Journal Articles

Mutant KRAS peptide vaccine with dual checkpoint blockade in metastatic colorectal cancer: a phase I trial

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have limited activity in mismatch repair proficient or microsatellite stable (MMRp/MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC). KRAS mutations, present in approximately 40% of these cancers, can generate neoantigens that are targets for therapeutic vaccines. In this single-arm, phase I study (NCT04117087), we evaluated mKRAS-VAX, a pooled mutant KRAS (mKRAS) peptide vaccine targeting six KRAS mutations with nivolumab and ipilimumab in 13 patients with pretreated metastatic MMRp/MSS CRC. Both primary endpoints of safety and immunogenicity (within 17 weeks post-vaccination) were met. Secondary endpoints included treatment efficacy defined by RECIST v1.1 criteria. All adverse events attributed to mKRAS-VAX were grade 1 or 2, and the addition of mKRAS-VAX did not increase the frequency of severe immune-related adverse events beyond the expected profile of dual ICIs alone. mKRAS-VAX elicited an increase in tumor-specific mKRAS-reactive T-cells in 8/12 biomarker-evaluable patients (75%) by direct ex vivo IFN_ ELISpot and in 12 patients (100%) following in vitro expansion. Our findings support further development of mKRAS vaccines with ICIs for advanced MMRp/MSS CRC.

Author Info: (1) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University S

Author Info: (1) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (2) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (3) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. (4) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. (5) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (6) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. (7) Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (8) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (9) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (10) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. (11) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. (12) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (13) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (14) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (15) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (16) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (17) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. (18) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (19) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (20) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. (21) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. (22) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. (23) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. nilo.azad@jhu.edu. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. nilo.azad@jhu.edu. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. nilo.azad@jhu.edu. (24) Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. nzaidi1@jhmi.edu. Johns Hopkins Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. nzaidi1@jhmi.edu. The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. nzaidi1@jhmi.edu.

A distinct antigen presentation pathway drives potent T cell immunity in lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccines

Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA (mRNA-LNP) vaccines trigger the potent differentiation of antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8 T cells in addition to antibody production. Despite its high immunogenicity, the cellular mechanisms by which mRNA-LNP induces such unusual immune responses remain largely unclear. Here, we show that mRNA-LNP induces potent and long-lasting CD8 T cell expansion through an antigen presentation mechanism that differs from that of conventional adjuvants. In mice immunized with mRNA-LNP, the number of antigen-specific CD8 T cells was one order of magnitude higher than that induced by combining antigen proteins with immunostimulants such as lipopolysaccharide or polyinosinic:polycytidinic acid. Intramuscularly administered mRNA-LNPs were mainly taken up by migratory type 2 conventional dendritic cells in draining lymph nodes, resulting in notably strong and persistent antigen presentation through major histocompatibility complex class I. Furthermore, CD8 T cell induction by mRNA-LNP required migratory dendritic cells but not the traditional cross-presentation pathway that is otherwise essential for antiviral and antitumor immunity. Thus, the mRNA-LNP formulation exerts unconventional immune responses through a different antigen-presentation pathway from conventional component vaccines.

Author Info: (1) Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. Division of Molecular Pathology, Research Institute for Bi

Author Info: (1) Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. Division of Molecular Pathology, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan. (2) Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. (3) Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. (4) Division of Molecular Pathology, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan. (5) Division of Vaccine Science, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States. (6) Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. (7) Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. Division of Immune Environment Dynamics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan. Immune Network Research Unit, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative InFiniti, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan. (8) Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, National Institute of Global Health and Medicine, Japan Institute for Health and Security (JIHS), Tokyo, Japan. (9) Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, National Institute of Global Health and Medicine, Japan Institute for Health and Security (JIHS), Tokyo, Japan. (10) Kyoto University Immunomonitoring Center, Liaison Office, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. (11) Division of Vaccine Science, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. (12) Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. Division of Molecular Pathology, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan. (13) Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

