Phase I clinical trial of the bispecific antibody MDX-H210 (anti-FcgammaRI x anti-HER-2/neu) in combination with Filgrastim (G-CSF) for treatment of advanced breast cancer

A phase I study of the bispecific antibody MDX-H210 in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was performed in stage IV breast carcinoma patients, overexpressing HER-2/neu. MDX-H210, constructed by crosslinking antigen binding fragments (F(ab') fragments) of monoclonal antibody (mAb) H22 to Fc gamma receptor I (FcgammaRI), and mAb 520C9 to HER-2/neu, respectively, mediates the lysis of tumour cells in vitro, and in human FcgammaRI transgenic mouse models. The proto-oncogene HER-2/neu is overexpressed in approximately 30% of breast cancer patients, and represents a promising target for antibody-based immunotherapy. Fc gamma receptor I (CD64) is an effective trigger molecule, which is expressed on monocytes/macrophages, immature dendritic cells, and G-CSF-primed polymorphonuclear cells (PMN). Patients received G-CSF (Filgrastim) for 8 consecutive days, and cohorts of three patients were treated on day 4 with escalating, single doses of MDX-H210. A total of 30 patients were included, and treatment was generally well tolerated, without reaching dose-limiting toxicity. Side effects consisted mainly of fever and short periods of chills, which were timely related to elevated plasma levels of interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha. In the last two cohorts, MDX-H210 plasma levels exceeded 1 microg ml(-1), and on circulating myeloid cells >50% saturation of FcgammaRI was found until day 4. These effector cells were highly effective in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Immunohistochemical analyses of tumour biopsies in individual patients documented infiltration of monocytes and PMN after MDX-H210 infusion. Although the clinical course of the disease was not altered by the single dose of MDX-H210, a favourable toxicity profile--even at high doses--and remarkable biological effects were seen when combined with G-CSF. Therefore, the combination of G-CSF and MDX-H210 should be evaluated in further immunotherapeutical strategies.     

Visualization of effective tumor targeting by CD8+ natural killer T cells redirected with bispecific antibody F(ab')(2)HER2xCD3

HER2 is an attractive immunotherapeutic target for neoplastic disease because this cell surface molecule is overexpressed on a large fraction of malignant tumor cells. To directly assess therapeutic responses to targeted therapy by noninvasive in vivo imaging in small animals, human HER2-expressing ovarian carcinoma cells were genetically modified with a firefly luciferase gene, and light emission was used for visualization of tumor growth and response to therapy. This imaging approach was able to demonstrate in real-time tumor regression in a HER2 xenograft mouse model by adoptive transfer of in vitro induced and expanded cytotoxic CD8+ natural killer T (NKT) cells retargeted with a humanized bispecific antibody F(ab')(2)HER2xCD3. Immunotherapy with effector cells alone or a humanized monoclonal antibody anti-p185(HER2) (4D5-8) resulted in significant but slower reduction in tumor burden. Long-term survival of tumor xenografts correlated inversely with visible residual tumor burden. In vitro, F(ab')(2)HER2xCD3 substantially augmented cytotoxic activity of CD8+ NKT cells. By flow-sorting, CD8+ NKT cells coexpressing CD56 were found to have the highest redirected killing ability. Treatment with concanamycin A or EGTA abrogated CD8+ NKT cytotoxicity indicating that perforin is a major pathway of tumor cell lysis. In contrast, when CD8+ NKT cell were cross-linked with F(ab')(2)HER2xCD3 neither the immunosuppressants cyclosporine A and FK506, nor the increase of intracellular cyclic AMP by dibutyryl cyclic AMP were able to inhibit cytotoxicity demonstrating that signaling via the CD3 antigen changes the biological activity of non-MHC-restricted effector cells. These studies have demonstrated that CD8+ NKT cells can be successfully redirected to tumor cells using bispecific antibodies and offer a promising strategy for adoptive immunotherapy of neoplastic diseases.     

Analysis of CD20-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by G-CSF-stimulated neutrophils.

