Clinical Focus


  • Cancer > Lymphoma
  • Lymphoma
  • Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
  • Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Medical Oncology
  • Burkitt's Lymphoma
  • Burkitt's Lymphoma - Medical Oncology
  • Hodgkin's Disease
  • Hodgkin's Disease - Medical Oncology
  • Burkitt's Lymphoma - Hematology
  • Hodgkin's Disease - Hematology
  • Oncology (Cancer)
  • Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Hematology
  • Medical Oncology

Academic Appointments


Honors & Awards


  • Karnofsky Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology (1999)
  • Charles Kettering Prize, General Motors Cancer Research Foundation (1999)
  • C.Chester Stock Award, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (2000)
  • Medal of Honor, American Cancer Society (2000)
  • Jeffrey A. Gottlieb Memorial Award, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (2003)
  • Damashek Prize, American Society of Hematology (2004)
  • Member, Institute of Medicine (2007)
  • di Villiers International Achievement Award, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (2007)
  • Member, National Academy of Sciences (2008)
  • King Faisal International Prize, King Faisal Foundation (2009)

Professional Education


  • Fellowship: Stanford University School of Medicine (1973) CA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology (1979)
  • Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital (1970) MA
  • Internship: Massachusetts General Hospital (1969) MA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine (1973)
  • Medical Education: Stanford University School of Medicine (1968) CA
  • AB, Harvard University, Biochemistry (1963)
  • MD, Stanford Univerisity, Medicine (1968)

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


Our research concentrates on the study of malignant lymphoma and tumors of the immune system using the tools of immunology and molecular biology to develop a better understanding of the initiation and progression of the malignant process. Receptor molecules present on the surface of tumor cells transmit signals for regulation of cell growth. These receptors include the immunoglobulin molecule on B cell tumors and the T cell receptor on T cell tumors. Questions the lab is currently addressing include:
1. Can a clue to the pathogenesis of lymphoma be derived from a study of their antigen receptors?
2. Can new treatments for lymphoma be developed by targeting receptors with monoclonal antibodies?
3. Can vaccines be developed which can induce an immune response in the host against the receptors on their own tumor?

Clinical Trials


  • Clinical and Pathologic Studies in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Hodgkin's Disease Recruiting

    The purpose of this study is to characterize the molecular and cell biology of the tumor cells in lymphoma.

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  • A Phase I/II Study of Intratumoral Injection of SD-101 Not Recruiting

    This phase 1-2 trial studies the side effects and best dose of ipilimumab in combination with toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist SD-101 and radiation therapy in treating patients with recurrent low-grade B-cell lymphoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Kathleen McDonald, 650-725-8589.

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  • Clinical and Pathologic Studies in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patients Receiving Antibody Treatment Not Recruiting

    To characterize the molecular and cell biology of the tumor cells in lymphoma. The mechanism of monoclonal antibody treatment by rituximab or epratuzumab will also be examined.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Mayita Romero, (650) 725 - 6452.

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  • CPG 7909 + Local Radiotherapy in Recurrent Low-Grade Lymphomas Not Recruiting

    Brief summary TBD

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Cameron Harrison, (650) 721 - 7186.

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  • Genes in Predicting Outcome of Patients With DLBCL Treated With Rituximab and Combination Chemotherapy (R-CHOP) Not Recruiting

    The investigators hypothesize that survival of newly diagnosed DLBCL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) patients treated with R-CHOP can be predicted by RNA or protein gene expression or by presence of biomarkers associated with the anti-tumor effects of Rituximab.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

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  • Study of SD-101 in Combination With Localized Low-dose Radiation in Patients With Untreated Low-grade B-cell Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    To assess the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of SD-101 in combination with localized low-dose radiation therapy in adult subjects with untreated low-grade B-cell lymphoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Kathleen McDonald, 650-725-8589.

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  • TLR9 Agonist SD-101, Anti-OX40 Antibody BMS 986178, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Low-Grade B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas Not Recruiting

    This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of the anti-OX40 antibody BMS-986178 when given together with the TLR9 agonist SD-101 and radiation therapy in treating patients with low-grade B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. TLR9 agonist SD-101 may stimulate the immune system in different ways and stop cancer cells from growing. Anti-OX40 antibody is a monoclonal antibody that enhances the activation of T cells, immune cells that are important for fighting tumors Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and may make them more easily detected by the immune system. Giving TLR9 agonist SD-101 together with anti-OX40 antibody BMS 986178 and radiation therapy may work better in treating patients with low-grade B-cell non-hodgkin lymphomas.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Destiny Phillips, 650-498-1313.

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  • TLR9 Agonist SD-101, Ibrutinib, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Grade 1-3A Follicular Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    This phase Ib/II trial studies the side effects and best dose of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist SD-101 when given together with ibrutinib and radiation therapy and to see how well they work in treating patients with Low Grade Follicular Lymphoma, Marginal Zone Lymphoma, or Mantle Cell Lymphoma that has come back after a period of improvement or no longer responds to treatment. Immunostimulants such as TLR9 agonist SD-101 may increase the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Ibrutinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Giving TLR9 agonist SD-101 with ibrutinib and radiation therapy may induce an immune response and prolong anti-tumor response.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ami Okada, 650-725-4968.

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2024-25 Courses


Stanford Advisees


Graduate and Fellowship Programs


All Publications


  • Isoprenoid CARTs: In Vitro and In Vivo mRNA Delivery by Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters Functionalized with Archaea-inspired Branched Lipids. Biomacromolecules Rahn, H. P., Sun, J., Li, Z., Waymouth, R. M., Levy, R., Wender, P. A. 2024

    Abstract

    The delivery of oligonucleotides across biological barriers is a challenge of unsurpassed significance at the interface of materials science and medicine, with emerging clinical utility in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations, immunotherapies, genome editing, and cell rejuvenation. Here, we address the role of readily available branched lipids in the design, synthesis, and evaluation of isoprenoid charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs), a pH-responsive oligomeric nanoparticle delivery system for RNA. Systematic variation of the lipid block reveals an emergent relationship between the lipid block and the neutralization kinetics of the polycationic block. Unexpectedly, iA21A11, a CART with the smallest lipid side chain, isoamyl-, was identified as the lead isoprenoid CART for the in vitro transfection of immortalized lymphoblastic cell lines. When administered intramuscularly in a murine model, iA21A11-mRNA complexes induce higher protein expression levels than our previous lead CART, ONA. Isoprenoid CARTs represent a new delivery platform for RNA vaccines and other polyanion-based therapeutics.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00373

    View details for PubMedID 38814265

  • Toward the Development of Functional Biomarker Assays: Analysis of Neoadjuvant Intralesional Oncolytic Virus Response in High-Risk Stage II Melanoma Kirane, A., Lee, D., Ahmad, M., Sharma, S., Serasanambati, M., Lowe, M., Applebee, C., Safrygina, E., Swetter, S., Reddy, S., Warner, A., Funchain, P., Wang, J., Levy, R., Larijani, B., Maverakis, E. SPRINGER. 2024: S33-S34
  • A clinical trial of therapeutic vaccination in lymphoma with serial tumor sampling and single cell analysis. Blood advances Shree, T., Haebe, S. E., Czerwinski, D. K., Eckhert, E., Day, G., Sathe, A., Grimes, S. M., Frank, M. J., Maeda, L., Alizadeh, A. A., Advani, R. H., Hoppe, R. T., Long, S. R., Martin, B. A., Ozawa, M. G., Khodadoust, M. S., Ji, H. P., Levy, R. 2023

    Abstract

    In situ vaccination (ISV) triggers an immune response to tumor-associated antigens at one tumor site that can then tackle disease throughout the body. Here we report clinical and biological results of a phase I/II ISV trial in patients with low-grade lymphoma (NCT02927964) combining an intratumoral TLR9 agonist with local low-dose radiation, and ibrutinib (an inhibitor of B and T cell kinases). Adverse events were predominately low grade. The overall response rate was 50%, including one complete response. All patients experienced tumor reduction at distant sites. Single cell analyses of serial fine needle aspirates from injected and uninjected tumors revealed correlates of clinical response, such as lower CD47 and higher MHCII expression on tumor cells, enhanced T and NK cell effector function, and reduced immune suppression from TGFß and inhibitory T regulatory 1 cells. While changes at the local injected site were more pronounced, changes at distant uninjected sites more often associated with clinical responses. Functional immune response assays and tracking of T cell receptor sequences provided evidence of treatment-induced tumor-specific T cell responses. Induction of immune effectors and reversal of negative regulators were both important in producing clinically meaningful tumor responses. NCT02927964.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011589

    View details for PubMedID 37939259

  • Co-Occurrence of Clonally Related Follicular Lymphoma and Histiocytic Sarcoma Haebe, S., Czerwinski, D. K., Sathe, A., Grimes, S., Chen, T., Martin, B., Ji, H., Levy, R., Shree, T. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2023
  • Loss of the OX40 Target in Lymphoma Patients after Combining an Anti-OX40 Agonist Antibody with in Situ Vaccination Czerwinski, D. K., Shree, T., Haebe, S., Shi, S., Long, S. R., Martin, B., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2023
  • Follicular lymphoma evolves with a surmountable dependency on acquired glycosylation motifs in the B cell receptor. Blood Haebe, S. E., Day, G., Czerwinski, D. K., Sathe, A., Grimes, S. M., Chen, T., Long, S. R., Martin, B. A., Ozawa, M. G., Ji, H. P., Shree, T., Levy, R. 2023

    Abstract

    An early event in the genesis of follicular lymphoma (FL) is the acquisition of new glycosylation motifs in the B cell receptor (BCR) due to gene rearrangement and/or somatic hypermutation. These N-linked glycosylation motifs (N-motifs) contain mannose-terminated glycans and can interact with lectins in the tumor microenvironment, activating the tumor BCR pathway. N-motifs are stable during FL evolution suggesting that FL tumor cells are dependent on them for their survival. Here, we investigated the dynamics and potential impact of N-motif prevalence in FL at the single cell level across distinct tumor sites and over time in 17 patients. While most patients had acquired at least one N-motif as an early event, we also found (i) cases without N-motifs in the heavy or light chains at any tumor site or timepoint and (ii) cases with discordant N-motif patterns across different tumor sites. Inferring phylogenetic trees for the patients with discordant patterns, we observed that both N-motif-positive and N-motif-negative tumor subclones could be selected and expanded during tumor evolution. Comparing N-motif-positive to N-motif-negative tumor cells within a patient revealed higher expression of genes involved in the BCR pathway and inflammatory response, while tumor cells without N-motifs had higher activity of pathways involved in energy metabolism. In conclusion, while acquired N-motifs likely support FL pathogenesis through antigen-independent BCR signaling in most FL patients, N-motif-negative tumor cells can also be selected and expanded and may depend more heavily on altered metabolism for competitive survival.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2023020360

    View details for PubMedID 37683139

  • Single-cell multi-gene identification of somatic mutations and gene rearrangements in cancer. NAR cancer Grimes, S. M., Kim, H. S., Roy, S., Sathe, A., Ayala, C. I., Bai, X., Almeda-Notestine, A. F., Haebe, S., Shree, T., Levy, R., Lau, B. T., Ji, H. P. 2023; 5 (3): zcad034

    Abstract

    In this proof-of-concept study, we developed a single-cell method that provides genotypes of somatic alterations found in coding regions of messenger RNAs and integrates these transcript-based variants with their matching cell transcriptomes. We used nanopore adaptive sampling on single-cell complementary DNA libraries to validate coding variants in target gene transcripts, and short-read sequencing to characterize cell types harboring the mutations. CRISPR edits for 16 targets were identified using a cancer cell line, and known variants in the cell line were validated using a 352-gene panel. Variants in primary cancer samples were validated using target gene panels ranging from 161 to 529 genes. A gene rearrangement was also identified in one patient, with the rearrangement occurring in two distinct tumor sites.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/narcan/zcad034

    View details for PubMedID 37435532

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10331933

  • The molecular mechanism of CD81 antibody inhibition of metastasis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Abu-Saleh, N., Kuo, C. C., Jiang, W., Levy, R., Levy, S. 2023; 120 (26): e2305042120

    Abstract

    Metastases are reduced in CD81KO mice. In addition, a unique anti-CD81 antibody, 5A6, inhibits metastasis in vivo and invasion and migration in vitro. Here, we probed the structural components of CD81 required for the antimetastatic activity induced by 5A6. We found that the removal of either cholesterol or the intracellular domains of CD81 did not affect inhibition by the antibody. We show that the uniqueness of 5A6 is due not to increased affinity but rather to its recognition of a specific epitope on the large extracellular loop of CD81. Finally, we present a number of CD81 membrane-associated partners that may play a role in mediating the 5A6 antimetastatic attributes, including integrins and transferrin receptors.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.2305042120

    View details for PubMedID 37339209

  • Targeted TLR9 Agonist Elicits Effective Antitumor Immunity against Spontaneously Arising Breast Tumors. Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) Miller, C. L., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Neuhöfer, P., Czerwinski, D. K., Bertozzi, C. R., Cochran, J. R., Levy, R. 2023

    Abstract

    Spontaneous tumors that arise in genetically engineered mice recapitulate the natural tumor microenvironment and tumor-immune coevolution observed in human cancers, providing a more physiologically relevant preclinical model relative to implanted tumors. Similar to many cancer patients, oncogene-driven spontaneous tumors are often resistant to immunotherapy, and thus novel agents that can effectively promote antitumor immunity against these aggressive cancers show considerable promise for clinical translation, and their mechanistic assessment can broaden our understanding of tumor immunology. In this study, we performed extensive immune profiling experiments to investigate how tumor-targeted TLR9 stimulation remodels the microenvironment of spontaneously arising tumors during an effective antitumor immune response. To model the clinical scenario of multiple tumor sites, we used MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice, which spontaneously develop heterogeneous breast tumors throughout their 10 mammary glands. We found that i.v. administration of a tumor-targeting TLR9 agonist, referred to as PIP-CpG, induced a systemic T cell-mediated immune response that not only promoted regression of existing mammary tumors, but also elicited immune memory capable of delaying growth of independent newly arising tumors. Within the tumor microenvironment, PIP-CpG therapy initiated an inflammatory cascade that dramatically amplified chemokine and cytokine production, prompted robust infiltration and expansion of innate and adaptive immune cells, and led to diverse and unexpected changes in immune phenotypes. This study demonstrates that effective systemic treatment of an autochthonous multisite tumor model can be achieved using a tumor-targeted immunostimulant and provides immunological insights that will inform future therapeutic strategies.

    View details for DOI 10.4049/jimmunol.2200950

    View details for PubMedID 37256255

  • Lysine-Derived Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters: Targeted Delivery of mRNA and siRNA to the Lungs. Bioconjugate chemistry Blake, T. R., Haabeth, O. A., Sallets, A., McClellan, R. L., Del Castillo, T. J., Vilches-Moure, J. G., Ho, W. C., Wender, P. A., Levy, R., Waymouth, R. M. 2023

    Abstract

    Targeted delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics to the lungs could transform treatment options for pulmonary disease. We have previously developed oligomeric charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) for in vivo mRNA transfection and demonstrated their efficacy for use in mRNA-based cancer vaccination and local immunomodulatory therapies against murine tumors. While our previously reported glycine-based CART-mRNA complexes (G-CARTs/mRNA) show selective protein expression in the spleen (mouse, >99%), here, we report a new lysine-derived CART-mRNA complex (K-CART/mRNA) that, without additives or targeting ligands, shows selective protein expression in the lungs (mouse, >90%) following systemic IV administration. We further show that by delivering siRNA using the K-CART, we can significantly decrease expression of a lung-localized reporter protein. Blood chemistry and organ pathology studies demonstrate that K-CARTs are safe and well-tolerated. We report on the new step economical, organocatalytic synthesis (two steps) of functionalized polyesters and oligo-carbonate-co-α-aminoester K-CARTs from simple amino acid and lipid-based monomers. The ability to direct protein expression selectively in the spleen or lungs by simple, modular changes to the CART structure opens fundamentally new opportunities in research and gene therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00019

    View details for PubMedID 36996808

  • Rituximab Chimeric Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Relapsed Indolent Lymphoma: Half of Patients Respond to a Four-Dose Treatment Program JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY McLaughlin, P., Grillo-Lopez, A. J., Link, B. K., Levy, R., Czuczman, M. S., Williams, M. E., Heyman, M. R., Bence-Bruckler, I., White, C. A., Cabanillas, F., Jain, V., Ho, A. D., Lister, J., Wey, K., Shen, D., Dallaire, B. K. 2023; 41 (2): 154-162

    Abstract

    The CD20 antigen is expressed on more than 90% of B-cell lymphomas. It is appealing for targeted therapy, because it does not shed or modulate. A chimeric monoclonal antibody more effectively mediates host effector functions and is itself less immunogenic than are murine antibodies.This was a multiinstitutional trial of the chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, IDEC-C2B8. Patients with relapsed low grade or follicular lymphoma received an outpatient treatment course of IDEC-C2B8 375 mg/m2 intravenously weekly for four doses.From 31 centers, 166 patients were entered. Of this intent-to-treat group, 48% responded. With a median follow-up duration of 11.8 months, the projected median time to progression for responders is 13.0 months. Serum antibody levels were sustained longer after the fourth infusion than after the first, and were higher in responders and in patients with lower tumor burden. The majority of adverse events occurred during the first infusion and were grade 1 or 2; fever and chills were the most common events. Only 12% of patients had grade 3 and 3% grade 4 toxicities. A human antichimeric antibody was detected in only one patient.The response rate of 48% with IDEC-C2B8 is comparable to results with single-agent cytotoxic chemotherapy. Toxicity was mild. Attention needs to be paid to the rate of antibody infusion, with titration according to toxicity. Further investigation of this agent is warranted, including its use in conjunction with standard chemotherapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.22.02403

    View details for Web of Science ID 000921267800002

    View details for PubMedID 36603541

  • Activating Immune Effectors and Dampening Immune Suppressors Generates Successful Therapeutic Cancer Vaccination in Patients with Lymphoma Shree, T., Haebe, S., Czerwinski, D. K., Eckhert, E., Day, G., Sathe, A., Grimes, S. M., Frank, M. J., Maeda, L. S., Alizadeh, A. A., Advani, R. H., Hoppe, R., Long, S. R., Martin, B., Ozawa, M. G., Khodadoust, M. S., Ji, H. P., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2022: 6450-6451
  • Prevalence of Acquired N-Glycosylation Sites at the Single Cell Level in Follicular Lymphoma Haebe, S., Shree, T., Day, G., Czerwinski, D. K., Sathe, A., Grimes, S. M., Long, S. R., Martin, B., Ozawa, M. G., Ji, H. P., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2022: 9211-9212
  • PROFILING THE EFFECTS OF TARGETED TLR9 STIMULATION WITHIN SPONTANEOUSLY ARISING BREAST TUMORS Miller, C., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Neuhoefer, P., Czerwinski, D., Bertozzi, C., Cochran, J., Levy, R. BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP. 2022: A1209
  • PARP14 is a novel target in STAT6 mutant follicular lymphoma. Leukemia Mentz, M., Keay, W., Strobl, C. D., Antoniolli, M., Adolph, L., Heide, M., Lechner, A., Haebe, S., Osterode, E., Kridel, R., Ziegenhain, C., Wange, L. E., Hildebrand, J. A., Shree, T., Silkenstedt, E., Staiger, A. M., Ott, G., Horn, H., Szczepanowski, M., Richter, J., Levy, R., Rosenwald, A., Enard, W., Zimber-Strobl, U., von Bergwelt-Baildon, M., Hiddemann, W., Klapper, W., Schmidt-Supprian, M., Rudelius, M., Bararia, D., Passerini, V., Weigert, O. 2022

    Abstract

    The variable clinical course of follicular lymphoma (FL) is determined by the molecular heterogeneity of tumor cells and complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). IL-4 producing follicular helper T cells (TFH) are critical components of the FL TME. Binding of IL-4 to IL-4R on FL cells activates JAK/STAT signaling. We identified STAT6 mutations (STAT6MUT) in 13% of FL (N=33/258), all clustered within the DNA binding domain. Gene expression data and immunohistochemistry showed upregulation of IL-4/STAT6 target genes in STAT6MUT FL, including CCL17, CCL22, and FCER2 (CD23). Functionally, STAT6MUT was gain-of-function by serial replating phenotype in pre-B CFU assays. Expression of STAT6MUT enhanced IL-4 induced FCER2/CD23, CCL17 and CCL22 expression and was associated with nuclear accumulation of pSTAT6. RNA sequencing identified PARP14 -a transcriptional switch and co-activator of STAT6- among the top differentially upregulated genes in IL-4 stimulated STAT6MUT lymphoma cells and in STAT6MUT primary FL cells. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (qChIP) demonstrated binding of STAT6MUT but not STAT6WT to the PARP14 promotor. Reporter assays showed increased IL-4 induced transactivation activity of STAT6MUT at the PARP14 promotor, suggesting a self-reinforcing regulatory circuit. Knock-down of PARP14 or PARP-inhibition abrogated the STAT6MUT gain-of-function phenotype. Thus, our results identify PARP14 as a novel therapeutic target in STAT6MUT FL.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41375-022-01641-x

    View details for PubMedID 35851155

  • Fingolimod-Conjugated Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters Efficiently and Specifically Deliver mRNA to Lymphocytes In Vivo and In Vitro. Biomacromolecules Testa, S., Haabeth, O. A., Blake, T. R., Del Castillo, T. J., Czerwinski, D. K., Rajapaksa, R., Wender, P. A., Waymouth, R. M., Levy, R. 2022

    Abstract

    Charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) are a class of oligonucleotide delivery vehicles shown to be effective for delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we exploited the chemical versatility of the CART synthesis to generate CARTs containing the small-molecule drug fingolimod (FTY720) as a strategy to increase mRNA delivery and expression in lymphocytes through a specific ligand-receptor interaction. Fingolimod is an FDA-approved small-molecule drug that, upon in vivo phosphorylation, binds to the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1), which is highly expressed on lymphocytes. Compared to its non-fingolimod-conjugated analogue, the fingolimod-conjugated CART achieved superior transfection of activated human and murine T and B lymphocytes in vitro. The higher transfection of the fingolimod-conjugated CARTs was lost when cells were exposed to a free fingolimod before transfection. In vivo, the fingolimod-conjugated CART showed increased mRNA delivery to marginal zone B cells and NK cells in the spleen, relative to CARTs lacking fingolimod. Moreover, fingolimod-CART-mediated mRNA delivery induces peripheral blood T-cell depletion similar to free fingolimod. Thus, we show that functionalization of CARTs with a pharmacologically validated small molecule can increase transfection of a cellular population of interest while conferring some of the targeting properties of the conjugated small molecule to the CARTs.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00469

    View details for PubMedID 35748182

  • Intratumoral immunotherapy relies on B and T cell collaboration. Science immunology Sagiv-Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D. K., Shree, T., Lohmeyer, J. J., Levy, R. 2022; 7 (71): eabn5859

    Abstract

    Antitumor T cell responses are the primary mediators of cancer immunotherapy. However, many other components of the immune system are needed for efficient T cell responses to be generated. Here, we developed a combinatorial approach where a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist (CpG) and Fc-fused IL-12 protein were injected together into just one of several tumor sites in a mouse. This combination led to body-wide (abscopal) therapeutic responses in multiple cancer models. These systemic responses were dependent not only on T cells but also on B cells. B cells were activated by the treatment and were required for optimal T cell activation. This cross-talk was dependent on MHC and was tumor antigen specific. The addition of an agonistic antibody against OX40 further enhanced T cell activation and therapeutic responses. Our data suggest that the combination of CpG, anti-OX40, and IL-12Fc may have success in patients with cancer and that B and T cell collaboration is crucial for the efficacy of this combination immunotherapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn5859

    View details for PubMedID 35622903

  • Neoadjuvant Intratumoral Immunotherapy with TLR9 Activation and Anti-OX40 Antibody Eradicates Metastatic Cancer. Cancer research Hong, W. X., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D. K., Sallets, A., Levy, R. 2022

    Abstract

    The combination of the synthetic TLR9 ligand CpG and agnostic OX40 antibody can trigger systemic anti-tumor immune responses upon co-injection into the tumor microenvironment, eradicating simultaneous untreated sites of metastatic disease. Here we explore the application of this in situ immunotherapy to the neoadjuvant setting. Current neoadjuvant checkpoint blockade therapy is delivered systemically, resulting in off-target adverse effects. In contrast, intratumoral immunotherapy minimizes the potential for toxicities and allows for greater development of combination therapies. In two metastatic solid tumor models, neoadjuvant intratumoral immunotherapy generated a local T cell antitumor response that then acted systemically to attack cancer throughout the body. In addition, the importance of timing between neoadjuvant immunotherapy and surgical resection was established, as well as the increased therapeutic power of adding systemic anti-PD1 antibody. The combination of local and systemic immunotherapy generated an additional survival benefit due to synergistic inhibitory effect on tumor-associated macrophages. These results provide a strong rationale for translating this neoadjuvant intratumoral immunotherapy to the clinical setting, especially in conjunction with established checkpoint inhibitors.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-21-1382

    View details for PubMedID 35135810

  • CD81 costimulation skews CAR transduction toward naive T cells. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Schultz, L. M., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, R., Levy, S. 1800; 119 (5)

    Abstract

    Adoptive cellular therapy using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has revolutionized our treatment of relapsed B cell malignancies and is currently being integrated into standard therapy. The impact of selecting specific T cell subsets for CAR transduction remains under investigation. Previous studies demonstrated that effector T cells derived from naive, rather than central memory T cells mediate more potent antitumor effects. Here, we investigate a method to skew CAR transduction toward naive T cells without physical cell sorting. Viral-mediated CAR transduction requires ex vivo T cell activation, traditionally achieved using antibody-mediated strategies. CD81 is a T cell costimulatory molecule that when combined with CD3 and CD28 enhances naive T cell activation. We interrogate the effect of CD81 costimulation on resultant CAR transduction. We identify that upon CD81-mediated activation, naive T cells lose their identifying surface phenotype and switch to a memory phenotype. By prelabeling naive T cells and tracking them through T cell activation and CAR transduction, we document that CD81 costimulation enhanced naive T cell activation and resultantly generated a CAR T cell product enriched with naive-derived CAR T cells.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1910844119

    View details for PubMedID 35091467

  • CD20-Targeted Therapy Ablates De Novo Antibody Response to Vaccination but Spares Pre-Established Immunity. Blood cancer discovery Shree, T., Shankar, V., Lohmeyer, J. J., Czerwinski, D. K., Schroers-Martin, J. G., Rodriguez, G. M., Beygi, S., Kanegai, A. M., Corbelli, K. S., Gabriel, E., Kurtz, D. M., Khodadoust, M. S., Gupta, N. K., Maeda, L. S., Advani, R. H., Alizadeh, A. A., Levy, R. 2022

    Abstract

    To obtain a deeper understanding of poor responses to COVID-19 vaccination in lymphoma patients, we assessed blocking antibodies, total anti-spike IgG, and spike-specific memory B cells in the peripheral blood of 126 patients with lymphoma and 20 age-matched healthy controls 1 and 4 months after COVID-19 vaccination. Fifty-five percent of patients developed blocking antibodies post-vaccination, compared to 100% of controls. Evaluating patients last treated from days to nearly 18 years prior to vaccination, time since last anti-CD20 was a significant independent predictor of vaccine response. None of 31 patients who had received anti-CD20 treatment within 6 months prior to vaccination developed blocking antibodies. In contrast, patients who initiated anti-CD20 treatment shortly after achieving a vaccine-induced antibody response tended to retain that response during treatment, suggesting a policy of immunizing prior to treatment whenever possible.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/2643-3230.BCD-21-0222

    View details for PubMedID 35015688

  • Time Since Last Anti-CD20 Treatment Is a Major Determinant of Sars-Cov-2 Vaccine Response in a Large Cohort of Patients with B-Cell Lymphoma Shree, T., Shankar, V., Czerwinski, D. K., Rodriguez, G., Beygi, S., Schroers-Martin, J. G., Advani, R., Maeda, L. S., Gupta, N. K., Khodadoust, M. S., Kurtz, D. M., Corbelli, K. S., Gabriel, E., Kanegai, A. M., Alizadeh, A. A., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2021
  • In Situ Vaccination with IL-12Fc and TLR Agonist - a Crucial Role for B Cells in Generating Anti-Tumor T Cell Immunity Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2021
  • Therapeutic and Immunologic Responses Elicited By in Situ Vaccination with CpG, Ibrutinib, and Low-Dose Radiation Shree, T., Haebe, S., Czerwinski, D. K., Day, G., Sathe, A., Khodadoust, M. S., Frank, M. J., Beygi, S., Hoppe, R., Long, S. R., Martin, B., Ji, H. P., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2021
  • In Situ Vaccination Induces Changes in Follicular Lymphoma Tumor Cells That Correlate with Abscopal Clinical Regressions Haebe, S., Shree, T., Day, G., Sathe, A., Czerwinski, D. K., Grimes, S. M., Long, S. R., Martin, B., Hoppe, R., Ji, H. P., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2021
  • SYSTEMIC DELIVERY OF A TUMOR-TARGETED TLR9 AGONIST CONJUGATE TRANSFORMS THE TUMOR IMMUNE LANDSCAPE AND INDUCES TUMOR REGRESSION IN MICE Candidate, C., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Neuhoefer, P., Czerwinski, D., Artandi, S., Bertozzi, C., Levy, R., Cochran, J. BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP. 2021: A803
  • An mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Employing Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters with a TLR-9 Agonist Induces Neutralizing Antibodies and T Cell Memory. ACS central science Haabeth, O. A., Lohmeyer, J. J., Sallets, A., Blake, T. R., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D. K., McCarthy, B., Powell, A. E., Wender, P. A., Waymouth, R. M., Levy, R. 2021; 7 (7): 1191-1204

    Abstract

    The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has necessitated the rapid development of prophylactic vaccines. Two mRNA vaccines have been approved for emergency use by the FDA and have demonstrated extraordinary effectiveness. The success of these mRNA vaccines establishes the speed of development and therapeutic potential of mRNA. These authorized vaccines encode full-length versions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. They are formulated with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery vehicles that have inherent immunostimulatory properties. Different vaccination strategies and alternative mRNA delivery vehicles would be desirable to ensure flexibility of future generations of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the development of mRNA vaccines in general. Here, we report on the development of an alternative mRNA vaccine approach using a delivery vehicle called charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs). Using these inherently nonimmunogenic vehicles, we can tailor the vaccine immunogenicity by inclusion of coformulated adjuvants such as oligodeoxynucleotides with CpG motifs (CpG-ODN). Mice vaccinated with the mRNA-CART vaccine developed therapeutically relevant levels of receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific neutralizing antibodies in both the circulation and in the lung bronchial fluids. In addition, vaccination elicited strong and long-lasting RBD-specific TH1 T cell responses including CD4+ and CD8+ T cell memory.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/acscentsci.1c00361

    View details for PubMedID 34341771

  • Single Cell Analysis Can Define Distinct Evolution of Tumor Sites in Follicular Lymphoma. Blood Haebe, S. E., Shree, T. n., Sathe, A. n., Day, G. n., Czerwinski, D. K., Grimes, S. n., Lee, H. n., Binkley, M. S., Long, S. R., Martin, B. A., Ji, H. P., Levy, R. n. 2021

    Abstract

    Tumor heterogeneity complicates biomarker development and fosters drug resistance in solid malignancies. In lymphoma, our knowledge of site-to-site heterogeneity and its clinical implications is still limited. Here, we profiled two nodal, synchronously-acquired tumor samples from ten follicular lymphoma patients using single cell RNA, B cell receptor (BCR) and T cell receptor sequencing, and flow cytometry. By following the rapidly mutating tumor immunoglobulin genes, we discovered that BCR subclones were shared between the two tumor sites in some patients, but in many patients the disease had evolved separately with limited tumor cell migration between the sites. Patients exhibiting divergent BCR evolution also exhibited divergent tumor gene expression and cell surface protein profiles. While the overall composition of the tumor microenvironment did not differ significantly between sites, we did detect a specific correlation between site-to-site tumor heterogeneity and T follicular helper (Tfh) cell abundance. We further observed enrichment of particular ligand-receptor pairs between tumor and Tfh cells, including CD40 and CD40LG, and a significant correlation between tumor CD40 expression and Tfh proliferation. Our study may explain discordant responses to systemic therapies, underscores the difficulty of capturing a patient's disease with a single biopsy, and furthers our understanding of tumor-immune networks in follicular lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2020009855

    View details for PubMedID 33728464

  • How to Provide the Needed Protection from COVID-19 to Patients with Hematologic Malignancies. Blood cancer discovery Ribas, A., Dhodapkar, M. V., Campbell, K. M., Davies, F. E., Gore, S. D., Levy, R., Greenberger, L. M. 2021; 2 (6): 562-567

    Abstract

    Patients with hematologic malignancies are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infections, and upon a pooled data analysis of 24 publications, there is evidence that they have suboptimal antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. To provide them the needed additional protection from COVID-19, it is imperative to achieve a 100% full immunization rate in health care workers and adult caretakers, and to foster research to test higher doses and repeated rounds of COVID-19 vaccines and the use of passive immune prophylaxis and therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/2643-3230.BCD-21-0166

    View details for PubMedID 34778796

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8580613

  • Serial FNA allows direct sampling of malignant and infiltrating immune cells in patients with B-cell lymphoma receiving immunotherapy. Cancer cytopathology Mooney, K. L., Czerwinski, D. K., Shree, T., Frank, M. J., Haebe, S., Martin, B. A., Testa, S., Levy, R., Long, S. R. 2021

    Abstract

    Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is used to diagnose malignancies, recurrences, and metastases. The procedure is quick and well tolerated and can be facilitated by ultrasound guidance.This article describes the authors' experience in using serial FNA to harvest cellular material during 4 clinical trials of immunotherapy by in situ vaccination in patients with low-grade lymphoma.Two hundred ninety-six FNA samples were collected from 44 patients over a span of approximately 6 weeks for each patient. Samples were sufficient in quantity and quality to be analyzed by flow cytometry and/or single-cell messenger RNA sequencing. FNA samples yielded an average of 12 × 106 cells with a mean cellular viability of 86%. Material collected from the tumor lymph nodes differed significantly in the proportions and phenotypes of cellular populations in comparison with matched peripheral blood samples. A comparison of flow cytometry results obtained by FNA directly from the patient and by FNA performed ex vivo and a dissociation of the same lymph node after surgical excision confirmed that FNA sampling of the patient accurately represented the tumor and the microenvironment. An analysis of the FNA samples from immunotherapy-treated target lymph nodes versus nodes from nontreated tumor sites provided insight into the impact of specific immunotherapy regimens.This is the largest study describing the use of serial FNA sampling to harvest cellular material during immunotherapy clinical trials. The success of this technique opens the door for FNA sampling to expand significantly future investigations of the dynamic effects of investigational agents, be they immunotherapies or targeted therapies.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/cncy.22531

