TCR-transgenic lymphocytes specific for HMMR/Rhamm limit tumor outgrowth in vivo

Blood. 2012 Apr 12;119(15):3440-9. doi: 10.1182/blood-2011-06-357939. Epub 2012 Feb 27.

Abstract

The hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR/Rhamm) is overexpressed in numerous tumor types, including acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Several studies have reported the existence of T-cell responses directed against HMMR in AML patients that are linked to better clinical outcome. Therefore, we explored the use of HMMR-specific TCRs for transgenic expression in lymphocytes and their in vivo impact on HMMR(+) solid tumors and disseminated leukemia. We obtained TCRs via an in vitro priming approach in combination with CD137-mediated enrichment. Recipient lymphocytes expressing transgenic TCR revealed the specific tumor recognition pattern seen with the original T cells. Adoptive transfer experiments using a humanized xenograft mouse model resulted in significantly retarded solid tumor outgrowth, which was enhanced using IL-15-conditioned, TCR-transgenic effector memory cells. These cells also showed an increased potency to retard the outgrowth of disseminated AML, and this was further improved using CD8-enriched effector memory cells. To define a safe clinical setting for HMMR-TCR gene therapy, we analyzed transgenic T-cell recognition of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and found on-target killing of HLA-A2(+) HSCs. Our findings clearly limit the use of HMMR-TCR therapy to MHC- mismatched HSC transplantation, in which HLA-A2 differences can be used to restrict recognition to patient HSCs and leukemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Growth Processes / genetics*
  • Cell Growth Processes / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / genetics*
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / immunology*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / genetics*
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / immunology*
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods
  • K562 Cells
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity / genetics
  • Transfection
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor