| 1. |
- Andersson, Hampus, et al.
(author)
-
Early Pharmacodynamic Changes Measured Using RNA Sequencing of Peripheral Blood from Patients in a Phase I Study with Mitazalimab, a Potent CD40 Agonistic Monoclonal Antibody
- 2023
-
In: Cells. - 2073-4409. ; 12:19
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- CD40-targeting therapies can enhance the dendritic cell priming of tumor-specific T cells and repolarize intratumoral macrophages to alleviate the tumoral immunosuppressive environment and remodel the extracellular matrix. Mitazalimab is a potent agonistic CD40 monoclonal IgG1 antibody currently under clinical development. This study used RNA sequencing of blood samples from a subset of patients from a Phase I trial with mitazalimab (NCT02829099) to assess peripheral pharmacodynamic activity. We found that mitazalimab induced transient peripheral transcriptomic alterations (at 600 µg/kg and 900 µg/kg dose administered intravenously), which mainly were attributed to immune activation. In particular, the transcriptomic alterations showed a reduction in effector cells (e.g., CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells) and B cells peripherally with the remaining cells (e.g., dendritic cells, monocytes, B cells, and natural killer cells) showing transcription profiles consistent with activation. Lastly, distinct patient subgroups based on the pattern of transcriptomic alterations could be identified. In summary, the data presented herein reinforce the anticipated mode of action of mitazalimab and support its ongoing clinical development.
|
|
| 2. |
- Andersson, Hampus, et al.
(author)
-
Next-generation CD40 agonists for cancer immunotherapy
- 2024
-
In: Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. - 1471-2598. ; 24:5, s. 351-363
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: There is a need for new therapies that can enhance response rates and broaden the number of cancer indications where immunotherapies provide clinical benefit. CD40 targeting therapies provide an opportunity to meet this need by promoting priming of tumor-specific T cells and reverting the suppressive tumor microenvironment. This is supported by emerging clinical evidence demonstrating the benefits of immunotherapy with CD40 antibodies in combination with standard of care chemotherapy. Areas covered: This review is focused on the coming wave of next-generation CD40 agonists aiming to improve efficacy and safety, using new approaches and formats beyond monospecific antibodies. Further, the current understanding of the role of different CD40 expressing immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment is reviewed. Expert opinion: There are multiple promising next-generation approaches beyond monospecific antibodies targeting CD40 in immuno-oncology. Enhancing efficacy is the most important driver for this development, and approaches that maximize the ability of CD40 to both remodel the tumor microenvironment and boost the anti-tumor T cell response provide great opportunities to benefit cancer patients. Enhanced understanding of the role of different CD40 expressing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment may facilitate more efficient clinical development of these compounds.
|
|
| 3. |
- Enell Smith, Karin, et al.
(author)
-
ATOR-1017 (evunzekibart), an Fc-gamma receptor conditional 4-1BB agonist designed for optimal safety and efficacy, activates exhausted T cells in combination with anti-PD-1
- 2023
-
In: Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy. - 0340-7004. ; 72:12, s. 4145-4159
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: 4-1BB (CD137) is a co-stimulatory receptor highly expressed on tumor reactive effector T cells and NK cells, which upon stimulation prolongs persistence of tumor reactive effector T and NK cells within the tumor and induces long-lived memory T cells. 4-1BB agonistic antibodies have been shown to induce strong anti-tumor effects that synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The first generation of 4-1BB agonists was, however, hampered by dose-limiting toxicities resulting in suboptimal dose levels or poor agonistic activity. Methods: ATOR-1017 (evunzekibart), a second-generation Fc-gamma receptor conditional 4-1BB agonist in IgG4 format, was designed to overcome the limitations of the first generation of 4-1BB agonists, providing strong agonistic effect while minimizing systemic immune activation and risk of hepatoxicity. The epitope of ATOR-1017 was determined by X-ray crystallography, and the functional activity was assessed in vitro and in vivo as monotherapy or in combination with anti-PD1. Results: ATOR-1017 binds to a unique epitope on 4-1BB enabling ATOR-1017 to activate T cells, including cells with an exhausted phenotype, and NK cells, in a cross-linking dependent, FcγR-conditional, manner. This translated into a tumor-directed and potent anti-tumor therapeutic effect in vivo, which was further enhanced with anti-PD-1 treatment. Conclusions: These preclinical data demonstrate a strong safety profile of ATOR-1017, together with its potent therapeutic effect as monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD1, supporting further clinical development of ATOR-1017.
|
|
| 4. |
- Enell Smith, Karin, et al.