Rituximab, a chimeric CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb), is widely used in the treatment of patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Possible anti-tumour mechanisms involve complement-mediated lysis and/or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Because G-CSF greatly enhances the cytotoxicity of neutrophils (PMN) in ADCC, the clinical efficacy of rituximab might be enhanced by the addition of G-CSF. Therefore, we investigated the neutrophil-mediated CD20-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in B cell lines. In contrast to previous studies by others, we found that G-CSF-primed PMN are capable of functioning as effector cells in CD20-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. However, HLA class II mAbs were far more effective. The differences between HLA class II- and CD20-mediated PMN-ADCC were not due to: (1) the use of chimeric (hIgG1) mAbs vs mIgG2a mAbs; (2) HLA class II-induced apoptosis as an 'ADCC-sensitising' mechanism; (3) CD20-induced inhibition of ADCC; (4) inferior membrane mobility of CD20. Analysis of Fcgammareceptor (FcgammaR) involvement showed that although CD20-induced ADCC was mediated mainly via FcgammaRI, for optimal lysis FcgammaRI and FcgammaRII were both required. In contrast, in HLA class II-dependent ADCC both FcgammaRI and II were capable of independently inducing maximum lysis. The mechanism underlying these differences in FcgammaR-binding and activation remains to be elucidated.     

Soluble γc receptor attenuates anti‐tumor responses of CD8+ T cells in T cell immunotherapy

Previous studies have shown that soluble common γ‐chain (sγc) modulates CD4⁺ T cell immunity with antagonistic functions in γc cytokine signaling. However, the role of sγc in functional properties of effector CD8⁺ T cells has not been fully defined. In this study, we report a new mechanism by which the anti‐tumor activity of mouse CD8⁺ T cells is suppressed in sγc of their own producing. While sγc significantly inhibits cytotoxicity of CD8⁺ T cells, blocking sγc production by genetic modification leads to potentiated effector function of CD8⁺ T cells, establishing persistent CD8⁺ T cells. This is due to the modulation of IL‐2 and IL‐15 signaling, which is required for expansion and survival of CD8⁺ T cells as well as for optimal cytotoxic activity. More efficient management of tumor growth was achieved by an adoptive transfer of sγc‐deficient CD8⁺ T cells than that of wild‐type or sγc‐overexpressing CD8⁺ T cells. Blocking of IL‐2 and IL‐15 signaling by sγc attenuates the capacity of CD8⁺ T cells to mount an optimal response to the tumor, with both quantitative and qualitative effects on antigen‐specific CD8⁺ T cells. These results could have a critical implication for the generation and survival of optimal effector T cells for adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.     

CD40-expressing carcinoma cells induce down-regulation of CD40 ligand (CD154) and impair T-cell functions

The interaction of CD40 expressed by immunocompetent cells with its ligand CD154 on the surface of T-helper cells plays a crucial role in the immune response. Recently, the presence of CD40 was also demonstrated on a variety of carcinomas. Whereas the critical relevance of CD40 in cytotoxic T-cell priming via dendritic cells is already established, the biological role of CD40/CD154 interactions in nonhematopoetic cells is still unclear. In the present study we demonstrate that CD154 expression density is down-regulated on activated T cells on interaction with CD40+ tumor cells. Naive T cells cocultured with CD40+carcinoma showed impaired functionality as indicated by a reduced frequency of IFN-gamma secreting cells, reduced interleukin 2 secretion, impaired proliferation, and a lack of CD154 re-expression on restimulation. In distinction, T-cell effector lysing capacity was not impaired by CD40-expressing tumor cell targets. The present results suggest that in marked contrast to antigen-presenting cells, CD40 expression on carcinoma cells suppresses T-cell activation. Our findings support the statement that CD40 functions are context dependent and imply a new function for CD40 expressed on nonantigen-presenting cells.     