In vivo engineering tumor cells to a universal "all-in-one" cancer vaccine with full antigen spectrum Spotlight 

Wang et al. engineered an “all-in-one” cancer cell-derived vaccine (UniCVac) by co-expressing CIITA, NLRC5, CD80, and IL-2 in tumor cells to mimic professional APCs with both HLA-I and HLA-II antigen presentation, co-stimulation, and T cell growth signal. UniCVac cells presented antigens to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vitro, driving activation and proliferation similar to APCs. UniCVac achieved potent antitumor activity in therapeutic (NSG) models, and induced polyclonal tumor-specific T cell responses, reprogrammed the immunosuppressive TIME to be immune-permissive, and enhanced tumor control in B16 and MC38 tumor models.

Contributed by Shishir Pant

Wang et al. engineered an “all-in-one” cancer cell-derived vaccine (UniCVac) by co-expressing CIITA, NLRC5, CD80, and IL-2 in tumor cells to mimic professional APCs with both HLA-I and HLA-II antigen presentation, co-stimulation, and T cell growth signal. UniCVac cells presented antigens to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vitro, driving activation and proliferation similar to APCs. UniCVac achieved potent antitumor activity in therapeutic (NSG) models, and induced polyclonal tumor-specific T cell responses, reprogrammed the immunosuppressive TIME to be immune-permissive, and enhanced tumor control in B16 and MC38 tumor models.

Contributed by Shishir Pant

ABSTRACT: Cancer vaccines offer a promising strategy to initiate de novo T cell responses or enhance existing ones, either functioning independently or synergizing with T cell-modulating therapeutics to reduce tumor burden. The clinical development of cancer vaccines faces challenges such as limited antigen coverage, insufficient antigen presentation, immune suppressive microenvironment, and the availability of personalized vaccines. In this study, we developed a universal "all-in-one" cancer cell-derived vaccine (UniCVac) with comprehensive antigen spectrum coverage by programming tumor cells into antigen-presenting cells (APCs) through the codelivery of CIITA, NLRC5, CD80, and IL-2. This reprogramming mimics the professional APC phenotype, providing simultaneous HLA-I and HLA-II antigen presentation, costimulation, and T cell proliferation signals. These tumor-derived UniCVac can directly activate both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in vitro, independent of APCs. In addition, their costimulation and T cell growth-stimulating capabilities result in superior CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell activation and proliferation comparable to traditional APCs, with enhanced PI3K-AKT pathways activation. Single-cell transcriptome analysis confirmed the similarity in cellular subtypes between UniCVac-activated and traditional APC-activated T cells. In mouse models, the UniCVac vaccination reprogramed the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immune-permissive, induced robust CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell expansion in both preventive and therapeutic tumor models, and achieved complete tumor regression in vivo. Our approach provides a platform for the development of universal cancer vaccines with full antigen spectrum coverage and the ability to directly activate both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, offering potential combinatorial opportunities with existing T cell-based immunotherapies against cancer.

Author Info: (1) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (2) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell B

Author Info: (1) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (2) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (3) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (4) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (5) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (6) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (7) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (8) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. (9) Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. (10) Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. (11) Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. (12) Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of life sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. (13) Department of mathematics and statistics, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China. (14) Department of Biomedical Sciences, University College London, London, UK. (15) Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China. (16) Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China. Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China. State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.

mRNA lipid nanoparticle cancer vaccine platform delivering multiple STING activators for enhanced antitumor activity Spotlight 

Zeng, Xu, and Wang et al. developed an optimized cancer vaccine platform comprising a novel LNP co-encapsulating tumor antigen mRNA and two STING agonists. In primary BM-DCs, vaccination synergistically boosted CD80/CD86 expression and IFN-I secretion, and in mice, it enhanced antigen cross-presentation in spleens and tdLNs to induce antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic and memory T cell expansion. In tumor models, i.v. vaccine delivery inhibited s.c. tumor growth and vascularization. Vaccination upregulated gene sets for apoptosis and antigen processing, and reprogrammed immunosuppressive TAMs to a proinflammatory phenotype.