(author)
-
Rationale and clinical development of CD40 agonistic antibodies for cancer immunotherapy
- 2021
-
In: Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1471-2598 .- 1744-7682. ; 21:12, s. 1635-1646
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: CD40 signaling activates dendritic cells leading to improved T cell priming against tumor antigens. CD40 agonism expands the tumor-specific T cell repertoire and has the potential to increase the fraction of patients that respond to established immunotherapies. Areas covered: This article reviews current as well as emerging CD40 agonist therapies with a focus on antibody-based therapies, including next generation bispecific CD40 agonists. The scientific rationale for different design criteria, binding epitopes, and formats are discussed. Expert opinion: The ability of CD40 agonists to activate dendritic cells and enhance antigen cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells provides an opportunity to elevate response rates of cancer immunotherapies. While there are many challenges left to address, including optimal dose regimen, CD40 agonist profile, combination partners and indications, we are confident that CD40 agonists will play an important role in the challenging task of reprogramming the immune system to fight cancer.
|
|
| 5. |
- Badn, Wiaam, et al.
(author)
-
Postimmunization with IFN-gamma-secreting glioma cells combined with the inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor mercaptoethylguanidine prolongs survival of rats with intracerebral tumors
- 2007
-
In: Journal of Immunology. - 1550-6606. ; 179:6, s. 4231-4238
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High-grade gliomas are one of the most aggressive human tumors with <1% of patients surviving 5 years after surgery. Immunotherapy could offer a possibility to eradicate remnant tumor cells after conventional therapy. Experimental immunotherapy can induce partial cure of established intracerebral tumors in several rodent models. One reason for the limited therapeutic effects could be immunosuppression induced by both the growing tumor and the induced immune reaction. NO has been implicated in tumor-derived immune suppression in tumor-bearing hosts, and unspecific inhibitors of NO synthase have been shown to boost antitumor immunity. In this study, we show that the inducible NO synthase (iNOS)-specific inhibitor mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG) superiorly enhanced lymphocyte reactivity after polyclonal stimulation compared with the iNOS-specific inhibitor L-NIL and the unspecific NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME. Both iNOS inhibitors increased the number and proliferation of T cells but not of B cells. When combined during postimmunization with IFN-gamma-secreting N32 rat glioma cells of rats harboring intracerebral tumors, only MEG increased the cure rate. However, this was only achieved when MEG was administered after immunizations. These findings implicate that NO has both enhancing and suppressive effects after active immunotherapy.
|
|
| 6. |
- Deronic, Adnan, et al.
(author)
-
The human anti-CD40 agonist antibody mitazalimab (ADC-1013; JNJ-64457107) activates antigen-presenting cells, improves expansion of antigen-specific T cells, and enhances anti-tumor efficacy of a model cancer vaccine in vivo
- 2021
-
In: Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-7004 .- 1432-0851. ; 70:12, s. 3629-3642
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Non-responders to checkpoint inhibitors generally have low tumor T cell infiltration and could benefit from immunotherapy that activates dendritic cells, with priming of tumor-reactive T cells as a result. Such therapies may be augmented by providing tumor antigen in the form of cancer vaccines. Our aim was to study the effects of mitazalimab (ADC-1013; JNJ-64457107), a human anti-CD40 agonist IgG1 antibody, on activation of antigen-presenting cells, and how this influences the priming and anti-tumor potential of antigen-specific T cells, in mice transgenic for human CD40. Mitazalimab activated splenic CD11c+ MHCII+ dendritic cells and CD19+ MHCII+ B cells within 6 h, with a return to baseline within 1 week. This was associated with a dose-dependent release of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood, including IP-10, MIP-1α and TNF-α. Mitazalimab administered at different dose regimens with ovalbumin protein showed that repeated dosing expanded ovalbumin peptide (SIINFEKL)-specific CD8+ T cells and increased the frequency of activated ICOS+ T cells and CD44hi CD62L− effector memory T cells in the spleen. Mitazalimab prolonged survival of mice bearing MB49 bladder carcinoma tumors and increased the frequency of activated granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells in the tumor. In the ovalbumin-transfected tumor E.G7-OVA lymphoma, mitazalimab administered with either ovalbumin protein or SIINFEKL peptide prolonged the survival of E.G7-OVA tumor-bearing mice, as prophylactic and therapeutic treatment. Thus, mitazalimab activates antigen-presenting cells, which improves expansion and activation of antigen-specific T cells and enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of a model cancer vaccine.
|
|
| 7. |
- Enell Smith, Karin, et al.
(author)
-
Cure of established GL261 mouse gliomas after combined immunotherapy with GM-CSF and IFNgamma is mediated by both CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cells.
