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Therapeutic targeting of inhibitory checkpoint molecules in combination with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is currently investigated in a variety of clinical studies for treatment of hematologic and solid malignancies. However, the impact of co-inhibitory axes and their therapeutic implication remains understudied for the majority of acute leukemias due to their low immunogenicity/mutational load. The inhibitory exhaustion molecule TIM-3 is an important marker for the interaction of T cells with leukemic cells. Moreover, inhibitory signals from malignant cells could be transformed into stimulatory signals by synthetic fusion molecules with extracellular inhibitory receptors fused to an intracellular stimulatory domain. Here, we designed a variety of different TIM-3-CD28 fusion proteins to turn inhibitory signals derived by TIM-3 engagement into T-cell activation through CD28. In the absence of anti-CD19 CAR, two TIM-3-CD28 fusion receptors with large parts of CD28 showed strongest responses in terms of cytokine secretion and proliferation upon stimulation with anti-CD3 antibodies compared to controls. We then combined these two novel TIM-3-CD28 fusion proteins with first- and second-generation anti-CD19 CAR T cells and found that the fusion receptor can increase proliferation, activation, and cytotoxic capacity of conventional anti-CD19 CAR T cells. These additionally armed CAR T cells showed excellent effector function. In terms of safety considerations, the fusion receptors showed exclusively increased cytokine release, when the CAR target CD19 was present. We conclude that combining checkpoint fusion proteins with anti-CD19 CARs has the potential to increase T-cell proliferation capacity with the intention to overcome inhibitory signals during the response against malignant cells.

Background Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in immunocompromised patients and post -transplantation is associated with morbidity, mortality and with the onset of a variety of malignant diseases. Adoptive T-cell therapies have emerged as promising therapeutic options, but post -transplant immunosuppression jeopardizes the protective anti-EBV immune surveillance by adoptively transferred T cells. Methods Using an all-in-one CRISPR/Cas-mediated approach, we inserted an anti-EBV (gp350) CAR into the T-cell receptor ( TRAC ) locus and simultaneously knocked-out the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) on a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible platform. Results CAR knock-in (CAR KI ) was confirmed in primary human T cells on genetic and on protein level with a mean efficiency of 41%. With 83%, additional GR knock-out was highly efficient in CAR KI cells. On a functional level CAR KI GR KO T cells showed target-specific potency in terms of cytokine secretion patterns, proliferative capacity and cytotoxic activity against gp350-expressing target cells. Further, CAR KI GR KO T cells were insensitive to dexamethasone treatment and maintained T-cell functionality. In contrast, CAR KI GR KO T cells were sensitive to the GR-independent immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CsA), thereby providing a rescue treatment for patients in case of safety issues. Conclusions The study lays the proof-of-concept for virus-free all-in-one GMP-manufacturing of glucocorticoid-resistant CAR T-cell products. Further, the glucocorticoid-resistant gp350-CAR T cells can provide a future therapeutic option for high-risk post -transplant patients with EBV-reactivations or patients with EBV-associated pathologies requiring steroid treatment.

Objectives Exploiting the forces of human T cells for treatment has led to the current paradigm of emerging immunotherapy strategies. Genetic engineering of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) redirects specificity, ablates alloreactivity and brings significant progress and off‐the‐shelf options to emerging adoptive T‐cell transfer (ACT) approaches. Targeted CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated double‐strand breaks in the DNA enable knockout or knock‐in engineering. Methods Here, we perform CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated TCR knockout using a therapeutically relevant ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery method to assess the safety of genetically engineered T‐cell products. Whole‐genome sequencing was performed to analyse whether CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated DNA double‐strand break at the TCR locus is associated with off‐target events in human primary T cells. Results TCRα chain and TCRβ chain knockout leads to high on‐target InDel frequency and functional knockout. None of the predicted off‐target sites could be confirmed experimentally, whereas whole‐genome sequencing and manual Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) review revealed 9 potential low‐frequency off‐target events genome‐wide. Subsequent amplification and targeted deep sequencing in 7 of 7 evaluable loci did not confirm these low‐frequency InDels. Therefore, off‐target events are unlikely to be caused by the CRISPR/Cas9 engineering. Conclusion The combinatorial approach of whole‐genome sequencing and targeted deep sequencing confirmed highly specific genetic engineering using CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated TCR knockout without potentially harmful exonic off‐target effects. Exploiting forces of T cells for treatment through genetic engineering of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) redirects specificity, ablates alloreactivity and brings significant progress and off‐the‐shelf options. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated double‐strand breaks in the TCRα and TCRβ chain are supposed to be a site‐specific TCR knockout. Whole‐genome sequencing and targeted deep sequencing confirmed highly specific DNA engineering without potentially harmful exonic off‐target effects in primary human T cells.