Bi20 (fBTA05), a novel trifunctional bispecific antibody (anti-CD20 x anti-CD3), mediates efficient killing of B-cell lymphoma cells even with very low CD20 expression levels

Trifunctional bispecific antibodies can efficiently mediate tumor cell killing by redirecting T cells and immune accessory cells to the tumor cell. Here, we describe the new trifunctional antibody, Bi20 (FBTA05, anti-CD20 x anti-CD3), that connects B cells and T cells via its variable regions and recruits FcgammaRI(+) accessory immune cells via its Fc region. Bi20 mediated efficient and specific lysis of B-cell lines and of B cells with low CD20 expression levels that were derived from CLL patients. Remarkably, T-cell activation and tumor cell killing occurred in an entirely autologous setting without additional effector cells in 5 of 8 samples. In comparison, rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal CD20 antibody, demonstrated a significantly lower B-cell eradication rate. Additionally, Bi20, but not rituximab, upregulated the activation markers CD25 and CD69 on both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the presence of accessory immune cells. CD14(+) accessory cells and the monocyte cell line THP-1 were activated via binding of the Fc region of Bi20, given that T cells were simultaneously engaged by the antibody. Bi20 induced a strong Th1 cytokine pattern characterized by high IFN-gamma and very low IL-4 secretion. In conclusion, Bi20 may offer new immunotherapeutic options for the treatment of B-cell lymphomas.     

胆固醇代谢调控CD8+T细胞抗肿瘤作用的研究进展

CD8+T细胞又名细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(cytotoxic T lymphocyte,CTL),具有直接杀死病原体感染细胞和癌细胞的作用.然而,CD8+T细胞常常丧失其效应功能,继而限制肿瘤微环境中的抗肿瘤免疫,因此,如何重新激活CD8+T细胞的抗肿瘤效力是目前需要解决的问题.最近研究发现,胆固醇代谢在肿瘤中发挥重要作用...     

Immunotherapy of cancer via mediation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by methionine enkephalin (MENK)

The aim of this study was to investigate the immunological mechanisms by which synthetic methionine enkephalin (MENK) exerts therapeutic effects on tumor growth. Our findings in vivo or in vitro show that MENK treatment either in vivo or in vitro could up-regulate the percentages of CD8+T cells, induce markers of activated T cells, increased cytotoxic activity against mouse S180 tumor cells and increase secretion of IFNγ. In addition, the adoptively transferred CD8+T cells, after either in vitro or in vivo treatment with MENK, result in significantly increased survival of S180 tumor-bearing mice and significant shrinkage in tumor growth. Opioid receptors are detected on normal CD8+T cells and exposure to MENK leads to increased expression of opioid receptors. Interaction between MENK and the opioid receptors on CD8+T cells appears to be essential for the activation of CTL, since the addition of naltrexone (NTX), an opioid receptor antagonist, significantly inhibits all of the effects of MENK. The evidence obtained indicates that the MENK-induced T cell signaling is associated with a significant up-regulation of Ca2+ influx into the cytoplasm and the translocation of NFAT2 into nucleus, and these signaling effects are also inhibited by naltrexone.     

CpG-A and B oligodeoxynucleotides enhance the efficacy of antibody therapy by activating different effector cell populations

Immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) can enhance the therapeutic effect of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by enhancing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Distinct classes of CpG ODNs have been found recently to stimulate different effector cell populations. We used murine cancer models to explore the role of various effector cell populations in the antitumor activity seen with mAbs combined with CpG ODNs of the A and B classes. In the 38C13 syngeneic murine lymphoma model, both CpG A and CpG B enhanced the efficacy of murine antilymphoma mAb. Depletion of natural killer (NK) cells alone markedly decreased the efficacy of therapy with mAbs plus CpG A. In contrast, depletion of both NK cells and granulocytes was required to decrease the efficacy of mAb plus CpG B. A human (h) Fc gamma receptor I (FcgammaRI)-expressing transgenic (Tg) mouse model was used to explore the role of FcgammaRI in therapy with mAb and CpG ODN. CpG B induced up-regulation of FcgammaRI in hFcgammaRI Tg mice, whereas CpG A did not. In vitro CpG B also enhanced ADCC of HER-2/neu-expressing tumor cells by the FcgammaRI-directed bispecific antibody MDX-H210 using hFcgammaRI-positive effector cells. In a solid tumor model, tumor growth was inhibited in Tg mice treated with a combination of MDX-H210 and CpG B. These data suggest that CpG A enhance ADCC largely by activating NK cells. In contrast, other effector cell populations, including granulocytes, contribute to the antitumor activity of CpG B and mAbs. FcgammaRI plays an important role in this activity.     