- 2009
-
In: International Journal of Cancer. - : Wiley. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 124:3, s. 630-637
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We were the first to demonstrate that combined immunotherapy with GM-CSF producing GL261 cells and recombinant IFNgamma of preestablished GL261 gliomas could cure 90% of immunized mice. To extend these findings and to uncover the underlying mechanisms, the ensuing experiments were undertaken. We hypothesized that immunizations combining both GM-CSF and IFNgamma systemically would increase the number of immature myeloid cells, which then would mature and differentiate into dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, thereby augmenting tumor antigen presentation and T-cell activation. Indeed, the combined therapy induced a systemic increase of both immature and mature myeloid cells but also an increase in T regulatory cells (T-regs). Cytotoxic anti-tumor responses, mirrored by an increase in Granzyme B-positive cells as well as IFNgamma-producing T-cells, were augmented after immunizations with GM-CSF and IFNgamma. We also show that the combined therapy induced a long-term memory with rejection of intracerebral (i.c.) rechallenges. Depletion of T-cells showed that both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells were essential for the combined GM-CSF and IFNgamma effect. Finally, when immunizations were delayed until day 5 after tumor inoculation, only mice receiving immunotherapy with both GM-CSF and IFNgamma survived. We conclude that the addition of recombinant IFNgamma to immunizations with GM-CSF producing tumor cells increased the number of activated tumoricidal T-cells, which could eradicate established intracerebral tumors. These results clearly demonstrate that the combination of cytokines in immunotherapy of brain tumors have synergistic effects that have implications for clinical immunotherapy of human malignant brain tumors. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
|
|
| 8. |
- Enell Smith, Karin
(author)
-
Immunotherapy against malignant brain tumors - of mice and men
- 2008
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most abundant and most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Due to the infiltrative growth of the tumor, surgery will never be radical. Radiation and chemotherapy only marginally improve the poor prognosis due to the ability of the GBM to develop resistance towards these treatments. Therefore it is of great importance to find new efficient treatment modalities. The aim with this thesis was to develop and evaluate a cytokine based immunotherapy as treatment for GBM in both an experimental mouse glioma model as well as in patients suffering from GBM. In paper I we demonstrate the establishment of a GM-CSF and IFNγ based immunotherapy in the mouse glioma model, GL261. Mice with intracranial gliomas were immunized intraperitoneally with GL261 cell genetically modified to produce GM-CSF combined with recombinant IFNγ. This combination synergistically enhanced survival to 90%. In paper II-III we investigated the immune responses elicited by these immunizations both systemically as well as locally in the tumor. We found that the immunizations with GM-CSF and IFNγ were highly dependent on T-cells for mediating survival of the mice. In paper IV we monitored the immune responses elicited in GBM patients receiving IFNγ based immunotherapy using ELIspot and CBA. Immunotherapy enhances the patient’s own antitumoral immune responses otherwise suppressed by the tumor. We believe that this treatment, in combination with conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, has a great promise for the future treatment of patients with GBM.
|
|
| 9. |
- Janelidze, Shorena, et al.
(author)
-
Activation of purified allogeneic CD4(+) T cells by rat bone marrow-derived dendritic cells induces concurrent secretion of IFN-gamma, IL-4, and IL-10.
- 2005
-
In: Immunology Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-2478. ; 101:2, s. 193-201
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly specialized antigen-presenting cells that play a key role in the initiation and regulation of immune responses. The ability of DCs to process antigens and the outcome of their interaction with T cells are largely dependent on phenotype as well as maturation state of DCs. In this study, we generated DCs from rat bone marrow precursors. Bone marrow cells cultured in the presence of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-4, and Flt-3 ligand (FL) produced immature DCs that expressed intermediate levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, low levels of CD80 and CD86 molecules and displayed a high capacity of endocytosis. Bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) matured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) upregulated expression of MHC class II, CD80 and CD86, while their phagocytic capacity was dramatically reduced. Mature BMDCs stimulated vigorous proliferation of purified allogeneic CD4(+) T cells in a primary mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) and elicited a mixed cytokine profile in allogeneic CD4(+) T cells: DCs activated CD4(+) T cells to produce interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-4, and IL-10. Thus, rat BMDCs effectively internalize antigens and stimulate T cell proliferation but fail to induce an unidirectional polarization of T helper (T-H) cells and in this respect differ from both human and mouse DCs. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 10. |
- Janelidze, Shorena, et al.
(author)
-
Immunizations With IFN gamma Secreting Tumor Cells can Eliminate Fully Established and Invasive Rat Gliomas
- 2009
-
In: Journal of Immunotherapy. - 1524-9557. ; 32:6, s. 593-601
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Immunotherapy of malignant primary brain tumors holds the potential to improve the dismal prognosis after current clinical therapy. Although immunotherapy of experimental gliomas has been demonstrated to have the capacity to cure intracerebral tumors no convincing effects of immunotherapy have been shown in clinical trials. One reason for this could be that some of the models used do not display full features of human glioblastomas. The N29 rat gliomas exhibited all the histologic features of human glioblastoma multiforme including nuclear atypia, mitotic figures, necrosis, and diffuse infiltration into the normal brain tissue. Surprisingly, immunotherapy with autologous interferon gamma producing tumor cells against preestablished intracerebral N29 turners yielded a higher cure rate than immunotherapy against less invasive tumors. Furthermore, when immunizations were postponed until day 5 after tumor establishment 50% of the animals survived. When immunizations were postponed until day 11 after tumor establishment no glioma-bearing animals were cured but survival was significantly prolonged. The superior effect of immunotherapy in the invasive N29 model compared with the less invasive tumors could depend oil combined effects of up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex I and induction of major histocompatibility complex II plus CD80 after transfection and irradiation of the tumor cells used for immunizations. This study demonstrates that immunotherapy against experimental brain tumors indeed is feasible even against highly invasive and established tumors. These results strengthen the translational potential of immunotherapy against malignant brain tumors.
|
|