    View details for PubMedID 34780125

  • Systemic delivery of a targeted synthetic immunostimulant transforms the immune landscape for effective tumor regression. Cell chemical biology Miller, C. L., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Neuhöfer, P., Czerwinski, D. K., Artandi, S. E., Bertozzi, C. R., Levy, R., Cochran, J. R. 2021

    Abstract

    Promoting immune activation within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a promising therapeutic strategy to reverse tumor immunosuppression and elicit anti-tumor immunity. To enable tumor-localized immunotherapy following intravenous administration, we chemically conjugated a polyspecific integrin-binding peptide (PIP) to an immunostimulant (Toll-like receptor 9 [TLR9] agonist: CpG) to generate a tumor-targeted immunomodulatory agent, referred to as PIP-CpG. We demonstrate that systemic delivery of PIP-CpG induces tumor regression and enhances therapeutic efficacy compared with untargeted CpG in aggressive murine breast and pancreatic cancer models. Furthermore, PIP-CpG transforms the immune-suppressive TME dominated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells into a lymphocyte-rich TME infiltrated with activated CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and B cells. Finally, we show that T cells are required for therapeutic efficacy and that PIP-CpG treatment generates tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. These data demonstrate that conjugation to a synthetic tumor-targeted peptide can improve the efficacy of systemically administered immunostimulants and lead to durable anti-tumor immune responses.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.10.012

    View details for PubMedID 34774126

  • Targeting the tetraspanin CD81 reduces cancer invasion and metastasis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Vences-Catalán, F., Rajapaksa, R., Kuo, C. C., Miller, C. L., Lee, A., Ramani, V. C., Jeffrey, S. S., Levy, R., Levy, S. 2021; 118 (24)

    Abstract

    Tetraspanins are an evolutionary conserved family of proteins involved in multiple aspects of cell physiology, including proliferation, migration and invasion, protein trafficking, and signal transduction; yet their detailed mechanism of action is unknown. Tetraspanins have no known natural ligands, but their engagement by antibodies has begun to reveal their role in cell biology. Studies of tetraspanin knockout mice and of germline mutations in humans have highlighted their role under normal and pathological conditions. Previously, we have shown that mice deficient in the tetraspanin CD81 developed fewer breast cancer metastases compared to their wild-type (WT) counterparts. Here, we show that a unique anti-human CD81 antibody (5A6) effectively halts invasion of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. We demonstrate that 5A6 induces CD81 clustering at the cell membrane and we implicate JAM-A protein in the ability of this antibody to inhibit tumor cell invasion and migration. Furthermore, in a series of in vivo studies we demonstrate that this antibody inhibits metastases in xenograft models, as well as in syngeneic mice bearing a mouse tumor into which we knocked in the human CD81 epitope recognized by the 5A6 antibody.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.2018961118

    View details for PubMedID 34099563

  • Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of lymphoma. Journal for immunotherapy of cancer Neelapu, S. S., Adkins, S., Ansell, S. M., Brody, J., Cairo, M. S., Friedberg, J. W., Kline, J. P., Levy, R., Porter, D. L., van Besien, K., Werner, M., Bishop, M. R. 2020; 8 (2)

    Abstract

    The recent development and clinical implementation of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma have improved patient outcomes across subgroups. The rapid introduction of immunotherapeutic agents into the clinic, however, has presented significant questions regarding optimal treatment scheduling around existing chemotherapy/radiation options, as well as a need for improved understanding of how to properly manage patients and recognize toxicities. To address these challenges, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a panel of experts in lymphoma to develop a clinical practice guideline for the education of healthcare professionals on various aspects of immunotherapeutic treatment. The panel discussed subjects including treatment scheduling, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and the integration of immunotherapy and stem cell transplant to form recommendations to guide healthcare professionals treating patients with lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/jitc-2020-001235

    View details for PubMedID 33361336

  • Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Solid Tumors Hong, W., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D., Levy, R. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2020: S275
  • Neoadjuvant immunotherapy for solid tumors Hong, W., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D., Levy, R. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2020
  • Impaired Immune Health in Survivors of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Shree, T., Li, Q., Glaser, S. L., Brunson, A., Maecker, H. T., Haile, R. W., Levy, R., Keegan, T. H. 2020: JCO1901937

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: Therapeutic advances for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have led to an increasing number of survivors. Both DLBCL and its treatments perturb the immune system, yet little is known about immune health during extended survivorship.METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared 21,690 survivors of DLBCL from the California Cancer Registry (CCR) to survivors of breast, prostate, head and neck, and melanoma cancers. We linked their CCR records to a statewide database documenting hospital, emergency room, and ambulatory surgery visits and investigated the incidence of autoimmune conditions, immune deficiencies, and infections 1-10 years after cancer diagnosis.RESULTS: We found elevated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for many immune-related conditions in survivors of DLBCL compared with other cancer survivors, including significantly and consistently elevated IRRs for viral and fungal pneumonias (up to 10.8-fold), meningitis (up to 5.3-fold), as well as humoral deficiency (up to 17.6-fold) and autoimmune cytopenias (up to 12-fold). IRRs for most conditions remained high even in the late survivorship period (5-10 years after cancer diagnosis). The elevated risks could not be explained by exposure to chemotherapy, stem-cell transplantation, or rituximab, except for IRRs for humoral deficiency, which were consistently higher after the incorporation of rituximab into DLBCL treatments.CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort study with extended follow-up to demonstrate impaired immune health in survivors of DLBCL. The observed persistent, elevated risks for autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and infectious conditions may reflect persistent immune dysregulation caused by lymphoma or treatment and may lead to excess morbidity and mortality during survivorship. Improved understanding of these risks could meaningfully improve long-term care of patients with DLBCL.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.19.01937

    View details for PubMedID 32083991

  • Urelumab alone or in combination with rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma. American journal of hematology Timmerman, J., Herbaux, C., Ribrag, V., Zelenetz, A. D., Houot, R., Neelapu, S. S., Logan, T., Lossos, I. S., Urba, W., Salles, G., Ramchandren, R., Jacobson, C., Godwin, J., Carpio, C., Lathers, D., Liu, Y., Neely, J., Suryawanshi, S., Koguchi, Y., Levy, R. 2020

    Abstract

    Urelumab, a fully human, non-ligand binding, CD137 agonist IgG4 monoclonal antibody, enhances T-cell and natural killer-cell antitumor activity in preclinical models and may enhance cytotoxic activity of rituximab. Here we report results in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and other B-cell lymphomas in phase 1 studies evaluating urelumab alone (NCT01471210) or combined with rituximab (NCT01775631). Sixty patients received urelumab (0.3 mg/kg IV Q3W, 8 mg IV Q3W, or 8 mg IV Q6W); 46 received urelumab (0.1 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, or 8 mg IV Q3W) + rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV QW. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of urelumab was determined to be 0.1 mg/kg or 8 mg Q3W after a single event of potential drug-induced liver injury occurred with urelumab 0.3 mg/kg. Treatment-related AEs were reported in 52% (urelumab: grade 3/4, 15%) and 72% (urelumab + rituximab: grade 3/4, 28%); 3 led to discontinuation (grade 3 increased AST, grade 4 acute hepatitis [urelumab]; 1 death from sepsis syndrome [urelumab + rituximab]). Objective response rates/disease control rates were 6%/19% (DLBCL, n=31), 12%/35% (FL, n=17), and 17%/42% (other B-cell lymphomas, n=12) with urelumab and 10%/24% (DLBCL, n=29) and 35%/71% (FL, n=17) with urelumab + rituximab. Durable remissions in heavily pretreated patients were achieved; however, many were observed at doses exceeding the MTD. These data show that urelumab ± rituximab demonstrated manageable safety in B-cell lymphoma, but the combination did not enhance clinical activity relative to rituximab alone or other current standard of care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ajh.25757

    View details for PubMedID 32052473

  • Could anti-CD20 therapy jeopardise the efficacy of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine? European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990) Houot, R. n., Levy, R. n., Cartron, G. n., Armand, P. n. 2020; 136: 4–6

    Abstract

    A vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 might represent the most promising approach to halt durably the current COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that anti-CD20 therapy may jeopardise the efficacy of such a vaccine. This is regrettable because patients receiving anti-CD20 therapy (i.e. those with haematologic malignancies or autoimmune disorders) are particularly at risk of severe COVID-19 and, as such, are the most in need of a vaccine. Here, we review the reasons why anti-CD20 therapy may abrogate or diminish the efficacy of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and we draw physicians' attention towards this potential risk so that it can be considered when evaluating the risk/benefit ratio of anti-CD20 therapy during the current pandemic.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.06.017

    View details for PubMedID 32619884

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7315961

  • First-in-Human Study of Utomilumab, a 4-1BB/CD137 Agonist, in Combination with Rituximab in Patients with Follicular and Other CD20+ Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas. Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research Gopal, A. K., Levy, R. n., Houot, R. n., Patel, S. P., Popplewell, L. n., Jacobson, C. n., Mu, X. J., Deng, S. n., Ching, K. A., Chen, Y. n., Davis, C. B., Huang, B. n., Fly, K. D., Thall, A. n., Woolfson, A. n., Bartlett, N. L. 2020

    Abstract

    In this phase I study (NCT01307267) we evaluated safety, pharmacokinetics, clinical activity, and pharmacodynamics of treatment with utomilumab plus rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory follicular (FL) and other CD20+ non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs).Primary objectives were to assess treatment safety and tolerability for estimating the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), using a modified time-to-event continual reassessment method, and selecting the recommended phase II dose (RP2D).Sixty-seven patients received utomilumab (0.03-10.0 mg/kg every 4 weeks [Q4W]) and rituximab (375 mg/m2 weekly) in the dose escalation groups or utomilumab (1.2 mg/kg Q4W) plus rituximab in the dose expansion cohort. No patient experienced DLTThe MTD for utomilumab in combination with rituximab was not reached and estimated to be ≥10 mg/kg Q4W. The majority of the utomilumab treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were grade 1-2; the most common AE was fatigue (16.4%). The pharmacokinetics of utomilumab in combination with rituximab was linear in the 0.03-10 mg/kg dose range. A low incidence (1.5%) of treatment-induced anti-drug antibodies against utomilumab was observed. The objective response rate was 21.2% (95% CI 12.1, 33.0%) in all patients with NHL, including 4 complete and 10 partial responses. Analysis of paired biopsies from a relapsed/refractory FL patient with complete response showed increased T-cell infiltration and cytotoxic activity in tumors. Biomarker correlations with outcomes suggested that clinical benefit may be contingent on patient immune function.Utomilumab in combination with rituximab demonstrated clinical activity and a favorable safety profile in patients with CD20+ NHLs.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-19-2973

    View details for PubMedID 32144134

  • Intratumoral immunotherapy for early stage solid tumors. Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research Hong, W. X., Haebe, S. n., Lee, A. n., Westphalen, B. n., Norton, J. A., Jiang, W. n., Levy, R. n. 2020

    Abstract

    The unprecedented benefits of immunotherapy in advanced malignancies have resulted in increased interests in exploiting immune stimulatory agents in earlier stage solid tumors in the neoadjuvant setting. However, systemic delivery of immunotherapies may cause severe immune-related side-effects and hamper the development of combination treatments. Intratumoral delivery of neoadjuvant immunotherapy provides a promising strategy in harnessing the power of immunotherapy while minimizing off-target toxicities. The direct injection of immune stimulating agents into the tumor primes the local tumor-specific immunity to generate a systemic, durable clinical response. Intratumoral immunotherapy is a highly active area of investigation resulting in a plethora of agents, e.g. immune receptor agonists, non-oncolytic and oncolytic viral therapies, being tested in preclinical and clinical settings. Currently, more than 20 neoadjuvant clinical trials exploring distinct intratumoral immune stimulatory agents and their combinations are ongoing. Practical considerations including appropriate timing and optimal local delivery of immune stimulatory agents play an important role in safety and efficacy of this approach. Here we discuss promising approaches in drug delivery technologies and opportunity for combining intratumoral immunotherapy with other cancer treatments and summarize the recent preclinical and clinical evidences that highlighted its promise as a part of routine oncologic care.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-19-3642

    View details for PubMedID 32071116

  • Charge-altering releasable transporters enable phenotypic manipulation of natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. Blood advances Wilk, A. J., Weidenbacher, N. L., Vergara, R. n., Haabeth, O. A., Levy, R. n., Waymouth, R. M., Wender, P. A., Blish, C. A. 2020; 4 (17): 4244–55

    Abstract

    Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells are an emerging cell therapy with promising results in oncology trials. However, primary human NK cells are difficult to transfect, hampering both mechanistic studies and clinical applications of NK cells. Currently, NK cell CAR modification relies on viral vectors or cell activation. The former raises cost and tolerability issues, while the latter alters NK cell biology. Here, we report that readily synthesized and inexpensive nonviral charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) efficiently transfect primary human NK cells with messenger RNA without relying on NK cell activation. Compared with electroporation, CARTs transfect NK cells more efficiently, better preserve cell viability, and cause minimal reconfiguration of NK cell phenotype and function. We use CARTs to generate cytotoxic primary anti-CD19 CAR NK cells, demonstrating this technology can drive clinical applications of NK cells. To our knowledge, CARTs represent the first efficacious transfection technique for resting primary human NK cells that preserves NK cell phenotype and can enable new biological discoveries and therapeutic applications of this understudied lymphocyte subset.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002355

    View details for PubMedID 32898247

  • Autologous tumor cell vaccine induces antitumor T cell immune responses in patients with mantle cell lymphoma: A phase I/II trial. The Journal of experimental medicine Frank, M. J., Khodadoust, M. S., Czerwinski, D. K., Haabeth, O. A., Chu, M. P., Miklos, D. B., Advani, R. H., Alizadeh, A. A., Gupta, N. K., Maeda, L. S., Reddy, S. A., Laport, G. G., Meyer, E. H., Negrin, R. S., Rezvani, A. R., Weng, W. K., Sheehan, K. n., Faham, M. n., Okada, A. n., Moore, A. H., Phillips, D. L., Wapnir, I. L., Brody, J. D., Levy, R. n. 2020; 217 (9)

    Abstract

    Here, we report on the results of a phase I/II trial (NCT00490529) for patients with mantle cell lymphoma who, having achieved remission after immunochemotherapy, were vaccinated with irradiated, CpG-activated tumor cells. Subsequently, vaccine-primed lymphocytes were collected and reinfused after a standard autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The primary endpoint was detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) within 1 yr after ASCT at the previously validated threshold of ≥1 malignant cell per 10,000 leukocyte equivalents. Of 45 evaluable patients, 40 (89%) were found to be MRD negative, and the MRD-positive patients experienced early subsequent relapse. The vaccination induced antitumor CD8 T cell immune responses in 40% of patients, and these were associated with favorable clinical outcomes. Patients with high tumor PD-L1 expression after in vitro exposure to CpG had inferior outcomes. Vaccination with CpG-stimulated autologous tumor cells followed by the adoptive transfer of vaccine-primed lymphocytes after ASCT is feasible and safe.

    View details for DOI 10.1084/jem.20191712

    View details for PubMedID 32558897

  • Single cell RNA sequencing of serial tumor and blood biopsies from lymphoma patients undergoing in situ vaccination Shree, T., Sathe, A., Ji, H., Levy, R. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2019
  • CD81 is a novel immunotherapeutic target for B cell lymphoma. The Journal of experimental medicine Vences-Catalan, F., Kuo, C., Rajapaksa, R., Duault, C., Andor, N., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, R., Levy, S. 2019

    Abstract

    The tetraspanin CD81 was initially discovered by screening mAbs elicited against a human B cell lymphoma for their direct antiproliferative effects. We now show that 5A6, one of the mAbs that target CD81, has therapeutic potential. This antibody inhibits the growth of B cell lymphoma in a xenograft model as effectively as rituximab, which is a standard treatment for B cell lymphoma. Importantly, unlike rituximab, which depletes normal as well as malignant B cells, 5A6 selectively kills human lymphoma cells from fresh biopsy specimens while sparing the normal lymphoid cells in the tumor microenvironment. The 5A6 antibody showed a good safety profile when administered to a mouse transgenic for human CD81. Taken together, these data provide the rationale for the development of the 5A6 mAb and its humanized derivatives as a novel treatment against B cell lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1084/jem.20190186

    View details for PubMedID 31123084

  • Local Delivery of Ox40l, Cd80, and Cd86 mRNA Kindles Global Anticancer Immunity CANCER RESEARCH Haabeth, O., Blake, T. R., McKinlay, C. J., Tveita, A. A., Sallets, A., Waymouth, R. M., Wender, P. A., Levy, R. 2019; 79 (7): 1624–34
  • Single-cell RNA-Seq of follicular lymphoma reveals malignant B-cell types and coexpression of T-cell immune checkpoints BLOOD Andor, N., Simonds, E. F., Czerwinski, D. K., Chen, J., Grimes, S. M., Wood-Bouwens, C., Zheng, G. Y., Kubit, M. A., Greer, S., Weiss, W. A., Levy, R., Ji, H. P. 2019; 133 (10): 1119–29
  • Serial Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Allows Direct Sampling of Low-grade Lymphoma Tumor Nodules and Subsequent Analysis of the Tumor and Its Microenvironment in Clinical Trial Patients Receiving Immunotherapy Mooney, K., Long, S., Martin, B., Frank, M., Czerwinski, D., Levy, R., Guo, X., Shree, T., Greenstein, R. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2019
  • Serial Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Allows Direct Sampling of Low-grade Lymphoma Tumor Nodules and Subsequent Analysis of the Tumor and Its Microenvironment in Clinical Trial Patients Receiving Immunotherapy Mooney, K., Long, S., Martin, B., Frank, M., Czerwinski, D., Levy, R., Guo, X., Shree, T., Greenstein, R. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2019
  • Local delivery of OX40L, CD80, and CD86 mRNA kindles global anti-cancer immunity. Cancer research Haabeth, O. A., Blake, T. R., McKinlay, C. J., Tveita, A. A., Sallets, A., Waymouth, R. M., Wender, P. A., Levy, R. 2019

    Abstract

    Localized expression of effector molecules can initiate anti-tumor responses through engagement of specific receptors on target cells in the tumor microenvironment. These locally induced responses may also have a systemic effect, clearing additional tumors throughout the body. In this study, to evoke systemic anti-tumor responses, we utilized charge-altering releasable transporters (CART) for local intratumoral delivery of mRNA coding for co-stimulatory and immune-modulating factors. Intratumoral injection of the CART-mRNA complexes resulted in mRNA expression at the site of administration, transfecting a substantial proportion of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells in addition to the tumor cells, resulting in a local anti-tumor effect. Using a two-tumor model, we further show that mRNA therapy locally administered to one tumor stimulated a systemic anti-tumor response, curing both tumors. The combination of OX40L-, CD80-, and CD86-encoding mRNA resulted in the local upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, robust local T cell activation, and migration of immune cells to local draining lymph node or to an anatomically distant tumor. This approach delayed tumor growth, facilitated tumor regression, and cured tumors in both A20 and CT26 tumor models. These results highlight mRNA-CART therapy as a viable approach to induce systemic anti-tumor immunity from a single localized injection.

    View details for PubMedID 30692215

  • TIGIT and PD-1 mark intratumoral T cells with reduced effector function in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer immunology research Josefsson, S. E., Beiske, K., Blaker, Y. N., Forsund, M. S., Holte, H., Ostenstad, B., Kimby, E., Koksal, H., Walchli, S., Bai, B., Smeland, E. B., Levy, R., Kolstad, A., Huse, K., Myklebust, J. H. 2019

    Abstract

    Checkpoint blockade can reverse T-cell exhaustion and promote antitumor responses. Although blocking the PD-1 pathway has been successful in Hodgkin lymphoma, response rates have been modest in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Co-blockade of checkpoint receptors may therefore be necessary to optimize antitumor T-cell responses. Here, characterization of co-inhibitory receptor expression in intratumoral T cells from different NHL types identified TIGIT and PD-1 as frequently expressed co-inhibitory receptors. Tumors from NHL patients were enriched in CD8+ and CD4+ TEM cells that displayed high co-expression of TIGIT and PD-1, and co-expression of these checkpoint receptors identified T cells with reduced production of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-2. The suppressed cytokine production could be improved upon in vitro culture in absence of ligands. Whereas PD-L1 was expressed by macrophages, the TIGIT ligands CD155 and CD112 were expressed by lymphoma cells in 39% and 50% of DLBCL cases and in some MCL cases, as well as by endothelium and FDCs in all NHLs investigated. Collectively, our results show that TIGIT and PD-1 mark dysfunctional T cells and suggest that TIGIT and PD-1 co-blockade should be further explored to elicit potent antitumor responses in patients with NHL.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/2326-6066.CIR-18-0351

    View details for PubMedID 30659053

  • Predicting HLA class II antigen presentation through integrated deep learning. Nature biotechnology Chen, B. n., Khodadoust, M. S., Olsson, N. n., Wagar, L. E., Fast, E. n., Liu, C. L., Muftuoglu, Y. n., Sworder, B. J., Diehn, M. n., Levy, R. n., Davis, M. M., Elias, J. E., Altman, R. B., Alizadeh, A. A. 2019

    Abstract

    Accurate prediction of antigen presentation by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules would be valuable for vaccine development and cancer immunotherapies. Current computational methods trained on in vitro binding data are limited by insufficient training data and algorithmic constraints. Here we describe MARIA (major histocompatibility complex analysis with recurrent integrated architecture; https://maria.stanford.edu/ ), a multimodal recurrent neural network for predicting the likelihood of antigen presentation from a gene of interest in the context of specific HLA class II alleles. In addition to in vitro binding measurements, MARIA is trained on peptide HLA ligand sequences identified by mass spectrometry, expression levels of antigen genes and protease cleavage signatures. Because it leverages these diverse training data and our improved machine learning framework, MARIA (area under the curve = 0.89-0.92) outperformed existing methods in validation datasets. Across independent cancer neoantigen studies, peptides with high MARIA scores are more likely to elicit strong CD4+ T cell responses. MARIA allows identification of immunogenic epitopes in diverse cancers and autoimmune disease.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41587-019-0280-2

    View details for PubMedID 31611695

  • Single-cell RNA-Seq of lymphoma cancers reveals malignant B cell types and co-expression of T cell immune checkpoints. Blood Andor, N., Simonds, E. F., Czerwinski, D. K., Chen, J., Grimes, S. M., Wood-Bouwens, C., Zheng, G. X., Kubit, M. A., Greer, S., Weiss, W. A., Levy, R., Ji, H. P. 2018

    Abstract

    Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a low-grade B cell malignancy that transforms into a highly aggressive and lethal disease at a rate of 2% per year. Perfect isolation of the malignant B cell population from a surgical biopsy is a significant challenge, masking important FL biology, such as immune checkpoint co-expression patterns. To resolve the underlying transcriptional networks of follicular B cell lymphomas we analyzed the transcriptomes of 34,188 cells derived from six primary FL tumors. For each tumor, we identified normal immune subpopulations and malignant B cells based on gene expression. We used multicolor flow cytometry analysis of the same tumors to confirm our assignments of cellular lineages and validate our predictions of expressed proteins. Comparison of gene expression between matched malignant and normal B cells from the same patient revealed tumor-specific features. Malignant B cells exhibited restricted immunoglobulin light chain expression (either Ig Kappa or Ig Lambda), as well the expected upregulation of the BCL2 gene, but also down-regulation of the FCER2, CD52 and MHC class II genes. By analyzing thousands of individual cells per patient tumor, we identified the mosaic of malignant B cell subclones that coexist within a FL and examined the characteristics of tumor-infiltrating T cells. We identified genes co-expressed with immune checkpoint molecules, such as CEBPA and B2M in Tregs, providing a better understanding of the gene networks involved in immune regulation. In summary, parallel measurement of single-cell expression in thousands of tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes can be used to obtain a systems-level view of the tumor microenvironment and identify new avenues for therapeutic development.

    View details for PubMedID 30591526

  • Single Cell RNA Sequencing of Serial Tumor and Blood Biopsies from Lymphoma Patients on an in Situ Vaccination Clinical Trial Shree, T., Sathe, A., Czerwinski, D. K., Long, S. R., Ji, H., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2018
  • Enhancing immunotherapy of STING agonist for lymphoma in preclinical models. Blood advances Sallets, A., Robinson, S., Kardosh, A., Levy, R. 2018; 2 (17): 2230–41

    Abstract

    Direct activation of tumor infiltrating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by intratumoral injection of STING agonists (STINGa) leads to regression of the treated lymphoma tumor. Because STING activation induces apoptosis in lymphoma cells in vitro, we distinguished between the direct therapeutic vs the indirect immunotherapeutic properties of STINGa in vivo. Employing wild-type or STING knockout hosts bearing either wild-type or STING knockout tumor cells, we demonstrated that local tumor regression is totally dependent on STING expression by the host and is therefore immune mediated. However, distant untreated tumors are weakly affected after injection of STINGa to a single tumor site. Therefore, using the STINGa currently being tested in clinical trials, we screened for immunomodulatory agents that could synergize with the STING pathway to induce a systemic antitumor immune response and regression of distant tumors. We combined the STINGa with agents that improve APC or T-cell function. We found that modulation of both APCs and T cells can enhance control of distant lymphoma tumors by STINGa. In particular, adding an anti-GITR antibody induced lymphocyte expansion in the lymph node draining the treated site followed by increased T-cell infiltration in the distant tumor. Furthermore, more of these CD8 T cells at the distant site expressed PD-1. Therefore, blockade of PD-1 further enhanced tumor control at the distant site, leading to cure in 50% of the mice. These preclinical data provide the rationale for testing local injection of STINGa followed by agonistic anti-GITR and anti-PD-1 antibodies as immunotherapy for human lymphoma.

    View details for PubMedID 30194137

  • mRNA vaccination with charge-altering releasable transporters elicits human T cell responses and cures established tumors in mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Haabeth, O. A., Blake, T. R., McKinlay, C. J., Waymouth, R. M., Wender, P. A., Levy, R. 2018

    Abstract

    In vivo delivery of antigen-encoding mRNA is a promising approach to personalized cancer treatment. The therapeutic efficacy of mRNA vaccines is contingent on safe and efficient gene delivery, biological stability of the mRNA, and the immunological properties of the vaccine. Here we describe the development and evaluation of a versatile and highly efficient mRNA vaccine-delivery system that employs charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) to deliver antigen-coding mRNA to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We demonstrate in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells that CART vaccines can activate a robust antigen-specific immune response against mRNA-encoded viral epitopes. In an established mouse model, we demonstrate that CARTs preferentially target professional APCs in secondary lymphoid organs upon i.v. injections and target local APCs upon s.c. injection. Finally, we show that CARTs coformulated with mRNA and a Toll-like receptor ligand simultaneously transfect and activate target cells to generate an immune response that can treat and cure mice with large, established tumors.

    View details for PubMedID 30201728

  • Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in B-cell lymphoma Scherer, F., Kurtz, D. M., Newman, A. M., Stehr, H., Craig, A. M., Esfahani, M. S., Lovejoy, A. F., Chabon, J. J., Klass, D. M., Green, M. R., Liu, C. L., Zhou, L., Glover, C., Visser, B. C., Poultsides, G. A., Advani, R. H., Maeda, L. S., Gupta, N. K., Davis, R., Levy, R., Ohgami, R. S., Kunder, C. A., Rossi, D., Westin, J., Diehn, M., Alizadeh, A. A. WILEY. 2018: 16–17
  • In Situ Vaccination with a TLR 9 Agonist and Local Low Dose Radiation Induces Systemic Responses in Untreated Indolent Lymphoma. Cancer discovery Frank, M. J., Reagan, P. M., Bartlett, N. L., Gordon, L. I., Friedberg, J. W., Czerwinski, D. K., Long, S. R., Hoppe, R. T., Janssen, R. S., Candia, A. F., Coffman, R. L., Levy, R. 2018

    Abstract

    This multicenter phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluated intratumoral SD-101, a TLR9 agonist, and low-dose radiation in patients with untreated indolent lymphoma. 29 enrolled patients received 4 Gy of radiation followed by five weekly intratumoral injections of SD-101 at a single tumor site. No treatment-related grade 4 or serious adverse events occurred. Nearly all patients had tumor reduction at their treated site. More importantly, 24 patients had tumor reduction at their non-treated sites with 5 patients achieving a partial response and one achieving a complete response. Treatment-related increases of CD8+ and CD4+ effector T-cells and decreases of T Follicular Helper and T regulatory cells (Tregs) were observed in the tumor microenvironment. Low pre-treatment levels of CD4+ Tregs, proliferating CD8+ T-cells, and GranzymeB+ CD8+ T-cells were associated with favorable outcomes. Intratumoral SD-101 in combination with low-dose radiation is well tolerated and results in regression of both treated and untreated sites of disease.

    View details for PubMedID 30154192

  • Circulating Tumor DNA Measurements As Early Outcome Predictors in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Kurtz, D. M., Scherer, F., Jin, M. C., Soo, J., Craig, A. F., Esfahani, M. S., Chabon, J. J., Stehr, H., Liu, C. L., Tibshirani, R., Maeda, L. S., Gupta, N. K., Khodadoust, M. S., Advani, R. H., Levy, R., Newman, A. M., Duhrsen, U., Huttmann, A., Meignan, M., Casasnovas, R., Westin, J. R., Roschewski, M., Wilson, W. H., Gaidano, G., Rossi, D., Diehn, M., Alizadeh, A. A. 2018: JCO2018785246

    Abstract

    Purpose Outcomes for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma remain heterogeneous, with existing methods failing to consistently predict treatment failure. We examined the additional prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) before and during therapy for predicting patient outcomes. Patients and Methods We studied the dynamics of ctDNA from 217 patients treated at six centers, using a training and validation framework. We densely characterized early ctDNA dynamics during therapy using cancer personalized profiling by deep sequencing to define response-associated thresholds within a discovery set. These thresholds were assessed in two independent validation sets. Finally, we assessed the prognostic value of ctDNA in the context of established risk factors, including the International Prognostic Index and interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans. Results Before therapy, ctDNA was detectable in 98% of patients; pretreatment levels were prognostic in both front-line and salvage settings. In the discovery set, ctDNA levels changed rapidly, with a 2-log decrease after one cycle (early molecular response [EMR]) and a 2.5-log decrease after two cycles (major molecular response [MMR]) stratifying outcomes. In the first validation set, patients receiving front-line therapy achieving EMR or MMR had superior outcomes at 24 months (EMR: EFS, 83% v 50%; P = .0015; MMR: EFS, 82% v 46%; P < .001). EMR also predicted superior 24-month outcomes in patients receiving salvage therapy in the first validation set (EFS, 100% v 13%; P = .011). The prognostic value of EMR and MMR was further confirmed in the second validation set. In multivariable analyses including International Prognostic Index and interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans across both cohorts, molecular response was independently prognostic of outcomes, including event-free and overall survival. Conclusion Pretreatment ctDNA levels and molecular responses are independently prognostic of outcomes in aggressive lymphomas. These risk factors could potentially guide future personalized risk-directed approaches.

    View details for PubMedID 30125215

  • Positron emission tomography imaging of activated T cells by targeting OX40 reveals spatiotemporal immune dynamics and predicts response to in situ tumor vaccination Mayer, A. T., Alam, I. S., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Wang, K., Vermesh, O., Czerwinski, D. K., Johnson, E. M., James, M. L., Levy, R., Gambhir, S. S. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2018
  • Phase I Study of Single-Agent Utomilumab (PF-05082566), a 4-1BB/CD137 Agonist, in Patients with Advanced Cancer CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Segal, N. H., He, A. R., Doi, T., Levy, R., Bhatia, S., Pishvaian, M. J., Cesari, R., Chen, Y., Davis, C. B., Huang, B., Thall, A. D., Gopal, A. K. 2018; 24 (8): 1816–23

    Abstract

    Purpose: Utomilumab (PF-05082566) is an agonistic mAb that engages the immune costimulatory molecule 4-1BB/CD137. In this first-in-human, phase I, open-label, multicenter, multiple-dose study (NCT01307267) we evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, preliminary clinical activity, and pharmacodynamics of single-agent utomilumab in patients with advanced malignancies.Experimental Design: Dose escalation was based on a standard 3+3 design for doses of utomilumab from 0.006 to 0.3 mg/kg every 4 weeks and a time-to-event continual reassessment method for utomilumab 0.6 to 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks. The primary study endpoint was dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in the first two cycles.Results: Utomilumab demonstrated a well-tolerated safety profile (N = 55). None of the patients experienced a DLT at the dose levels evaluated. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue, pyrexia, decreased appetite, dizziness, and rash (<10% of patients). Only one (1.8%) patient experienced a grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse event (fatigue), and no clinically relevant elevations in transaminases were noted. Utomilumab demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics at doses ranging from 0.006 to 10 mg/kg, with similar safety and pharmacokinetics in anti-drug antibody (ADA)-negative and ADA-positive patients. The overall objective response rate was 3.8% (95% CI, 0.5%-13.0%) in patients with solid tumors and 13.3% in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, including a complete response and a partial response. Circulating biomarkers support 4-1BB/CD137 engagement by utomilumab and suggest that circulating lymphocyte levels may influence probability of clinical benefit.Conclusions: The favorable safety profile and preliminary antitumor activity demonstrated by utomilumab warrant further evaluation in patients with advanced malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1816-23. ©2018 AACR.