A correlation between the expression of CD 8 antigen and specific cytotoxicity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from six gynecologic malignant tumors (two uterine cervical cancers, two ovarian serous cystadenocarcinomas, and two uterine corpus cancers), cultured in the presence of recombinant interleukin 2, were assayed for their cytotoxic activities against various fresh tumor cells including autologous tumors. A clear correlation between phenotype and cytotoxic activity of TIL was observed. Four of six TIL preparations exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against autologous fresh tumor target cells, and were all CD8+. In contrast, cytotoxic activity was not detected in any of the CD4+ TIL preparations. The cytotoxic activities of the CD8+ TIL preparations were highly specific; only autologous fresh tumor cells were lysed. This result is consistent with the notion that TIL are of a different cell lineage from lymphokine-activated killer cells which are antigen-nonspecific and CD8-. Instead, TIL appear to be of cytotoxic T cell lineage that is highly antigen-specific and CD8+. To explore the potential for clinical use, we have attempted to augment the cytotoxic activities of these CD8+ TIL by treatment of the target tumor cells with gamma interferon (IFN) in vitro, hoping that elevated expression of MHC class I gene products on the cell surface would enhance their recognition. It was observed that brief treatment of freshly prepared tumor cells in vitro with gamma-IFN resulted in augmentation of the expression of MHC class I gene products, and the treated tumor cells were more susceptible to lysis by TIL than untreated cells.     

CD28 costimulation overcomes transforming growth factor-beta-mediated repression of proliferation of redirected human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in an antitumor cell attack

The T-cell-mediated antitumor immune response is frequently repressed in the tumor environment by an immunologic barrier, the predominant mediators of which are thought to be interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). We explored the effect of these cytokines on the individual T-cell effector functions on antigen engagement during an antitumor cell attack. Isolated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were antigen-specifically redirected toward carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-positive tumor cells by expression of a recombinant T-cell receptor (immunoreceptor), which triggers T-cell activation via CD3zeta on binding to CEA. Immunoreceptor-activated T cells secrete IFN-gamma, proliferate, and lyse CEA+ but not CEA- tumor cells. Whereas IL-10 has no direct effect on immunoreceptor-triggered effector functions, TGF-beta represses proliferation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells but neither IFN-gamma secretion nor specific cytolytic activities. CD28 costimulation, however, overcomes TGF-beta-mediated repression in T-cell proliferation. Consequently, T cells redirected by a combined CD28-CD3zeta signaling immunoreceptor are largely resistant to TGF-beta-mediated repression. This is reflected in vivo by a more pronounced antitumor activity of T cells against TGF-beta-secreting tumors when redirected by a costimulatory CD28-CD3zeta than by a CD3zeta signaling immunoreceptor.     

Inhibition of T cell and natural killer cell function by adenosine and its contribution to immune evasion by tumor cells (Review)

The resistance of many human cancers to immune-based therapies, including adoptive immunotherapy and the administration of therapeutic cancer vaccines, has been attributed to tumor-associated immune suppression, due in part to immunosuppressive molecules located within the tumor microenvironment. Adenosine is a purine nucleoside found within the interstitial fluid of solid tumors at concentrations that are able to inhibit cell-mediated immune responses to tumor cells. It is well established that extracellular adenosine inhibits T lymphocyte activation and effector function, including T cell adhesion to tumor cells and cytotoxic activity, by signaling primarily through A2a and A3 adenosine receptors on the surface of T cells. Importantly, A2a adenosine receptor-deficient mice exhibit enhanced anti-tumor immune responses by CD8+ T cells, as well as a dramatic reduction in the growth of experimental tumors in comparison to wild-type controls. A2a adenosine receptor signaling has also been implicated in adenosine-mediated inhibition of cytokine production and cytotoxic activity by activated natural killer (NK) cells, although the process of NK cell granule exocytosis is apparently suppressed via a distinct and as yet uncharacterized adenosine receptor. In this report, we review the evidence that adenosine is a potent inhibitor of cellular immune responses and may therefore be a major barrier to the successful immunotherapy of human carcinomas. The signaling pathways through which adenosine exerts its inhibitory effects on cell-mediated immune responses are also discussed. The accumulated evidence suggests that the effectiveness of immune-based therapies for solid tumors may be enhanced by selective antagonism of the adenosine receptor subtypes through which adenosine inhibits the anti-tumor activity of T lymphocytes and NK cells.     

