Co-stimulation of CD28/CD40 signaling molecule potentiates CAR-T cell efficacy and stemness

Co-stimulation of CD28/CD40 signaling molecule potentiates CAR-T cell efficacy and stemness

CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CD19CAR-T) cells have achieved promising outcomes in relapsed/refractory B cell malignancies. However, recurrences occur due to the loss of CAR-T cell persistence. We developed dual T/B cell co-stimulatory molecules (CD28 and CD40) in CAR-T cells to enhance intense...

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Main Authors: Wannakorn Khopanlert, Pongsakorn Choochuen, Kajornkiat Maneechai, Nawaphat Jangphattananont, Socheatraksmey Ung, Shingo Okuno, Peter Steinberger, Judith Leitner, Surasak Sangkhathat, Pongtep Viboonjuntra, Seitaro Terakura, Jakrawadee Julamanee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-09-01
Series:Molecular Therapy: Oncology
Subjects:
MT: Regular Issue
CD28/CD40
co-stimulatory domain
CD19
CD37
CAR-T cell
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950329924000791
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Summary:CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CD19CAR-T) cells have achieved promising outcomes in relapsed/refractory B cell malignancies. However, recurrences occur due to the loss of CAR-T cell persistence. We developed dual T/B cell co-stimulatory molecules (CD28 and CD40) in CAR-T cells to enhance intense tumoricidal activity and persistence. CD19.28.40z CAR-T cells promoted pNF-κB and pRelB downstream signaling while diminishing NFAT signaling upon antigen exposure. CD19.28.40z CAR-T cells demonstrated greater proliferation, which translated into effective anti-tumor cytotoxicity in long-term co-culture assay. Repetitive weekly antigen stimulation unveiled continuous CAR-T cell expansion while preserving central memory T cell subset and lower expression of exhaustion phenotypes. The intrinsic genes underlying CD19.28.40z CAR-T cell responses were compared with conventional CARs and demonstrated the up-regulated genes associated with T cell proliferation and memory as well as down-regulated genes related to apoptosis, exhaustion, and glycolysis pathway. Enrichment of genes toward T cell stemness, particularly SELL, IL-7r, TCF7, and KLF2, was observed. Effective and continuing anti-tumor cytotoxicity in vivo was exhibited in both B cell lymphoblastic leukemia and B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma xenograft models while demonstrating persistent T cell memory signatures. The functional enhancement of CD37.28.40z CAR-T cell activities against CD37+ tumor cells was further validated. The modification of dual T/B cell signaling molecules remarkably maximized the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy.
ISSN:2950-3299

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