Abstract 47: Stabilization of long CAR T cells is crucial for in vivo antitumor efficacy
Authors: Paavilainen Henrik , Koski Jan , Nikoskelainen Veera , Elmadani Manar , Elbasani Endrit , Hekim Can , Ihantola Emmi-Leena , Kergourlay Virginie , Vehmaan-kreula Pirjo , Nyman Marie , Kalke Kiira , Nurmi Markus , Monzo Hector , Ojala Paivi , Autio Anu , Korhonen Matti , Thotakura Anil 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Genetically engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown substantial anti-tumor efficacy in hematological malignancies during recent years. As the field evolves to novel target epitopes, longer CAR structures are needed to reach membrane proximal epitopes for improved efficacy. Our approach to reach such epitopes is to have (non-functional) SIRPalpha based extracellular extension, spacer, to our CAR structure. We have shown, in this proof-of-concept study, that stability of the extracellular spacer of a CAR plays a pivotal role to improve in vivo anti-tumor efficacy. Various SIRPalpha-based CARs, FiCARs, targeting CD19 was studied for their function. Protein stability of the CD19 CAR structures were characterized and subsequently the killing efficacy of target cells and cytokine release in in vitro as well as in vivo anti-tumor efficacy was evaluated.

Methods & Results: In vitro co-culture assays with primary CD19 CAR T and CD19 positive cancer cells had shown no significant differences between the different spacer containing FiCAR structures. A dose dependent killing efficacy was observed in all the tested structures with up to &gt;90% killing of NALM6 and Raji cells. Comparable results for IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-13 and granzyme B response were seen in co-cultured assay. In the protein stability studies, modifications in the extracellular part of the CAR structure led to an increase in thermal stability (over 2 °C) and reduced/halted multimer formation. To study the FiCAR T cell function in an in vivo tumor model, NSG mice were injected i.v with Raji cells and few days later mice were injected i.v with FiCAR T cells. Anti-tumor efficacy and overall survival were studied at the end of the study (60 days), the enhanced stability of FiCAR T structure translated into improved anti-tumor efficacy and survival. Interestingly, none of the mice survived in the least stable structure, 40% survival with intermediate stability structures and over 70% survival was observed in most stable structures.

Conclusion: A stabilized SIRPalpha-based CD19 FiCARs dramatically enhance anti-tumor efficacy and survival in Raji tumor model. The stabilization is critical for improved efficacy, especially in the in vivo setting. This data suggests that, in addition to the length of the CARs stability of the CAR structure appear to play a crucial role in the efficacy of the CAR T cells. The modifications presented here enhanced CD19-targeting CAR T cell efficacy. This approach requires further investigation to improve the efficacy of currently approved CAR T cells, especially CD19-CAR T cells.

Citation Format: Henrik Paavilainen, Jan Koski, Veera Nikoskelainen, Manar Elmadani, Endrit Elbasani, Can Hekim, Emmi-Leena Ihantola, Virginie Kergourlay, Pirjo Vehmaan-kreula, Marie Nyman, Kiira Kalke, Markus Nurmi, Hector Monzo, Paivi Ojala, Anu Autio, Matti Korhonen, Anil Thotakura. Stabilization of long CAR T cells is crucial for in vivo antitumor efficacy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 47.