    View details for PubMedID 29549159

  • T Cells Expressing Checkpoint Receptor TIGIT Are Enriched in Follicular Lymphoma Tumors and Characterized by Reversible Suppression of T-cell Receptor Signaling CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Josefsson, S. E., Huse, K., Kolstad, A., Beiske, K., Pende, D., Steen, C. B., Inderberg, E., Lingjaerde, O., Ostenstad, B., Smeland, E. B., Levy, R., Irish, J. M., Myklebust, J. H. 2018; 24 (4): 870–81

    Abstract

    Purpose: T cells infiltrating follicular lymphoma (FL) tumors are considered dysfunctional, yet the optimal target for immune checkpoint blockade is unknown. Characterizing coinhibitory receptor expression patterns and signaling responses in FL T-cell subsets might reveal new therapeutic targets.Experimental Design: Surface expression of 9 coinhibitory receptors governing T-cell function was characterized in T-cell subsets from FL lymph node tumors and from healthy donor tonsils and peripheral blood samples, using high-dimensional flow cytometry. The results were integrated with T-cell receptor (TCR)-induced signaling and cytokine production. Expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) ligands was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results: TIGIT was a frequently expressed coinhibitory receptor in FL, expressed by the majority of CD8 T effector memory cells, which commonly coexpressed exhaustion markers such as PD-1 and CD244. CD8 FL T cells demonstrated highly reduced TCR-induced phosphorylation (p) of ERK and reduced production of IFNγ, while TCR proximal signaling (p-CD3ζ, p-SLP76) was not affected. The TIGIT ligands CD112 and CD155 were expressed by follicular dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment. Dysfunctional TCR signaling correlated with TIGIT expression in FL CD8 T cells and could be fully restored upon in vitro culture. The costimulatory receptor CD226 was downregulated in TIGIT+ compared with TIGIT- CD8 FL T cells, further skewing the balance toward immunosuppression.Conclusions: TIGIT blockade is a relevant strategy for improved immunotherapy in FL. A deeper understanding of the interplay between coinhibitory receptors and key T-cell signaling events can further assist in engineering immunotherapeutic regimens to improve clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 24(4); 870-81. ©2017 AACR.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-17-2337

    View details for Web of Science ID 000425191300015

    View details for PubMedID 29217528

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5815910

  • Augmentation of CD134 (OX40)-dependent NK anti-tumour activity is dependent on antibody cross-linking. Scientific reports Turaj, A. H., Cox, K. L., Penfold, C. A., French, R. R., Mockridge, C. I., Willoughby, J. E., Tutt, A. L., Griffiths, J., Johnson, P. W., Glennie, M. J., Levy, R., Cragg, M. S., Lim, S. H. 2018; 8 (1): 2278

    Abstract

    CD134 (OX40) is a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF). It acts as a costimulatory receptor on T cells, but its role on NK cells is poorly understood. CD137, another TNFRSF member has been shown to enhance the anti-tumour activity of NK cells in various malignancies. Here, we examine the expression and function of CD134 on human and mouse NK cells in B-cell lymphoma. CD134 was transiently upregulated upon activation of NK cells in both species. In contrast to CD137, induction of CD134 on human NK cells was dependent on close proximity to, or cell-to-cell contact with, monocytes or T cells. Stimulation with an agonistic anti-CD134 mAb but not CD134 ligand, increased IFNγ production and cytotoxicity of human NK cells, but this was dependent on simultaneous antibody:Fcγ receptor binding. In complementary murine studies, intravenous inoculation with BCL1 lymphoma into immunocompetent syngeneic mice resulted in transient upregulation of CD134 on NK cells. Combination treatment with anti-CD20 and anti-CD134 mAb produced a synergistic effect with durable remissions. This therapeutic benefit was abrogated by NK cell depletion and in Fcγ chain -/- mice. Hence, anti-CD134 agonists may enhance NK-mediated anti-tumour activity in an Fcγ receptor dependent fashion.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41598-018-20656-y

    View details for PubMedID 29396470

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5797108

  • Eradication of spontaneous malignancy by local immunotherapy. Science translational medicine Sagiv-Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, S., Alam, I. S., Mayer, A. T., Gambhir, S. S., Levy, R. 2018; 10 (426)

    Abstract

    It has recently become apparent that the immune system can cure cancer. In some of these strategies, the antigen targets are preidentified and therapies are custom-made against these targets. In others, antibodies are used to remove the brakes of the immune system, allowing preexisting T cells to attack cancer cells. We have used another noncustomized approach called in situ vaccination. Immunoenhancing agents are injected locally into one site of tumor, thereby triggering a T cell immune response locally that then attacks cancer throughout the body. We have used a screening strategy in which the same syngeneic tumor is implanted at two separate sites in the body. One tumor is then injected with the test agents, and the resulting immune response is detected by the regression of the distant, untreated tumor. Using this assay, the combination of unmethylated CG-enriched oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG)-a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) ligand-and anti-OX40 antibody provided the most impressive results. TLRs are components of the innate immune system that recognize molecular patterns on pathogens. Low doses of CpG injected into a tumor induce the expression of OX40 on CD4+ T cells in the microenvironment in mouse or human tumors. An agonistic anti-OX40 antibody can then trigger a T cell immune response, which is specific to the antigens of the injected tumor. Remarkably, this combination of a TLR ligand and an anti-OX40 antibody can cure multiple types of cancer and prevent spontaneous genetically driven cancers.

    View details for DOI 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan4488

    View details for PubMedID 29386357

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5997264

  • Eradication of spontaneous malignancy by local immunotherapy. SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE Sagiv-Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D., Levy, S., Alam, I. S., Mayer, A. T., Gambhir, S. S., Levy, R. 2018; 10 (426)
  • T-cell immunopeptidomes reveal cell subtype surface markers derived from intracellular proteins. Proteomics Olsson, N. n., Schultz, L. M., Zhang, L. n., Khodadoust, M. S., Narayan, R. n., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, R. n., Elias, J. E. 2018

    Abstract

    Immunopeptidomes promise novel surface markers as ideal immunotherapy targets, but their characterization by mass spectrometry (MS) remains challenging. Until recently, cell numbers exceeding 109were needed to survey thousands of HLA ligands. Such limited analytical sensitivity has historically constrained the types of clinical specimens that can be evaluated to cell cultures or bulk tissues. Measuring immunopeptidomes from purified cell subpopulations would be preferable for many applications, particularly those evaluating rare, primary hematopoietic cell lineages. Here, we test the feasibility of immunopeptidome profiling from limited numbers of primary purified human regulatory T cells (TReg), conventional T cells (Tconv) and activated T cells. The combined T-cell immunopeptide dataset reported here contains 13,804 unique HLA ligands derived from 5,049 proteins. Of these, more than 700 HLA ligands were derived from 82 proteins that we exclusively identified from TReg-enriched cells. This study 1) demonstrates that primary, lineage-enriched T cell supbopulations recovered from single donors are compatible with immunopeptidome analysis; 2) presents new TReg-biased ligand candidates; and 3) supports immunopeptidome surveys value for revealing T cell biology that may not be apparent from expression data alone. Taken together, these findings open up new avenues for targeting TRegand abrogating their suppressive functions to treat cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/pmic.201700410

    View details for PubMedID 29493099

  • B cell lymphomas present immunoglobulin neoantigens. Blood Khodadoust, M. S., Olsson, N. n., Chen, B. n., Sworder, B. n., Shree, T. n., Liu, C. L., Zhang, L. n., Czerwinski, D. K., Davis, M. M., Levy, R. n., Elias, J. E., Alizadeh, A. A. 2018

    View details for PubMedID 30545830

  • Autologous iPSC-Based Vaccines Elicit Anti-tumor Responses In Vivo. Cell stem cell Kooreman, N. G., Kim, Y. n., de Almeida, P. E., Termglinchan, V. n., Diecke, S. n., Shao, N. Y., Wei, T. T., Yi, H. n., Dey, D. n., Nelakanti, R. n., Brouwer, T. P., Paik, D. T., Sagiv-Barfi, I. n., Han, A. n., Quax, P. H., Hamming, J. F., Levy, R. n., Davis, M. M., Wu, J. C. 2018

    Abstract

    Cancer cells and embryonic tissues share a number of cellular and molecular properties, suggesting that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may be harnessed to elicit anti-tumor responses in cancer vaccines. RNA sequencing revealed that human and murine iPSCs express tumor-associated antigens, and we show here a proof of principle for using irradiated iPSCs in autologous anti-tumor vaccines. In a prophylactic setting, iPSC vaccines prevent tumor growth in syngeneic murine breast cancer, mesothelioma, and melanoma models. As an adjuvant, the iPSC vaccine inhibited melanoma recurrence at the resection site and reduced metastatic tumor load, which was associated with fewer Th17 cells and increased CD11b+GR1himyeloid cells. Adoptive transfer of T cells isolated from vaccine-treated tumor-bearing mice inhibited tumor growth in unvaccinated recipients, indicating that the iPSC vaccine promotes an antigen-specific anti-tumor T cell response. Our data suggest an easy, generalizable strategy for multiple types of cancer that could prove highly valuable in clinical immunotherapy.

    View details for PubMedID 29456158

  • Imaging activated T cells predicts response to cancer vaccines. The Journal of clinical investigation Alam, I. S., Mayer, A. T., Sagiv-Barfi, I. n., Wang, K. n., Vermesh, O. n., Czerwinski, D. K., Johnson, E. M., James, M. L., Levy, R. n., Gambhir, S. S. 2018

    Abstract

    In situ cancer vaccines are under active clinical investigation, given their reported ability to eradicate both local and disseminated malignancies. Intratumoral vaccine administration is thought to activate a T cell-mediated immune response, which begins in the treated tumor and cascades systemically. In this study, we describe a PET tracer (64Cu-DOTA-AbOX40) that enabled noninvasive and longitudinal imaging of OX40, a cell-surface marker of T cell activation. We report the spatiotemporal dynamics of T cell activation following in situ vaccination with CpG oligodeoxynucleotide in a dual tumor-bearing mouse model. We demonstrate that OX40 imaging was able to predict tumor responses on day 9 after treatment on the basis of tumor tracer uptake on day 2, with greater accuracy than both anatomical and blood-based measurements. These studies provide key insights into global T cell activation following local CpG treatment and indicate that 64Cu-DOTA-AbOX40 is a promising candidate for monitoring clinical cancer immunotherapy strategies.

    View details for PubMedID 29596062

  • Axicabtagene Ciloleucel CAR T-Cell Therapy in Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Neelapu, S. S., Locke, F. L., Bartlett, N. L., Lekakis, L. J., Miklos, D. B., Jacobson, C. A., Braunschweig, I., Oluwole, O. O., Siddiqi, T., Lin, Y., Timmerman, J. M., Stiff, P. J., Friedberg, J. W., Flinn, I. W., Goy, A., Hill, B. T., Smith, M. R., Deol, A., Farooq, U., McSweeney, P., Munoz, J., Avivi, I., Castro, J. E., Westin, J. R., Chavez, J. C., Ghobadi, A., Komanduri, K. V., Levy, R., Jacobsen, E. D., Witzig, T. E., Reagan, P., Bot, A., Rossi, J., Navale, L., Jiang, Y., Aycock, J., Elias, M., Chang, D., Wiezorek, J., Go, W. Y. 2017; 377 (26): 2531–44

    Abstract

    In a phase 1 trial, axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, showed efficacy in patients with refractory large B-cell lymphoma after the failure of conventional therapy.In this multicenter, phase 2 trial, we enrolled 111 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, or transformed follicular lymphoma who had refractory disease despite undergoing recommended prior therapy. Patients received a target dose of 2×106 anti-CD19 CAR T cells per kilogram of body weight after receiving a conditioning regimen of low-dose cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. The primary end point was the rate of objective response (calculated as the combined rates of complete response and partial response). Secondary end points included overall survival, safety, and biomarker assessments.Among the 111 patients who were enrolled, axi-cel was successfully manufactured for 110 (99%) and administered to 101 (91%). The objective response rate was 82%, and the complete response rate was 54%.With a median follow-up of 15.4 months, 42% of the patients continued to have a response, with 40% continuing to have a complete response. The overall rate of survival at 18 months was 52%. The most common adverse events of grade 3 or higher during treatment were neutropenia (in 78% of the patients), anemia (in 43%), and thrombocytopenia (in 38%). Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome and neurologic events occurred in 13% and 28% of the patients, respectively. Three of the patients died during treatment. Higher CAR T-cell levels in blood were associated with response.In this multicenter study, patients with refractory large B-cell lymphoma who received CAR T-cell therapy with axi-cel had high levels of durable response, with a safety profile that included myelosuppression, the cytokine release syndrome, and neurologic events. (Funded by Kite Pharma and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Therapy Acceleration Program; ZUMA-1 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02348216 .).

    View details for PubMedID 29226797

  • CD81 as a tumor target. Biochemical Society transactions Vences-Catalán, F., Duault, C., Kuo, C., Rajapaksa, R., Levy, R., Levy, S. 2017; 45 (2): 531-535

    Abstract

    CD81 participates in a variety of important cellular processes such as membrane organization, protein trafficking, cellular fusion and cell-cell interactions. In the immune system, CD81 regulates immune synapse, receptor clustering and signaling; it also mediates adaptive and innate immune suppression. CD81 is a gateway in hepatocytes for pathogens such as hepatitis C virus and Plasmodium; it also confers susceptibility to Listeria infection. These diverse biological roles are due to the tendency of CD81 to associate with other tetraspanins and with cell-specific partner proteins, which provide the cells with a signaling platform. CD81 has also been shown to regulate cell migration and invasion, and has therefore been implicated in cancer progression. Indeed, we have recently shown that CD81 contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. CD81 is expressed in most types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, melanoma, brain cancer and lymphoma, and the overexpression or down-regulation of this molecule has been correlated with either good or bad prognosis. Here, we discuss the role of CD81 in cancer and its potential therapeutic use as a tumor target.

    View details for DOI 10.1042/BST20160478

    View details for PubMedID 28408492

  • Results from an Integrated Safety Analysis of Urelumab, an Agonist Anti-CD137 Monoclonal Antibody CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Segal, N. H., Logan, T. F., Hodi, F. S., McDermott, D., Melero, I., Hamid, O., Schmidt, H., Robert, C., Chiarion-Sileni, V., Ascierto, P. A., Maio, M., Urba, W. J., Gangadhar, T. C., Suryawanshi, S., Neely, J., Jure-Kunkel, M., Krishnan, S., Kohrt, H., Sznol, M., Levy, R. 2017; 23 (8): 1929-1936

    Abstract

    Purpose: Urelumab is an agonist antibody to CD137 with potential application as an immuno-oncology therapeutic. Data were analyzed to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamic activity of urelumab, including the dose selected for ongoing development in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphoma.Experimental Design: A total of 346 patients with advanced cancers who had progressed after standard treatment received at least one dose of urelumab in one of three dose-escalation, monotherapy studies. Urelumab was administered at doses ranging from 0.1 to 15 mg/kg. Safety analyses included treatment-related and serious adverse events (AEs), as well as treatment-related AEs leading to discontinuation and death, with a focus on liver function test abnormalities and hepatic AEs.Results: Urelumab doses between 1 and 15 mg/kg given every 3 weeks resulted in a higher frequency of treatment-related AEs than 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Dose was the single most important factor contributing to transaminitis development, which was more frequent and severe at doses ≥1 mg/kg. At the MTD of 0.1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, urelumab was relatively well tolerated, with fatigue (16%) and nausea (13%) being the most common treatment-related AEs, and was associated with immunologic and pharmacodynamic activity demonstrated by the induction of IFN-inducible genes and cytokines.Conclusion: Integrated evaluation of urelumab safety data showed significant transaminitis was strongly associated with doses of ≥1 mg/kg. However, urelumab 0.1 mg/kg every 3 weeks was demonstrated to be safe, with pharmacodynamic activity supporting continued clinical evaluation of this dose as monotherapy and in combination with other immuno-oncology agents. Clin Cancer Res; 1-8. ©2016 AACR.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-1272

    View details for Web of Science ID 000399188300008

  • Epstein-Barr virus-positive follicular lymphoma MODERN PATHOLOGY Mackrides, N., Campuzano-Zuluaga, G., Maque-Acosta, Y., Moul, A., Hijazi, N., Ikpatt, F. O., Levy, R., Verdun, R. E., Kunkalla, K., Natkunam, Y., Lossos, I. S., Vega, F., Chapman, J. 2017; 30 (4): 519-529

    Abstract

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) -associated follicular lymphoma is only rarely reported. Herein, we report the largest series analyzing prevalence and clinicopathologic characteristics of EBV-associated follicular lymphoma occurring in unselected cases. Out of 382 analyzed cases, 10 EBV-positive follicular lymphomas were identified (prevalence=2.6%, 95% confidence interval 1.3-4.0%). All EBV-positive follicular lymphomas showed EBV-encoded small RNA-positive lymphoma cells present in a follicular distribution. Of these, eight also had tissue available for testing of expression of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), out of which six (75%) were positive. There was a significant association with grades 3A-3B follicular lymphoma (P<0.0001) and CD30 expression (P=0.0002). EBV-positive follicular lymphomas were otherwise morphologically and immunophenotypically indistinguishable from EBV-negative cases of similar grade. Nine of the EBV-positive follicular lymphomas occurred in patients with no known history of immunosuppression, while one patient had a history of hydroxychloroquine administration for Sjögren's syndrome. The mean age in the EBV-positive and -negative follicular lymphomas was 56 (range 31-83 years) and 49 years (range 25-92 years), respectively, with no statistically significant difference. Seven of the patients with EBV-positive follicular lymphoma had additional biopsies from different time points available for review, all of which showed progression of disease in the form of progression of tumor grade. Five of these progressed to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, one of which had tissue available for testing and was EBV-positive. Our findings suggest that EBV infection may have a role in lymphomagenesis and/or disease progression in a subset of follicular lymphomas, thereby expanding the spectrum of recognized EBV-associated B-cell lymphomas.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/modpathol.2016.214

    View details for Web of Science ID 000398880100005

  • Epstein-Barr virus-positive follicular lymphoma. Modern pathology Mackrides, N., Campuzano-Zuluaga, G., Maque-Acosta, Y., Moul, A., Hijazi, N., Ikpatt, F. O., Levy, R., Verdun, R. E., Kunkalla, K., Natkunam, Y., Lossos, I. S., Vega, F., Chapman, J. 2017; 30 (4): 519-529

    Abstract

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) -associated follicular lymphoma is only rarely reported. Herein, we report the largest series analyzing prevalence and clinicopathologic characteristics of EBV-associated follicular lymphoma occurring in unselected cases. Out of 382 analyzed cases, 10 EBV-positive follicular lymphomas were identified (prevalence=2.6%, 95% confidence interval 1.3-4.0%). All EBV-positive follicular lymphomas showed EBV-encoded small RNA-positive lymphoma cells present in a follicular distribution. Of these, eight also had tissue available for testing of expression of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), out of which six (75%) were positive. There was a significant association with grades 3A-3B follicular lymphoma (P<0.0001) and CD30 expression (P=0.0002). EBV-positive follicular lymphomas were otherwise morphologically and immunophenotypically indistinguishable from EBV-negative cases of similar grade. Nine of the EBV-positive follicular lymphomas occurred in patients with no known history of immunosuppression, while one patient had a history of hydroxychloroquine administration for Sjögren's syndrome. The mean age in the EBV-positive and -negative follicular lymphomas was 56 (range 31-83 years) and 49 years (range 25-92 years), respectively, with no statistically significant difference. Seven of the patients with EBV-positive follicular lymphoma had additional biopsies from different time points available for review, all of which showed progression of disease in the form of progression of tumor grade. Five of these progressed to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, one of which had tissue available for testing and was EBV-positive. Our findings suggest that EBV infection may have a role in lymphomagenesis and/or disease progression in a subset of follicular lymphomas, thereby expanding the spectrum of recognized EBV-associated B-cell lymphomas.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/modpathol.2016.214

    View details for PubMedID 27982024

  • Antigen presentation profiling reveals recognition of lymphoma immunoglobulin neoantigens NATURE Khodadoust, M. S., Olsson, N., Wagar, L. E., Haabeth, O. A., Chen, B., Swaminathan, K., Rawson, K., Liu, C. L., Steiner, D., Lund, P., Rao, S., Zhang, L., Marceau, C., Stehr, H., Newman, A. M., Czerwinski, D. K., Carlton, V. E., Moorhead, M., Faham, M., Kohrt, H. E., Carette, J., Green, M. R., Davis, M. M., Levy, R., Elias, J. E., Alizadeh, A. A. 2017; 543 (7647): 723-?

    Abstract

    Cancer somatic mutations can generate neoantigens that distinguish malignant from normal cells. However, the personalized identification and validation of neoantigens remains a major challenge. Here we discover neoantigens in human mantle-cell lymphomas by using an integrated genomic and proteomic strategy that interrogates tumour antigen peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules. We applied this approach to systematically characterize MHC ligands from 17 patients. Remarkably, all discovered neoantigenic peptides were exclusively derived from the lymphoma immunoglobulin heavy- or light-chain variable regions. Although we identified MHC presentation of private polymorphic germline alleles, no mutated peptides were recovered from non-immunoglobulin somatically mutated genes. Somatic mutations within the immunoglobulin variable region were almost exclusively presented by MHC class II. We isolated circulating CD4(+) T cells specific for immunoglobulin-derived neoantigens and found these cells could mediate killing of autologous lymphoma cells. These results demonstrate that an integrative approach combining MHC isolation, peptide identification, and exome sequencing is an effective platform to uncover tumour neoantigens. Application of this strategy to human lymphoma implicates immunoglobulin neoantigens as targets for lymphoma immunotherapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/nature21433

    View details for PubMedID 28329770

  • Distinct patterns of B-cell receptor signaling in non-Hodgkin lymphomas identified by single-cell profiling. Blood Myklebust, J. H., Brody, J., Kohrt, H. E., Kolstad, A., Czerwinski, D. K., Wälchli, S., Green, M. R., Trøen, G., Liestøl, K., Beiske, K., Houot, R., Delabie, J., Alizadeh, A. A., Irish, J. M., Levy, R. 2017; 129 (6): 759-770

    Abstract

    Kinases downstream of B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) represent attractive targets for therapy in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). As clinical responses vary, improved knowledge regarding activation and regulation of BCR signaling in individual patients is needed. Here, using phosphospecific flow cytometry to obtain malignant B-cell signaling profiles from 95 patients representing 4 types of NHL revealed a striking contrast between chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) tumors. Lymphoma cells from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients had high basal phosphorylation levels of most measured signaling nodes, whereas follicular lymphoma cells represented the opposite pattern with no or very low basal levels. MCL showed large interpatient variability in basal levels, and elevated levels for the phosphorylated forms of AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, STAT1, and STAT5 were associated with poor outcome. CLL tumors had elevated basal levels for the phosphorylated forms of BCR-signaling nodes (Src family tyrosine kinase, spleen tyrosine kinase [SYK], phospholipase Cγ), but had low α-BCR-induced signaling. This contrasted MCL tumors, where α-BCR-induced signaling was variable, but significantly potentiated as compared with the other types. Overexpression of CD79B, combined with a gating strategy whereby signaling output was directly quantified per cell as a function of CD79B levels, confirmed a direct relationship between surface CD79B, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and IgM-induced signaling levels. Furthermore, α-BCR-induced signaling strength was variable across patient samples and correlated with BCR subunit CD79B expression, but was inversely correlated with susceptibility to Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and SYK inhibitors in MCL. These individual differences in BCR levels and signaling might relate to differences in therapy responses to BCR-pathway inhibitors.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2016-05-718494

    View details for PubMedID 28011673

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5301824

  • The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer consensus statement on immunotherapy for the treatment of hematologic malignancies: multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and acute leukemia JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER Boyiadzis, M., Bishop, M. R., Abonour, R., Anderson, K. C., Ansell, S. M., Avigan, D., Barbarotta, L., Barrett, A., Van Besien, K., Bergsagel, P., Borrello, I., Brody, J., Brufsky, J., Cairo, M., Chari, A., Cohen, A., Cortes, J., Forman, S. J., Friedberg, J. W., Fuchs, E. J., Gore, S. D., Jagannath, S., Kahl, B. S., Kline, J., Kochenderfer, J. N., Kwak, L. W., Levy, R., de Lima, M., Litzow, M. R., Mahindra, A., Miller, J., Munshi, N. C., Orlowski, R. Z., Pagel, J. M., Porter, D. L., Russell, S. J., Schwartz, K., Shipp, M. A., Siegel, D., Stone, R. M., Tallman, M. S., Timmerman, J. M., Van Rhee, F., Waller, E. K., Welsh, A., Werner, M., Wiernik, P. H., Dhodapkar, M. V. 2016; 4: 90

    Abstract

    Increasing knowledge concerning the biology of hematologic malignancies as well as the role of the immune system in the control of these diseases has led to the development and approval of immunotherapies that are resulting in impressive clinical responses. Therefore, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a hematologic malignancy Cancer Immunotherapy Guidelines panel consisting of physicians, nurses, patient advocates, and patients to develop consensus recommendations for the clinical application of immunotherapy for patients with multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and acute leukemia. These recommendations were developed following the previously established process based on the Institute of Medicine's clinical practice guidelines. In doing so, a systematic literature search was performed for high-impact studies from 2004 to 2014 and was supplemented with further literature as identified by the panel. The consensus panel met in December of 2014 with the goal to generate consensus recommendations for the clinical use of immunotherapy in patients with hematologic malignancies. During this meeting, consensus panel voting along with discussion were used to rate and review the strength of the supporting evidence from the literature search. These consensus recommendations focus on issues related to patient selection, toxicity management, clinical endpoints, and the sequencing or combination of therapies. Overall, immunotherapy is rapidly emerging as an effective therapeutic strategy for the management of hematologic malignances. Evidence-based consensus recommendations for its clinical application are provided and will be updated as the field evolves.

    View details for PubMedID 28018601

  • Distinct biological subtypes and patterns of genome evolution in lymphoma revealed by circulating tumor DNA SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE Scherer, F., Kurtz, D. M., Newman, A. M., Stehr, H., Craig, A. F., Esfahani, M. S., Lovejoy, A. F., Chabon, J. J., Klass, D. M., Liu, C. L., Zhou, L., Glover, C., Visser, B. C., Poultsides, G. A., Advani, R. H., Maeda, L. S., Gupta, N. K., Levy, R., Ohgami, R. S., Kunder, C. A., Diehn, M., Alizadeh, A. A. 2016; 8 (364)

    Abstract

    Patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) exhibit marked diversity in tumor behavior and outcomes, yet the identification of poor-risk groups remains challenging. In addition, the biology underlying these differences is incompletely understood. We hypothesized that characterization of mutational heterogeneity and genomic evolution using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling could reveal molecular determinants of adverse outcomes. To address this hypothesis, we applied cancer personalized profiling by deep sequencing (CAPP-Seq) analysis to tumor biopsies and cell-free DNA samples from 92 lymphoma patients and 24 healthy subjects. At diagnosis, the amount of ctDNA was found to strongly correlate with clinical indices and was independently predictive of patient outcomes. We demonstrate that ctDNA genotyping can classify transcriptionally defined tumor subtypes, including DLBCL cell of origin, directly from plasma. By simultaneously tracking multiple somatic mutations in ctDNA, our approach outperformed immunoglobulin sequencing and radiographic imaging for the detection of minimal residual disease and facilitated noninvasive identification of emergent resistance mutations to targeted therapies. In addition, we identified distinct patterns of clonal evolution distinguishing indolent follicular lymphomas from those that transformed into DLBCL, allowing for potential noninvasive prediction of histological transformation. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ctDNA analysis reveals biological factors that underlie lymphoma clinical outcomes and could facilitate individualized therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1126/scitranslmed.aai8545

    View details for PubMedID 27831904

  • Results From an Integrated Safety Analysis of Urelumab, an Agonist Anti-CD137 Monoclonal Antibody. Clinical cancer research Segal, N. H., Logan, T. F., Hodi, F. S., McDermott, D. F., Melero, I., Hamid, O., Schmidt, H., Robert, C., Chiarion-Sileni, V., Ascierto, P. A., Maio, M., Urba, W. J., Gangadhar, T. C., Suryawanshi, S., Neely, J., Jure-Kunkel, M., Krishnan, S., Kohrt, H. E., Sznol, M., Levy, R. 2016

    Abstract

    Purpose: Urelumab is an agonist antibody to CD137 with potential application as an immuno-oncology therapeutic. Data were analyzed to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamic activity of urelumab, including the dose selected for ongoing development in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphoma.Experimental Design: A total of 346 patients with advanced cancers who had progressed after standard treatment received at least one dose of urelumab in one of three dose-escalation, monotherapy studies. Urelumab was administered at doses ranging from 0.1 to 15 mg/kg. Safety analyses included treatment-related and serious adverse events (AEs), as well as treatment-related AEs leading to discontinuation and death, with a focus on liver function test abnormalities and hepatic AEs.Results: Urelumab doses between 1 and 15 mg/kg given every 3 weeks resulted in a higher frequency of treatment-related AEs than 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Dose was the single most important factor contributing to transaminitis development, which was more frequent and severe at doses ≥1 mg/kg. At the MTD of 0.1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, urelumab was relatively well tolerated, with fatigue (16%) and nausea (13%) being the most common treatment-related AEs, and was associated with immunologic and pharmacodynamic activity demonstrated by the induction of IFN-inducible genes and cytokines.Conclusion: Integrated evaluation of urelumab safety data showed significant transaminitis was strongly associated with doses of ≥1 mg/kg. However, urelumab 0.1 mg/kg every 3 weeks was demonstrated to be safe, with pharmacodynamic activity supporting continued clinical evaluation of this dose as monotherapy and in combination with other immuno-oncology agents. Clin Cancer Res; 1-8. ©2016 AACR.

    View details for PubMedID 27756788

  • Targeting lymphoma with precision using semisynthetic anti-idiotype peptibodies PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Torchia, J., Weiskopf, K., Levy, R. 2016; 113 (19): 5376-5381

    Abstract

    B-cell lymphomas express a functionally active and truly tumor-specific cell-surface product, the variable region of the B-cell receptor (BCR), otherwise known as idiotype. The tumor idiotype differs, however, from patient to patient, making it a technical challenge to exploit for therapy. We have developed a method of targeting idiotype by using a semisynthetic personalized therapeutic that is more practical to produce on a patient-by-patient basis than monoclonal antibodies. In this method, a small peptide with affinity for a tumor idiotype is identified by screening a library, chemically synthesized, and then affixed to the amino terminus of a premade IgG Fc protein. We demonstrate that the resultant semisynthetic anti-idiotype peptibodies kill tumor cells in vitro with specificity, trigger tumor cell phagocytosis by macrophages, and efficiently clear human lymphoma in a murine xenograft model. This method could be used to target tumor with true precision on a personalized basis.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1603335113

    View details for Web of Science ID 000375478800071

    View details for PubMedID 27114517

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4868466

  • Tetraspanin CD81, a modulator of immune suppression in cancer and metastasis ONCOIMMUNOLOGY Vences-Catalan, F., Rajapaksa, R., Srivastava, M. K., Marabelle, A., Kuo, C., Levy, R., Levy, S. 2016; 5 (5): e1120399

    Abstract

    Cancer cells can escape the antitumor immune response by recruiting immune suppressor cells. However, although innate myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and T regulatory (Treg) cells accumulate normally in tumor-bearing CD81-deficient mice, both populations are impaired in their ability to suppress the antitumor immune response.