Contributed by Paula Hochman

Zeng, Xu, and Wang et al. developed an optimized cancer vaccine platform comprising a novel LNP co-encapsulating tumor antigen mRNA and two STING agonists. In primary BM-DCs, vaccination synergistically boosted CD80/CD86 expression and IFN-I secretion, and in mice, it enhanced antigen cross-presentation in spleens and tdLNs to induce antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic and memory T cell expansion. In tumor models, i.v. vaccine delivery inhibited s.c. tumor growth and vascularization. Vaccination upregulated gene sets for apoptosis and antigen processing, and reprogrammed immunosuppressive TAMs to a proinflammatory phenotype.

Contributed by Paula Hochman

ABSTRACT: mRNA-based cancer vaccines offer a modular and safe platform to elicit antitumor immunity, yet their efficacy is often limited by inefficient mRNA delivery and inadequate dendritic cell (DC) activation, both of which are essential for initiating robust cytotoxic T cell responses. Inadequate innate immune activation coupled with poor antigen presentation further diminishes their effectiveness, particularly in immunologically "cold" tumors. While stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists can enhance DC maturation and cross-presentation, their therapeutic utility is constrained by poor intracellular delivery and limited colocalization with tumor antigens. In this study, we developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform via high-throughput screening of ionizable lipids for potent mRNA delivery to DCs both in vitro and in vivo. To amplify immune activation, we coencapsulated the STING agonists c-di-AMP (AMP) and manganese (Mn(2+)) together with tumor antigen-encoding mRNA into the lead LNP formulation. This codelivery strategy synergistically activated type I interferon signaling, upregulated costimulatory molecules, enhanced antigen presentation, and elicited potent tumor-specific T cell responses and superior antitumor efficacy. Our results demonstrate that integrating innate immune stimulation with mRNA-LNP delivery provides a promising strategy to overcome current limitations in mRNA vaccine efficacy and to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes.

Author Info: (1) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (2) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, P

Author Info: (1) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (2) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (3) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (4) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (5) Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (6) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (7) Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. ROR: https://ror.org/04f49ff35 (8) Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (9) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (10) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (11) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (12) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (13) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (14) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (15) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Republic of Singapore, Singapore 138668, Singapore. ROR: https://ror.org/036wvzt09 (16) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (17) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (18) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (19) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (20) Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 (21) Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10 Center for Precision Engineering for Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. ROR: https://ror.org/00b30xv10

The critical role of the endogenous immune compartment after CAR T cell therapy in recurrent GBM Spotlight 

Freeburg and Chafamo et al. performed longitudinal single-cell profiling of CSF and tumors from 18 patients with recurrent GBM treated with a single intracerebroventricular dose of bivalent EGFR-IL13Rα2 CAR T cells. CAR T cells peaked at 7 days and showed increased cytotoxicity and exhaustion in CSF. Endogenous cytotoxic NK cells, Tregs, and “scavenger” myeloid cells also increased dose-dependently. Responses correlated with increased CD56dimCD16+ NK cells, while Treg expansion and a high baseline number of immunosuppressive myeloid cells correlated with non-response, emphasizing the endogenous immune system’s role in CAR T cell efficacy.

Contributed by Katherine Turner

Freeburg and Chafamo et al. performed longitudinal single-cell profiling of CSF and tumors from 18 patients with recurrent GBM treated with a single intracerebroventricular dose of bivalent EGFR-IL13Rα2 CAR T cells. CAR T cells peaked at 7 days and showed increased cytotoxicity and exhaustion in CSF. Endogenous cytotoxic NK cells, Tregs, and “scavenger” myeloid cells also increased dose-dependently. Responses correlated with increased CD56dimCD16+ NK cells, while Treg expansion and a high baseline number of immunosuppressive myeloid cells correlated with non-response, emphasizing the endogenous immune system’s role in CAR T cell efficacy.