BackgroundRelapsed/refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) remains a major therapeutic challenge in pediatric hematology. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting CD19 have shown remarkable initial response rates in BCP-ALL patients, while long-term leukemia control rate is only about 50%. So far, main mechanisms of BCP-ALL relapse after CD19-CAR T-cell therapy have been either insufficient CAR T-cell persistence in vivo or loss of surface CD19.Case ReportHere, we report an exceptional presentation of BCP-ALL relapse in the eye during the systemic control through CAR T-cell therapy. We report a case of fatal intraocular relapse in a pediatric patient with pro-B-ALL after initial response to CD19-CAR T-cell therapy. One month after CD19-CAR T-cell therapy, remission was documented by bone marrow aspirate analysis with absence of CD19+ cells and CD19-CAR T cells could be detected in both peripheral blood and bone marrow. At the same time, however, the patient presented with progressive visual disturbance and CD19+ cells were found within the anterior chamber of the eye. Despite local and systemic therapy, ocular relapse led to BCP-ALL dissemination and systemic relapse within weeks. The eye represents a rare site for local manifestation of BCP-ALL, but isolated intraocular relapse is a clinically unreckoned presentation of BCP-ALL in the era of CD19-CAR T cells.ConclusionDuring systemic control of BCP-ALL through CD19-CAR T cells, relapse can emerge in the eye as an immune-privileged organ. Ocular symptoms after CD19-CAR T-cell therapy should guide the clinician to elucidate the etiology in a timely fashion in order to adjust leukemia treatment strategy. Both, local immune escape as well as insufficient CAR T-cell persistence may have contributed to relapse in the reported patient. Mechanisms of relapse in an immune desert under CAR T-cell therapy require future clinical and experimental attention. In particular, ocular symptoms after CAR T-cell therapy should be considered a potentially early sign of leukemia relapse.

Relapsed/refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B ALL) remains a major therapeutic challenge. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are promising treatment options. Central memory T cells (Tcm) and stem cell-like memory T cells (Tscm) are known to promote sustained proliferation and persistence after T-cell therapy, constituting essential preconditions for treatment efficacy. Therefore, we set up a protocol for anti-CD19 CAR T-cell generation aiming at high Tcm/Tscm numbers. 100 ml peripheral blood from pediatric pre-B ALL patients was processed including CD4+/CD8+-separation, T-cell activation with modified anti-CD3/-CD28 reagents and transduction with a 4-1BB-based second generation CAR lentiviral vector. The process was performed on a closed, automated device requiring additional manual/open steps under clean room conditions. The clinical situation of these critically ill and refractory patients with leukemia leads to inconsistent cellular compositions at start of the procedure including high blast counts and low T-cell numbers with exhausted phenotype. Nevertheless, a robust T-cell product was achieved (mean CD4+ = 50%, CD8+ = 39%, transduction = 27%, Tcm = 50%, Tscm = 46%). Strong proliferative potential (up to > 100-fold), specific cytotoxicity and low expression of co-inhibitory molecules were documented. CAR T cells significantly released TH1 cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 upon target-recognition. In conclusion, partly automated GMP-generation of CAR T cells from critically small blood samples was feasible with a new stimulation protocol that leads to high functionality and expansion potential, balanced CD4/CD8 ratios and a conversion to a Tcm/Tscm phenotype.