    View details for PubMedID 27467918

  • Immunomodulatory antibodies for the treatment of lymphoma: Report on the CALYM Workshop ONCOIMMUNOLOGY Houot, R., Gaulard, P., Schreiber, R., Mellman, I., Lambotte, O., Coulie, P. G., Fest, T., Korman, A., Levy, R., Shipp, M., Tarte, K., Kohrt, H., Marabelle, A., Ansell, S., Watier, H., van Elsas, A., Balakumaran, A., Vargas, F. A., Quezada, S. A., Salles, G., Olive, D. 2016; 5 (7)

    Abstract

    In November 2015, the CALYM Carnot Institute held a 2-d workshop to discuss the current and future development of immunomodulatory antibodies for the treatment of lymphoma. Highlights from the workshop are presented in this article.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/2162402X.2016.1186323

    View details for Web of Science ID 000385486700031

    View details for PubMedID 27622041

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5006908

  • Intratumoral Injection of TLR4 Agonist (G100) Leads to Tumor Regression of A20 Lymphoma and Induces Abscopal Responses Sagiv-Barfi, I., Lu, H., Hewitt, J., Hsu, F. J., ter Meulen, J., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2015
  • T Regulatory Cells Exhibit Surface Expression of FoxP3 Derived Peptides Presented within Class I MHC Schultz, L. M., Olsson, N., Khodadoust, M., Narayan, R., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Elias, J., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2015
  • Regulatory T Cells Are Depleted in Low-Grade Lymphoma By the Combination of Local Low-Dose Radiation Followed By Intratumoral CpG-ODN Czerwinski, D. K., Long, S. R., Khodadoust, M., Frank, M. J., Chu, M. P., Okada, A., McDonald, K. A., Kohrt, H. E., Bartlett, N. L., Reagan, P. M., Friedberg, J. W., Gordon, L. I., Coffman, R., Janssen, R., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2015
  • Development of a Novel Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccine for Personalized B-Cell Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Therapy Chan, W., Theriault, T., Levy, R., Swartz, J. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2015
  • Noninvasive Genotyping and Assessment of Treatment Response in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Scherer, F., Kurtz, D. M., Newman, A. M., Stehr, H., Liu, C., Zhou, L., Craig, A. M., Chabon, J. J., Lovejoy, A. F., Klass, D. M., Glover, C., Ohgami, R. S., Kunder, C. A., Visser, B. C., Poultsides, G., Levy, R., Diehn, M., Alizadeh, A. A. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2015
  • Phase I/II Clinical Trial of CpG-Activated Whole Cell Vaccine in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): Results in Safety and Efficacy from Planned Interim Analysis Chu, M. P., Brody, J., Kohrt, H. E., Frank, M. J., Khodadoust, M., Reddy, S., Advani, R. H., Gupta, N. K., Laport, G., Maeda, L. S., Meyer, E., Miklos, D. B., Negrin, R., Rezvani, A. R., Weng, W., Sheehan, K., Faham, M., Czerwinski, D. K., Okada, A., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2015
  • Tetraspanin CD81 Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Modulating the Functions of T Regulatory and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells CANCER RESEARCH Vences-Catalan, F., Rajapaksa, R., Srivastava, M. K., Marabelle, A., Kuo, C., Levy, R., Levy, S. 2015; 75 (21): 4517-4526

    Abstract

    Tumor cells counteract innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses by recruiting regulatory T cells (Treg) and innate myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which facilitate immune escape and metastatic dissemination. Here we report a role in these recruitment processes for CD81, a member of the tetraspanin family of proteins that have been implicated previously in cancer progression. We found that genetic deficiency in CD81 reduced tumor growth and metastasis in two genetic mouse backgrounds and multiple tumor models. Mechanistic investigations revealed that CD81 was not required for normal development of Treg and MDSC but was essential for immunosuppressive functions. Notably, adoptive transfer of wild-type Treg into CD81-deficient mice was sufficient to promote tumor growth and metastasis. Our findings suggested that CD81 modulates adaptive and innate immune responses, warranting further investigation of CD81 in immunomodulation in cancer and its progression. Cancer Res; 75(21); 1-10. ©2015 AACR.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-15-1021

    View details for Web of Science ID 000365602200010

    View details for PubMedID 26329536

  • Monoclonal antibodies and in situ vaccination. Levy, R. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2015
  • Combining Ibrutinib with immune checkpoint blockade to induce therapeutic antitumor immune response in solid tumors Sagiv-Barfi, I., Kohrt, H., Czerwinski, D., Ng, P., Chang, B., Levy, R. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2015
  • Noninvasive monitoring of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by immunoglobulin high-throughput sequencing. Blood Kurtz, D. M., Green, M. R., Bratman, S. V., Scherer, F., Liu, C. L., Kunder, C. A., Takahashi, K., Glover, C., Keane, C., Kihira, S., Visser, B., Callahan, J., Kong, K. A., Faham, M., Corbelli, K. S., Miklos, D., Advani, R. H., Levy, R., Hicks, R. J., Hertzberg, M., Ohgami, R. S., Gandhi, M. K., Diehn, M., Alizadeh, A. A. 2015; 125 (24): 3679-3687

    Abstract

    Recent studies have shown limited utility of routine surveillance imaging for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients achieving remission. Detection of molecular disease by immunoglobulin high-throughput sequencing (Ig-HTS) from peripheral blood provides an alternate strategy for surveillance. We prospectively evaluated the utility of Ig-HTS within 311 blood and 105 tumor samples from 75 patients with DLBCL, comparing Ig-HTS from the cellular (circulating leukocytes) and acellular (plasma cell-free DNA) compartments of peripheral blood to clinical outcomes and (18)fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT; n = 173). Clonotypic immunoglobulin rearrangements were detected in 83% of patients with adequate tumor samples to enable subsequent monitoring in peripheral blood. Molecular disease measured from plasma, compared with circulating leukocytes, was more abundant and better correlated with radiographic disease burden. Before treatment, molecular disease was detected in the plasma of 82% of patients compared with 71% in circulating cells (P = .68). However, molecular disease was detected significantly more frequently in the plasma at time of relapse (100% vs 30%; P = .001). Detection of molecular disease in the plasma often preceded PET/CT detection of relapse in patients initially achieving remission. During surveillance time points before relapse, plasma Ig-HTS demonstrated improved specificity (100% vs 56%, P < .0001) and similar sensitivity (31% vs 55%, P = .4) compared with PET/CT. Given its high specificity, Ig-HTS from plasma has potential clinical utility for surveillance after complete remission.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2015-03-635169

    View details for PubMedID 25887775

  • Pre-treatment circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker for disease burden in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) Scherer, F., Kurtz, D., Green, M., Newman, A. M., Klass, D. M., Zhou, L., Krishnan, R., Liu, C., Glover, C., Ohgami, R. S., Hicks, R. J., Keane, C., Kong, K. A., Faham, M., Hertzberg, M. S., Gandhi, M. K., Advani, R. H., Levy, R., Diehn, M., Alizadeh, A. A. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2015
  • First-in-human study assessing safety and tolerability of REGN1979, a novel CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody, in patients with CD20+B-cell malignancies previously treated with anti-CD20 therapy. Brownstein, C. M., Adriaens, L., Bannerji, R., Chavez, J. C., Levy, R., Ansell, S., Advani, R. H., Patel, S., Kostic, A., Trail, P., Lowy, I., Kohrt, H. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2015
  • Distinct early response dynamics of circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells during therapy of B-cell NHL. Kurtz, D., Scherer, F., Green, M., Khodadoust, M., Klass, D. M., Zhou, L., Krishnan, R., Glover, C., Liu, C., Kong, K. A., Faham, M., Levy, R., Diehn, M., Alizadeh, A. A. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2015
  • Phase I/II study of intratumoral injection of SD-101, an immunostimulatory CpG, and intratumoral injection of ipillumumab, an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, in combination with local radiation in low-grade B-cell lymphomas. Khodadoust, M., Chu, M., Czerwinski, D., McDonald, K., Long, S., Kohrt, H., Hoppe, R. T., Advani, R. H., Lowsky, R., Levy, R. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2015
  • A phase I study of PF-05082566 (anti-4-1BB) + rituximab in patients with CD20+NHL. Gopal, A. K., Bartlett, N. L., Levy, R., Houot, R., Smith, S., Segal, N., Thall, A. D., Mugundu, G., Huang, B., Davis, C., Kohrt, H. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2015
  • Ibrutinib enhances the antitumor immune response induced by intratumoral injection of a TLR9 ligand in mouse lymphoma. Blood Sagiv-Barfi, I., Kohrt, H. E., Burckhardt, L., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, R. 2015; 125 (13): 2079-2086

    Abstract

    We have designed a novel therapeutic approach for lymphoma that combines targeted kinase inhibition with in situ vaccination. Intratumoral injection of an unmethylated cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG)-enriched oligodeoxynucleotide, an agonist for the toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), induces the activation of natural killer cells, macrophages, and antigen presenting cells that control tumor growth at the local site. Ibrutinib, an irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a key enzyme in the signaling pathway downstream of B-cell receptor, is an effective treatment against many types of B-cell lymphomas. The combination of intratumoral injection of CpG with systemic treatment by ibrutinib resulted in eradication of the tumors not only in the injected site, but also at distant sites. Surprisingly, this combinatorial antitumor effect required an intact T-cell immune system since it did not occur in nude, severe combined immunodeficiency, or T-cell depleted mice. Moreover, T cells from animals treated with intratumoral CpG and ibrutinib prevented the outgrowth of newly injected tumors. This result suggests that ibrutinib can induce immunogenic cell death of lymphoma cells and that concomitant stimulation of antigen-presenting cells in the tumor microenvironment by toll-like receptor ligands can lead to a powerful systemic antitumor immune response.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2014-08-593137

    View details for PubMedID 25662332

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4375105

  • A roadmap for discovery and translation in lymphoma BLOOD Weinstock, D. M., Dalla-Favera, R., Gascoyne, R. D., Leonard, J. P., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S., Melnick, A. M., Nowakowski, G. S., Press, O. W., Savage, K. J., Shipp, M. A., Staudt, L. M. 2015; 125 (13): 2175–77

    View details for PubMedID 25814490

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4375113

  • Mutations in early follicular lymphoma progenitors are associated with suppressed antigen presentation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Green, M. R., Kihira, S., Liu, C. L., Nair, R. V., Salari, R., Gentles, A. J., Irish, J., Stehr, H., Vicente-Dueñas, C., Romero-Camarero, I., Sanchez-Garcia, I., Plevritis, S. K., Arber, D. A., Batzoglou, S., Levy, R., Alizadeh, A. A. 2015; 112 (10): E1116-25

    Abstract

    Follicular lymphoma (FL) is incurable with conventional therapies and has a clinical course typified by multiple relapses after therapy. These tumors are genetically characterized by B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) translocation and mutation of genes involved in chromatin modification. By analyzing purified tumor cells, we identified additional novel recurrently mutated genes and confirmed mutations of one or more chromatin modifier genes within 96% of FL tumors and two or more in 76% of tumors. We defined the hierarchy of somatic mutations arising during tumor evolution by analyzing the phylogenetic relationship of somatic mutations across the coding genomes of 59 sequentially acquired biopsies from 22 patients. Among all somatically mutated genes, CREBBP mutations were most significantly enriched within the earliest inferable progenitor. These mutations were associated with a signature of decreased antigen presentation characterized by reduced transcript and protein abundance of MHC class II on tumor B cells, in line with the role of CREBBP in promoting class II transactivator (CIITA)-dependent transcriptional activation of these genes. CREBBP mutant B cells stimulated less proliferation of T cells in vitro compared with wild-type B cells from the same tumor. Transcriptional signatures of tumor-infiltrating T cells were indicative of reduced proliferation, and this corresponded to decreased frequencies of tumor-infiltrating CD4 helper T cells and CD8 memory cytotoxic T cells. These observations therefore implicate CREBBP mutation as an early event in FL evolution that contributes to immune evasion via decreased antigen presentation.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1501199112

    View details for PubMedID 25713363

  • Mutations in early follicular lymphoma progenitors are associated with suppressed antigen presentation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Green, M. R., Kihira, S., Liu, C. L., Nair, R. V., Salari, R., Gentles, A. J., Irish, J., Stehr, H., Vicente-Dueñas, C., Romero-Camarero, I., Sanchez-Garcia, I., Plevritis, S. K., Arber, D. A., Batzoglou, S., Levy, R., Alizadeh, A. A. 2015; 112 (10): E1116-25

    Abstract

    Follicular lymphoma (FL) is incurable with conventional therapies and has a clinical course typified by multiple relapses after therapy. These tumors are genetically characterized by B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) translocation and mutation of genes involved in chromatin modification. By analyzing purified tumor cells, we identified additional novel recurrently mutated genes and confirmed mutations of one or more chromatin modifier genes within 96% of FL tumors and two or more in 76% of tumors. We defined the hierarchy of somatic mutations arising during tumor evolution by analyzing the phylogenetic relationship of somatic mutations across the coding genomes of 59 sequentially acquired biopsies from 22 patients. Among all somatically mutated genes, CREBBP mutations were most significantly enriched within the earliest inferable progenitor. These mutations were associated with a signature of decreased antigen presentation characterized by reduced transcript and protein abundance of MHC class II on tumor B cells, in line with the role of CREBBP in promoting class II transactivator (CIITA)-dependent transcriptional activation of these genes. CREBBP mutant B cells stimulated less proliferation of T cells in vitro compared with wild-type B cells from the same tumor. Transcriptional signatures of tumor-infiltrating T cells were indicative of reduced proliferation, and this corresponded to decreased frequencies of tumor-infiltrating CD4 helper T cells and CD8 memory cytotoxic T cells. These observations therefore implicate CREBBP mutation as an early event in FL evolution that contributes to immune evasion via decreased antigen presentation.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1501199112

    View details for PubMedID 25713363

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4364211

  • Therapeutic antitumor immunity by checkpoint blockade is enhanced by ibrutinib, an inhibitor of both BTK and ITK. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Sagiv-Barfi, I., Kohrt, H. E., Czerwinski, D. K., Ng, P. P., Chang, B. Y., Levy, R. 2015; 112 (9): E966-72

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1500712112

    View details for PubMedID 25730880

  • Therapeutic antitumor immunity by checkpoint blockade is enhanced by ibrutinib, an inhibitor of both BTK and ITK. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Sagiv-Barfi, I., Kohrt, H. E., Czerwinski, D. K., Ng, P. P., Chang, B. Y., Levy, R. 2015; 112 (9): E966-72

    Abstract

    Monoclonal antibodies can block cellular interactions that negatively regulate T-cell immune responses, such as CD80/CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD1-L, amplifying preexisting immunity and thereby evoking antitumor immune responses. Ibrutinib, an approved therapy for B-cell malignancies, is a covalent inhibitor of BTK, a member of the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway, which is critical to the survival of malignant B cells. Interestingly this drug also inhibits ITK, an essential enzyme in Th2 T cells and by doing so it can shift the balance between Th1 and Th2 T cells and potentially enhance antitumor immune responses. Here we report that the combination of anti-PD-L1 antibody and ibrutinib suppresses tumor growth in mouse models of lymphoma that are intrinsically insensitive to ibrutinib. The combined effect of these two agents was also documented for models of solid tumors, such as triple negative breast cancer and colon cancer. The enhanced therapeutic activity of PD-L1 blockade by ibrutinib was accompanied by enhanced antitumor T-cell immune responses. These preclinical results suggest that the combination of PD1/PD1-L blockade and ibrutinib should be tested in the clinic for the therapy not only of lymphoma but also in other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors that do not even express BTK.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1500712112

    View details for PubMedID 25730880

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4352777

  • CCR 20th Anniversary Commentary: Radioactive Drones for B-cell Lymphoma CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Knox, S. J., Levy, R. 2015; 21 (3): 493–94

    Abstract

    In a study published in the March 1, 1996, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, Knox and colleagues (1) demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Yttirium-90 ((90)Y)-anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy, as well as the benefit of preinfusion of unlabeled antibody on radiolabeled antibody biodistribution. Subsequent clinical trials with this radiolabeled antibody led to regulatory approval of this treatment for B-cell lymphoma. See related article by Knox et al., Clin Cancer Res 1996;2(3) Mar 1996; 457-70.

    View details for PubMedID 25646179

  • Current Clinical Trials Testing Combinations of Immunotherapy and Radiation SEMINARS IN RADIATION ONCOLOGY Crittenden, M., Kohrt, H., Levy, R., Jones, J., Camphausen, K., Dicker, A., Demaria, S., Formenti, S. 2015; 25 (1): 54-64

    Abstract

    Preclinical evidence of successful combinations of ionizing radiation with immunotherapy has inspired testing the translation of these results to the clinic. Interestingly, the preclinical work has consistently predicted the responses encountered in clinical trials. The first example came from a proof-of-principle trial started in 2001 that tested the concept that growth factors acting on antigen-presenting cells improve presentation of tumor antigens released by radiation and induce an abscopal effect. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor was administered during radiotherapy to a metastatic site in patients with metastatic solid tumors to translate evidence obtained in a murine model of syngeneic mammary carcinoma treated with cytokine FLT-3L and radiation. Subsequent clinical availability of vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors has triggered a wave of enthusiasm for testing them in combination with radiotherapy. Examples of ongoing clinical trials are described in this report. Importantly, most of these trials include careful immune monitoring of the patients enrolled and will generate important data about the proimmunogenic effects of radiation in combination with a variety of immune modulators, in different disease settings. Results of these studies are building a platform of evidence for radiotherapy as an adjuvant to immunotherapy and encourage the growth of this novel field of radiation oncology.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.semradonc.2014.07.003

    View details for Web of Science ID 000346328000009

    View details for PubMedID 25481267

  • Generating Chimeric Antigen Receptors Utilizing Novel Anti-CD3 Nanobeads Schultz, L. M., Czerwinski, D. K., Fu, A., Levy, S., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2014
  • Semi-synthetic peptibodies are a novel personalized therapeutic with activity against lymphoma in vitro and in vivo Torchia, J., Ng, P., Chen, H., Weiskopf, K., Levy, R. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2014
  • Local tumor irradiation combined with alpha-PDL-1 immune checkpoint inhibition results in local and systemic anti-tumor responses: Successful translation of a mouse model to a human case series Sagiv-Barfi, I., Rajapaksa, A., Czerwinski, D., Chang, S., Hebb, J., Chester, C., Waller, E., Fine, G., Chen, D., Kowanetz, M., Irving, B., Levy, R., Kohrt, H. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2014
  • Translational Medicine in Action: Anti-CD20 Therapy in Lymphoma. Journal of immunology Lim, S. H., Levy, R. 2014; 193 (4): 1519-1524

    Abstract

    The introduction of rituximab for B cell lymphoma in the late 1990s inaugurated a new era of cancer therapy showcasing mAbs. mAbs are in principle an amalgamation of two characteristics of a perfect anticancer drug. First, rituximab is a therapy targeted to the tumor cell, but it carries fewer side effects than does chemotherapy. Second, with its ability to directly engage the host immune system, it could potentially elicit longer lasting anticancer immunity, although this remains to be proven. This review highlights the fundamental scientific discoveries that allowed the development of clinically successful anti-CD20 mAbs. Since the approval of rituximab, a considerable amount of work has been undertaken by different groups trying to understand the workings and limitations of anti-CD20s. All of these efforts will be critical in designing new mAbs to CD20 and other targets and, ultimately, of anticancer mAbs that will improve on, or even replace, chemotherapy.

    View details for DOI 10.4049/jimmunol.1490027

    View details for PubMedID 25086174

  • New insights into the mechanism of action of immune checkpoint antibodies. Oncoimmunology Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Levy, R. 2014; 3 (8): e954869

    Abstract

    Preclinical models have been developed and applied to predict the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint antibodies. Now these models can be used to dissect the mechanisms by which such immunotherapeutic antibodies work and to build the rationale for combining immune checkpoint-targeting antibodies with potential synergistic activity in cancer patients.

    View details for DOI 10.4161/21624011.2014.954869

    View details for PubMedID 25610751

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4292403

  • New insights into the mechanism of action of immune checkpoint antibodies ONCOIMMUNOLOGY Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Levy, R. 2014; 3 (8)
  • Joint Modeling and Registration of Cell Populations in Cohorts of High-Dimensional Flow Cytometric Data PLOS ONE Pyne, S., Lee, S. X., Wang, K., Irish, J., Tamayo, P., Nazaire, M., Duong, T., Shu-Kay Ng, S. K., Hafler, D., Levy, R., Nolan, G. P., Mesirov, J., McLachlan, G. J. 2014; 9 (7)

    Abstract

    In biomedical applications, an experimenter encounters different potential sources of variation in data such as individual samples, multiple experimental conditions, and multivariate responses of a panel of markers such as from a signaling network. In multiparametric cytometry, which is often used for analyzing patient samples, such issues are critical. While computational methods can identify cell populations in individual samples, without the ability to automatically match them across samples, it is difficult to compare and characterize the populations in typical experiments, such as those responding to various stimulations or distinctive of particular patients or time-points, especially when there are many samples. Joint Clustering and Matching (JCM) is a multi-level framework for simultaneous modeling and registration of populations across a cohort. JCM models every population with a robust multivariate probability distribution. Simultaneously, JCM fits a random-effects model to construct an overall batch template--used for registering populations across samples, and classifying new samples. By tackling systems-level variation, JCM supports practical biomedical applications involving large cohorts. Software for fitting the JCM models have been implemented in an R package EMMIX-JCM, available from http://www.maths.uq.edu.au/~gjm/mix_soft/EMMIX-JCM/.

    View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0100334

    View details for Web of Science ID 000339635000020

    View details for PubMedID 24983991

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4077578

  • Active idiotypic vaccination versus control immunotherapy for follicular lymphoma. Journal of clinical oncology Levy, R., Ganjoo, K. N., Leonard, J. P., Vose, J. M., Flinn, I. W., Ambinder, R. F., Connors, J. M., Berinstein, N. L., Belch, A. R., Bartlett, N. L., Nichols, C., Emmanouilides, C. E., Timmerman, J. M., Gregory, S. A., Link, B. K., Inwards, D. J., Freedman, A. S., Matous, J. V., Robertson, M. J., Kunkel, L. A., Ingolia, D. E., Gentles, A. J., Liu, C. L., Tibshirani, R., Alizadeh, A. A., Denney, D. W. 2014; 32 (17): 1797-1803

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2012.43.9273

    View details for PubMedID 24799467

  • Active idiotypic vaccination versus control immunotherapy for follicular lymphoma. Journal of clinical oncology Levy, R., Ganjoo, K. N., Leonard, J. P., Vose, J. M., Flinn, I. W., Ambinder, R. F., Connors, J. M., Berinstein, N. L., Belch, A. R., Bartlett, N. L., Nichols, C., Emmanouilides, C. E., Timmerman, J. M., Gregory, S. A., Link, B. K., Inwards, D. J., Freedman, A. S., Matous, J. V., Robertson, M. J., Kunkel, L. A., Ingolia, D. E., Gentles, A. J., Liu, C. L., Tibshirani, R., Alizadeh, A. A., Denney, D. W. 2014; 32 (17): 1797-1803

    Abstract

    Idiotypes (Ids), the unique portions of tumor immunoglobulins, can serve as targets for passive and active immunotherapies for lymphoma. We performed a multicenter, randomized trial comparing a specific vaccine (MyVax), comprising Id chemically coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) plus granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to a control immunotherapy with KLH plus GM-CSF.Patients with previously untreated advanced-stage follicular lymphoma (FL) received eight cycles of chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone. Those achieving sustained partial or complete remission (n=287 [44%]) were randomly assigned at a ratio of 2:1 to receive one injection per month for 7 months of MyVax or control immunotherapy. Anti-Id antibody responses (humoral immune responses [IRs]) were measured before each immunization. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included IR and time to subsequent antilymphoma therapy.At a median follow-up of 58 months, no significant difference was observed in either PFS or time to next therapy between the two arms. In the MyVax group (n=195), anti-Id IRs were observed in 41% of patients, with a median PFS of 40 months, significantly exceeding the median PFS observed in patients without such Id-induced IRs and in those receiving control immunotherapy.This trial failed to demonstrate clinical benefit of specific immunotherapy. The subset of vaccinated patients mounting specific anti-Id responses had superior outcomes. Whether this reflects a therapeutic benefit or is a marker for more favorable underlying prognosis requires further study.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2012.43.9273

    View details for PubMedID 24799467

  • Targeting CD137 enhances the efficacy of cetuximab. journal of clinical investigation Kohrt, H. E., Colevas, A. D., Houot, R., Weiskopf, K., Goldstein, M. J., Lund, P., Mueller, A., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Marabelle, A., Lira, R., Troutner, E., Richards, L., Rajapaska, A., Hebb, J., Chester, C., Waller, E., Ostashko, A., Weng, W., Chen, L., Czerwinski, D., Fu, Y., Sunwoo, J., Levy, R. 2014; 124 (6): 2668-2682

    Abstract

    Treatment with cetuximab, an EGFR-targeting IgG1 mAb, results in beneficial, yet limited, clinical improvement for patients with head and neck (HN) cancer as well as colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with WT KRAS tumors. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by NK cells contributes to the efficacy of cetuximab. The costimulatory molecule CD137 (4-1BB) is expressed following NK and memory T cell activation. We found that isolated human NK cells substantially increased expression of CD137 when exposed to cetuximab-coated, EGFR-expressing HN and CRC cell lines. Furthermore, activation of CD137 with an agonistic mAb enhanced NK cell degranulation and cytotoxicity. In multiple murine xenograft models, including EGFR-expressing cancer cells, HN cells, and KRAS-WT and KRAS-mutant CRC, combined cetuximab and anti-CD137 mAb administration was synergistic and led to complete tumor resolution and prolonged survival, which was dependent on the presence of NK cells. In patients receiving cetuximab, the level of CD137 on circulating and intratumoral NK cells was dependent on postcetuximab time and host FcyRIIIa polymorphism. Interestingly, the increase in CD137-expressing NK cells directly correlated to an increase in EGFR-specific CD8+ T cells. These results support development of a sequential antibody approach against EGFR-expressing malignancies that first targets the tumor and then the host immune system.

    View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI73014

    View details for PubMedID 24837434

  • Biomarker characterization using mass cytometry in a phase 1 trial of urelumab (BMS-663513) in subjects with advanced solid tumors and relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Chester, C., Chang, S., Kurland, J. F., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Czerwinski, D., Rajapaksa, A., Waller, E., Sadaram, M., Richards, L., Cohen, L. J., Ahlers, C., Jure-Kunkei, M., Maecker, H., Levy, R., Kohrt, H. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2014
  • A phase 1 study of PF-05082566 (auti-4-1BB) in patients with advanced cancer. Segal, N., Gopal, A. K., Bhatia, S., Kohrt, H., Levy, R., Pishvalan, M. J., Houot, R., Bartlett, N., Nghlem, P., Kronenberg, S., Thali, A. D., Mugundu, G., Huang, B., Davis, C. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2014
  • Noninvasive monitoring of cellular versus acellular tumor DNA from immunoglobulin genes for DLBCL. Kurtz, D., Green, M. R., Bratman, S., Liu, C., Glover, C., Keane, C., Kong, K., Faham, M., Miklos, D., Advani, R. H., Levy, R., Hertzberg, M. S., Gandhi, M. K., Diehn, M., Alizadeh, A. A. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2014
  • A brief personal history of cancer immunotherapy at Stanford: if these walls could talk…. Immunologic research Levy, R. 2014; 58 (2-3): 277-281

    Abstract

    This is a journey that began in medical school at Stanford in 1963 and that is still underway, now as faculty member here for the past 40 years. History is by its nature selective, and I chose highlights that reflect on the remarkable progress we have made using the immune system to treat cancer. We will never be satisfied until we eliminate suffering and early mortality from cancer, but the progress is indeed remarkable as are the people who have contributed to it.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s12026-014-8506-3

    View details for PubMedID 24760220

  • Intratumoral immunization: a new paradigm for cancer therapy. Clinical cancer research Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Caux, C., Levy, R. 2014; 20 (7): 1747-1756

    Abstract

    Immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment is of prognostic and therapeutic import. These immune cell subsets can be heterogeneous and are composed of mature antigen-presenting cells, helper and effector cytotoxic T cells, toleragenic dendritic cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and regulatory T cells, among other cell types. With the development of novel drugs that target the immune system rather than the cancer cells, the tumor immune microenvironment is not only prognostic for overall patient outcome, but also predictive for likelihood of response to these immune-targeted therapies. Such therapies aim to reverse the cancer immunotolerance and trigger an effective antitumor immune response. Two major families of immunostimulatory drugs are currently in clinical development: pattern recognition receptor agonists (PRRago) and immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies (ISmAb). Despite their immune-targeted design, these agents have so far been developed clinically as if they were typical anticancer drugs. Here, we review the limitations of this conventional approach, specifically addressing the shortcomings of the usual schedules of intravenous infusions every 2 or 3 weeks. If the new modalities of immunotherapy target specific immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, it might be preferable to deliver them locally into the tumor rather than systemically. There is preclinical and clinical evidence that a therapeutic systemic antitumor immune response can be generated upon intratumoral immunomodulation. Moreover, preclinical results have shown that therapeutic synergy can be obtained by combining PRRagos and ISmAbs to the local tumor site. Clin Cancer Res; 20(7); 1747-56. ©2014 AACR.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-13-2116

    View details for PubMedID 24691639

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3979477

  • Ibrutinib antagonizes rituximab-dependent NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Blood Kohrt, H. E., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Rafiq, S., Herman, S. E., Butchar, J. P., Cheney, C., Zhang, X., Buggy, J. J., Muthusamy, N., Levy, R., Johnson, A. J., Byrd, J. C. 2014; 123 (12): 1957-1960

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2014-01-547869

    View details for PubMedID 24652965

  • B-cell receptors expressed by lymphomas of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients rarely react with the viral proteins. Blood Ng, P. P., Kuo, C., Wang, S., Einav, S., Arcaini, L., Paulli, M., Portlock, C. S., Marcotrigiano, J., Tarr, A., Ball, J., Levy, R., Levy, S. 2014; 123 (10): 1512-1515

    Abstract

    Chronic HCV infection has been implicated in the induction and maintenance of B-cell lymphomas. The strongest evidence for this comes from clinical observations of tumor regressions upon anti-viral treatments. Here we used multiple methods to test the hypothesis that the expansion of HCV-specific B cells gives rise to lymphomas. We obtained lymphoma tissues from HCV-infected lymphoma patients, including some that later regressed upon anti-viral treatments. We expressed the lymphoma B-cell receptors (BCRs) as soluble IgGs and membrane IgMs, and analyzed their reactivity with HCV proteins and with HCV virions. We confirmed previous reports that HCV-associated lymphomas use a restricted immunoglobulin variable region (V) gene repertoire. However, we found no evidence for their binding to the HCV antigens. We conclude that most lymphomas of HCV-infected patients do not arise from B cells aimed at eliminating the virus.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2013-10-532895

    View details for PubMedID 24449209

  • Anti-KIR antibody enhancement of anti-lymphoma activity of natural killer cells as monotherapy and in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies. Blood Kohrt, H. E., Thielens, A., Marabelle, A., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Sola, C., Chanuc, F., Fuseri, N., Bonnafous, C., Czerwinski, D., Rajapaksa, A., Waller, E., Ugolini, S., Vivier, E., Romagné, F., Levy, R., Bléry, M., André, P. 2014; 123 (5): 678-686

    Abstract

    Natural killer (NK) cells mediate anti-lymphoma activity by spontaneous cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) when triggered by rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) used to treat patients with B cell lymphomas. The balance of inhibitory and activating signals determines the magnitude of NK cell's efficacy by spontaneous cytoxicity. Here, using a killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) transgenic murine model, we show that blockade of the interface of inhibitory KIRs with MHC class I antigens on lymphoma by anti-KIR antibodies prevents a tolerogenic interaction and augments NK cell spontaneous cytotoxicity. In combination with anti-CD20 mAbs, anti-KIR treatment induces enhanced NK cell-mediated, rituximab-dependent cytotoxicity against lymphoma in vitro and in vivo in KIR transgenic and syngeneic murine lymphoma models. These results support a therapeutic strategy of combination, rituximab and KIR blockade through lirilumab, illustrating the potential efficacy of combining a tumor targeting therapy with an NK cell agonist thus stimulating the post-rituximab anti-lymphoma immune response.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2013-08-519199

    View details for PubMedID 24326534

  • Intratumoral Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy: Enhancing Efficacy While Avoiding Toxicity CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Levy, R. 2013; 19 (19): 5261-5263

    Abstract

    Systemic administration of the checkpoint blockade antibody anti-CTLA4 results in severe autoimmune toxicity, limiting its clinical efficacy. Fransen and colleagues show here that peritumoral delivery of low doses of this immunomodulatory drug can trigger a systemic antitumor immune response while preventing the toxicity against other organs.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-13-1923

    View details for Web of Science ID 000325203700001

    View details for PubMedID 23965900

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3817012

  • Cancer Vaccines and T Cell Therapy (vol 19, pg S97, 2013) BIOLOGY OF BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANTATION Rezvani, K., Brody, J. D., Kohrt, H. E., Logan, A. C., Advani, R., Czerwinski, D., Weng, W., Negrin, R. S., Carlton, V., Faham, M., Levy, R., Barrett, J. 2013; 19 (10): 1530
  • Intratumoral anti-CTLA-4 therapy: enhancing efficacy while avoiding toxicity. Clinical cancer research Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Levy, R. 2013; 19 (19): 5261-5263

    Abstract

    Systemic administration of the checkpoint blockade antibody anti-CTLA4 results in severe autoimmune toxicity, limiting its clinical efficacy. Fransen and colleagues show here that peritumoral delivery of low doses of this immunomodulatory drug can trigger a systemic antitumor immune response while preventing the toxicity against other organs.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-13-1923

    View details for PubMedID 23965900

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3817012

  • Improvements in observed and relative survival in follicular grade 1-2 lymphoma during 4 decades: the Stanford University experience. Blood Tan, D., Horning, S. J., Hoppe, R. T., Levy, R., Rosenberg, S. A., Sigal, B. M., Warnke, R. A., Natkunam, Y., Han, S. S., Yuen, A., Plevritis, S. K., Advani, R. H. 2013; 122 (6): 981-987

    Abstract

    Recent studies report an improvement in overall survival (OS) of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). Previously untreated patients with grade 1-2 FL referred from 1960-2003 and treated at Stanford were identified. Four eras were considered: era 1, pre-anthracycline (1960-1975, n=180); era 2, anthracycline (1976-1986, n=426), era 3, aggressive chemotherapy/purine analogs (1987-1996, n=471) and era 4, rituximab (1997-2003, n=257). Clinical characteristics, patterns of care and survival outcomes were assessed. Observed OS was compared with the expected OS calculated from Berkeley Mortality Database life tables derived from population matched by gender and age at time of diagnosis. The median OS was 13.6 years. Age, gender and stage did not differ across the eras. Although primary treatment varied, event free survival after the first treatment did not differ between eras (p=0.17). Median OS improved from approximately 11 years in eras 1 and 2 to 18.4 years in era 3 and has not yet been reached for era 4 (p<0.001) with no suggestion of a plateau in any era. These improvements in OS exceeded improvements in survival in the general population during the same time period. Several factors, including better supportive care and effective therapies for relapsed disease, are likely responsible for this improvement.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2013-03-491514

    View details for PubMedID 23777769

  • Enhancement of antibody fragment secretion into the Escherichia coli periplasm by co-expression with the peptidyl prolyl isomerase, FkpA, in the cytoplasm JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGICAL METHODS Levy, R., Ahluwalia, K., Bohmann, D. J., Giang, H. M., Schwimmer, L. J., Issafras, H., Reddy, N. B., Chan, C., Horwitz, A. H., Takeuchi, T. 2013; 394 (1-2): 10-21

    Abstract

    Improper protein folding or aggregation can frequently be responsible for low expression and poor functional activity of antibody fragments secreted into the Escherichia coli periplasm. Expression issues also can affect selection of antibody candidates from phage libraries, since antibody fragments displayed on phage also are secreted into the E. coli periplasm. To improve secretion of properly folded antibody fragments into the periplasm, we have developed a novel approach that involves co-expressing the antibody fragments with the peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase, FkpA, lacking its signal sequence (cytFkpA) which consequently is expressed in the E. coli cytosol. Cytoplasmic expression of cytFkpA improved secretion of functional Fab fragments into the periplasm, exceeding even the benefits from co-expressing Fab fragments with native, FkpA localized in the periplasm. In addition, panning and subsequent screening of large Fab and scFv naïve phage libraries in the presence of cytFkpA significantly increased the number of unique clones selected, as well as their functional expression levels and diversity.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jim.2013.04.010

    View details for Web of Science ID 000322857100002

    View details for PubMedID 23624043

  • Depleting tumor-specific Tregs at a single site eradicates disseminated tumors JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Sagiv-Barfi, I., Ajami, B., Axtell, R. C., Zhou, G., Rajapaksa, R., Green, M. R., Torchia, J., Brody, J., Luong, R., Rosenblum, M. D., Steinman, L., Levitsky, H. I., Tse, V., Levy, R. 2013; 123 (6): 2447-2463

    Abstract

    Activation of TLR9 by direct injection of unmethylated CpG nucleotides into a tumor can induce a therapeutic immune response; however, Tregs eventually inhibit the antitumor immune response and thereby limit the power of cancer immunotherapies. In tumor-bearing mice, we found that Tregs within the tumor preferentially express the cell surface markers CTLA-4 and OX40. We show that intratumoral coinjection of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-OX40 together with CpG depleted tumor-infiltrating Tregs. This in situ immunomodulation, which was performed with low doses of antibodies in a single tumor, generated a systemic antitumor immune response that eradicated disseminated disease in mice. Further, this treatment modality was effective against established CNS lymphoma with leptomeningeal metastases, sites that are usually considered to be tumor cell sanctuaries in the context of conventional systemic therapy. These results demonstrate that antitumor immune effectors elicited by local immunomodulation can eradicate tumor cells at distant sites. We propose that, rather than using mAbs to target cancer cells systemically, mAbs could be used to target the tumor infiltrative immune cells locally, thereby eliciting a systemic immune response.