Contributed by Katherine Turner

ABSTRACT: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with a median survival of under 15 months and no effective treatment after recurrence. A recent phase 1 trial of intracerebroventricular bivalent chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in recurrent GBM, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05168423), showed promising responses, including tumor reduction and prolonged survival. However, relapse remains common. We performed in-depth profiling of longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and tumor samples from responders and non-responders to characterize immune dynamics following infusion. Our study reveals that, although CAR T cells activate post infusion across all patients, outcomes were defined by divergent remodeling of the endogenous immune landscape. Cytotoxic natural killer cell expansion characterized responders, whereas regulatory T cell expansion and abundant baseline immunosuppressive scavenger myeloid cells characterized non-responders. These findings indicate that host immune cells play a critical role in CAR T cell therapy for GBM, suggesting that combinatorial strategies modulating the endogenous immune compartment could improve next-generation treatments.

Author Info: (1) Cancer Biology Department, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (2) Cancer Biology Department, Perelman School of Medicin

Author Info: (1) Cancer Biology Department, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (2) Cancer Biology Department, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (3) Cancer Biology Department, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (4) Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. (5) Cancer Biology Department, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (6) Cancer Biology Department, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (7) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (8) Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. (9) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (10) Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (11) Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (12) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (13) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (14) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (15) Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (16) Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (17) UniversitŽ Paris CitŽ, INSERM, PARCC, Paris, France; Department of Immunology, APHP, H™pital EuropŽen Georges Pompidou (HEGP)-H™pital Necker, Paris, France. (18) Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne UniversitŽ, INSERM, UniversitŽ Paris CitŽ, 75006 Paris, France. (19) CellAction, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, INSERM U932, Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France. (20) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (21) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (22) Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Institut Curie, Paris, France. (23) Institut Curie, PSL University, INSERM U932, Immunity and Cancer, 75005 Paris, France. (24) Department of Translational Research, PSL University, Institut Curie, Paris, France; INSERM U1330, PSL University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France. (25) CellAction, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, INSERM U932, Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France. (26) CellAction, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, INSERM U932, Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France; Clinical Hematology Unit, Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France. (27) Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (28) Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. (29) Kite, a Gilead Company, Santa Monica, CA, USA. (30) Comparative Pathology Core, Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (31) Comparative Pathology Core, Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (32) Comparative Pathology Core, Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (33) Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (34) Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (35) Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (36) Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (37) Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne UniversitŽ, INSERM, UniversitŽ Paris CitŽ, 75006 Paris, France; ƒquipe labellisŽe Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 15 rue de l'Žcole de mŽdecine, 75006 Paris, France. (38) Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne UniversitŽ, INSERM, UniversitŽ Paris CitŽ, 75006 Paris, France; ƒquipe labellisŽe Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 15 rue de l'Žcole de mŽdecine, 75006 Paris, France. (39) UniversitŽ Paris CitŽ, INSERM, PARCC, Paris, France; Department of Immunology, APHP, H™pital EuropŽen Georges Pompidou (HEGP)-H™pital Necker, Paris, France. (40) Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (41) Institut Curie, PSL University, INSERM U932, Immunity and Cancer, 75005 Paris, France. (42) Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (43) GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (44) Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (45) Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. (46) GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (47) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (48) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: binderz@pennmedicine.upenn.edu. (49) Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; UniversitŽ Paris CitŽ, INSERM, PARCC, Paris, France; Clinical Laboratory, H™pital Foch, Suresnes, France. Electronic address: c.alanio@hopital-foch.com. (50) Cancer Biology Department, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: dana.silverbush@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Adjuvant personalized multivalent neoantigen DNA vaccination for MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma: a phase 1 trial Spotlight 

In a phase 1 study, Garfinkle et al. vaccinated 9 patients with MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma with a personalized DNA-based vaccine following surgical resection and radiation. GNOS-PVO1 encoded up to 40 neoantigens identified from 3–4 distinct tumor regions per patient, and was well tolerated. The median 24-month survival rate was 33%, including a patient who remained disease-free over 4 years after diagnosis. Survival correlated with increases in peripheral CD8+CD69+ and CD8+IFNγ+ T cells. Increased tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, with expanded de novo and pre-existing TCR clonotypes in the tumor and blood, were observed upon vaccination.