Interaction of malignancies with tissue-specific immune cells has gained interest for prognosis and intervention of emerging immunotherapies. We analyzed bone marrow T cells (bmT) as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in pediatric precursor-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Based on data from 100 patients, we show that ALL is associated with late-stage CD4+ phenotype and loss of early CD8+ T cells. The inhibitory exhaustion marker TIM-3 on CD4+ bmT increased relapse risk (RFS = 94.6/70.3%) confirmed by multivariate analysis. The hazard ratio of TIM-3 expression nearly reached the hazard ratio of MRD (7.1 vs. 8.0) indicating that patients with a high frequency of TIM-3+CD4+ bone marrow T cells at initial diagnosis have a 7.1-fold increased risk to develop ALL relapse. Comparison of wild type primary T cells to CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TIM-3 knockout and TIM-3 overexpression confirmed the negative effect of TIM-3 on T cell responses against ALL. TIM-3+CD4+ bmT are increased in ALL overexpressing CD200, that leads to dysfunctional antileukemic T cell responses. In conclusion, TIM-3-mediated interaction between bmT and leukemia cells is shown as a strong risk factor for relapse in pediatric B-lineage ALL. CD200/TIM-3-signaling, rather than PD-1/PD-L1, is uncovered as a mechanism of T cell dysfunction in ALL with major implication for future immunotherapies.

Monkeypox, a zoonotic infection caused by an orthopoxvirus, is endemic in parts of Africa. On August 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the U.S. monkeypox outbreak, which began on May 17, to be a public health emergency (1,2). After detection of the first U.S. monkeypox case), CDC and health departments implemented enhanced monkeypox case detection and reporting. Among 2,891 cases reported in the United States through July 22 by 43 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia (DC), CDC received case report forms for 1,195 (41%) cases by July 27. Among these, 99% of cases were among men; among men with available information, 94% reported male-to-male sexual or close intimate contact during the 3 weeks before symptom onset. Among the 88% of cases with available data, 41% were among non-Hispanic White (White) persons, 28% among Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) persons, and 26% among non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) persons. Forty-two percent of persons with monkeypox with available data did not report the typical prodrome as their first symptom, and 46% reported one or more genital lesions during their illness; 41% had HIV infection. Data suggest that widespread community transmission of monkeypox has disproportionately affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and racial and ethnic minority groups. Compared with historical reports of monkeypox in areas with endemic disease, currently reported outbreak-associated cases are less likely to have a prodrome and more likely to have genital involvement. CDC and other federal, state, and local agencies have implemented response efforts to expand testing, treatment, and vaccination. Public health efforts should prioritize gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, who are currently disproportionately affected, for prevention and testing, while addressing equity, minimizing stigma, and maintaining vigilance for transmission in other populations. Clinicians should test patients with rash consistent with monkeypox, regardless of whether the rash is disseminated or was preceded by prodrome. Likewise, although most cases to date have occurred among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, any patient with rash consistent with monkeypox should be considered for testing. CDC is continually evaluating new evidence and tailoring response strategies as information on changing case demographics, clinical characteristics, transmission, and vaccine effectiveness become available. .

IntroductionPrevious studies demonstrated that the implementation of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline-based bundle, consisting of different supportive measures in patients at high risk for acute kidney injury (AKI), might reduce rate and severity of AKI after surgery. However, the effects of the care bundle in broader population of patients undergoing surgery require confirmation.Methods and analysisThe BigpAK-2 trial is an international, randomised, controlled, multicentre trial. The trial aims to enrol 1302 patients undergoing major surgery who are subsequently admitted to the intensive care or high dependency unit and are at high-risk for postoperative AKI as identified by urinary biomarkers (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2*insulin like growth factor binding protein 7 (TIMP-2)*IGFBP7)). Eligible patients will be randomised to receive either standard of care (control) or a KDIGO-based AKI care bundle (intervention). The primary endpoint is the incidence of moderate or severe AKI (stage 2 or 3) within 72 hours after surgery, according to the KDIGO 2012 criteria. Secondary endpoints include adherence to the KDIGO care bundle, occurrence and severity of any stage of AKI, change in biomarker values during 12 hours after initial measurement of (TIMP-2)*(IGFBP7), number of free days of mechanical ventilation and vasopressors, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), duration of RRT, renal recovery, 30-day and 60-day mortality, intensive care unit length-of-stay and hospital length-of-stay and major adverse kidney events. An add-on study will investigate blood and urine samples from recruited patients for immunological functions and kidney damage.Ethics and disseminationThe BigpAK-2 trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster and subsequently by the corresponding Ethics Committee of the participating sites. A study amendment was approved subsequently. In the UK, the trial was adopted as an NIHR portfolio study. Results will be disseminated widely and published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and will guide patient care and further research.Trial registration numberNCT04647396.