Efficacy of anti-CD147 chimeric antigen receptors targeting hepatocellular carcinoma

Nat Commun. 2020 Sep 23;11(1):4810. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18444-2.

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy is a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for treating multiple refractory blood cancers, but further advances are required for solid tumor CAR therapy. One challenge is identifying a safe and effective tumor antigen. Here, we devise a strategy for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, one of the deadliest malignancies). We report that T and NK cells transduced with a CAR that recognizes the surface marker, CD147, also known as Basigin, can effectively kill various malignant HCC cell lines in vitro, and HCC tumors in xenograft and patient-derived xenograft mouse models. To minimize any on-target/off-tumor toxicity, we use logic-gated (log) GPC3-synNotch-inducible CD147-CAR to target HCC. LogCD147-CAR selectively kills dual antigen (GPC3+CD147+), but not single antigen (GPC3-CD147+) positive HCC cells and does not cause severe on-target/off-tumor toxicity in a human CD147 transgenic mouse model. In conclusion, these findings support the therapeutic potential of CD147-CAR-modified immune cells for HCC patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basigin / genetics
  • Basigin / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods*
  • Killer Cells, Natural
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / drug effects*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Bsg protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen
  • Basigin