Contributed by Ute Burkhardt

In a phase 1 study, Garfinkle et al. vaccinated 9 patients with MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma with a personalized DNA-based vaccine following surgical resection and radiation. GNOS-PVO1 encoded up to 40 neoantigens identified from 3–4 distinct tumor regions per patient, and was well tolerated. The median 24-month survival rate was 33%, including a patient who remained disease-free over 4 years after diagnosis. Survival correlated with increases in peripheral CD8+CD69+ and CD8+IFNγ+ T cells. Increased tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, with expanded de novo and pre-existing TCR clonotypes in the tumor and blood, were observed upon vaccination.

Contributed by Ute Burkhardt

ABSTRACT: Glioblastoma is a fatal disease with a median prognosis of 12-18_months. Recent studies have shown encouraging results using neoantigen-based vaccines to stimulate glioblastoma-directed immune responses, but overall immunogenicity has been low. Here, we report the results of an open-label, single-arm, phase 1 clinical trial (GT-20) to evaluate the safety and feasibility (primary endpoints) as well as immunogenicity and preliminary clinical activity (secondary endpoints) of GNOS-PV01 monotherapy, a DNA-based personalized therapeutic cancer vaccine administered following surgical resection and radiation for patients with MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma. The GT-20 study vaccinated nine patients, using up to 40 neoantigens per patient (range, 17-40) without causing any serious adverse events, unexpected toxicities or dose-limiting toxicities. The vaccine induced activation and expansion of circulating peripheral T_cells in all evaluated patients, except one who was being treated with dexamethasone. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate 6_month progression-free survival and 12_month overall survival; each observed in 66.7% of patients. Median progression-free survival was 8.5_months, median overall survival was 16.3_months and survival at 24_months was 33%, including one long-term survivor still alive 4_years from the time of initial surgery. This study met the pre-specified endpoints and supports the use of GNOS-PV01 as a potentially impactful component of glioblastoma immunotherapy. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04015700 .

Author Info: (1) The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. (2) Geneos Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (3) Department

Author Info: (1) The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. (2) Geneos Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (3) Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (4) Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (5) Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (6) Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. (7) The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. (8) McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (9) McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (10) McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (11) Geneos Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (12) The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. (13) The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA. (14) The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. (15) Geneos Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (16) Geneos Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (17) Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (18) Geneos Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (19) Geneos Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (20) BioProcess Advantage LLC, Westfield, NJ, USA. (21) Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. (22) Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. (23) Department of Neurosurgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. (24) The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (25) Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (26) The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (27) The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (28) Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (29) Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (30) Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (31) Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. (32) The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA. (33) The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA. (34) Geneos Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (35) Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. (36) Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. tannerjohanns@wustl.edu. The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. tannerjohanns@wustl.edu. Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. tannerjohanns@wustl.edu.

Polymer-mRNA complexes for monocyte-trafficked, lymph node-targeted cancer vaccination Spotlight 

To improve mRNA vaccine delivery to lymph nodes, Ren, Zhao, and Zhou et al. developed a DTC-modified, PEI-based, transferrin receptor-associating polyplex (TRAP) that enters cells by binding to TfR1, which is highly expressed on monocytes. In mice, s.c. TRAPs induced local inflammation, leading to monocyte recruitment, and effectively bound to and were taken up by TfR1high monocytes, inducing both differentiation into mo-DCs and HEV-mediated trafficking to draining lymph nodes, where mRNA translation and antigen presentation occurred. In tumor models, TRAP-mRNA vaccines elicited strong, antigen-specific, cytotoxic T cell responses, and reduced tumor progression.