    View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI64859

    View details for Web of Science ID 000320093100018

    View details for PubMedID 23728179

  • Targeting CD137 to enhance the antitumor efficacy of cetuximab by stimulation of innate and adaptive immunity. Kohrt, H., Houot, R., Weiskopf, K., Goldstein, M., Lund, P., Lira, R. R., Troutner, E., Richards, L., Rajapaksa, A., Ostashko, A., Weng, W., Chen, L., Colevas, C., Sunwoo, J., Levy, R. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2013
  • A phase Ib, open-label, multicenter study of urelumab (BMS-663513) in combination with rituximab in subjects with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies Kohrt, H., Godwin, J. E., Lossos, I. S., Williams, M. E., Timmerman, J., Link, B. K., Goldberg, S. M., McGirr, A., Kurland, J. F., Wigginton, J. M., Cohen, L. J., Levy, R. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2013
  • A phase I study of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunoregulatory activity of urelumab (BMS-663513) in subjects with advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors and relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) Melero, I., Gangadhar, T. C., Kohrt, H., Segal, N., Logan, T., Urba, W., Hodi, F., Ott, P., Perez-Gracia, J., Wolchok, J. D., Shah, A., Kurland, J. F., Cohen, L. J., Levy, R., Wigginton, J. M., Goldberg, S. M. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2013
  • An open-label phase II study of ibrutinib in patients with refractory follicular lymphoma. Salles, G. A., Gopal, A. K., Martin, P., Marcus, R., Hess, G., Zinzani, P., Ahmadi, T., Zhuang, S., Levy, R. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2013
  • Hierarchy in somatic mutations arising during genomic evolution and progression of follicular lymphoma. Blood Green, M. R., Gentles, A. J., Nair, R. V., Irish, J. M., Kihira, S., Liu, C. L., Kela, I., Hopmans, E. S., Myklebust, J. H., Ji, H., Plevritis, S. K., Levy, R., Alizadeh, A. A. 2013; 121 (9): 1604-1611

    Abstract

    Follicular lymphoma (FL) is currently incurable using conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy regimes, compelling new strategies. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies that can reveal oncogenic pathways have stimulated interest in tailoring therapies toward actionable somatic mutations. However, for mutation-directed therapies to be most effective, the mutations must be uniformly present in evolved tumor cells as well as in the self-renewing tumor-cell precursors. Here, we show striking intratumoral clonal diversity within FL tumors in the representation of mutations in the majority of genes as revealed by whole exome sequencing of subpopulations. This diversity captures a clonal hierarchy, resolved using immunoglobulin somatic mutations and IGH-BCL2 translocations as a frame of reference and by comparing diagnosis and relapse tumor pairs, allowing us to distinguish early versus late genetic eventsduring lymphomagenesis. We provide evidence that IGH-BCL2 translocations and CREBBP mutations are early events, whereas MLL2 and TNFRSF14 mutations probably represent late events during disease evolution. These observations provide insight into which of the genetic lesions represent suitable candidates for targeted therapies.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2012-09-457283

    View details for PubMedID 23297126

  • High PD-1 expression and suppressed cytokine signaling distinguish T cells infiltrating follicular lymphoma tumors from peripheral T cells. Blood Myklebust, J. H., Irish, J. M., Brody, J., Czerwinski, D. K., Houot, R., Kohrt, H. E., Timmerman, J., Said, J., Green, M. R., Delabie, J., Kolstad, A., Alizadeh, A. A., Levy, R. 2013; 121 (8): 1367-1376

    Abstract

    Defects in T-cell function in patients with cancer might influence their capacity to mount efficient antitumor immune responses. Here, we identified highly reduced IL-4-, IL-10-, and IL-21-induced phosphorylation of STAT6 and STAT3 in tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) in follicular lymphoma (FL) tumors, contrasting other non-Hodgkin lymphoma TILs. By combining phospho-protein-specific flow cytometry with several T-cell markers, we identified that CD4(+)CD45RO(+)CD62L(-) FL TILs were largely nonresponsive to cytokines, in contrast to the corresponding autologous peripheral blood subset. We observed differential expression of the inhibitory receptor PD-1 in FL TILs and peripheral blood T cells. Furthermore, CD4(+)PD-1(hi) FL TILs, containing T(FH) and non-T(FH) cells, had lost their cytokine responsiveness, whereas PD-1 TILs had normal cytokine signaling. However, this phenomenon was not tumor specific, because tonsil T cells were similar to FL TILs. FL tumor cells were negative for PD-1 ligands, but PD-L1(+) histiocytes were found within the T cell-rich zone of the neoplastic follicles. Disruption of the microenvironment and in vitro culture of FL TILs could restore cytokine signaling in the PD-1(hi) subset. Because FL TILs in vivo probably receive suppressive signals through PD-1, this provides a rationale for testing PD-1 Ab in combination with immunotherapy in patients with FL.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2012-04-421826

    View details for PubMedID 23297127

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3578953

  • Cancer Vaccines and T Cell Therapy BIOLOGY OF BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANTATION Rezvani, K., Brody, J. D., Kohrt, H. E., Logan, A. C., Advani, R., Czerwinski, D. K., Weng, W., Negrin, R. S., Carlton, V., Faham, M., Levy, R., Barrett, J. 2013; 19 (1): S97-S101

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bbmt.2012.09.020

    View details for Web of Science ID 000313998100024

    View details for PubMedID 23041602

  • Local immunomodulation at a single site of tumor generates a therapeutic immune response that cures metastatic disease at distant sites, including the brain. Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Levy, R. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2013
  • in Situ Vaccination for Patients with Previously Untreated Follicular Lymphoma: Analysis of Immune Responses 54th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Czerwinski, D. K., Brody, J., Kohrt, H. E., Hoppe, R. T., Advani, R. H., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2012
  • Targeting B-Cell Lymphoma with Idiotype-Specific Peptibodies: Toward a Personalized and Tumor-Specific Therapy 54th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Torchia, J. A., Ng, P. P., Chen, H., Kohrt, H. E., Marabelle, A., Alizadeh, A. A., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2012
  • Hierarchy in Somatic Mutations Arising During Genomic Evolution and Progression of Follicular Lymphoma 54th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Green, M. R., Gentles, A. J., Nair, R. V., Irish, J. M., Levy, R., Alizadeh, A. A. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2012
  • Self-antigen recognition by follicular lymphoma B-cell receptors BLOOD Sachen, K. L., Strohman, M. J., Singletary, J., Alizadeh, A. A., Kattah, N. H., Lossos, C., Mellins, E. D., Levy, S., Levy, R. 2012; 120 (20): 4182-4190

    Abstract

    Follicular lymphoma is a monoclonal B-cell malignancy with each patient's tumor expressing a unique cell surface immunoglobulin (Ig), or B-cell receptor (BCR), that can potentially recognize antigens and/or transduce signals into the tumor cell. Here we evaluated the reactivity of tumor derived Igs for human tissue antigens. Self-reactivity was observed in 26% of tumor Igs (25 of 98). For one follicular lymphoma patient, the recognized self-antigen was identified as myoferlin. This patient's tumor cells bound recombinant myoferlin in proportion to their level of BCR expression, and the binding to myoferlin was preserved despite ongoing somatic hypermutation of Ig variable regions. Furthermore, BCR-mediated signaling was induced after culture of tumor cells with myoferlin. These results suggest that antigen stimulation may provide survival signals to tumor cells and that there is a selective pressure to preserve antigen recognition as the tumor evolves.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2012-05-427534

    View details for Web of Science ID 000311637400013

    View details for PubMedID 23024238

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3501716

  • A vaccine directed to B cells and produced by cell-free protein synthesis generates potent antilymphoma immunity PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Ng, P. P., Jia, M., Patel, K. G., Brody, J. D., Swartz, J. R., Levy, S., Levy, R. 2012; 109 (36): 14526-14531

    Abstract

    Clinical studies of idiotype (Id) vaccination in patients with lymphoma have established a correlation between the induced anti-Id antibody responses and favorable clinical outcomes. To streamline the production of an Id vaccine, we engineered a small diabody (Db) molecule containing both a B-cell-targeting moiety (anti-CD19) and a lymphoma Id. This molecule (αCD19-Id) was designed to penetrate lymph nodes and bind to noncognate B cells to form an antigen presentation array. Indeed, the αCD19-Id molecule accumulated on B cells in vivo after s.c. administration. These noncognate B cells, decorated with the diabody, could then stimulate the more rare Id-specific B cells. Peptide epitopes present in the diabody linker augmented the response by activating CD4(+) helper T cells. Consequently, the αCD19-Id molecule induced a robust Id-specific antibody response and protected animals from tumor challenge. Such diabodies are produced in a cell-free protein expression system within hours of amplification of the specific Ig genes from the B-cell tumor. This customized product can now be available to vaccinate patients before they receive other, potentially immunosuppressive, therapies.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1211018109

    View details for Web of Science ID 000308912600051

    View details for PubMedID 22875703

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3437846

  • CD137 Is Expressed in Follicular Dendritic Cell Tumors and in Classical Hodgkin and T-Cell Lymphomas Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY Anderson, M. W., Zhao, S., Freud, A. G., Czerwinski, D. K., Kohrt, H., Alizadeh, A. A., Houot, R., Azambuja, D., Biasoli, I., Morais, J. C., Spector, N., Molina-Kirsch, H. F., Warnke, R. A., Levy, R., Natkunam, Y. 2012; 181 (3): 795-803

    Abstract

    CD137 (also known as 4-1BB and TNFRSF9) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. Originally identified as a costimulatory molecule expressed by activated T cells and NK cells, CD137 is also expressed by follicular dendritic cells, monocytes, mast cells, granulocytes, and endothelial cells. Anti-CD137 immunotherapy has recently shown promise as a treatment for solid tumors and lymphoid malignancies in preclinical models. We defined the expression of CD137 protein in both normal and neoplastic hematolymphoid tissue. CD137 protein is expressed by follicular dendritic cells in the germinal center and scattered paracortical T cells, but not by normal germinal-center B cells, bone marrow progenitor cells, or maturing thymocytes. CD137 protein is expressed by a select group of hematolymphoid tumors, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma, T-cell and NK/T-cell lymphomas, and follicular dendritic cells neoplasms. CD137 is a novel diagnostic marker of these tumors and suggests a possible target for tumor-directed antibody therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.05.015

    View details for Web of Science ID 000309251100009

    View details for PubMedID 22901750

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3432425

  • Boosting antibody-dependant cellular cytotoxicity against tumor cells with a CD137 stimulatory antibody ONCOIMMUNOLOGY Houot, R., Kohrt, H., Levy, R. 2012; 1 (6): 957-958

    View details for DOI 10.4161/onci.19974

    View details for Web of Science ID 000316276400025

  • Effect of stimulation of natural killer cells with an anti-CD137 mAb on the efficacy of trastuzumab, cetuximab, and rituximab 48th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Clinical-Oncology (ASCO) Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Weiskopf, K., Goldstein, M., Lund, P., Scheeren, F., Czerwinski, D., Colevas, A. D., Weng, W., Clarke, M. F., Carlson, R. W., Sunwoo, J., Tedder, T., Chen, L., Levy, R. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2012
  • Combination strategies to enhance antitumor ADCC IMMUNOTHERAPY Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Marabelle, A., Cho, H. J., Osman, K., Goldstein, M., Levy, R., Brody, J. 2012; 4 (5): 511-527

    Abstract

    The clinical efficacy of monoclonal antibodies as cancer therapeutics is largely dependent upon their ability to target the tumor and induce a functional antitumor immune response. This two-step process of ADCC utilizes the response of innate immune cells to provide antitumor cytotoxicity triggered by the interaction of the Fc portion of the antibody with the Fc receptor on the immune cell. Immunotherapeutics that target NK cells, γδ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells can, by augmenting the function of the immune response, enhance the antitumor activity of the antibodies. Advantages of such combination strategies include: the application to multiple existing antibodies (even across multiple diseases), the feasibility (from a regulatory perspective) of combining with previously approved agents and the assurance (to physicians and trial participants) that one of the ingredients - the antitumor antibody - has proven efficacy on its own. Here we discuss current strategies, including biologic rationale and clinical results, which enhance ADCC in the following ways: strategies that increase total target-monoclonal antibody-effector binding, strategies that trigger effector cell 'activating' signals and strategies that block effector cell 'inhibitory' signals.

    View details for DOI 10.2217/IMT.12.38

    View details for Web of Science ID 000304733600018

    View details for PubMedID 22642334

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3386352

  • In situ Treg immunomodulation at a single tumor site with CpG and immune checkpoint antibodies cures metastatic disease Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Brody, J., Torchia, J., Rajapaksa, R., Luong, R., Zhou, G., Levitsky, H., Tse, V., Levy, R. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2012
  • Adoptive Cell Therapy for Lymphoma with CD4 T Cells Depleted of CD137-Expressing Regulatory T Cells CANCER RESEARCH Goldstein, M. J., Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Varghese, B., Lin, J. T., Swanson, E., Levy, R. 2012; 72 (5): 1239-1247

    Abstract

    Adoptive immunotherapy with antitumor T cells is a promising novel approach for the treatment of cancer. However, T-cell therapy may be limited by the cotransfer of regulatory T cells (T(reg)). Here, we explored this hypothesis by using 2 cell surface markers, CD44 and CD137, to isolate antitumor CD4 T cells while excluding T(regs). In a murine model of B-cell lymphoma, only CD137(neg)CD44(hi) CD4 T cells infiltrated tumor sites and provided protection. Conversely, the population of CD137(pos)CD44hi CD4 T cells consisted primarily of activated T(regs). Notably, this CD137(pos) T(reg) population persisted following adoptive transfer and maintained expression of FoxP3 as well as CD137. Moreover, in vitro these CD137(pos) cells suppressed the proliferation of effector cells in a contact-dependent manner, and in vivo adding the CD137(pos)CD44(hi) CD4 cells to CD137(neg)CD44(hi) CD4 cells suppressed the antitumor immune response. Thus, CD137 expression on CD4 T cells defined a population of activated T(regs) that greatly limited antitumor immune responses. Consistent with observations in the murine model, human lymphoma biopsies also contained a population of CD137(pos) CD4 T cells that were predominantly CD25(pos)FoxP3(pos) T(regs). In conclusion, our findings identify 2 surface markers that can be used to facilitate the enrichment of antitumor CD4 T cells while depleting an inhibitory T(reg) population.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-11-3375

    View details for Web of Science ID 000300989100023

    View details for PubMedID 22232735

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3294169

  • Stimulation of natural killer cells with a CD137-specific antibody enhances trastuzumab efficacy in xenotransplant models of breast cancer JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Weiskopf, K., Goldstein, M. J., Scheeren, F., Czerwinski, D., Colevas, A. D., Weng, W., Clarke, M. F., Carlson, R. W., Stockdale, F. E., Mollick, J. A., Chen, L., Levy, R. 2012; 122 (3): 1066-1075

    Abstract

    Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; also known as HER-2/neu), is indicated for the treatment of women with either early stage or metastatic HER2(+) breast cancer. It kills tumor cells by several mechanisms, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Strategies that enhance the activity of ADCC effectors, including NK cells, may improve the efficacy of trastuzumab. Here, we have shown that upon encountering trastuzumab-coated, HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells, human NK cells become activated and express the costimulatory receptor CD137. CD137 activation, which was dependent on NK cell expression of the FcγRIII receptor, occurred both in vitro and in the peripheral blood of women with HER2-expressing breast cancer after trastuzumab treatment. Stimulation of trastuzumab-activated human NK cells with an agonistic mAb specific for CD137 killed breast cancer cells (including an intrinsically trastuzumab-resistant cell line) more efficiently both in vitro and in vivo in xenotransplant models of human breast cancer, including one using a human primary breast tumor. The enhanced cytotoxicity was restricted to antibody-coated tumor cells. This sequential antibody strategy, combining a tumor-targeting antibody with a second antibody that activates the host innate immune system, may improve the therapeutic effects of antibodies against breast cancer and other HER2-expressing tumors.

    View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI61226

    View details for Web of Science ID 000301021500029

    View details for PubMedID 22326955

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3287235

  • Complementary costimulation of human T-cell subpopulations by cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) and CD81 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sagi, Y., Landrigan, A., Levy, R., Levy, S. 2012; 109 (5): 1613-1618

    Abstract

    Cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81) is a widely expressed tetraspanin molecule that physically associates with CD4 and CD8 on the surface of human T cells. Coengagement of CD81 and CD3 results in the activation and proliferation of T cells. CD81 also costimulated mouse T cells that lack CD28, suggesting either a redundant or a different mechanism of action. Here we show that CD81 and CD28 have a preference for different subsets of T cells: Primary human naïve T cells are better costimulated by CD81, whereas the memory T-cell subsets and Tregs are better costimulated by CD28. The more efficient activation of naïve T cells by CD81 was due to prolonged signal transduction compared with that by CD28. We found that IL-6 played a role in the activation of the naïve T-cell subset by CD81. Combined costimulation through both CD28 and CD81 resulted in an additive effect on T-cell activation. Thus, these two costimulatory molecules complement each other both in the strength of signal transduction and in T-cell subset inclusions. Costimulation via CD81 might be useful for expansion of T cells for adoptive immunotherapy to allow the inclusion of naïve T cells with their broad repertoire.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1121307109

    View details for Web of Science ID 000299731400056

    View details for PubMedID 22307619

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3277132

  • Immunotransplant for Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Phase I/II Study Preliminary Results 53rd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Brody, J. D., Czerwinski, D. K., Carlton, V., Moorhead, M., Zheng, J., Klinger, M., Faham, M., Advani, R., Kohrt, H. E., Alizadeh, A. A., Negrin, R. S., Weng, W., Sheehan, K., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2011: 1323–23
  • Targeting immune effector cells to promote antibody-induced cytotoxicity in cancer immunotherapy TRENDS IN IMMUNOLOGY Houot, R., Kohrt, H. E., Marabelle, A., Levy, R. 2011; 32 (11): 510-516

    Abstract

    Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are in widespread use for the treatment of cancer. Their success as cancer therapeutics relies substantially on their ability to engage the immune system. Specifically, Fc-receptor-expressing immune cells mediate the killing of tumor cells by mAbs. Stimulation of these immune effector cells might therefore represent a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of mAbs. For instance, stimulation of natural killer cells, γδ T cells, macrophages, or dendritic cells can be used to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, phagocytosis or even tumor vaccine effects. Here, we review several ways to improve the antitumor efficacy of mAbs by combining them with therapies that are directed against immune effector cells.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.it.2011.07.003

    View details for Web of Science ID 000296828400002

    View details for PubMedID 21907000

  • SYSTEMIC ANTITUMOR IMMUNITY TRIGGERED BY INTRATUMORAL IMMUNOMODULATION CURES DISTANT METASTATIC CNS LYMPHOMA 16th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society-for-Neuro-Oncology (SNO)/AANS/CNS Section on Tumors Marabelle, A., Kohrt, H., Brody, J., Luong, R., Tse, V., Levy, R. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2011: 38–38
  • Immunostaining to identify molecular subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a population-based epidemiologic study in the pre-rituximab era. International journal of molecular epidemiology and genetics Morton, L. M., Cerhan, J. R., Hartge, P., Vasef, M. A., Neppalli, V. T., Natkunam, Y., Dogan, A., Dave, B. J., Jain, S., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S., Cozen, W., Davis, S., Schenk, M. J., Maurer, M. J., Lynch, C. F., Rothman, N., Chatterjee, N., Yu, K., Staudt, L. M., Weisenburger, D. D., Wang, S. S. 2011; 2 (3): 245-252

    Abstract

    Gene expression profiling studies have distinguished diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) by cell of origin, with distinct pathogenetic mechanisms and prognosis. We attempted to identify DLBCL molecular subtypes in an epidemiologic study of 214 DLBCL patients diagnosed during 1998-2000 with archival tissues to investigate etiology. Immunohistochemical staining for CD10, BCL6, LMO2, MUM1/IRF4, and BCL2 and fluorescence in situ hybridization for t(14;18) were conducted, with ≥93% blinded duplicate agreement. CD10, LMO2, and BCL2 expression was similar to previous reports (32%, 44%, and 44% of DLBCLs, respectively), but BCL6 and MUM1/IRF4 expression was lower than expected (29% and 5%, respectively). We classified 112/214 (52%) cases as germinal center B-cell-like DLBCL (GCB-DLBCL; Hans et al., Blood 2004; CD10+ or CD10-/BCL6+/MUM1-), with no difference in prognosis compared with non-GCB-DLBCL (Cox regression, P=0.48). Comparing other GCB correlates, LMO2 expression and t(14;18) were more common but not exclusive to GCB-DLBCL as defined in our study, whereas BCL2 expression did not differ between DLBCL molecular subtypes. We could not confidently identify patients with GCB-DLBCL using these immunohistochemistry-based markers on archival tissues.

    View details for PubMedID 21915363

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3166152

  • Prediction of survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on the expression of 2 genes reflecting tumor and microenvironment BLOOD Alizadeh, A. A., Gentles, A. J., Alencar, A. J., Liu, C. L., Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Goldstein, M. J., Zhao, S., Natkunam, Y., Advani, R. H., Gascoyne, R. D., Briones, J., Tibshirani, R. J., Myklebust, J. H., Plevritis, S. K., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. 2011; 118 (5): 1350-1358

    Abstract

    Several gene-expression signatures predict survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but the lack of practical methods for genome-scale analysis has limited translation to clinical practice. We built and validated a simple model using one gene expressed by tumor cells and another expressed by host immune cells, assessing added prognostic value to the clinical International Prognostic Index (IPI). LIM domain only 2 (LMO2) was validated as an independent predictor of survival and the "germinal center B cell-like" subtype. Expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 (TNFRSF9) from the DLBCL microenvironment was the best gene in bivariate combination with LMO2. Study of TNFRSF9 tissue expression in 95 patients with DLBCL showed expression limited to infiltrating T cells. A model integrating these 2 genes was independent of "cell-of-origin" classification, "stromal signatures," IPI, and added to the predictive power of the IPI. A composite score integrating these genes with IPI performed well in 3 independent cohorts of 545 DLBCL patients, as well as in a simple assay of routine formalin-fixed specimens from a new validation cohort of 147 patients with DLBCL. We conclude that the measurement of a single gene expressed by tumor cells (LMO2) and a single gene expressed by the immune microenvironment (TNFRSF9) powerfully predicts overall survival in patients with DLBCL.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2011-03-345272

    View details for PubMedID 21670469

  • Prolonged disease-free survival and overall survival with CVP alternating with fludarabine in advanced follicular lymphoma AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY Ai, W. Z., Kohrt, H. E., Timmerman, J., Hwang, J., Hsu, F. J., Czerwinski, D. D., Taidi, B., Levy, R. 2011; 86 (6): 515-518

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ajh.22017

    View details for Web of Science ID 000290757400016

    View details for PubMedID 21538469

  • IMMUNOTRANSPLANT FOR MANTLE CELL LYMPHOMA: PHASE I/II STUDY PRELIMINARY RESULTS 11th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma Brody, J., Advani, R., Czerwinski, D., Negrin, R., Levy, R. OXFORD UNIV PRESS. 2011: 102–102
  • Active and Passive Immunotherapy for Lymphoma: Proving Principles and Improving Results JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Brody, J., Kohrt, H., Marabelle, A., Levy, R. 2011; 29 (14): 1864-1875

    Abstract

    Conventional chemotherapy for lymphoma has advanced greatly over the past 50 years, changing some lymphoma subtypes from uniformly lethal to curable; however, the majority of lymphomas in patients remain incurable, and there is a need for novel therapies with less toxicity and more specific targeting of tumor cells. The vertebrate immune system has evolved the capacity for such specific targeting through the B-cell and T-cell receptors; passive immunotherapies utilizing these receptors, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or T cells, have shown efficacy in treating lymphomas. The first generation of mAb-based therapies has transformed the standard of care for lymphoma, and newer antibodies may improve on this approach. Clinical activity has been shown by T cells bearing receptors that target viral antigens as well as T cells bearing re-engineered receptors that target antigens recognized by antibodies. Active immunotherapies, such as vaccines and immune checkpoint blockades, have prolonged survival in certain solid tumors and are being actively pursued to treat lymphoma. A variety of vaccines (eg, protein- and cell-based vaccines) are being tested in ongoing trials, and the most recent iterations show therapeutic activity. Newer trials are addressing the problem of tumor-induced immunosuppression by the use of antibodies against immunologic checkpoints or by the reinfusion of primed T cells after lymphodepletion, a process we refer to as immunotransplantation. Herein, we discuss results of the various immunotherapy strategies applied to lymphoma and the ongoing approaches for their improvement.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2010.33.4623

    View details for Web of Science ID 000290382300020

    View details for PubMedID 21482977

  • The Efficacy of HGAL and LMO2 in the Separation of Lymphomas Derived From Small B Cells in Nodal and Extranodal Sites, Including the Bone Marrow AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY Younes, S. F., Beck, A. H., Ohgami, R. S., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R., Warnke, R. A., Natkunam, Y. 2011; 135 (5): 697-708

    Abstract

    We studied the efficacy of 2 germinal center B-cell markers, HGAL and LMO2, in the separation of lymphomas derived from small B cells, particularly follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma occurring in nodal, extranodal, splenic, and bone marrow sites using immunohistochemical analysis for CD10, BCL6, BCL2, HGAL, and LMO2. Our results showed that HGAL and LMO2 are sensitive and specific markers for detecting FL in nodal and extranodal sites. In contrast, all markers were down-regulated in FL infiltrates in the bone marrow. CD10 and HGAL were expressed in a subset of FLs in the bone marrow and were highly correlated with each other and with CD21, a marker of follicular dendritic cells. We conclude that HGAL and LMO2 should be considered in immunohistochemical panels used for the routine workup of lymphomas derived from small B cells. In the bone marrow, staining for HGAL or CD10 can be helpful in making a diagnosis of FL, although they are absent in a subset of cases.

    View details for DOI 10.1309/AJCP7Z2BIBUNQPLZ

    View details for Web of Science ID 000289743400007

    View details for PubMedID 21502424

  • Immunomodulating antibodies and drugs for the treatment of hematological malignancies CANCER AND METASTASIS REVIEWS Houot, R., Kohrt, H., Goldstein, M. J., Levy, R. 2011; 30 (1): 97-109

    Abstract

    The aim of cancer immunotherapy is to induce immune cells to kill tumor and promote immunological memory that protects against tumor recurrence. Most current immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAb), target the tumor cells directly. Advances in our understanding of the immune system such as the role of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors, and the advent of new immunomodulatory agents provide new opportunities to target the immune system and enhance anti-tumor immune responses. These promising agents include immunomodulating mAbs, Toll-like receptor agonists, IMiDs, and cytokines. In this review, we discuss the current results of immunomodulating agents in the treatment of hematological malignancies and propose applications that include targeting of the innate and adaptive immune systems as well as combinations with tumor-specific mAbs.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s10555-011-9274-3

    View details for Web of Science ID 000288769700009

    View details for PubMedID 21271352

  • CD137 stimulation enhances the antilymphoma activity of anti-CD20 antibodies BLOOD Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Goldstein, M. J., Weiskopf, K., Alizadeh, A. A., Brody, J., Mueller, A., Pachynski, R., Czerwinski, D., Coutre, S., Chao, M. P., Chen, L., Tedder, T. F., Levy, R. 2011; 117 (8): 2423-2432

    Abstract

    Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), which is largely mediated by natural killer (NK) cells, is thought to play an important role in the efficacy of rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) used to treat patients with B-cell lymphomas. CD137 is a costimulatory molecule expressed on a variety of immune cells after activation, including NK cells. In the present study, we show that an anti-CD137 agonistic mAb enhances the antilymphoma activity of rituximab by enhancing ADCC. Human NK cells up-regulate CD137 after encountering rituximab-coated tumor B cells, and subsequent stimulation of these NK cells with anti-CD137 mAb enhances rituximab-dependent cytotoxicity against the lymphoma cells. In a syngeneic murine lymphoma model and in a xenotransplanted human lymphoma model, sequential administration of anti-CD20 mAb followed by anti-CD137 mAb had potent antilymphoma activity in vivo. These results support a novel, sequential antibody approach against B-cell malignancies by targeting first the tumor and then the host immune system.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2010-08-301945

    View details for PubMedID 21193697

  • A CpG-loaded tumor cell vaccine induces antitumor CD4(+) T cells that are effective in adoptive therapy for large and established tumors 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Goldstein, M. J., Varghese, B., Brody, J. D., Rajapaksa, R., Kohrt, H., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, S., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2011: 118–27

    Abstract

    We designed a whole tumor cell vaccine by "loading" lymphoma tumor cells with CG-enriched oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG), a ligand for the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). CpG-loaded tumor cells were phagocytosed, delivering both tumor antigen(s) and the immunostimulatory CpG molecule to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). These APCs then expressed increased levels of costimulatory molecules and induced T-cell immunity. TLR9 was required in the APCs but not in the CpG-loaded tumor cell. We demonstrate that T cells induced by this vaccine are effective in adoptive cellular therapy for lymphoma. T cells from vaccinated mice transferred into irradiated, syngeneic recipients protected against subsequent lymphoma challenge and, remarkably, led to regression of large and established tumors. This therapeutic effect could be transferred by CD4(+) but not by CD8(+) T cells. A CpG-loaded whole-cell vaccination is practical and has strong potential for translation to the clinical setting. It is currently being tested in a clinical trial of adoptive immunotherapy for mantle-cell lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2010-06-288456

    View details for Web of Science ID 000285963900021

    View details for PubMedID 20876455

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3037739

  • Escherichia coli-based production of a tumor idiotype antibody fragment - tetanus toxin fragment C fusion protein vaccine for B cell lymphoma PROTEIN EXPRESSION AND PURIFICATION Patel, K. G., Ng, P. P., Levy, S., Levy, R., Swartz, J. R. 2011; 75 (1): 15-20

    Abstract

    The unique immunoglobulin idiotype expressed on the surface of B lymphoma cells can be used as an effective antigen in tumor-specific vaccines when fused to immunostimulatory proteins and cytokines. A DNA vaccine encoding for an idiotype antibody single chain Fv (scFv) fragment fused to the Tetanus Toxin Fragment C (TTFrC) has been shown to induce protective anti-tumor responses. Protein-based strategies may be more desirable since they provide greater control over dosage, duration of exposure, and in vivo distribution of the vaccine. However, production of fusion protein vaccines containing complex disulfide bonded idiotype antibodies and antibody-derived fragments is challenging. We use an Escherichia coli-based cell-free protein synthesis platform as well as high-level expression of E. coli inclusion bodies followed by refolding for the rapid generation of an antibody fragment - TTFrC fusion protein vaccine. Vaccine proteins produced using both methods were shown to elicit anti-tumor humoral responses as well as protect from tumor challenge in an established B cell lymphoma mouse model. The development of technologies for the rapid production of effective patient-specific tumor idiotype-based fusion protein vaccines provides opportunities for clinical application.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pep.2010.09.005

    View details for Web of Science ID 000284452600002

    View details for PubMedID 20851769

  • Prediction of Survival In Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Based On the Expression of Two Genes Reflecting Tumor and Microenvironment 52nd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Alizadeh, A. A., Gentles, A. J., Alencar, A. J., Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Goldstein, M. J., Zhao, S., Natkunam, Y., Advani, R., Gascoyne, R. D., Briones, J., Tibshirani, R. J., Myklebust, J. H., Plevritis, S. K., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2010: 836–37
  • Clinical and Pathological Features of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas Harboring Concurrent t(14;18) and 8q24 Anomalies 52nd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Alizadeh, A. A., Anderson, M., Kohrt, H. E., Shyam, R. M., Bangs, C. D., Cherry, A. M., Advani, R., Natkunam, Y., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2010: 1291–92
  • CD137 Identifies a Population of Regulatory T Cells That Inhibit Anti-Tumor Immune Responses In Adoptive Immunotherapy 52nd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Goldstein, M. J., Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Varghese, B., Lin, J. T., Swanson, E., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2010: 868–68
  • Clinical Translation of a Prognostic Follicular Lymphoma Signaling Profile 52nd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Irish, J. M., Czerwinski, D. K., Nolan, G. P., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2010: 279–79
  • NF-kappa B Signaling In Response to CpG Stratifies Mantle Cell Lymphoma Patient Outcome 52nd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Myklebust, J. H., Irish, J. M., Brody, J., Alizadeh, A. A., Czerwinski, D., Houot, R., Kohrt, H. E., Kolstad, A., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2010: 67–68
  • In Situ Vaccination With a TLR9 Agonist Induces Systemic Lymphoma Regression: A Phase I/II Study JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Brody, J. D., Ai, W. Z., Czerwinski, D. K., Torchia, J. A., Levy, M., Advani, R. H., Kim, Y. H., Hoppe, R. T., Knox, S. J., Shin, L. K., Wapnir, I., Tibshirani, R. J., Levy, R. 2010; 28 (28): 4324-4332

    Abstract

    Combining tumor antigens with an immunostimulant can induce the immune system to specifically eliminate cancer cells. Generally, this combination is accomplished in an ex vivo, customized manner. In a preclinical lymphoma model, intratumoral injection of a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist induced systemic antitumor immunity and cured large, disseminated tumors.We treated 15 patients with low-grade B-cell lymphoma using low-dose radiotherapy to a single tumor site and-at that same site-injected the C-G enriched, synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide (also referred to as CpG) TLR9 agonist PF-3512676. Clinical responses were assessed at distant, untreated tumor sites. Immune responses were evaluated by measuring T-cell activation after in vitro restimulation with autologous tumor cells.This in situ vaccination maneuver was well-tolerated with only grade 1 to 2 local or systemic reactions and no treatment-limiting adverse events. One patient had a complete clinical response, three others had partial responses, and two patients had stable but continually regressing disease for periods significantly longer than that achieved with prior therapies. Vaccination induced tumor-reactive memory CD8 T cells. Some patients' tumors were able to induce a suppressive, regulatory phenotype in autologous T cells in vitro; these patients tended to have a shorter time to disease progression. One clinically responding patient received a second course of vaccination after relapse resulting in a second, more rapid clinical response.In situ tumor vaccination with a TLR9 agonist induces systemic antilymphoma clinical responses. This maneuver is clinically feasible and does not require the production of a customized vaccine product.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2010.28.9793

    View details for Web of Science ID 000282272700032

    View details for PubMedID 20697067

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2954133

  • Anti-CD47 Antibody Synergizes with Rituximab to Promote Phagocytosis and Eradicate Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma CELL Chao, M. P., Alizadeh, A. A., Tang, C., Myklebust, J. H., Varghese, B., Gill, S., Jan, M., Cha, A. C., Chan, C. K., Tan, B. T., Park, C. Y., Zhao, F., Kohrt, H. E., Malumbres, R., Briones, J., Gascoyne, R. D., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R., Weissman, I. L., Majeti, R. 2010; 142 (5): 699-713

    Abstract

    Monoclonal antibodies are standard therapeutics for several cancers including the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab for B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Rituximab and other antibodies are not curative and must be combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy for clinical benefit. Here we report the eradication of human NHL solely with a monoclonal antibody therapy combining rituximab with a blocking anti-CD47 antibody. We identified increased expression of CD47 on human NHL cells and determined that higher CD47 expression independently predicted adverse clinical outcomes in multiple NHL subtypes. Blocking anti-CD47 antibodies preferentially enabled phagocytosis of NHL cells and synergized with rituximab. Treatment of human NHL-engrafted mice with anti-CD47 antibody reduced lymphoma burden and improved survival, while combination treatment with rituximab led to elimination of lymphoma and cure. These antibodies synergized through a mechanism combining Fc receptor (FcR)-dependent and FcR-independent stimulation of phagocytosis that might be applicable to many other cancers.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cell.2010.07.044

    View details for PubMedID 20813259

  • Immunoarchitectural Patterns in Follicular Lymphoma: Efficacy of HGAL and LMO2 in the Detection of the Interfollicular and Diffuse Components AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY Younes, S. F., Beck, A. H., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R., Warnke, R. A., Natkunam, Y. 2010; 34 (9): 1266-1276

    Abstract

    Follicular lymphoma (FL) can exhibit variant histologic patterns that can lead to confusion with other B-cell lymphomas and reactive conditions. Diagnostic markers such as CD10 and BCL2 may be difficult to interpret in variant FL patterns, and are often diminished or absent in the interfollicular and diffuse components. We evaluated 2 recently characterized germinal center B-cell markers, human germinal center associated lymphoma (HGAL), and LIM-only transcription factor 2 (LMO2), in 127 FL patient biopsies (94 nodal, 33 extranodal), and correlated the findings with histologic pattern, cellular composition, grade, and additional immunostains (CD20, CD3, CD21, CD10, BCL2, and BCL6). Architectural patterns included predominantly follicular (75%) and follicular and diffuse components (25%); 10 cases showed marginal zone differentiation and 3 were floral variants. Eighty-nine cases were low grade (38 grade 1; 51 grade 2) and 38 were grade 3 (29 grade 3A and 9 grade 3B). HGAL had the highest overall sensitivity of detecting FL and was superior in detecting the interfollicular and diffuse components compared with BCL2, LMO2, CD10, and BCL6. All 28 cases that lacked CD10, expressed HGAL, and the majority also expressed LMO2. Our results show that HGAL and LMO2 are sensitive markers for FL diagnosis. The addition of HGAL and LMO2 to the immunohistologic panel is beneficial in the work-up of nodal and extranodal B-cell lymphomas and the efficacy of HGAL in detecting the follicular, interfollicular and diffuse components of FL is of particular value in the setting of variant immunoarchitectural patterns.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/PAS.0b013e3181e9343d

    View details for Web of Science ID 000281579800005

    View details for PubMedID 20697248

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2929284

  • Expression of LMO2 Is Associated With t(14;18)/IGH-BCL2 Fusion but Not BCL6 Translocations in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY Durnick, D. K., Law, M. E., Maurer, M. J., Natkunam, Y., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S., Kurtin, P. J., McPhail, E. D. 2010; 134 (2): 278-281

    Abstract

    Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be separated for prognostic purposes using gene expression profiling (GEP) into 2 subgroups: germinal center B-cell (GCB) and activated B-cell phenotypes. However, GEP is impractical for routine clinical use, and immunophenotyping is an imperfect surrogate. Therefore, we studied the relationship between expression of the purported germinal center marker LMO2 and the presence of IGH-BCL2 fusions, BCL6 translocations, and LMO2 translocations. In addition, we investigated the usefulness of LMO2 expression as a marker of GCB subtype in DLBCL. Immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were successfully performed on 101 cases of de novo DLBCL that had been incorporated into a tissue microarray. There was a statistically significant association between IGH-BCL2 fusion and LMO2 protein expression (P = .02) but not between BCL6 translocations and LMO2 expression. LMO2 translocations were not identified. Although uncommon, all cases that had both IGH-BCL2 fusion and BCL6 translocations expressed LMO2. The findings suggest LMO2 as a potential marker for the GCB phenotype.