A Correlation between the Expression of CD 8 Antigen and Specific Cytotoxicity of Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from six gynecologic malignant tumors (two uterine cervical cancers, two ovarian serous cystadenocarcinomas, and two uterine corpus cancers), cultured in the presence of recombinant interleukin 2, were assayed for their cytotoxic activities against various fresh tumor cells including autologous tumors. A clear correlation between phenotype and cytotoxic activity of TIL was observed. Four of six TIL preparations exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against autologous fresh tumor target cells, and were all CD8^±. In contrast, cytotoxic activity was not detected in any of the CD4^± TIL preparations. The cytotoxic activities of the CD8^± TIL preparations were highly specific; only autologous fresh tumor cells were lysed. This result is consistent with the notion that TIL are of a different cell lineage from lympholdne-activated killer cells which are antigen-nonspecific and CD8^-. Instead, TIL appear to be of cytotoxic T cell lineage that is highly antigen-specific and CD8^±. To explore the potential for clinical use, we have attempted to augment the cytotoxic activities of these CD8^± TIL by treatment of the target tumor cells with gamma interferon (IFN) in vitro , hoping that elevated expression of MHC class I gene products on the cell surface would enhance their recognition. It was observed that brief treatment of freshly prepared tumor cells in vitro with gamma-IFN resulted in augmentation of the expression of MHC class I gene products, and the treated tumor cells were more susceptible to lysis by TIL than untreated cells.     

Senescent CD8+ T cells acquire NK cell-like innate functions to promote antitumor immunity

It has been suggested that aging of the immune system (immunosenescence) results in a decline in the acquired immune response, which is associated with an increase in age-related tumorigenesis. T-cell senescence plays a critical role in immunosenescence and is involved in the age-related decline of the immune function, which increases susceptibility to certain cancers. However, it has been shown that CD8⁺ T cells with the senescent T-cell phenotype acquire an natural killer (NK) cell-like function and are involved in tumor elimination. Therefore, the role of senescent CD8⁺ T cells in tumor immunity remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of senescent CD8⁺ T cells in tumor immunity. In a murine model of transferred with B16 melanoma, lung metastasis was significantly suppressed in aged mice (age ≥30 weeks) in comparison to young mice (age 6–10 weeks). We evaluated the cytotoxic activity of CD8⁺ T cells in vitro and found that CD8⁺ T cells from aged mice activated in vitro exhibited increased cytotoxic activity in comparison to those from young mice. We used Menin-deficient effector T cells as a model for senescent CD8⁺ T cells and found that cytotoxic activity and the expression of NK receptors were upregulated in Menin-deficient senescent CD8⁺ T cells. Furthermore, Menin-deficient CD8⁺ T cells can eliminate tumor cells in an antigen-independent manner. These results suggest that senescent effector CD8⁺ T cells may contribute to tumor immunity in the elderly by acquiring NK-like innate immune functions, such as antigen-independent cytotoxic activity.     

