function of anti-CD38 CAR T cells in subsequent clinical trials.