    View details for DOI 10.1309/AJCPATUP1D0HGCUG

    View details for Web of Science ID 000280067600015

    View details for PubMedID 20660332

  • B-cell signaling networks reveal a negative prognostic human lymphoma cell subset that emerges during tumor progression PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Irish, J. M., Myklebust, J. H., Alizadeh, A. A., Houot, R., Sharman, J. P., Czerwinski, D. K., Nolan, G. P., Levy, R. 2010; 107 (29): 12747-12754

    Abstract

    Human tumors contain populations of both cancerous and host immune cells whose malignant signaling interactions may define each patient's disease trajectory. We used multiplexed phospho-flow cytometry to profile single cells within human follicular lymphoma tumors and discovered a subpopulation of lymphoma cells with impaired B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling. The abundance of BCR-insensitive cells in each tumor negatively correlated with overall patient survival. These lymphoma negative prognostic (LNP) cells increased as tumors relapsed following chemotherapy. Loss of antigen receptor expression did not explain the absence of BCR signaling in LNP tumor cells, and other signaling responses were intact in these cells. Furthermore, BCR signaling responses could be reactivated in LNP cells, indicating that BCR signaling is not missing but rather specifically suppressed. LNP cells were also associated with changes to signaling interactions in the tumor microenvironment. Lower IL-7 signaling in tumor infiltrating T cells was observed in tumors with high LNP cell counts. The strength of signaling through T cell mediator of B cell function CD40 also stratified patient survival, particularly for those whose tumors contained few LNP cells. Thus, analysis of cell-cell interactions in heterogeneous primary tumors using signaling network profiles can identify and mechanistically define new populations of rare and clinically significant cells. Both the existence of these LNP cells and their aberrant signaling profiles provide targets for new therapies for follicular lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1002057107

    View details for Web of Science ID 000280144500010

    View details for PubMedID 20543139

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2919949

  • Inhibition of Syk with fostamatinib disodium has significant clinical activity in non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia BLOOD Friedberg, J. W., Sharman, J., Sweetenham, J., Johnston, P. B., Vose, J. M., LaCasce, A., Schaefer-Cutillo, J., de Vos, S., Sinha, R., Leonard, J. P., Cripe, L. D., Gregory, S. A., Sterba, M. P., Lowe, A. M., Levy, R., Shipp, M. A. 2010; 115 (13): 2578-2585

    Abstract

    Certain malignant B cells rely on B-cell receptor (BCR)-mediated survival signals. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) initiates and amplifies the BCR signal. In in vivo analyses of B-cell lymphoma cell lines and primary tumors, Syk inhibition induces apoptosis. These data prompted a phase 1/2 clinical trial of fostamatinib disodium, the first clinically available oral Syk inhibitor, in patients with recurrent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Dose-limiting toxicity in the phase 1 portion was neutropenia, diarrhea, and thrombocytopenia, and 200 mg twice daily was chosen for phase 2 testing. Sixty-eight patients with recurrent B-NHL were then enrolled in 3 cohorts: (1) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), (2) follicular lymphoma (FL), and (3) other NHL, including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphomas, and small lymphocytic leukemia/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL). Common toxicities included diarrhea, fatigue, cytopenias, hypertension, and nausea. Objective response rates were 22% (5 of 23) for DLBCL, 10% (2 of 21) for FL, 55% (6 of 11) for SLL/CLL, and 11% (1/9) for MCL. Median progression-free survival was 4.2 months. Disrupting BCR-induced signaling by inhibiting Syk represents a novel and active therapeutic approach for NHL and SLL/CLL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00446095.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2009-08-236471

    View details for Web of Science ID 000276201000006

    View details for PubMedID 19965662

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2852362

  • C-C Chemokine Receptor 1 Expression in Human Hematolymphoid Neoplasia AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY Anderson, M. W., Zhao, S., Ai, W. Z., Tibshirani, R., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S., Natkunam, Y. 2010; 133 (3): 473-483

    Abstract

    Chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds to members of the C-C chemokine family. Recently, CCL3 (MIP-1alpha), a high-affinity CCR1 ligand, was identified as part of a model that independently predicts survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the role of chemokine signaling in the pathogenesis of human lymphomas is unclear. In normal human hematopoietic tissues, we found CCR1 expression in intraepithelial B cells of human tonsil and granulocytic/monocytic cells in the bone marrow. Immunohistochemical analysis of 944 cases of hematolymphoid neoplasia identified CCR1 expression in a subset of B- and T-cell lymphomas, plasma cell myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. CCR1 expression correlated with the non-germinal center subtype of DLBCL but did not predict overall survival in follicular lymphoma. These data suggest that CCR1 may be useful for lymphoma classification and support a role for chemokine signaling in the pathogenesis of hematolymphoid neoplasia.

    View details for DOI 10.1309/AJCP1TA3FLOQTMHF

    View details for Web of Science ID 000274687800016

    View details for PubMedID 20154287

  • CD81 protein is expressed at high levels in normal germinal center B cells and in subtypes of human lymphomas HUMAN PATHOLOGY Luo, R. F., Zhao, S., Tibshirani, R., Myklebust, J. H., Sanyal, M., Fernandez, R., Gratzinger, D., Marinelli, R. J., Lu, Z. S., Wong, A., Levy, R., Levy, S., Natkunam, Y. 2010; 41 (2): 271-280

    Abstract

    CD81 is a tetraspanin cell surface protein that regulates CD19 expression in B lymphocytes and enables hepatitis C virus infection of human cells. Immunohistologic analysis in normal hematopoietic tissue showed strong staining for CD81 in normal germinal center B cells, a cell type in which its increased expression has not been previously recognized. High-dimensional flow cytometry analysis of normal hematopoietic tissue confirmed that among B- and T-cell subsets, germinal center B cells showed the highest level of CD81 expression. In more than 800 neoplastic tissue samples, its expression was also found in most non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Staining for CD81 was rarely seen in multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, or myeloid leukemia. In hierarchical cluster analysis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, staining for CD81 was most similar to other germinal center B cell-associated markers, particularly LMO2. By flow cytometry, CD81 was expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells independent of the presence or absence of CD10, another germinal center B-cell marker. The detection of CD81 in routine biopsy samples and its differential expression in lymphoma subtypes, particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, warrant further study to assess CD81 expression and its role in the risk stratification of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.humpath.2009.07.022

    View details for Web of Science ID 000276493600015

    View details for PubMedID 20004001

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2813949

  • Immunoarchitectural Patterns in Follicular Lymphoma: Efficacy of HGAL and LMO2 in the Detection of the Interfollicular Component 99th Annual Meeting of the United-States-and-Canadian-Academy-of-Pathology Younes, S. F., Beck, A., Warnke, R. A., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R., Natkunam, Y. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2010: 330A–330A
  • Cell-free production of Gaussia princeps luciferase - antibody fragment bioconjugates for ex vivo detection of tumor cells BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS Patel, K. G., Ng, P. P., Kuo, C., Levy, S., Levy, R., Swartz, J. R. 2009; 390 (3): 971-976

    Abstract

    Antibody fragments (scFvs) fused to luciferase reporter proteins have been used as highly sensitive optical imaging probes. Gaussia princeps luciferase (GLuc) is an attractive choice for a reporter protein because it is small and bright and does not require ATP to stimulate bioluminescence-producing reactions. Both GLuc and scFv proteins contain multiple disulfide bonds, and consequently the production of active and properly folded GLuc-scFv fusions is challenging. We therefore produced both proteins individually in active form, followed by covalent coupling to produce the intended conjugate. We used an Escherichia coli-based cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) platform to produce GLuc and scFv proteins containing non-natural amino acids (nnAAs) for subsequent conjugation by azide-alkyne click chemistry. GLuc mutants with exposed alkyne reactive groups were produced by global replacement of methionine residues in CFPS. Antibody fragment scFvs contained a single exposed azide group using a scheme for site-specific incorporation of tyrosine analogs. Incorporation of tyrosine analogs at specific sites in proteins was performed using an engineered orthogonal tRNA-tRNA synthetase pair from an archaebacterium. The unique azide and alkyne side chains in GLuc and the antibody fragment scFv facilitated conjugation by click chemistry. GLuc-scFv conjugates were shown to differentiate between cells expressing a surface target of the scFv and cells that did not carry this marker.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.10.087

    View details for Web of Science ID 000272516700113

    View details for PubMedID 19852937

  • Prediction of Survival in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Based On the Expression of Two Genes: Integration of Tumor and Microenvironment Contributions 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Alizadeh, A. A., Gentles, A. J., Alencar, A. J., Kohrt, H. E., Houot, R., Talreja, N., Shyam, R., Natkunam, Y., Gascoyne, R. D., Briones, J., Advani, R., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2009: 258–58
  • Therapeutic Antibody Targeting of CD47 Synergizes with Rituximab to Completely Eradicate Human B-Cell Lymphoma Xenografts 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Chao, M. P., Alizadeh, A. A., Tang, C. Z., Myklebust, J. H., Varghese, B., Jan, M., Levy, R., Weissman, I. L., Majeti, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2009: 1063–64
  • Novel Anti-CD19/Idiotype Bispecific Diabody Vaccine for B-Cell Lymphoma 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Ng, P. P., Jia, M., Virrueta, A., Patel, K., Swartz, J. R., Levy, S., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2009: 1062–62
  • Adoptive Cell Therapy for Lymphoma: Use of CpG-Loaded Tumor Celts to Generate Potent Anti-Tumor CD4 T Cell Immunity 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Gold-Stein, M. J., Varghese, B., Rajapaksa, R., Brody, J., Levy, S., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2009: 383–83
  • Therapeutic Potential of Anti-CD137 Antibody in Lymphoma 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Houot, R., Goldstein, M. J., Kohrt, H. E., Myklebust, J. H., Alizadeh, A. A., Lin, J. T., Irish, J. M., Torchia, J. A., Kolstad, A., Chen, L., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2009: 301–2
  • Adoptive Therapy for Lymphoma with CD4 Memory T Cells Depleted of CD137-Expressing Tregs. 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Goldstein, M. J., Houot, R., Kohrt, H. E., Brody, J., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2009: 674–75
  • A Subpopulation of Follicular Lymphoma Tumor Infiltrating T Cells Shows Suppressed Common Gamma Chain Cytokine Signaling 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Myklebust, J. H., Irish, J. M., Houot, R., Brody, J., Czerwinski, D. K., Alizadeh, A. A., Kolstad, A., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2009: 316–16
  • Gene Expression Signature of Host Immune Response Is Predictive of Follicular Lymphoma Patient Survival in Independent Cohorts, and Correlates with Transformation to Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. 51st Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology Alizadeh, A. A., Gentles, A. J., Plevritis, S. K., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2009: 1153–53
  • Generation of CD8(+) T cell-mediated immunity against idiotype-negative lymphoma escapees BLOOD Varghese, B., Widman, A., Do, J., Taidi, B., Czerwinski, D. K., Timmerman, J., Levy, S., Levy, R. 2009; 114 (20): 4477-4485

    Abstract

    We investigated the ability of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide to generate an anti-tumor CD8+ T-cell immune response and to synergize with passive antibody therapy. For these studies, we generated an antibody against the idiotype on the A20 B-cell lymphoma line. This antibody caused the regression of established tumors, but ultimately the tumors relapsed. The escaping surface IgG-negative tumor cells were resistant to both antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and signaling-induced cell death. Addition of intratumoral CpG to antibody therapy cured large established tumors and prevented the occurrence of tumor escapees. The failure of the combination therapy in mice deficient for CD8+ T cells demonstrates the critical role of CD8+ T cells in tumor eradication. When mice were inoculated with 2 tumors and treated systemically with antibody followed by intratumoral CpG in just one tumor, both tumors regressed, indicating that a systemic immune response was generated. Although antibody therapy can eliminate tumor cells bearing the target antigen, it frequently selects for antigen loss variants. However, when a poly-specific T-cell response was generated against the tumor by intratumoral CpG, even large established tumors were cured. Such an immune response can prevent the emergence of antibody selected tumor escapees and provide long-lasting tumor protection.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2009-05-223263

    View details for Web of Science ID 000271727500020

    View details for PubMedID 19762487

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2777127

  • Therapeutic effect of CD137 immunomodulation in lymphoma and its enhancement by T-reg depletion BLOOD Houot, R., Goldstein, M. J., Kohrt, H. E., Myklebust, J. H., Alizadeh, A. A., Lin, J. T., Irish, J. M., Torchia, J. A., Kolstad, A., Chen, L., Levy, R. 2009; 114 (16): 3431-3438

    Abstract

    Despite the success of passive immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), many lymphoma patients eventually relapse. Induction of an adaptive immune response may elicit active and long-lasting antitumor immunity, thereby preventing or delaying recurrence. Immunomodulating mAbs directed against immune cell targets can be used to enhance the immune response to achieve efficient antitumor immunity. Anti-CD137 agonistic mAb has demonstrated antitumor efficacy in various tumor models and has now entered clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we investigate the therapeutic potential of anti-CD137 mAb in lymphoma. We found that human primary lymphoma tumors are infiltrated with CD137+ T cells. We therefore hypothesized that lymphoma would be susceptible to treatment with anti-CD137 agonistic mAb. Using a mouse model, we demonstrate that anti-CD137 therapy has potent antilymphoma activity in vivo. The antitumor effect of anti-CD137 therapy was mediated by both natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells and induced long-lasting immunity. Moreover, the antitumor activity of anti-CD137 mAb could be further enhanced by depletion of regulatory T cell (T(regs)). These results support the evaluation of anti-CD137 therapy in clinical trials for patients with lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2009-05-223958

    View details for PubMedID 19641184

  • Lymphoma immunotherapy: vaccines, adoptive cell transfer and immunotransplant IMMUNOTHERAPY Brody, J., Levy, R. 2009; 1 (5): 809-824

    Abstract

    Therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma has benefited greatly from basic science and clinical research such that chemotherapy and monoclonal antibody therapy have changed some lymphoma subtypes from uniformly lethal to curable, but the majority of lymphoma patients remain incurable. Novel therapies with less toxicity and more specific targeting of tumor cells are needed and immunotherapy is among the most promising of these. Recently completed randomized trials of idiotype vaccines and earlier-phase trials of other vaccine types have shown the ability to induce antitumor T cells and some clinical responses. More recently, trials of adoptive transfer of antitumor T cells have demonstrated techniques to increase the persistence and antitumor effect of these cells. Herein, we discuss lymphoma immunotherapy clinical trial results and what lessons can be taken to improve their effect, including the combination of vaccination and adoptive transfer in an approach we have dubbed 'immunotransplant'.

    View details for DOI 10.2217/IMT.09.50

    View details for Web of Science ID 000273524600018

    View details for PubMedID 20636025

  • Molecular Outcome Prediction in Diffuse Large-B-Cell Lymphoma NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Alizadeh, A. A., Gentles, A. J., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. 2009; 360 (26): 2794-2795

    View details for Web of Science ID 000267286600032

    View details for PubMedID 19553658

  • Anti-idiotype antibody response after vaccination correlates with better overall survival in follicular lymphoma BLOOD Ai, W. Z., Tibshirani, R., Taidi, B., Czerwinski, D., Levy, R. 2009; 113 (23): 5743-5746

    Abstract

    Previous studies demonstrated that vaccination-induced tumor-specific immune response is associated with superior clinical outcome in patients with follicular lymphoma. Here, we investigated whether this positive correlation extends to overall survival (OS). We analyzed 91 untreated patients who received CVP chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone) followed by idiotype vaccination. Idiotype proteins were produced either by the hybridoma method or by expression of recombinant idiotype-encoding sequences in mammalian or plant-based expression systems. We found that achieving a complete response/complete response unconfirmed (CR/CRu) to CVP and making an anti-idiotype antibody are 2 independent factors that each correlated with longer OS at 10 years (89% vs 68% with or without a CR/CRu, P = .024; 90% vs 69% with or without tumor-specific antibody production; P = .027). In the subset of patients who received hybridoma-generated vaccines, we found that anti-idiotype production was even more highly associated with superior OS (P < .002); this was the case even in patients with a partial response (PR) to CVP (P < .001).

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2009-01-201988

    View details for Web of Science ID 000266656100013

    View details for PubMedID 19346494

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2700314

  • Prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors (VEGFR), and vascularity in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with immunochemotherapy (R-CHOP) 45th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Clinical-Oncology (ASCO) Gratzinger, D., Advani, R., Zhao, S., Talreja, N., Tibshirani, R. J., Horning, S. J., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S., Gascoyne, R. D., Natkunam, Y. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2009
  • Vaccines for lymphomas: Idiotype vaccines and beyond BLOOD REVIEWS Houot, R., Levy, R. 2009; 23 (3): 137-142

    Abstract

    Therapeutic vaccines for lymphomas have been developed to induce active and long-lasting immune responses against lymphoma capable of eradicating the tumor. Most of these vaccines use the tumor B cell idiotype (the unique variable region of the surface immunoglobulin) as a tumor-specific antigen. The first human clinical trial for lymphoma vaccine was initiated 20 years ago. Along with several other phase I/II trials, it showed encouraging results which supported the initiation of three phase III trials. The results of these trials have recently been released (although not published yet) which failed to demonstrate a prolongation in progression-free survival following chemotherapy. Despite this disappointing result, a number of observations have accumulated over the years that suggest some clinical efficacy of lymphoma vaccines. Several strategies are being developed to improve these results that include optimization of antigen delivery and presentation as well as enhancement of anti-tumor T cell function. This review describes the clinical development of lymphoma vaccines and delineates advances, problems and prospects towards integration of this strategy in the therapeutic armamentarium for lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.blre.2008.09.001

    View details for Web of Science ID 000265730000006

    View details for PubMedID 18951668

  • A stem cell-like signature predicts histological transformation and influences survival in follicular lymphoma patients Gentles, A., Alizadeh, A., Lee, S., Shahbaba, B., Shachaf, C., Levy, R., Koller, D., Plevritis, S. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2009
  • T-cell modulation combined with intratumoral CpG cures lymphoma in a mouse model without the need for chemotherapy BLOOD Houot, R., Levy, R. 2009; 113 (15): 3546-3552

    Abstract

    We have previously shown that intratumoral injection of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide plus systemic chemotherapy can induce a T-cell immune response against lymphoma and serve as a therapeutic vaccine to cure tumors in a murine model. Here, we demonstrate that antibody-mediated modulation of T cells increases the efficacy of CpG vaccination, thereby eliminating the need for chemotherapy. T-cell modulation was accomplished by targeting both effector and regulatory T-cell populations using systemic administration of monoclonal antibodies against OX40, CTLA4, GITR, and folate receptor 4 (FR4). Each of these antibodies enhanced the effect of intratumoral CpG. Some pairwise combinations of these antibodies potentiated T-cell modulation and further enhanced the efficacy of CpG vaccination. Specifically, the combination of anti-OX40 and anti-CTLA4 which enhance activation and block cell-intrinsic negative regulatory circuits in T cells, respectively, was especially potent. When combined with intratumoral CpG, it induced antitumor CD4 and CD8 T-cell immunity, cured large and systemic lymphoma tumors without chemotherapy, and provided long-lasting immunity against tumor rechallenge. Our results show that the combination of intratumoral CpG and immunomodulatory T-cell antibodies has promise for therapeutic vaccination against lymphoma. These reagents are becoming available for human clinical trials.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2008-07-170274

    View details for Web of Science ID 000265052300021

    View details for PubMedID 18941113

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2668854

  • The Transcription Factor LMO2 Is a Robust Marker of Vascular Endothelium and Vascular Neoplasms and Selected Other Entities AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY Gratzinger, D., Zhao, S., West, R., Rouse, R. V., Vogel, H., Gil, E. C., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S., Natkunam, Y. 2009; 131 (2): 264-278

    Abstract

    The transcription factor LMO2 is involved in vascular and hematopoietic development and hematolymphoid neoplasia. We have demonstrated that LMO2 is expressed nearly ubiquitously in native and neoplastic vasculature, including lymphatics. LMO2 reactivity is otherwise virtually absent in nonhematolymphoid tissues except in breast myoepithelium, prostatic basal cells, and secretory phase endometrial glands. Vasculature is LMO2- in adult and fetal heart, brain of older adults, hepatic sinusoids, and hepatocellular carcinoma. LMO2 is uniformly expressed in benign vascular and lymphatic neoplasms and in most malignant vascular neoplasms with the exception of epithelioid vascular neoplasms of pleura and bone. Among nonvascular neoplasms, LMO2 reactivity is present in giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, juvenile xanthogranuloma, a subset of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, small round blue cell tumors, and myoepithelial-derived neoplasms. The restricted expression pattern, nuclear localization, and crisp staining of LMO2 in paraffin blocks make it an attractive candidate for the diagnostic immunohistochemistry laboratory.

    View details for DOI 10.1309/AJCP5FP3NAXAXRJE

    View details for PubMedID 19141387

  • Immunotransplantation preferentially expands T-effector cells over T-regulatory cells and cures large lymphoma tumors BLOOD Brody, J. D., Goldstein, M. J., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, R. 2009; 113 (1): 85-94

    Abstract

    Ex vivo-expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes infused into lymphodepleted recipients has clear antitumor efficacy. More practical sources of such antitumor lymphocytes would broaden the application of this approach. Previously, we described an in situ vaccination combining chemotherapy with intratumoral injection of CpG-enriched oligonucleotides, which induced T-cell immunity against established lymphoma. An ongoing clinical trial of this maneuver has demonstrated clinical responses in lymphoma patients. Here, we use this vaccine maneuver to generate immune cells for transfer into irradiated, syngeneic recipients. Transferred tumor-specific T-effector (T(eff)) cells preferentially expanded, increasing the T(eff)/T-regulatory (T(reg)) ratio in these "immunotransplantation" recipients and curing large and metastatic tumors. Donor T cells were necessary for tumor protection, and CD8 T-cell immune responses were enhanced by posttransplantation booster vaccination. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a standard therapy for lymphoma. Therefore, in situ tumor vaccination followed by immunotransplantation of harvested tumor-specific T cells could be directly tested in clinical trials to treat otherwise resistant malignancies.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2008-05-155457

    View details for Web of Science ID 000262162800015

    View details for PubMedID 18812472

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2614645

  • Using Immune Response Data from a Lymphoma Vaccine Clinical Trial to Define Novel Endpoints for an Immunotransplant Trial 9th Annual Meeting of the Federation-of-Clinical-Immunology-Societies Brody, J., Czerwinski, D., Ai, W., Levy, R. ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE. 2009: S8–S8
  • Idiotype vaccination for lymphoma: moving towards optimisation LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Houot, R., Levy, R. 2009; 50 (1): 1-2

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10428190802517807

    View details for Web of Science ID 000262789000001

    View details for PubMedID 19172492

  • Genetic polymorphism of the inhibitory IgG Fc receptor FcRIIb is not associated with clinical outcome in patients with follicular lymphoma treated with rituximab LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Weng, W., Levy, R. 2009; 50 (5): 723-727

    Abstract

    Polymorphisms of activating FcgammaRIIIa (CD16) and FcgammaRIIa (CD32a) have been found to predict rituximab response, probably because of the relative efficiency of different FcgammaR variants in performing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The inhibitory FcgammaRIIb (CD32b) has an opposing effect on effector cells. Here, we examined whether an FcgammaRIIb 232 isoleucine (I)/threonine (T) polymorphism predicts rituximab response in 101 patients with follicular lymphoma. Eighty-four patients were 232 I/I, 15 were 232 I/T and two were 232 T/T. The response rate was similar among the three groups. The 2-year progression free survival (PFS) and median time to progression (TTP) were not different between I/I and I/T groups. The TTP was not determined in T/T group because of small number of patients. The FcgammaRIIIa 158 V/V and FcgammaRIIa 131 H/H genotypes continued to emerge as independent predictors for higher response rate and longer TTP. This study is the first to determine whether inhibitory FcgammaRIIb play a role in rituximab's anti-tumor effect in humans.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10428190902829441

    View details for Web of Science ID 000266201800010

    View details for PubMedID 19452316

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2910394

  • Immunoglobulin G Fc receptor polymorphisms do not correlate with response to chemotherapy or clinical course in patients with follicular lymphoma LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Weng, W., Levy, R. 2009; 50 (9): 1494-1500

    Abstract

    Recently, immunoglobulin G Fc receptor (FcgammaR) polymorphisms have been found to correlate with the clinical response to rituximab or idiotype vaccine in patients with follicular lymphoma. Two critical questions are whether the FcgammaR polymorphisms correlate with the clinical outcomes after chemotherapy alone in patients with follicular lymphoma and whether they can be explained by linking to underlying biology of follicular lymphoma. This is an important issue because the clinical decisions about the use of antibody therapy may be based on the FcgammaR polymorphisms of these patients. Here, we analyzed the FcgammaRIIIa 158 V/F, FcgammaRIIa 131 H/R, and FcgammaRIIb 232 I/T polymorphisms in a group of 188 patients with follicular lymphoma who were treated with chemotherapy without rituximab initially. In the current study, FcgammaR polymorphisms neither correlated with response rate or time to progression after induction chemotherapy, nor with time to the initial therapy or overall survival after diagnosis. Our results confirm that the correlation between FcgammaR polymorphisms and clinical outcome is specific to immunotherapy such as rituximab and idiotype vaccination, and not due to any effect on the underlying clinical behavior of the disease or chemotherapy response.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10428190903128660

    View details for Web of Science ID 000270552100017

    View details for PubMedID 19672774

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2910395

  • Tumor-specific recombinant idiotype immunisation after chemotherapy as initial treatment for follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Timmerman, J. M., Vose, J. M., Czerwinski, D. K., Weng, W., Ingolia, D., Mayo, M., Denney, D. W., Levy, R. 2009; 50 (1): 37-46

    Abstract

    Tumor-specific variable regions of the clonal immunoglobulin (idiotype, Id) expressed by B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can be targeted by active immunotherapy. We conducted a phase I/II trial to determine the safety and immunogenicity of a patient-specific, recombinant, mammalian cell-derived Id protein conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (Id-KLH; MyVax personalised immunotherapy) in 22 patients with follicular NHL in first remission after chemotherapy. Subjects received five subcutaneous immunisations with MyVax plus locally administered granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Among 21 evaluable patients, 62% mounted Id-specific immune responses. Evoked anti-Id antibodies recognised both recombinant Id and native Id, and could specifically stain autologous tumor cells. At median follow-up of more than 6 years, median progression-free survival is 38 months. Immunisation of follicular lymphoma patients with MyVax Id-KLH is safe and patients often mount tumor-specific immune responses. These results form the basis of a pivotal phase 3 trial of MyVax in follicular NHL.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10428190802563355

    View details for Web of Science ID 000262789000009

    View details for PubMedID 19125383

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2914563

  • CD81 Protein Is Expressed in Normal Germinal Center B-Cells and in Subtypes of Human Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas 98th Annual Meeting of the United-States-and-Canadian-Academy-of-Pathology Luo, R. F., Zhao, S., Tibshirani, R., Lossos, I. S., Advani, R., Gratzinger, D., Wong, A., Talrega, N., Levy, R., Levy, S., Natkunam, Y. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2009: 275A–275A
  • Follicular lymphoma B cells induce the conversion of conventional CD4(+) T cells to T-regulatory cells INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER Ai, W. Z., Hou, L., Zeiser, R., Czerwinski, D., Negrin, R. S., Levy, R. 2009; 124 (1): 239-244

    Abstract

    There has been accumulating evidence that CD4(+)CD25(+) FoxP3 expressing regulatory T cells (Treg) are highly concentrated in tumors, thereby fostering an immune-privileged microenvironment. Some studies have shown that T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation can convert conventional T cells into Treg. Follicular lymphoma (FL) B cells can enhance this Treg conversion. We investigated whether FL tumor B cells, as opposed to normal B cells, are unique in their ability to convert effector T cells into Treg. We found that tumor B cells alone, without artificial TCR stimulation, could induce conventional T cells to express FoxP3 and to acquire regulatory function. In contrast to their malignant counterpart, normal B cells did not induce Treg conversion. Treg conversion was independent of the T cell background, as T cells isolated from FL or normal peripheral blood were equally susceptible to being converted by tumor B cells. Our study provides evidence for a tumor-specific mechanism by which FL tumor cells promote immune escape through the induction of Treg.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ijc.23881

    View details for PubMedID 18814264

  • Neither CD68+Nor CD163+Macrophages Are Associated with Decreased Survival in Follicular Lymphoma 50th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology/ASH/ASCO Joint Symposium Gratzinger, D., Ai, W., Tibshirani, R., Levy, R., Natkunam, Y. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2008: 1284–84
  • A CpG-Activated Whole-Cell Vaccine 'Boost' Enhances the Anti-Lymphoma Efficacy of Immunotransplant 50th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology/ASH/ASCO Joint Symposium Brody, J., Goldstein, M. J., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2008: 1241–41
  • Lymphoma-Expressed VEGF-a,VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and Microvessel Density Are Not Predictive of Overall Survival in Follicular Lymphoma. 50th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology/ASH/ASCO Joint Symposium Gratzinger, D., Zhao, S., Ai, W., Tibshirani, R., Levy, R., Natkunam, Y. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2008: 1290–90
  • Signaling Diversity in Human Lymphoma B Cells and in Tumor Infiltrating T Cells Correlates with Follicular Lymphoma Patient Clinical Outcomes 50th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology/ASH/ASCO Joint Symposium Irish, J. M., Houot, R., Myklebust, J. H., Czerwinski, D. K., Nolan, G. P., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2008: 146–46
  • Generation of CD8 T Cell-Mediated Protective Immunity against Tumor Escapees. 50th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology/ASH/ASCO Joint Symposium Varghese, B., Taidi, B., Widman, A., Do, J., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2008: 908–
  • A Polymorphism in the Complement Component C1qA Correlates with Prolonged Response Following Rituximab Therapy of Follicular Lymphoma CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Racila, E., Link, B. K., Weng, W., Witzig, T. E., Ansell, S., Maurer, M. J., Huang, J., Dahle, C., Halwani, A., Levy, R., Weiner, G. J. 2008; 14 (20): 6697-6703

    Abstract

    Complement may play a role in the clinical response to rituximab and other monoclonal antibody-based therapies of cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the C1qA([276]) polymorphism and the clinical response to rituximab in patients with follicular lymphoma.Genotyping for C1qA([276A/G]) was done in 133 subjects with follicular lymphoma treated with single-agent rituximab, and correlation with clinical response was done using Cox regression analysis.Prolonged remission was observed among subjects that responded clinically to rituximab therapy and were carriers of the A allele compared with homozygous G subjects. Homozygous G subjects had a time to progression of 282 days, whereas A-allele carriers had a time to progression of 708 days [hazard ratio, (HR), 2.5; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.0-3.1; P = 0.02]. Among subjects who achieved complete remission, homozygous G subjects had a time to progression of 250 days, whereas A-allele carriers had a time to progression of 1,118 days (HR, 4.5; 95% CI, 4.1-4.8, P = 0.04). The difference persisted after controlling for CD32 and CD16 polymorphisms. In patients who responded to rituximab used as first-line agent, a linear trend was observed among the C1qA([276]) genotypes, with homozygous A subjects achieving complete response at a higher rate compared with heterozygous or homozygous G subjects.Our findings indicate that polymorphisms in the C1qA gene may affect the clinical response and duration of response to rituximab therapy of follicular lymphoma. These results could have direct implications on designing antibodies with improved efficiency and enhance our understanding of the role of complement in monoclonal antibody therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-08-0745

    View details for Web of Science ID 000260359600042

    View details for PubMedID 18927313

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2907116

  • Plant-produced idiotype vaccines for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Safety and immunogenicity in a phase I clinical study PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA McCormick, A. A., Reddy, S., Reinl, S. J., Cameron, T. I., Czerwinkski, D. K., Vojdani, F., Hanley, K. M., Garger, S. J., White, E. L., Novak, J., Barrett, J., Holtz, R. B., Tuse, D., Levy, R. 2008; 105 (29): 10131-10136