Contributed by Lauren Hitchings

To improve mRNA vaccine delivery to lymph nodes, Ren, Zhao, and Zhou et al. developed a DTC-modified, PEI-based, transferrin receptor-associating polyplex (TRAP) that enters cells by binding to TfR1, which is highly expressed on monocytes. In mice, s.c. TRAPs induced local inflammation, leading to monocyte recruitment, and effectively bound to and were taken up by TfR1high monocytes, inducing both differentiation into mo-DCs and HEV-mediated trafficking to draining lymph nodes, where mRNA translation and antigen presentation occurred. In tumor models, TRAP-mRNA vaccines elicited strong, antigen-specific, cytotoxic T cell responses, and reduced tumor progression.

Contributed by Lauren Hitchings

ABSTRACT: Lymph nodes are the primary sites where adaptive immunity is initiated, yet most messenger RNA cancer vaccines reach them inefficiently and instead accumulate in organs such as the liver, limiting therapeutic potency and increasing systemic toxicity. Here we developed a transferrin receptor-associating polyplex formed by electrostatic complexation of mRNA with low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine that had been chemically modified with cyclic disulfide monomers to enhance nucleic acid binding stability, enable thiol-based transferrin receptor engagement and reduce off-target liver uptake. After subcutaneous administration, these polyplexes activated innate immunity, rapidly recruited monocytes with high transferrin receptor expression and bound these cells through cyclic disulfide-mediated interactions. Monocytes then trafficked the vaccine to draining lymph nodes, where mRNA translation and antigen presentation occurred. Delivery of ovalbumin and interleukin 12 mRNA elicited strong antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses and inhibited melanoma progression and metastatic disease. Studies using Survivin and human papillomavirus antigens in distinct tumour models demonstrated broad applicability. This monocyte-driven lymph node-targeting strategy enables potent and selective delivery of mRNA cancer vaccines.

Author Info: 1Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. 2Institutes of Biology and Medical Scien

Author Info: 1Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. 2Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. 3Catug Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Suzhou, P. R. China. 4Department of Biosciences and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, P. R. China. 5School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China. 6College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. 7Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Co. Ltd, Suzhou, P. R. China. 8Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. zhoufangfang@suda.edu.cn. 9Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. xucc@suda.edu.cn. 10College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. xucc@suda.edu.cn. 11International College of Pharmaceutical Innovation, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. xucc@suda.edu.cn. 12Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. zyzhong@suda.edu.cn. 13College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. zyzhong@suda.edu.cn. 14International College of Pharmaceutical Innovation, Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China. zyzhong@suda.edu.cn. #Contributed equally.

Ferroptosis-armed dendritic cell vaccines for glioma immunotherapy Spotlight 

A prophylactic DC vaccine loaded with ferroptotic (iron-dependent cell death) glioma cell line lysates protected against glioma growth in mice, superior to immunogenic cell death (ICD) or freeze/thaw (non-ICD) lysates. The vaccine also mediated therapeutic efficacy, induced antigen-specific CTL responses in SLOs, and increased i.t. CTLs (particularly CD39+ effector-memory cells) compared to controls. Ferroptosis induced ICD markers on glioma cells, and blocking calreticulin or ATP, but not HMGB1, abrogated vaccine efficacy. Ferroptotic lysates activated DCs and displayed a unique proteomic profile, potentially presenting novel TAAs.

Contributed by Alex Najibi

A prophylactic DC vaccine loaded with ferroptotic (iron-dependent cell death) glioma cell line lysates protected against glioma growth in mice, superior to immunogenic cell death (ICD) or freeze/thaw (non-ICD) lysates. The vaccine also mediated therapeutic efficacy, induced antigen-specific CTL responses in SLOs, and increased i.t. CTLs (particularly CD39+ effector-memory cells) compared to controls. Ferroptosis induced ICD markers on glioma cells, and blocking calreticulin or ATP, but not HMGB1, abrogated vaccine efficacy. Ferroptotic lysates activated DCs and displayed a unique proteomic profile, potentially presenting novel TAAs.