Cellular cytotoxicity mediated by isotype-switch variants of a monoclonal antibody to human neuroblastoma

The biological property of an antibody is determined by its antigen binding characteristics and its isotype-related effector functions. We have established monoclonal antibodies of different isotypes by stepwise selection and cloning of the hybridoma CE7. The original CE7 secretes an IgG1/kappa (CE7 gamma 1) antibody that recognises a 185 kD cell surface glycoprotein expressed on all human sympatho-adrenomedullary cells. Isotype-switch variants were isolated in the following sequence: from the original CE7 gamma 1, CE7 gamma 2b variants were isolated, and from a CE7 gamma 2b variant CE7 gamma 2a variants were isolated. The antibodies of three different isotype variant cell lines possess identical antigen binding characteristics, but display distinct effector functions as demonstrated by antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). ADCC was performed with the neuroblastoma line IMR-32 as the target cells, and different FcR gamma positive cells were either freshly isolated from human peripheral blood leukocytes or cultured for 6-10 days and tested as potential effector cells. Tumour lysis mediated by monocyte-derived macrophages depended on the presence of CE7 gamma 2a antibodies; antibodies from the CE7 hybridomas of gamma 2b and gamma 1 isotypes were virtually inactive in ADCC assay. Pre-exposure of macrophages to rIFN-gamma enhanced their ADCC activity, a result that is compatible with the notion that the high affinity Fc IgG receptor (FcR gamma I/CD64) is involved in the triggering of ADCC in macrophages. In contrast to macrophages, mononuclear cells, nonadherent cells and monocytes displayed considerable non-specific lytic activity, which was little influenced by the presence of antibody regardless of the isotype added.     

Bispecific antibodies reactive with the multidrug-resistance-related glycoprotein and CD3 induce lysis of multidrug-resistant tumor cells

We describe the lysis of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tumor cells by various lymphocytic effector cells, retargeted with bispecific antibodies (heteroconjugates). The Ab-heteroconjugate used was prepared by chemically cross-linking the OKT3 monoclonal antibody (MAb) reactive with CD3 antigen on T lymphocytes, with the MRK16 MAb, which recognizes the MDR-associated P-glycoprotein. Cloned TCR alpha beta/CD3+ T lymphocytes, OKT3-activated peripheral-blood mononuclear cells and peripheral-blood mononuclear blood lymphocytes, stimulated with allogeneic irradiated cells in a mixed lymphocyte culture, could be induced to lyse MDR ovarian tumor cells in the presence of Ab-heteroconjugate CD3/MRK16, whereas the drug-sensitive parental tumor cells lacking the P-glycoprotein were not lysed by these retargeted effector cells. Cloned TCR gamma delta/CD3+ T lymphocytes showed a high MHC-unrestricted lysis of MDR tumor cells. Addition of Ab-heteroconjugate CD3/MRK16 could therefore not enhance target-cell lysis. Melanoma tumor cells transfected with the mdr-I gene which codes for the P-glycoprotein were also efficiently lysed by Ab-heteroconjugate retargeted cloned TCR alpha beta/CD3+ T cells. Tumor cell lines derived from organs known to express the P-glycoprotein also were lysable by the retargeted effector cells.     

Cytotoxicity against the K562 erythroleukemia cell line by human natural killer (NK) cells which do not bear free Fc receptors for IgG.

When Fc receptors (FcR) on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes were induced to modulate by overnight (18 h) incubation in the presence of soluble or particulate immune complexes, the natural killer (NK) activity of the effector lymphocyte suspension, as measured against the K562 erythroleukemia cell line, was significantly, but only partially, inhibited. The NK activity which remained was always strong, and was not significantly inhibited by inclusion of antigen-antibody complexes in the cytotoxicity assay, nor was it further depleted by adsorbing the modulated cells on plastic surfaces coated with immobilized antigen-antibody complexes. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against rabbit antibody-sensitized Chang liver cells was totally abrogated following the modulation process, and could not be restored by exposure of modulated effector cells to trypsin, indicating that the FcR had actually been shed and were not merely being blocked with immune complexes. Although freshly isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes active in natural (or "spontaneous") cytotoxicity have been shown to bear FcR, our data indicate that NK activity against the K562 cell line can be effectively mediated by NK cells which have lost their FcR. This supports the concept that NK activity against K562 is independent of FcR, and, therefore, of IgG.     