    Abstract

    Plant-made vaccines have been the subject of intense interest because they can be produced economically in large scale without the use of animal-derived components. Plant-made therapeutic vaccines against challenging chronic diseases, such as cancer, have received little research attention, and no previous human clinical trials have been conducted in this vaccine category. We document the feasibility of using a plant viral expression system to produce personalized (patient-specific) recombinant idiotype vaccines against follicular B cell lymphoma and the results of administering these vaccines to lymphoma patients in a phase I safety and immunogenicity clinical trial. The system allowed rapid production and recovery of idiotypic single-chain antibodies (scFv) derived from each patient's tumor and immunization of patients with their own individual therapeutic antigen. Both low and high doses of vaccines, administered alone or co-administered with the adjuvant GM-CSF, were well tolerated with no serious adverse events. A majority (>70%) of the patients developed cellular or humoral immune responses, and 47% of the patients developed antigen-specific responses. Because 15 of 16 vaccines were glycosylated in plants, this study also shows that variation in patterns of antigen glycosylation do not impair the immunogenicity or affect the safety of the vaccines. Collectively, these findings support the conclusion that plant-produced idiotype vaccines are feasible to produce, safe to administer, and a viable option for idiotype-specific immune therapy in follicular lymphoma patients.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.0803636105

    View details for Web of Science ID 000257913200052

    View details for PubMedID 18645180

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2481377

  • Paraffin-based 6-gene model predicts outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with R-CHOP BLOOD Malumbres, R., Chen, J., Tibshirani, R., Johnson, N. A., Sehn, L. H., Natkunam, Y., Briones, J., Advani, R., Connors, J. M., Byrne, G. E., Levy, R., Gascoyne, R. D., Lossos, I. S. 2008; 111 (12): 5509-5514

    Abstract

    Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by variable clinical outcomes. Outcome prediction at the time of diagnosis is of paramount importance. Previously, we constructed a 6-gene model for outcome prediction of DLBCL patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapies. However, the standard therapy has evolved into rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP). Herein, we evaluated the predictive power of a paraffin-based 6-gene model in R-CHOP-treated DLBCL patients. RNA was successfully extracted from 132 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens. Expression of the 6 genes comprising the model was measured and the mortality predictor score was calculated for each patient. The mortality predictor score divided patients into low-risk (below median) and high-risk (above median) subgroups with significantly different overall survival (OS; P = .002) and progression-free survival (PFS; P = .038). The model also predicted OS and PFS when the mortality predictor score was considered as a continuous variable (P = .002 and .010, respectively) and was independent of the IPI for prediction of OS (P = .008). These findings demonstrate that the prognostic value of the 6-gene model remains significant in the era of R-CHOP treatment and that the model can be applied to routine FFPE tissue from initial diagnostic biopsies.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2008-02-136374

    View details for Web of Science ID 000256786500021

    View details for PubMedID 18445689

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2424149

  • New immunologic treatments for lymphoma 10th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma Levy, R., Houot, R., Brody, J., Czerwinski, D. OXFORD UNIV PRESS. 2008: 129–129
  • T cell modulation combined with intratumoral injections of CPG oligodeoxynucleotides cures large and systemic lymphoma tumors in mice 10th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma Houot, R., Czerwinski, D. K., Levy, R. OXFORD UNIV PRESS. 2008: 160–160
  • Closing the gap: A comparison of observed versus expected survival in follicular lymphoma (FL) at Stanford University from 1960-2003 Tan, D., Rosenberg, S. A., Lavori, P., Sigal, B. M., Levy, R., Hoppe, R. T., Warnke, R., Advani, R., Natkunam, Y., Plevritis, S. K., Horning, S. J. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2008
  • The transcription factor LMO2 is a robust marker of vascular endothelium and vascular neoplasms with rare exceptions Gratzinger, D., Zhao, S., Vogel, H., Gil, E. C., Levy, R., Lossos, I., Natkunam, Y. FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL. 2008
  • Expression of the human germinal-centre-associated lymphoma protein in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas in patients with rheumatoid arthritis BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY Baecklund, E., Natkunam, Y., Backlin, C., Iliadou, A., Askling, J., Ekbom, A., Feltelius, N., Klareskog, L., Enblad, G., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R., Sundstroem, C., Rosenquist, R. 2008; 141 (1): 69-72

    Abstract

    Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) can be subdivided into germinal centre (GC)-like and non-GC-like subtypes by CD10, BCL6 and MUM1/IRF4 status. We previously reported that patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of non-GC DLBCL. This study examined a new GC-marker, human germinal-centre-associated lymphoma (HGAL) protein, in RA-DLBCL. Of 111, 38 (34%) DLBCL were HGAL-positive and showed less disseminated disease and a tendency toward improved overall survival compared to HGAL-negative cases. This supports that a majority of RA-DLBCL are of non-GC origin, indicating a specific role for activated peripheral B cells in the pathogenesis of RA-DLBCL.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07011.x

    View details for Web of Science ID 000253757400008

    View details for PubMedID 18324968

  • LMO2 protein expression predicts survival in patients with diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy with and without rituximab JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Natkunam, Y., Farinha, P., Hsi, E. D., Hans, C. P., Tibshirani, R., Sehn, L. H., Connors, J. M., Gratzinger, D., Rosado, M., Zhao, S., Pohlman, B., Wongchaowart, N., Bast, M., Avigdor, A., Schiby, G., Nagler, A., Byrne, G. E., Levy, R., Gascoyne, R. D., Lossos, I. S. 2008; 26 (3): 447-454

    Abstract

    The heterogeneity of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has prompted the search for new markers that can accurately separate prognostic risk groups. We previously showed in a multivariate model that LMO2 mRNA was a strong predictor of superior outcome in DLBCL patients. Here, we tested the prognostic impact of LMO2 protein expression in DLBCL patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy with or without rituximab.DLBCL patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy alone (263 patients) or with the addition of rituximab (80 patients) were studied using immunohistochemistry for LMO2 on tissue microarrays of original biopsies. Staining results were correlated with outcome.In anthracycline-treated patients, LMO2 protein expression was significantly correlated with improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in univariate analyses (OS, P = .018; PFS, P = .010) and was a significant predictor independent of the clinical International Prognostic Index (IPI) in multivariate analysis. Similarly, in patients treated with the combination of anthracycline-containing regimens and rituximab, LMO2 protein expression was also significantly correlated with improved OS and PFS (OS, P = .005; PFS, P = .009) and was a significant predictor independent of the IPI in multivariate analysis.We conclude that LMO2 protein expression is a prognostic marker in DLBCL patients treated with anthracycline-based regimens alone or in combination with rituximab. After further validation, immunohistologic analysis of LMO2 protein expression may become a practical assay for newly diagnosed DLBCL patients to optimize their clinical management.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2007.13.0690

    View details for Web of Science ID 000254177200020

    View details for PubMedID 18086797

  • LMO2 protein expression predicts survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy with or without rituximab 97th Annual Meeting of the United-States-and-Canadian-Academy-of-Pathology Natkunam, Y., Farinha, P., Hsi, E. D., Hans, C. P., Tibshirani, R., Sehn, L. H., Connors, J. M., Gratzinger, D., Zhan, S., Pohlman, B., Nagler, A., Levy, R., Gascoyne, R. D., Lossos, I. S. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2008: 267A–267A
  • Major histocomplatibility class II (MHCII) and germinal center associated gene expression correlate with overall survival in ritiximab and CHOP-like treated diffuse large B.cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, using 49th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Malumbres, R., Johnson, N. A., Sehn, L. H., Natkunam, Y., Tibshirani, R., Briones, J., Connors, J. M., Levy, R., Gascoyne, R. D., Lossos, I. S. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2007: 23A–23A
  • Survival in follicular lymphoma: The Stanford experience, 1960-2003. 49th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Tan, D., Rosenberg, S. A., Levy, R., Lavori, P., Tibshirani, R., Hoppe, R. T., Warnke, R., Advani, R., Natkunam, Y., Yuen, A., Horning, S. J. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2007: 1005A–1005A
  • Anti-idiotype antibody response afteir vaccination correlates with better overall survival in follicular lymphoma 49th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Ai, W. Z., Tibshirani, R., Taidi, B., Czerwinski, D., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2007: 199A–199A
  • LMO2 protein expression predicts survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in, the pre- and post-rituximab treatment eras 49th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Natkumam, Y., Farinha, P., Hsi, E. D., Hans, C. P., Tibshirani, R., Sehn, L. H., Connors, J. M., Zhao, S., Pohlman, B., Spinelli, J., Bast, M., Nagler, A., Levy, R., Gascoyne, R. D., Lossos, I. S. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2007: 24A–24A
  • "Minor" BCL2 breakpoints in follicular lymphoma - Frequency and correlation with grade and disease presentation in 236 cases JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS Weinberg, O. K., Ai, W. Z., Mariappan, M. R., Shum, C., Levy, R., Arber, D. A. 2007; 9 (4): 530-537

    Abstract

    Follicular lymphomas are frequently associated with the t(14;18)(q32;q21). This translocation can be detected by karyotype, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In addition to the breakpoints currently used for diagnosis located in the major breakpoint region (MBR) and the minor cluster region (mcr), recent studies have reported the existence of other breakpoints (3' BCL2, 5'mcr, and icr). In this study, we examined the frequency of all five breakpoints in 236 cases of follicular lymphomas by real-time PCR analysis. The distribution of breakpoint sites consisted of MBR in 118 cases (50%), mcr in 11 (5%), icr in 32 (13%), 3' BCL2 in 13 (6%), and 5' mcr in three cases (1%). These findings illustrate significantly higher frequency of the icr breakpoint as compared with the more frequently studied mcr. Correlation of breakpoints with histology showed that MBR breakpoints occur more frequently in grade 2 lymphomas (P = 0.042). A majority of the PCR-negative cases (75%) contained an IGH/BCL2 translocation with FISH methods, suggesting the presence of other BCL2 breakpoints. Correlation of breakpoints with survival did not reveal significant differences. Diagnostic laboratories should consider expanding their PCR methods to include other BCL2 breakpoints and correlating with FISH methods when appropriate.

    View details for DOI 10.2353/jmoldx.2007.070038

    View details for Web of Science ID 000249471400014

    View details for PubMedID 17652637

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1975105

  • Lymphoma immunotherapy with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides requires TLR9 either in the host or in the tumor itself JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Li, J., Song, W., Czerwinski, D. K., Varghese, B., Uematsu, S., Akira, S., Krieg, A. M., Levy, R. 2007; 179 (4): 2493-2500

    Abstract

    Established widely metastatic tumor was cured in a transplanted mouse B cell lymphoma model, by the combination of chemotherapy plus intratumoral injection of oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated C-G motifs (CpG). This therapeutic effect required that the CpG be injected directly into the tumor and was dependent on CD8 T cells. Although the efficacy of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides has been thought to depend on the expression of TLR9, we unexpectedly found that tumor rejection did not require host expression of TLR9. By using a TLR9-deficient tumor and a TLR9KO host, we demonstrate that TLR9 expression either by the host or the tumor is required. These results indicate that activation of Ag presentation by cells within the tumor via TLR9 stimulation can be an effective form of immunotherapy. This study forms the basis of an ongoing clinical trial in patients with lymphoma.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000248959200054

    View details for PubMedID 17675511

  • Therapeutic vaccination against murine lymphoma by intratumoral injection of recombinant fowlpox virus encoding CD40 ligand CANCER RESEARCH Liu, A., Guardino, A., Chinsangararn, L., Goldstein, M. J., Panicali, D., Levy, R. 2007; 67 (14): 7037-7044

    Abstract

    The interaction between CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154) and its receptor CD40 on antigen-presenting cells is essential for the initiation of cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. Malignant B cells also express CD40 and respond to CD40L by enhancing expression of costimulatory molecules. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic antitumor effect of intratumoral administration of recombinant fowlpox virus encoding murine CD40L (rF-mCD40L) in a murine B-cell lymphoma model. BALB/c mice with established s.c. and widely metastatic A20 lymphoma tumors were treated with intratumoral injections of rF-mCD40L together with systemic chemotherapy. This combined chemoimmunotherapy resulted in complete tumor regression and long-term survival of the mice. Some tumor cells in the injected sites expressed the CD40L transgene and had increased expression of the CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules. The therapeutic effect was dependent on CD8 but not on CD4 T cells. Moreover, there was a requirement that the recombinant CD40L virus be injected directly into the tumor, as opposed to peritumoral or distant sites. Thus, rF-mCD40L injected directly into the tumor microenvironment enhances the immunogenicity of tumor B cells. The results support future plans for intratumoral injection of rF-mCD40L in patients with lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-0224

    View details for Web of Science ID 000248319000060

    View details for PubMedID 17638917

  • Cell-free production of scFv fusion proteins: an efficient approach for personalized lymphoma vaccines BLOOD Kanter, G., Yang, J., Voloshin, A., Levy, S., Swartz, J. R., Levy, R. 2007; 109 (8): 3393-3399

    Abstract

    The unique immunoglobulin (Ig) idiotype on the surface of each B-cell lymphoma represents an ideal tumor-specific antigen for use as a therapeutic vaccine. We have used an Escherichia coli-based, cell-free protein-expression system to produce a vaccine within hours of cloning the Ig genes from a B-cell tumor. We demonstrated that a fusion protein consisting of an idiotypic single chain Fv antibody fragment (scFv) linked to a cytokine (GM-CSF) or to an immunostimulatory peptide was an effective lymphoma vaccine. These vaccines elicited humoral immune responses against the native Ig protein displayed on the surface of a tumor and protected mice against tumor challenge with efficacy equal to that of the conventional Ig produced in a mammalian cell and chemically coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The cell-free E coli system offers a platform for rapidly generating individualized vaccines, thereby allowing much more efficient application in the clinic.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2006-07-030593

    View details for Web of Science ID 000245658500047

    View details for PubMedID 17164345

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1852255

  • The oncoprotein LMO2 is expressed in normal germinal-center B cells and in human B-cell lymphomas BLOOD Natkunam, Y., Zhao, S., Mason, D. Y., Chen, J., Taidi, B., Jones, M., Hammer, A. S., Dutoit, S. H., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. 2007; 109 (4): 1636-1642

    Abstract

    We previously developed a multivariate model based on the RNA expression of 6 genes (LMO2, BCL6, FN1, CCND2, SCYA3, and BCL2) that predicts survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Since LMO2 emerged as the strongest predictor of superior outcome, we generated a monoclonal anti-LMO2 antibody in order to study its tissue expression pattern. Immunohistologic analysis of over 1200 normal and neoplastic tissue and cell lines showed that LMO2 protein is expressed as a nuclear marker in normal germinal-center (GC) B cells and GC-derived B-cell lines and in a subset of GC-derived B-cell lymphomas. LMO2 was also expressed in erythroid and myeloid precursors and in megakaryocytes and also in lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukemias. It was rarely expressed in mature T, natural killer (NK), and plasma cell neoplasms and was absent from nonhematolymphoid tissues except for endothelial cells. Hierarchical cluster analysis of immunohistologic data in DLBCL demonstrated that the expression profile of the LMO2 protein was similar to that of other GC-associated proteins (HGAL, BCL6, and CD10) but different from that of non-GC proteins (MUM1/IRF4 and BCL2). Our results warrant inclusion of LMO2 in multivariate analyses to construct a clinically applicable immunohistologic algorithm for predicting survival in patients with DLBCL.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2006-08-039024

    View details for Web of Science ID 000244219400043

    View details for PubMedID 17038524

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1794056

  • Expression of the RNA-binding protein VICKZ in normal hematopoietic tissues and neoplasms HAEMATOLOGICA-THE HEMATOLOGY JOURNAL Natkunam, Y., Vainer, G., Chen, J., Zhao, S., Marinelli, R. J., Hammer, A. S., Hamilton-Dutoit, S., Pikarsky, E., Amir, G., Levy, R., Yisraeli, J. K., Lossos, I. S. 2007; 92 (2): 176-183

    Abstract

    VICKZ family members are RNA-binding regulatory proteins expressed during embryogenesis but not usually found in normal adult tissue. The presence of VICKZ in normal germinal centers (GC) prompted us to characterize the expression pattern of this protein in lymphoid and hematopoietic tissues.We generated a pan-VICKZ antibody that recognized all three isoforms of VICKZ protein and screened 889 patients' samples by immunohistologic methods. We also analyzed the expression of VICKZ in normal hematopoiesis tissue by staining samples of tonsils, lymph nodesVICKZ protein expression was documented for the first time in normal human GC and in follicular (126/165), mediastinal large B-cell (9/10), Burkitt (2/2), diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL, 155/200), lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's (12/13), classical Hodgkin's (101/108), and anaplastic large cell (6/8) lymphomas and in lymphoid and myeloid leukemias. Since DLBCL may derive from GC or non-GC B cells we performed hierarchical cluster analysis for VICKZ, HGAL, BCL6, CD10, MUM1/IRF4 and BCL2 which showed that VICKZ is expressed in both subtypes. In addition, VICKZ mRNA isoforms were differentially expressed in lymphoma subtypes and over 40% of DLBCL expressed hVICKZ2, an isoform not usually present in normal GC B cells.We show that in normal lymphoid tissues VICKZ is expressed in GC lymphocytes but in lymphoid neoplasms its expression is not limited to GC-derived lymphoma subtypes. However, VICKZ exhibits differential expression in lymphoma subtypes and thus may be a marker of potential value in the diagnosis and study of hematopoietic neoplasia. The aberrant expression of its isoforms in DLBCL raises the possibility that these isoforms may be associated with different functions and suggests that further study of their role in normal and neoplastic lymphoid cells is warranted.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000244233600006

    View details for PubMedID 17296566

  • Humoral immune response and immunoglobulin G Fc receptor genotype are associated with better clinical outcome following idiotype vaccination in follicular lymphorna patients regardless of their response to induction chemotherapy BLOOD Weng, W., Czerwinski, D., Levy, R. 2007; 109 (3): 951-953

    Abstract

    We have reported that anti-idiotype antibody response and FcgammaRIIIa 158 valine/valine (V/V) genotype both correlate with better outcome in a group of 136 follicular lymphoma patients receiving idiotype vaccination after induction chemotherapy. Here, we examined whether this correlation is related in any way to the chemotherapy response. In patients with complete response (CR), the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 69% for patients with antibody response and/or V/V genotype, while the PFS was only 40% for patients with neither; the median time to progression (TTP) was 10.47 versus 3.46 years (P=.012). In patients with partial response (PR), the 5-year PFS was 57% for patients with antibody response and/or V/V genotype, and 17% for patients with neither; the median TTP was not reached versus 1.31 years (P=.001). This study further confirms the strong association of clinical outcome with antibody response and with the functionally more active form of the Fc receptor in patients receiving idiotype vaccination regardless of their response to induction chemotherapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2006-03-013136

    View details for Web of Science ID 000244132800024

    View details for PubMedID 17032925

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1785135

  • Expression of the human germinal center-associated lymphoma (HGAL) protein identifies a subset of classic Hodgkin lymphoma of germinal center derivation and improved survival BLOOD Natkunam, Y., Hsi, E. D., Aoun, P., Zhao, S., Elson, P., Pohlman, B., Naushad, H., Bast, M., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S. 2007; 109 (1): 298-305

    Abstract

    The human germinal-center-associated lymphoma (HGAL) gene and its cognate protein are expressed in a germinal center (GC)-specific manner. Its expression in classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) prompted us to address whether HGAL expression could distinguish biologically distinct subgroups of cHL. Tissue microarrays from 145 patients treated with curative intent showed HGAL staining in 75% and was closely correlated with MUM1/IRF4 (92%) expression. BCL6 (26%), CD10 (0%), BCL2 (31%), Blimp1 (0.02%), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (20%) showed no specific correlation; neither did phospho-STAT6, a key mediator of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling that induces HGAL and is implicated in cHL pathogenesis. In our study cohort, the 5-year overall survival (OS) correlated with young age (less than 45 years, P < .001), low stage (stage I and II, P = .04), and low International Prognostic Score (P = .002). In univariate analysis, HGAL expression was associated with improved OS (P = .01) and failure-free survival (FFS) (P = .05) but was not independent of other factors in multivariate analysis of OS or FFS. The expression of the GC-specific marker HGAL in a subset of cHL suggests that these cHLs retain characteristics of GC-derived lymphomas. The association with improved OS in univariate but not multivariate analysis suggests that HGAL expression is related to known clinical parameters of improved survival.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2006-04-014977

    View details for Web of Science ID 000243153900050

    View details for PubMedID 16954503

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1785075

  • The oncoprotein LMO2 is expressed in a germinal center B-cell-associated pattern and predicts survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. 48th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Natkunam, Y., Hsi, E. D., Hans, C., Zhao, S., Taidi, B., Chen, J., Mason, D. Y., Marafioti, T., Jones, M., Pohlman, B., Hammer, A. S., Hamilton-Dutoit, S., Avigdor, A., Schiby, G., Nagler, A., Byrne, G. E., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2006: 243A–243A
  • Altered B-cell receptor signaling kinetics distinguish human follicular lymphoma. B cells from tumor-infiltrating nonmalignant B cells BLOOD Irish, J. M., Czerwinski, D. K., Nolan, G. P., Levy, R. 2006; 108 (9): 3135-3142

    Abstract

    The B-cell receptor (BCR) transmits life and death signals throughout B-cell development, and altered BCR signaling may be required for survival of B-lymphoma cells. We used single-cell signaling profiles to compare follicular lymphoma (FL) B cells and nonmalignant host B cells within individual patient biopsies and identified BCR-mediated signaling events specific to lymphoma B cells. Expression of CD20, Bcl-2, and BCR light chain isotype (kappa or lambda) distinguished FL tumor B-cell and nontumor host B-cell subsets within FL patient biopsies. BCR-mediated signaling via phosphorylation of Btk, Syk, Erk1/2, and p38 occurred more rapidly in tumor B cells from FL samples than in infiltrating nontumor B cells, achieved greater levels of per-cell signaling, and sustained this level of signaling for hours longer than nontumor B cells. The timing and magnitude of BCR-mediated signaling in nontumor B cells within an FL sample instead resembled that observed in mature B cells from the peripheral blood of healthy subjects. BCR signaling pathways that are potentiated specifically in lymphoma cells should provide new targets for therapeutic attention.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2006-02-003921

    View details for Web of Science ID 000241586100043

    View details for PubMedID 16835385

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1895530

  • Kinetics of B cell receptor signaling in human B cell subsets mapped by phosphospecific flow cytometry JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Irish, J. M., Czerwinski, D. K., Nolan, G. P., Levy, R. 2006; 177 (3): 1581-1589

    Abstract

    Differences in BCR signaling may govern outcomes as diverse as proliferation and cell death. We profiled BCR signaling kinetics in subsets of primary human B cells using flow cytometry. In the predominant population expressing IgM, BCR cross-linking led to a quick burst of Syk, ERK1/2, and p38 signaling. In contrast, IgG B cells sustained higher per-cell ERK1/2 phosphorylation over time. This dichotomy suggested a mechanism for dampening signals transmitted by IgM. Regulatory phosphatase activity in IgM B cells was BCR-mediated and initiated more slowly than kinase activity. This BCR-mediated phosphatase activity was sensitive to inhibition by H(2)O(2) and required to attenuate IgM BCR signaling. These results provide the first kinetic maps of BCR signaling in primary human B cell subsets and enable new studies of signaling in B cell disorders, such as autoimmunity and cancer.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000239140300032

    View details for PubMedID 16849466

  • Phase II trial of idiotype vaccination in previously treated patients with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma resulting in durable clinical responses JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Redfern, C. H., Guthrie, T. H., Bessudo, A., Densmore, J. J., Holman, P. R., Janakiraman, N., Leonard, J. P., Levy, R. L., Just, R. G., Smith, M. R., Rosenfelt, F. P., Wiernik, P. H., Carter, W. D., Gold, D. P., Melink, T. J., Gutheil, J. C., Bender, J. F. 2006; 24 (19): 3107-3112

    Abstract

    To evaluate idiotype (Id) vaccination as a single agent in previously treated patients with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.Patients underwent biopsy for determination of their lymphoma-specific Id sequence. Recombinant Id protein was manufactured and covalently linked with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) to generate Id/KLH. Patients received Id/KLH 1 mg on day 1 subcutaneously, with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor 250 mug on days 1 to 4, monthly for 6 months. Booster injections were administered until progression. Both clinical and immune responses were evaluated.Thirty-two previously treated patients received at least one injection of Id/KLH, and 31 were assessed for efficacy. Responses were observed in four patients (one complete response and three partial responses). Median time to onset of response was 5.9 months (range, 2.3 to 14.1 months). Median duration of response has not been reached but should be at least 19.4 months (range, 10.4 to 27.2+ months). Median time to progression is 13.5 months. The most common adverse events were mild to moderate injection site reactions. Six (67%) of nine patients tested demonstrated a cellular immune response, and four (20%) of 20 patients demonstrated an antibody response against their Id.This trial demonstrates that Id/KLH alone can induce tumor regression and durable objective responses. Further study of Id/KLH is recommended in other settings where efficacy may be further enhanced as in first-line therapy or after cytoreductive therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2005.04.4289

    View details for Web of Science ID 000238987200023

    View details for PubMedID 16754937

  • Production of myeloid dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with tumor-specific idiotype protein for vaccination of patients with multiple myeloma CYTOTHERAPY Guardino, A. E., Rajapaksa, R., Ong, K. H., Sheehan, K., Levy, R. 2006; 8 (3): 277-289

    Abstract

    Immunotherapy of cancer with DC vaccines has produced encouraging results in clinical trials. Antigen (Ag)-pulsed DC have elicited CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immunity and tumor regression in humans. However, there is no standard method of DC production. The DC phenotype, number and Ag-loading process used in these studies have varied, making comparisons between trials difficult.In the present report a reproducible method was developed for the production of a DC-based vaccine. Monocytes were enriched by adhesion from healthy donor apheresis products and cultured with growth factors for maturation into DC. The cells were loaded with the tumor Ag idiotype proteins from patients with multiple myeloma. DC culture and Ag loading were performed in an automated and closed system. The DC product was characterized for phenotype by flow cytometry and for function in Ag uptake and Ag presentation.These monocyte-derived DC expressed high levels of costimulatory molecules (CD80/86). Ag-pulsed DC functioned to induce allogeneic proliferative lymphocyte responses and Ag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. The DC viability, phenotype and function were well preserved following prolonged frozen storage. Aliquots from the product of a single DC preparation could be used for sequential vaccinations without batch to batch variability.Ag-pulsed DC can be reproducibly generated for clinical use. These standardized methods are now being employed for a clinical trial to evaluate idiotype-pulsed DC vaccine therapy following non-myeloablative transplant for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/14653240600735701

    View details for Web of Science ID 000238504500011

    View details for PubMedID 16793736

  • The T-cell oncoprotein LMO2 is expressed in normal germinal center B-cells and in germinal center-derived B-cell lymphoma 95th Annual Meeting of the United-States-and-Canadian-Academy-of-Pathology Natkunam, Y., Levy, R., Zhao, S., Taidi, B., Lossos, I. S. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2006: 239A–239A
  • RNA-binding protein VICKZ is expressed in a germinal center associated pattern among lymphoma subtypes 95th Annual Meeting of the United-States-and-Canadian-Academy-of-Pathology Natkunam, Y., Vainer, G., Zhao, S., Amir, G., Pikarsky, E., Hammer, A. S., Hamilton-Dutoit, S., Levy, R., Yisraeli, J., Lossos, I. S. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2006: 238A–239A
  • Expression of the human germinal center associated lymphoma (HGAL) protein identifies a subset of classical Hodgkin lymphoma of germinal center derivation and improved outcome 95th Annual Meeting of the United-States-and-Canadian-Academy-of-Pathology Natkunam, Y., Hsi, E. D., Zhao, S., Elson, P., Pohlman, B., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2006: 239A–239A
  • RNA-binding protein VICKZ is expressed in a germinal center associated pattern among lymphoma subtypes. 47th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Natkunam, Y., Vainer, G., Zhao, S. C., Amir, G., Pikarsky, E., Hammer, A. S., Hamilton-Dutoit, S., Levy, R., Yisraeli, J. K., Lossos, I. S. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2005: 542A–542A
  • Expression of the human germinal center associated lymphoma (HGAL) protein identifies a subset of classical Hodgkin lymphoma of germinal center derivation and improved outcome. 47th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Natkunam, Y., Hsi, E. D., Zhao, S. C., Elson, P., Pohlman, B., Levy, R., Lossos, I. S. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2005: 11A–12A
  • Therapeutic vaccination against murine lymphoma by intratumoral injection of naive dendritic cells CANCER RESEARCH Song, W. R., Levy, R. 2005; 65 (13): 5958-5964

    Abstract

    Dendritic cells are potent antigen-presenting cells that can induce both immune responses and tolerance depending on their state of activation. Immunologic tolerance to established tumors is a major impediment for the development of effective cancer immunotherapy. Dendritic cells may be deficient in number or in function at the tumor site. To address this problem, we evaluated the ability of immature naïve dendritic cells to induce an antitumor immune response when injected directly into a murine B-cell lymphoma. Mice with advanced transplanted syngeneic tumor were given intratumoral injections of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Intratumoral dendritic cell injection alone had no antitumor effect. Systemic chemotherapy alone resulted in only transient tumor regression. However, the intratumoral injection of dendritic cells after chemotherapy led to complete, long-term tumor regression in the majority of treated mice. This dendritic cell-mediated antitumor effect was systemic, resulting in simultaneous elimination of the tumor at second uninjected sites. In addition, it resulted in long-term memory with resistance to tumor rechallenge. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are necessary for the antitumor effect. Furthermore, tumors that occasionally recurred in mice with initial complete tumor regression could be retreated by the same combined chemoimmunotherapy approach. These results show that immunotherapy can succeed in the setting of advanced lymphoma if dendritic cells are restored and loaded with tumor antigens in situ at a single tumor site.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000230165000061

    View details for PubMedID 15994975

  • Expression of the human germinal center-associated lymphoma (HGAL) protein, a new marker of germinal center B-cell derivation BLOOD Natkunam, Y., Lossos, L. S., Taidi, B., Zhao, S. C., Lu, X. Q., Ding, F. Y., Hammer, A. S., Marafioti, T., Byrne, G. E., Levy, S., Warnke, R. A., Levy, R. 2005; 105 (10): 3979-3986

    Abstract

    We identified the human germinal center-associated lymphoma (HGAL) in gene-expression profiling studies of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The expression of HGAL correlated with survival in patients with DLBCL. The HGAL gene is the human homolog of M17, a mouse gene expressed specifically in normal germinal center (GC) B cells. We generated a monoclonal antibody against the HGAL protein and show that HGAL is expressed in the cytoplasm of GC lymphocytes and in lymphomas of GC derivation. Among 727 lymphomas tested by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays, HGAL staining was found in follicular lymphomas (103 of 107), Burkitt lymphomas (40 of 40), mediastinal large B lymphomas (7 of 8), and in DLBCLs (103 of 151). Most marginal zone lymphomas lacked HGAL staining. Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphomas (12 of 17) and, surprisingly, classical Hodgkin lymphomas (78 of 107) were found to be positive. Hierarchical clustering of comparative immunohistologic results in DLBCLs demonstrates that the expression of HGAL is similar to 2 other GC-associated proteins, BCL6 and CD10, but different from 2 markers associated with a non-GC phenotype, MUM1/IRF4 and BCL2. The restricted expression and GC specificity of HGAL protein suggest that it may have an important role in the diagnosis of specific lymphomas, and, potentially in the identification of subtypes associated with different prognoses.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2004-08-3112

    View details for Web of Science ID 000229009000042

    View details for PubMedID 15677569

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1895083

  • Cell-free synthesis enables patient-specific vaccine production. 229th National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS) Swartz, J. R., Levy, R., Kanter, G., Yang, J. H., Voloshin, A. AMER CHEMICAL SOC. 2005: U202–U203
  • Rapid expression of vaccine proteins for B-cell lymphoma in a cell-free system BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING Yang, J. H., Kanter, G., Voloshin, A., Michel-Reydellet, N., Velkeen, H., Levy, R., Swartz, J. R. 2005; 89 (5): 503-511

    Abstract

    The idiotype (Id)-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) fusion proteins are potential vaccines for immunotherapy of B-cell lymphoma. In this study, four vaccine candidates were constructed by fusing murine GM-CSF to the amino- or carboxy-terminus of the 38C13 murine B-lymphocyte Id scFv with two different arrangements of the variable regions of the heavy chain and light chain (VL-VH and VH-VL). scFv (VH-VL) and GM-CSF/scFv fusion proteins were expressed in an Escherichia coli cell-free protein synthesis system. In order to promote disulfide bond formation during cell-free expression, cell extract was pretreated with iodoacetamide (IAM), and a sulfhydryl redox buffer composed of oxidized and reduced glutathione was added. The E. coli periplasmic disulfide isomerase, DsbC, was also added to rearrange incorrectly formed disulfide linkages. The 38C13 B-lymphocyte Id scFv was expressed with 30% of its soluble yield in active form (43 microg/ml) when tested with an anti-idiotypic mAb, S1C5, as the capture antibody in radioimmunoassay. It was found that the amino-terminal GM-CSF fusion proteins, GM-VL-VH and GM-VH-VL, showed much higher activity than the carboxy-terminal GM-CSF fusion proteins, VL-VH-GM and VH-VL-GM, in stimulating the cell proliferation of a GM-CSF-dependent cell line, NFS-60. Between the two amino-terminal GM-CSF fusion proteins, GM-VL-VH showed a higher total and soluble yield than GM-VH-VL.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000227171700002

    View details for PubMedID 15669088

  • Anti-DNA antibody/cationic lipid micelles for plasmid DNA gene delivery ASBM6: ADVANCED BIOMATERIALS VI Song, C. X., Wang, M. Y., Yang, J., Jin, X., Mei, L., Leng, X. G., Sun, H. F., Levy, R. J. 2005; 288-289: 105-108
  • The radioisotope contributes significantly to the activity of radioimmunotherapy CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Davis, T. A., Kaminski, M. S., Leonard, J. P., Hsu, F. J., Wilkinson, M., Zelenetz, A., Wahl, R. L., KROLL, S., Coleman, M., Goris, M., Levy, R., Knox, S. J. 2004; 10 (23): 7792-7798