Contributed by Alex Najibi

ABSTRACT: The type of cell death has proven to play a crucial role in cancer immunotherapy efficacy. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) enhances tumor adjuvanticity and antigenicity by releasing danger signals and altering the immune peptidome. The immunogenicity of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, remains uncertain. Here, we show that dendritic cell (DC) vaccines loaded with ferroptotic lysates protect mice against glioma growth, inducing IFN-_ production, and promoting robust CD8_ T cell infiltration, activation, and effector memory formation in the tumor microenvironment. The intrinsic immunogenicity of ferroptosis was independent of the glioma type and the ferroptosis inducer. Instead, it critically required the presence of the damage-associated molecular patterns calreticulin and ATP, rather than involving HMGB1-TLR4 signaling. However, supplementing these DAMPs into DC vaccines loaded with non-ICD lysates did not restore efficacy to the level of the ferroptosis-based DC vaccine, suggesting a more complex mechanism beyond a purely DAMP-mediated effect. These findings demonstrate that ferroptosis-loaded DC vaccines elicit a potent, tumor-specific immune response, capable of eradicating intracranial gliomas in mice, which highlights their potential in cancer immunotherapy.

Author Info: 1Cell Death Investigation and Therapy (CDIT) Laboratory, Anatomy and Embryology Unit, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent Unive

Author Info: 1Cell Death Investigation and Therapy (CDIT) Laboratory, Anatomy and Embryology Unit, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 2Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium. 3Institute of Neurosciences, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny, Russia. 4Thoracic Tumor Immunology Laboratory (TTIL), Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 5VIB Proteomics Core, VIB, Ghent, Belgium. 6VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium. 7Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 8myNEO Therapeutics, Ghent, Belgium. 9IBiTech-MEDISIP-Infinity Laboratory, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 10Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. 11Neurology Clinic, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany. 12Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France. 13Service Immunologie Biologique, AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France. 144Brain, Department of Head and Skin, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 15Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny, Russia. 16VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium. 17Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 18Cell Death Investigation and Therapy (CDIT) Laboratory, Anatomy and Embryology Unit, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. elena.catanzaro@ugent.be. 19Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium. elena.catanzaro@ugent.be. #Contributed equally.

Intermetallic nanoassemblies potentiate systemic STING activation Spotlight 

Zhou, and Ling et al. engineered CRYSTAL, a crystal-like STING-activating nanoassembly, to stabilize a STING agonist and enhance STING signaling at lower doses. Intravenous CRYSTAL activated myeloid cells, remodeled immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, and primed host STING-dependent CD8+ T cell responses, driving durable tumor regression in advanced murine and rabbit models. Across mice, dogs, and non-human primates, CRYSTAL induced potent, but transient interferon responses, without cytokine release syndrome. Ex vivo treatment of human head and neck cancer biopsies triggered strong interferon signaling.

Contributed by Shishir Pant

Zhou, and Ling et al. engineered CRYSTAL, a crystal-like STING-activating nanoassembly, to stabilize a STING agonist and enhance STING signaling at lower doses. Intravenous CRYSTAL activated myeloid cells, remodeled immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, and primed host STING-dependent CD8+ T cell responses, driving durable tumor regression in advanced murine and rabbit models. Across mice, dogs, and non-human primates, CRYSTAL induced potent, but transient interferon responses, without cytokine release syndrome. Ex vivo treatment of human head and neck cancer biopsies triggered strong interferon signaling.