Contribution of dendritic cells' FcgammaRI and FcgammaRIII to cross-presentation of tumor cells opsonized with the anti-MHC class I monoclonal antibodies

Dendritic cells (DC) operate through an immature (iDC) step (where tumor antigens are internalized) and a mature step (mDC) (where tumor antigens (TA) are cross-presented to naive TA-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) progenitors). Receptors by which cellbound antigens can access the DC cross-presentation pathway include the Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaR). This route has been exploited to deliver opsonized tumors to DC and promising results have been obtained with mAbs raised against overexpressed or specific tumor antigens. In order to extend this strategy to tumor for which no antigens have been described, we have exploited the ubiquitous molecule MHC Class I as target antigen. The low membrane expression of tumor antigens on KATO cells, a previously studied human gastric carcinoma cell line, suggested its use here as a model. The IgG1 TP25.99 and the IgG2a W6/32 anti-MHC Class I mAbs, which strongly reacted with KATO cells, where employed as tumor coating mAbs. Since these mAbs recognize the FcgammaRI (CD64) and FcgammaRIII (CD16), respectively on DCs, the frequencies of the two classes of FcgammaRI on DCs was evaluated. CD64 was expressed on 35% of iDCs compared to 11% expression of CD16, the two molecules being co-expressed. IgG1 mAb-opsonized KATO (KATO(TP25)) cells were taken up by iDCs with the same efficiency as KATO cells opsonized with IgG2a mAb (KATO(W6/32)), but induced a higher expression of the maturation marker CD83. CTL cross-priming by KATO(TP25) (but not KATO(W6/32))-loaded and cytokine-matured DCs was also higher than cross-priming induced by uncoated- or FcgammaRI-targeted KATO(W6/32)-DC. Together the present results indicate that: (i) MHC Class I antigens are advantageous antigens for targeting tumor cells to the FcgammaR-mediated cross-presentation pathway and (ii) immunogenic signals seem to be prevalently conveyed by FcgammaRIII.     

Performance of CD3xCD19 Bispecific Monoclonal Antibodies in B Cell Malignancy

Bispecific monoclonal antibodies, with a dual specificity for tumor associated antigens on target cells and for surface markers on immune effector cells, have been shown (in vitro) to be effective in directing and triggering effector cells to kill target cells resulting in target cell lysis. Bispecific monoclonal antibodies (BsAb) against the CD3 antigen on T cells and the CD 19 anitigen on B cell were developed. Data obtained by in vitro experiments might indicate that clinical responses in BsAb im-munotherapy, will only be obtained in patients with minimal tumor load, and may need additional T cell stimulation via cytokines such as IL-2. Although these experiments have shown us their limitations, they also include the promise of BsAb-directed immunotherapy in B cell malignancy as further demonstrated during a Phase I trail, showing little toxicity. Clearly, much, remains to be done before this BsAb is routinely used for therapy, but, the results presented show that the CD3×CD19 BsAb has a potential as a therapeutic agent in B cell malignancy. This report describes the experiments performed to test a new immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment ot B cell malignancy. Bispecific antibodies are described that can target cytotoxic T cells to tumor cells and elicit a cy-tolytic action towards these cancer cells.     

CD56dimCD16neg cells are responsible for natural cytotoxicity against tumor targets.

The activation of natural killer (NK) cells leads to degranulation and secretion of cytotoxic granula. During this process, the lytic granule membrane protein CD107a becomes detectable at the cell surface. Based on this phenomenon, we have analyzed by a novel flow cytometry-based assay, the number and phenotype of NK cells responding to tumor targets. Using human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, we observed a close correlation between CD107a surface expression and target cell lysis, indicating that NK cell cytotoxicity can be assessed by this method. The number of degranulating NK cells was closely related to the ratio of effector and target cells and showed a maximum at a ratio of 1:1. Moreover, we were able to show that the population of CD56(dim)/CD16(neg) NK cells is primarily responsible for the cytotoxic activity against tumor targets whereas neither CD56(dim)/CD16(pos) nor CD56(bright) NK cells degranulated in response to the cell lines. Our results indicate that the CD107a assay represents a promising new method for the quantification and characterization of cells exhibiting natural cytotoxicity.