Contributed by Shishir Pant

ABSTRACT: Natural systems use metal ions to form ordered structures that regulate biological processes, inspiring the rational design of nanotherapeutics. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway drives antitumor immunity but has been difficult to activate systemically owing to poor pharmacology and toxicity. Here, we report CRYSTAL, a structurally ordered intermetallic nanoparticle for potent systemic STING activation. CRYSTAL self-assembles from manganese ions intercalated with cyclic dinucleotides, enabling precise structural control. At an ultralow intravenous dose (0.003 milligrams per kilogram), CRYSTAL activated STING in mice, dogs, and nonhuman primates without cytokine release syndrome. CRYSTAL induced robust tumor regression in advanced murine and rabbit models, remodeled immunosuppressive environments, and promoted host STING-dependent CD8(+) T cell priming. CRYSTAL activated interferon responses in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma biopsies, underscoring its translational potential for cancer immunotherapy.

Author Info: 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 2Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 3Department of Chemical En

Author Info: 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 2Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 3Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 4Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 5Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. 6Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. 7Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. 8Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 9Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 10Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. #Contributed equally.

mRNA vaccine immunity is enhanced by hepatocyte detargeting and not dependent on dendritic cell expression Spotlight 

To study how cell type-specific expression on mRNA-encoded proteins influences immunity, Marks and Siu et al. incorporated synthetic microRNA target sites into the mRNA. LNP-delivered mRNA did not need to be directly expressed in professional APCs (pAPCs), and expression in muscle cells was sufficient or stronger in immune response induction than pAPCs. mRNA expression in hepatocytes dampened the CD8+ T cell response and reduced mRNA vaccine control of tumor growth. Silencing mRNA expression in hepatocytes reversed these effects and, when mRNA vaccines were used to expand transferred T cells, reduced liver T cell infiltration and toxicity.

Contributed by Ute Burkhardt

To study how cell type-specific expression on mRNA-encoded proteins influences immunity, Marks and Siu et al. incorporated synthetic microRNA target sites into the mRNA. LNP-delivered mRNA did not need to be directly expressed in professional APCs (pAPCs), and expression in muscle cells was sufficient or stronger in immune response induction than pAPCs. mRNA expression in hepatocytes dampened the CD8+ T cell response and reduced mRNA vaccine control of tumor growth. Silencing mRNA expression in hepatocytes reversed these effects and, when mRNA vaccines were used to expand transferred T cells, reduced liver T cell infiltration and toxicity.

Contributed by Ute Burkhardt

ABSTRACT: Proteins encoded by mRNA vaccines can be expressed by a diversity of transfected cell types but how cell-type-specific expression influences immunity is poorly understood. To investigate this, we incorporated synthetic microRNA target sites (miRT) into lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-delivered mRNA vaccines to silence mRNA expression specifically in professional antigen-presenting cells (pAPCs), hepatocytes or myocytes. We found that mRNA expression in pAPCs was dispensable for priming antigen-specific T cells, whereas mRNA expression in myocytes induced similar or stronger immune responses, including for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that antigen cross-presentation or cross-dressing may be more impactful than direct mRNA expression in pAPCs. In contrast, mRNA expression in hepatocytes suppressed the antigen-specific T cell response, partly through PD1/PDL1. In mice bearing tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-expressing lymphoma cells, miRT-mediated hepatocyte-silenced TAA mRNA vaccine enhanced immune response and reduced tumor burden. Thus, non-pAPC expression shapes immunity to mRNA-encoded protein and inclusion of miRTs can boost or blunt mRNA-LNP immunogenicity.

Author Info: (1) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA

Author Info: (1) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (2) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (3) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (4) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (5) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (6) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (7) Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (8) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (9) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (10) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (11) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (12) Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (13) Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (14) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (15) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. (16) Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. brian.brown@mssm.edu. Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. brian.brown@mssm.edu. Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. brian.brown@mssm.edu. Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. brian.brown@mssm.edu.

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Small change for you. Big change for us!

This Thanksgiving season, show your support for cancer research by donating your change.

In less than a minute, link your credit card with our partner RoundUp App.

Every purchase you make with that card will be rounded up and the change will be donated to ACIR.

All transactions are securely made through Stripe.