    Abstract

    A multicenter, randomized study was undertaken to estimate the single agent activity of Tositumomab and to determine the contribution of radioisotope-labeling with (131)I to activity and toxicity by comparing treatment outcomes for Tositumomab and Iodine I 131 Tositumomab (BEXXAR) to an equivalent total dose of unlabeled Tositumomab.Seventy-eight patients with refractory/relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were randomized to either unlabeled Tositumomab or Iodine I 131 Tositumomab. Patients progressing after unlabeled Tositumomab could cross over to receive Iodine I 131 Tositumomab. The median follow-up at analysis was 42.6 months (range 1.9 to 71.5 months).Responses in the Iodine I 131 Tositumomab versus unlabeled Tositumomab groups: overall response 55% versus 19% (P = 0.002); complete response 33% versus 8% (P = 0.012); median duration of overall response not reached versus 28.1 months (95% confidence interval: 7.6, not reached); median duration of complete response not reached in either arm; and median TTP 6.3 versus 5.5 months (P = 0.031), respectively. Of the patients who had a complete response after initial Iodine I 131 Tositumomab therapy, 71% (10 of 14) continued in complete response at 29.8 to 71.1 months. Two patients who achieved a complete response after unlabeled Tositumomab had ongoing responses at 48.1 to 56.9 months. Nineteen patients received Iodine I 131 Tositumomab crossover therapy. Responses after crossover versus prior response to unlabeled Tositumomab were as follows: complete response rates of 42% versus 0% (P = 0.008); overall response 68% versus 16% (P = 0.002); median durations of overall response 12.6 versus 7.6 months (P = 0.001); and median TTP 12.4 versus 5.5 months (P = 0.01), respectively. Hematologic toxicity was more severe and nonhematologic adverse events were more frequent after Iodine I 131 Tositumomab than after Tositumomab alone. Elevated thyrotropin occurred in 5% of patients. Seroconversion to human antimurine antibody after Iodine I 131 Tositumomab, unlabeled Tositumomab, and Iodine I 131 Tositumomab-crossover was 27%, 19%, and 0%, respectively.Unlabeled Tositumomab showed single agent activity, but in this direct comparison, all of the therapeutic outcome measures were significantly enhanced by the conjugation of (131)I to Tositumomab.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000225673200002

    View details for PubMedID 15585610

  • Clinical outcome of lymphoma patients after idiotype vaccination is correlated with humoral immune response and immunoglobulin G Fc receptor genotype JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Weng, W. K., Czerwinski, D., Timmerman, J., Hsu, F. J., Levy, R. 2004; 22 (23): 4717-4724

    Abstract

    The unique immunoglobulin idiotype (Id) expressed by each B-cell lymphoma is a target for immunotherapy. Vaccination with Id induces humoral and/or cellular anti-Id immune responses. However, the clinical impact of these anti-Id immune responses is unknown. We and others have previously reported that immunoglobulin G Fc receptor (FcgammaR) polymorphisms predict the clinical response of lymphoma patients to passive anti-CD20 antibody infusions. In this study, we tested whether anti-Id immune responses or FcgammaR polymorphisms associate with clinical outcome of patients who received Id vaccination.We analyzed 136 patients with follicular lymphoma who had received Id vaccination. The anti-Id immune responses were measured and FcgammaRIIIa and FcgammaRIIa polymorphisms were determined and correlated with clinical outcome for these patients.Patients who mounted humoral immune responses had a longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those who did not (8.21 v 3.38 years; P = .018). Patients with FcgammaRIIIa 158 valine/valine (V/V) genotype also had a longer PFS than those with valine/phenylalanine (V/F) or phenylalanine/phenylalanine (F/F) genotypes (V/V, 8.21 v V/F, 3.38 years; P = .004; v F/F, 4.47 years; P = .035). Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed that V/V genotype and humoral immune responses were independent positive predictors for PFS.This study is the first to identify the predictive value of FcgammaR polymorphism on clinical outcome in patients who received active immunotherapy with tumor antigen vaccines. Our results imply that the antibodies induced against a tumor antigen are beneficial and that FcgammaR-bearing cells mediate an antitumor effect by killing antibody-coated tumor cells.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2004.06.003

    View details for Web of Science ID 000226236600010

    View details for PubMedID 15483014

  • Cancer vaccines: pessimism in check NATURE MEDICINE Timmerman, J. M., Levy, R. 2004; 10 (12): 1279-1279

    View details for DOI 10.1038/nm1204-1279a

    View details for Web of Science ID 000225500900013

    View details for PubMedID 15682512

  • The number of CD25+tumor-infiltrating cells may predict clinical response to rituximab in follicular lymphoma patients. 46th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Park, C. Y., Bohen, S. P., Levy, R., Warnke, R. A., Natkunam, Y. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2004: 214A–214A
  • The percentage of tumor-infiltrating T cells is not correlated with overall survival in follicular B-cell lymphomas 46th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Ai, W. Y., Czerwinski, D. K., Tibshirani, R., Horning, S. J., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2004: 891A–891A
  • Expression of the human germinal center-associated lymphoma (HGAL) protein, a new marker of germinal center B cell derivation. 46th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Natkunam, Y., Lossos, I. S., Taidi, B., Zhao, S. C., Lu, X. Q., Ding, F. Y., Hammer, A. S., Marafioti, T., Byrne, G. E., Levy, S., Warnke, R. A., Levy, R. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2004: 624A–624A
  • Expression of active murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in an Escherichia coli cell-free system BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS Yang, J. H., Kanter, G., Voloshin, A., Levy, R., Swartz, J. R. 2004; 20 (6): 1689-1696

    Abstract

    Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is an important cytokine in the mammalian immune system. It has been expressed in Escherichia coli with the same biological activity as the native protein. Here, we report the synthesis of a murine recombinant GM-CSF in an E. coli cell-free protein synthesis system with a high yield. Since there are two disulfide bonds in the native structure of GM-CSF, an oxidizing redox potential of the reaction mixture was required. By pretreating the cell extract with iodoacetamide (IAM), the reducing activity of the cell extract was inactivated, and upon further application of an oxidized glutathione buffer, most of the synthesized GM-CSF was found in its oxidized form. However, the GM-CSF thus formed showed low activity because of poor folding. With the addition of DsbC, the periplasmic disulfide isomerase from E. coli, a high yield of active GM-CSF was produced in the cell-free reaction. Finally, successful folding of the cell-free synthesized GM-CSF-his6 was confirmed by its cell-proliferation activity after purification with a Ni2+ chelating column.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/bp034350b

    View details for Web of Science ID 000225558200010

    View details for PubMedID 15575700

  • AID is expressed in germinal center B-cell-like and activated B-cell-like diffuse large-cell lymphomas and is not correlated with intraclonal heterogeneity LEUKEMIA Lossos, I. S., Levy, R., Alizadeh, A. A. 2004; 18 (11): 1775-1779

    Abstract

    Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), highly expressed in germinal center (GC)-lymphocytes, is involved in somatic hypermutation (SHM). We examined AID expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) of germinal center B-cell (GCB)-like and activated B-cell (ABC)-like subtypes. These two types of DLBCL are characterized by high and low expression of GC-specific genes, respectively. AID expression was detected in both GCB- and ABC-like DLBCL, thus demonstrating a dissociation between AID expression and that of other GC genes. We also tested for the presence of intraclonal heterogeneity in immunoglobulin and BCL6 genes in those same tumors and in follicle center lymphomas (FCL) that transformed to DLBCL. The level of AID expression did not correlate with the presence of intraclonal sequence heterogeneity in either IgV(H) or BCL6. Our findings suggest that lymphomas maintain some but not all of the gene expression signatures of their normal B-cell counterparts. The fact that AID expression can be elevated without intraclonal sequence heterogeneity raises the possibility that other factors are required for SHM in these tumors. We found decreased levels of AID expression in DLBCL that evolved from FCL and which had acquired new mutations in their BCL6 genes. This dissociation suggests that AID expression and SHM may occur at the time prior to the clinical detection of transformed lymphoma.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/sj.leu.2403488

    View details for Web of Science ID 000224732800006

    View details for PubMedID 15385936

  • Vaccines in lymphoma. Clinical advances in hematology & oncology : H&O Levy, R. 2004; 2 (7): 424-?

    View details for PubMedID 16163215

  • Prediction of survival in diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma based on the expression of six genes NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Lossos, I. S., Czerwinski, D. K., Alizadeh, A. A., Wechser, M. A., Tibshirani, R., Botstein, D., Levy, R. 2004; 350 (18): 1828-1837

    Abstract

    Several gene-expression signatures can be used to predict the prognosis in diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma, but the lack of practical tests for a genome-scale analysis has restricted the use of this method.We studied 36 genes whose expression had been reported to predict survival in diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma. We measured the expression of each of these genes in independent samples of lymphoma from 66 patients by quantitative real-time polymerase-chain-reaction analyses and related the results to overall survival.In a univariate analysis, genes were ranked on the basis of their ability to predict survival. The genes that were the strongest predictors were LMO2, BCL6, FN1, CCND2, SCYA3, and BCL2. We developed a multivariate model that was based on the expression of these six genes, and we validated the model in two independent microarray data sets. The model was independent of the International Prognostic Index and added to its predictive power.Measurement of the expression of six genes is sufficient to predict overall survival in diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000221080300006

    View details for PubMedID 15115829

  • Rapid expression of vaccine proteins for B cell lymphoma in a cell-free system. 227th National Meeting of the American-Chemical Society Yang, J. H., Kanter, G., Voloshin, A., Levy, R., Swartz, J. AMER CHEMICAL SOC. 2004: U137–U137
  • Rapid expression of vaccine proteins for B cell lymphoma in a cell-free system. 227th National Meeting of the American-Chemical Society Yang, J. H., Kanter, G., Voloshin, A., Levy, R., Swartz, J. AMER CHEMICAL SOC. 2004: U135–U135
  • Molecular rescue of tumour-specific T cell receptor idiotype from T cell lymphomas BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY Reddy, S. A., Levy, R. 2004; 124 (5): 626-628

    Abstract

    The T cell receptor (TCR) idiotype on T cell lymphomas can serve as a vaccine target. To clone the relevant genes, 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was performed on 13 T cell lymphomas and nine control samples. Two polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed for each TCR chain (alpha and beta) and the proportion of the clonal TCR sequence over the total number of TCR sequences was calculated. For alpha, the average proportions were 0.43 vs. 0.05. For beta these were 0.44 and 0.04. The TCR was identified in 10 of 13 lymphoma samples.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2004.04830.x

    View details for Web of Science ID 000189304300007

    View details for PubMedID 14871249

  • TCR vaccines against a murine T cell lymphoma: A primary role for antibodies of the IgG2c class in tumor protection JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Lambert, S. L., Okada, C. Y., Levy, R. 2004; 172 (2): 929-936

    Abstract

    Tumor-associated proteins can act as effective immunotherapeutic targets. Immunization with tumor TCR protein conjugated to the immunogenic protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) protects mice from tumor challenge with the murine T cell lymphoma C6VL. The immune mechanisms responsible for this tumor protection are of interest for designing more effective vaccine strategies. Previous studies using depletion experiments had suggested a CD8-mediated component of protection induced by TCR-KLH vaccines. In this study we used CD8alpha knockout, micro MT, and FcgammaR knockout mice to investigate the relative roles of CD8+ T cells and Ab in protective immunity induced by TCR-KLH immunization. We found that CD8+ T cells are not required for tumor protection, although they may contribute to protection. Vaccine-induced Abs are sufficient to mediate protection against this murine T cell lymphoma through an FcR-dependent mechanism. This was confirmed with Ab transfers, which protect challenged mice. Additionally, recombinase-activating gene 1(-/-) splenocytes can mediate Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against this tumor in the presence of bound anti-TCR Abs. IFN-gamma knockout mice demonstrated a requirement for IFN-gamma, probably via generation of IgG2c Abs, in vaccine-induced tumor protection. IFN-gamma knockout mice were not protected by immunization and had a severe impairment in IgG2c Ab production in response to immunization. Although mock-depleted anti-TCR Abs could transfer tumor protection, IgG2c-deficient anti-TCR Abs were unable to transfer tumor protection to wild-type mice. These results suggest that TCR-KLH vaccine-induced tumor protection in the C6VL system is primarily attributable to the induction of IgG2c Abs and humoral immunity.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000188005200024

    View details for PubMedID 14707065

  • Two immunoglobulin G fragment C receptor polymorphisms independently predict response to rituximab in patients with follicular lymphoma JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Weng, W. K., Levy, R. 2003; 21 (21): 3940-3947

    Abstract

    Although rituximab is now routinely used in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the mechanism of its antitumor effect is not clear. One potential mechanism of action involves antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Two aspects of ADCC influence the effectiveness of this process: the susceptibility of tumor cells and the activation of effector cells via their immunoglobulin G fragment C receptors (Fc gamma Rs). Several Fc gamma R polymorphisms have been identified that may affect the killing function of natural killer cells and macrophages.The pretreatment tumor cells from 43 patients with follicular lymphoma were tested for their intrinsic susceptibility to rituximab-mediated ADCC. In addition, the Fc gamma RIIIa (CD16) and Fc gamma RIIa (CD32) polymorphisms were determined in an expanded group of 87 patients. The results were then correlated with clinical outcome of these patients.No difference was found between the susceptibility of tumors from patients who clinically responded to rituximab versus those who did not respond. Conversely, both the Fc gamma RIIIa 158 valine/valine and the Fc gamma RIIa 131 histidine/histidine genotypes were found to be independently associated with the response rate and freedom from progression.These data support the hypothesis that ADCC plays an important role in the clinical effect of rituximab at the level of the effector cell. It will be important to include information on Fc receptor polymorphisms in future trials of rituximab therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2003.05.013

    View details for Web of Science ID 000186295500010

    View details for PubMedID 12975461

  • Multiple BCL6 translocation partners in individual cases of gastric lymphoma - Response BLOOD Lossos, I. S., Akasaka, T., Levy, R. 2003; 102 (5): 1932-1932
  • BCL6 gene translocation in follicular lymphoma: a harbinger of eventual transformation to diffuse aggressive lymphoma BLOOD Akasaka, T., Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. 2003; 102 (4): 1443-1448

    Abstract

    Follicular lymphoma (FL) is characterized by a relatively indolent clinical course, but the disease often transforms into a more aggressive large cell lymphoma with a rapidly progressive clinical course. In the present study, we analyzed 41 cases of FL known to have subsequently transformed to aggressive lymphoma and an additional 64 FL samples from patients not subsequently transformed. We studied BCL6 gene rearrangement by the methodology of long-distance inverse polymerase chain reaction (LDI-PCR). Of the 41 cases known to transform, 16 (39.0%) harbored BCL6 translocation or deletion at the time of FL diagnosis. Among 64 cases not known to transform, BCL6 translocation was detected in 9 (14.1%). The prevalence of BCL6 translocation in the group known to transform was significantly higher (P =.0048). Among the transformation cases, the partners of the BCL6 translocation were identified in 13 cases and included IGH, CIITA, U50HG, MBNL, GRHPR, LRMP, EIF4A2, RhoH/TTF, and LOC92656 (similar to NAPA), whereas in the control group the BCL6 partners were IGH, CIITA, SIAT1, and MBNL. In 13 cases paired specimens before and after transformation were available. Among these paired specimens, a loss (3 cases) or a gain (1 case) of BCL6 translocation was observed after the transformation. Analysis of clonality showed that all of these cases represented the evolution of a subclone of the original tumor population. Our study demonstrated that BCL6 translocation is not necessary for transformation but that BCL6 translocation in FL may constitute a subgroup with a higher risk to transform into aggressive lymphoma.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000184651600048

    View details for PubMedID 12738680

  • Analysis of FAS (CD95) gene mutations in higher-grade transformation of follicle center lymphoma LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Do, B., Lossos, I. S., Thorstenson, Y., Oefner, P. J., Levy, R. 2003; 44 (8): 1317-1323

    Abstract

    The FAS antigen (CD95/APO-1) is suggested to be a tumor suppressor gene since mice and patients with congenital FAS mutations are prone to B cell lymphomas and somatic FAS mutations are described in hematological and solid tumors. Indeed, mutations of the FAS antigen have been found in 13% of multiple myelomas, 6% of follicle center lymphomas (FCL) and 21% of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). To assess the possible role of FAS mutations in higher-grade transformation of FCL, biopsy specimens from 16 FCL patients were analyzed by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing. Overall, 17 biopsy specimens obtained at the time of FCL diagnosis (2 biopsy specimens from one patient), 4 sequential biopsies obtained at the time of FCL relapse and 14 sequential biopsies from the time of morphologic transformation to DLBCL were evaluated. Ten polymorphisms were detected, only 4 of which have been reported previously. Nine of the polymorphisms occurred in non-translated regions, while one silent mutation was located in exon 7. Neither loss of heterozygosity nor occurrence of new mutations was observed upon higher-grade transformation of FCL to DLBCL.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/1042819031000090228

    View details for Web of Science ID 000183421700007

    View details for PubMedID 12952224

  • The BCL6 gene in B-cell lymphomas with 3q27 translocations is expressed mainly from the rearranged allele irrespective of the partner gene LEUKEMIA Lossos, I. S., Akasaka, T., Martinez-Climent, J. A., Siebert, R., Levy, R. 2003; 17 (7): 1390-1397

    Abstract

    The BCL6 gene, which functions as a transcription repressor, is the target of multiple chromosomal translocations in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). These translocations occur in the nontranslated region of the BCL6 gene, juxtaposing regulatory sequences of the diverse partner genes to the open reading frame of the BCL6 gene and thus are thought to deregulate BCL6 gene expression. The levels of expression of the BCL6 gene and protein have been demonstrated to predict the clinical outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. By contrast, the prognostic significance of BCL6 gene translocations is unclear. In this study we have sought an explanation for this apparent discrepancy. We examined tumors with a variety of different BCL6 translocations and therefore with a variety of potentially substituted promoters. We found no increase in total BCL6 mRNA levels in the NHL specimens harboring BCL6 gene translocation. Indeed, some of these tumors expressed relatively low quantities of the BCL6 mRNA. We also sought to determine whether BCL6 transcription occurs from the rearranged or from the normal untranslocated allele in these tumors. We demonstrate that lymphoma cell lines and majority of NHL tumor specimens expressed BCL6 mRNA predominantly from the rearranged allele that may come under the control of various partner gene promoters. However, few NHL tumors with BCL6 gene translocations expressed BCL6 mRNA equally from the rearranged and the nonrearranged alleles. Neither the nature of the substituted promoters nor the presence of activating mutations in the BCL6 regulatory sequences correlated with the allelic expression of the BCL6 gene in these tumors.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/sj.leu.2402997

    View details for Web of Science ID 000183616100016

    View details for PubMedID 12835729

  • Higher grade transformation of follicular lymphoma: phenotypic tumor progression associated with diverse genetic lesions SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. 2003; 13 (3): 191-202

    Abstract

    Higher grade histological transformation of follicular lymphoma (FL) to more aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) occurs in 10-60% of the cases. Review of the current knowledge of genetic and molecular alterations associated with the higher grade transformation of FCL suggests that the process that leads to clinically and phenotypically similar end-point can occur by functionally diverse genetic lesions. The most commonly identified genetic alterations associated with the FCL transformation are TP53 gene mutations, inactivation of CDKN2A and CDKN2B genes and deregulation of the C-MYC gene. These lesions affect different aspects of normal cell physiology (apoptosis, cell cycle control, and proliferation) and are potential targets for gene-specific therapies.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/S1044-579X(03)0015-4

    View details for Web of Science ID 000183670100003

    View details for PubMedID 12959350

  • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Insights gained from gene expression profiling INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. 2003; 77 (4): 321-329

    Abstract

    Analysis of global gene expression with DNA microarrays has great potential to improve the understanding of tumorigenesis advance tumor diagnosis and classification, and affect cancer treatment. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, we now realize that the disease is extremely heterogeneous. This review summarizes the progress in understanding DLBCL that has been made as a result of the application of gene expression profiling.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000183032600002

    View details for PubMedID 12774918

  • Transformation of follicular lymphoma to diffuse large cell lymphoma is associated with a heterogeneous set of DNA copy number and gene expression alterations BLOOD Martinez-Climent, J. A., Alizadeh, A. A., Segraves, R., Blesa, D., Rubio-Moscardo, F., Albertson, D. G., Garcia-Conde, J., Dyer, M. J., Levy, R., Pinkel, D., Lossos, I. S. 2003; 101 (8): 3109-3117

    Abstract

    Genomic aberrations in a series of paired biopsy samples from patients who presented initially with follicle center lymphoma (FCL) and subsequently transformed to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were measured by array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The consequences of these aberrations on gene expression were determined by comparison with expression analysis on these specimens using cDNA microarrays. A heterogeneous pattern of acquired genomic abnormalities was observed upon transformation, some of which were recurrent in small subsets of patients. Some of the genomic aberration acquired upon transformation, such as gain/amplification of 1q21-q24, 2p16 (REL/BCL11A gene loci), 3q27-q29 (including the BCL6 locus), 7q11.2-q22.1, 12pter-q12, 18q21 (including the BCL2 locus) and Xq, and deletion of 6q22-q24, 13q14-q21 and 17p13 (P53 locus) have been previously implicated in the FCL/DLBCL pathogenesis. In addition, novel genomic imbalances not previously reported in association with FCL transformation, such as overrepresentation of 4p12-pter, 5p12-p15, 6p12.3-p21, 9p23, 9q13-q31, 16q, 17q21, and loss of 1p36.3, 4q21-q23, 5q21-q23, 9q31-qter, 11q24-q25, and 15q23, were identified. We observed a differential expression profile of many genes within regions of gain and deletion upon transformation, including novel target genes associated with FCL transformation. However, other genes did not show deregulated expression despite their location within these areas. In summary, the combination of array CGH and expression analysis provides a more comprehensive picture of the transformation of FCL to DLBCL. This process is associated with the acquisition of a variable spectrum of genomic imbalances affecting recurrent chromosomal areas that harbor overexpressed or underexpressed genes targeted upon transformation.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2002-07-2119

    View details for Web of Science ID 000182101400038

    View details for PubMedID 12406872

  • Antitumor immunity after vaccination with B lymphoma cells overexpressing a triad of costimulatory molecules JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE Briones, J., Timmerman, J. M., Panicalli, D. L., Levy, R. 2003; 95 (7): 548-555

    Abstract

    The costimulatory molecules B7-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and leukocyte function-associated antigen-3 (LFA-3) play pivotal roles in the activation of T cells. We investigated whether in vivo vaccination with lymphoma cells infected with a recombinant, nonreplicating fowlpox (FP) virus encoding this triad of costimulatory molecules (TRICOM) could stimulate lymphoma-specific immunity.TRICOM-infected A20 B lymphoma cells were analyzed for expression of B7-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-3. Mice (10 per group) were vaccinated with irradiated A20 cells infected with either the TRICOM vector or the wild-type FP virus (WT-FP), challenged with live A20 tumor cells, and followed for survival. Mice with established A20 tumors were also treated with irradiated TRICOM-infected A20 cells. Survival curves were compared with the log-rank statistic. The mechanism of the antitumor effect was studied by in vivo depletion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and in vitro cytotoxicity assays. All statistical tests were two-sided.A20 tumor cells infected with TRICOM expressed high levels of B7-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-3. Mice vaccinated with irradiated TRICOM-infected A20 cells had prolonged survival relative to mice vaccinated with WT-FP-infected cells (80% versus 20% survival at 110 days; P<.001). In mice with established tumors, tumor growth was slower in those treated with TRICOM-infected tumor cells than in those treated with WT-FP-infected cells, and this treatment provided a survival advantage (P<.001). Depletion of CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells reduced the antitumor immunity provided by the tumor cell-TRICOM vaccine, and lymphocytes from vaccinated mice displayed in vitro cytotoxic activity toward A20 cells.Increasing expression of costimulatory molecules on B lymphoma cells by infection with a recombinant FP virus encoding B7-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-3 stimulates antitumor immune responses in vivo and may provide a novel strategy for treating patients with B-cell malignancies.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000181866400014

    View details for PubMedID 12671023

  • Optimization of quantitative real-time RT-PCR parameters for the study of lymphoid malignancies LEUKEMIA Levy, R. 2003; 17 (4): 796-797

    View details for DOI 10.1038/sj.leu.2402881

    View details for Web of Science ID 000182362200015

    View details for PubMedID 12682640

  • Optimization of quantitative real-time RT-PCR parameters for the study of lymphoid malignancies LEUKEMIA Lossos, I. S., Czerwinski, D. K., Wechser, M. A., Levy, R. 2003; 17 (4): 789-795

    Abstract

    Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a powerful method for measurement of gene expression for diagnostic and prognostic studies of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). In order for this technique to gain wide applicability, it is critically important to establish a uniform method for normalization of RNA input. In this study, we have determined the best method to quantify the RNA/cDNA input per reaction and searched for the most useful endogenous control genes for normalization of the measurements, based on their abundance and lowest variability between different types of lymphoid cells. To accomplish these aims, we have analyzed the RNA expression of 11 potential endogenous control genes (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, beta-actin, peptidylprolyl isomerase A, beta 2 microglobulin, protein kinase cGMP-dependent, type I, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1, TATA box binding protein, transferrin receptor, large ribosomal protein, beta-glucoronidase and 18S ribosomal RNA). In all, 12 different B- and T-cell lymphoma/leukemia cell lines, 80 B- and T-cell NHL specimens, and resting and activated normal B and T lymphocytes were screened. Normalization of the nucleic acid input by spectrophotometric OD(260) measurement of RNA proved more reliable than spectrophotometric or fluorometric measurements of cDNA or than electrophoretic estimation of the ribosomal and mRNA fractions. The protein kinase cGMP-dependent, type I (PRKG1) and the TBP genes were expressed at common abundance and exhibited the lowest variability among the cell specimens. We suggest that for further lymphoma studies based on the real-time RT-PCR quantification of gene expression, that RNA input in each reaction be equalized between the specimens by spectrophotometric OD(260) measurements. The expression of the gene of interest in different samples should be normalized by concomitant measurement of the PRKG1 and/or the TBP gene products.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/sj.leu.2402880

    View details for Web of Science ID 000182362200014

    View details for PubMedID 12682639

  • Variation in gene expression patterns in follicular lymphoma and the response to rituximab PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Bohen, S. P., Troyanskaya, O. G., Alter, O., Warnke, R., Botstein, D., Brown, P. O., Levy, R. 2003; 100 (4): 1926-1930

    Abstract

    Analysis of the patterns of gene expression in follicular lymphomas from 24 patients suggested that two groups of tumors might be distinguished. All patients, whose biopsies were obtained before any treatment, were treated with rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the B cell antigen, CD20. Gene expression patterns in the tumors that subsequently failed to respond to rituximab appeared more similar to those of normal lymphoid tissues than to gene expression patterns of tumors from rituximab responders. These findings suggest the possibility that the response of follicular lymphoma to rituximab treatment may be predicted from the gene expression pattern of tumors.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.0437875100

    View details for Web of Science ID 000181073000087

    View details for PubMedID 12571354

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC149935

  • HGAL is a novel interleukin-4-inducible gene that strongly predicts survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma BLOOD Lossos, I. S., Alizadeh, A. A., Rajapaksa, R., Tibshirani, R., Levy, R. 2003; 101 (2): 433-440

    Abstract

    We have cloned and characterized a novel human gene, HGAL (human germinal center-associated lymphoma), which predicts outcome in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The HGAL gene comprises 6 exons and encodes a cytoplasmic protein of 178 amino acids that contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). It is highly expressed in germinal center (GC) lymphocytes and GC-derived lymphomas and is homologous to the mouse GC-specific gene M17. Expression of the HGAL gene is specifically induced in B cells by interleukin-4 (IL-4). Patients with DLBCL expressing high levels of HGAL mRNA demonstrate significantly longer overall survival than do patients with low HGAL expression. This association was independent of the clinical international prognostic index. High HGAL mRNA expression should be used as a prognostic factor in DLBCL.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000180384800010

    View details for PubMedID 12509382

  • Immunogenicity of a plasmid DNA vaccine encoding chimeric idiotype in patients with B-cell lymphoma CANCER RESEARCH Timmerman, J. M., Singh, G., Hermanson, G., Hobart, P., Czerwinski, D. K., Taidi, B., Rajapaksa, R., Caspar, C. B., van Beckhoven, A., Levy, R. 2002; 62 (20): 5845-5852

    Abstract

    B-cell lymphomas express tumor-specific immunoglobulin, the variable regions of which [idiotype (Id)] can serve as a target for active immunotherapy. Promising results have been obtained in clinical studies of Id vaccination using Id proteins.However, Id protein is laborious and time-consuming to produce. DNA vaccination is an attractive alternative for delivering Id vaccines, because Id DNA can be rapidly isolated by PCR techniques. DNA coding for lymphoma Id can provide protective immunity in murine models. In the present study, we performed a Phase I/II clinical trial to study the safety and immunogenicity of naked DNA Id vaccines in 12 patients with follicular B-cell lymphoma. The DNA encoded a chimeric immunoglobulin molecule containing variable heavy and light chain immunoglobulin sequences derived from each patient's tumor, linked to the IgG2a and kappa mouse immunoglobulin (MsIg) heavy- and light-chain constant regions chains, respectively. Patients in remission after chemotherapy received three monthly i.m. injections of the DNA in three dose escalation cohorts of four patients each (200, 600, and 1800 micro g). After vaccination, 7 of 12 patients mounted either humoral (n = 4) or T-cell-proliferative (n = 4) responses to the MsIg component of the vaccine. In one patient, a T-cell response specific to autologous Id was also measured. Anti-Id antibodies were not detectable in any patient. A second series of vaccinations was then administered using a needle-free injection device (Biojector) to deliver 1800 micro g both i.m. and intradermally (i.d.); 9 of 12 patients had humoral (n = 6) and/or T-cell (n = 4) responses to MsIg. Six of 12 patients exhibited humoral and/or T-cell anti-Id responses; yet, these were cross-reactive with Id proteins from other patient's tumors. Subsequently, a third series of vaccinations was carried out using 500 micro g of human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor DNA mixed with 1800 micro g of Id DNA. The proportion of patients responding to MsIg remained essentially unchanged (8 of 12), although humoral or T-cell responses were boosted in some cases. Throughout the study, no significant side effects or toxicities were observed. Despite the modest level of antitumor immune responses in this study, DNA vaccine technology retains potential advantages in developing anti-Id immunotherapies. Additional studies are warranted to optimize vaccine dose, routes of administration, vector designs, and prime-boost strategies. These results will help guide the design of such future DNA vaccine trials.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000178693400035

    View details for PubMedID 12384547

  • BCL-6 mRNA expression in higher grade transformation of follicle center lymphoma: correlation with somatic mutations in the 5 ' regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene LEUKEMIA Lossos, I. S., Warnke, R., Levy, R. 2002; 16 (9): 1857-1862

    Abstract

    Follicle center lymphoma (FCL) is an indolent low-grade B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that frequently transforms to aggressive diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Histological transformation of FCL is commonly associated with accumulation of secondary genetic alterations. The BCL-6 gene is commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of DLBCL and its expression may be altered by clonal rearrangements and somatic point mutations in its 5' non-translated regulatory region. Recently, somatic mutations of the BCL-6 gene were associated with the transformation process. Here, we examined BCL-6 mRNA expression and BCL-6 mutations in paired biopsies from the same patients obtained at the time of FCL diagnosis and after transformation. BCL-6 mRNA expression markedly increased upon transformation (1.9- to 4.8-fold) in three cases, remained unchanged in one case and decreased compared to the diagnosis FCL specimens in four cases. The three specimens that demonstrated an increase in the BCL-6 mRNA expression upon transformation harbored BCL-6 gene mutations in the 5' region of the first intron that overlapped with the previously reported negative regulatory region of the gene. Accumulation of new mutations in this region was not observed in DLBCL biopsies in which the BCL-6 mRNA expression did not increase. The present study demonstrates that although BCL-6 gene mutations do accumulate during the transformation process and, depending on their location within the first intron, may deregulate BCL-6 mRNA expression, increase in BCL-6 mRNA expression is not uniformly required for transformation from FCL to DLBCL.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/sj.leu.2402578

    View details for Web of Science ID 000178019200039

    View details for PubMedID 12200704

  • Transformation of follicular lymphoma to diffuse large-cell lymphoma: Alternative patterns with increased or decreased expression of c-myc and its regulated genes PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Lossos, I. S., Alizadeh, A. A., Diehn, M., Warnke, R., Thorstenson, Y., Oefner, P. J., Brown, P. O., Botstein, D., Levy, R. 2002; 99 (13): 8886-8891

    Abstract

    The natural history of follicular lymphoma (FL) is frequently characterized by transformation to a more aggressive diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We compared the gene-expression profiles between transformed DLBCL and their antecedent FL. No genes were observed to increase or decrease their expression in all of the cases of histological transformation. However, two different gene-expression profiles associated with the transformation process were defined, one in which c-myc and genes regulated by c-myc showed increased expression and one in which these same genes showed decreased expression. Further, there was a striking difference in gene-expression profiles between transformed DLBCL and de novo DLBCL, because the gene-expression profile of transformed DLBCL was more similar to their antecedent FL than to de novo DLBCL. This study demonstrates that transformation from FL to DLBCL can occur by alternative pathways and that transformed DLBCL and de novo DLBCL have very different gene-expression profiles that may underlie the different clinical behaviors of these two types of morphologically similar lymphomas.

    View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.132253599

    View details for Web of Science ID 000176478200075

    View details for PubMedID 12077300

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC124393

  • In vivo antitumor effect of CD40L-transduced tumor cells as a vaccine for B-cell lymphoma CANCER RESEARCH Briones, J., Timmerman, J., Levy, R. 2002; 62 (11): 3195-3199

    Abstract

    CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) interactions play a critical role in the activationof cellular immunity. CD40L enhances the antigen presentation function of CD40-expressing B cells. We have used a murine B-cell lymphoma model (A20) to study the in vivo antitumor effect of the administration of tumor cells transduced with a recombinant adenovirus encoding CD40L (AdvCD40L). After infection with AdvCD40L, A20 tumor cells up-regulate several T-cell costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, ICAM-1, and LFA-3) and Fas expression. Animals vaccinated with irradiated tumor cells transduced with AdvCD40L are protected against a lethal dose of parental A20 tumor cells. Animals with pre-existing tumors treated with AdvCD40L-transduced tumor cells display inhibition of the tumor growth, and this treatment confers a survival advantage. In vivo depletion studies demonstrate that both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells mediate the antitumor immunity provided by AdvCD40L-transduced tumor cells. These results show that genetic modification of tumor B cells with CD40L can be a useful strategy to promote systemic immunity against B-cell malignancies and provide an in vivo system to allow for additional evaluation and refinement of this approach.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000176038500032

    View details for PubMedID 12036933

  • Mutation of the ATM gene is not involved in the pathogenesis of either follicle center lymphoma or its transformation to higher-grade lymphoma LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Lossos, I. S., Thorstenson, Y. R., Wayne, T. L., Oefner, P. J., Levy, R., Chu, G. 2002; 43 (5): 1079-1085

    Abstract

    Loss of function of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene, located on human chromosome 11q22-23, is the cause of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), which is associated with an extremely high risk for lymphoma. Abnormalities in 11q22-23, including deletions and mutations of the ATM gene, have been reported in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemias, B-CLL and in mantle cell lymphoma. In a survey of gene expression in follicle center lymphomas (FCL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), almost all FCL expressed significant levels of ATM and the majority of DLBCL expressed low levels of ATM. This finding raised the possibility that the transformation of some FCL to DLBCL might be associated with inactivation of the ATM gene. Therefore, we analyzed biopsy specimens of 17 patients with FCL obtained at the time of diagnosis, four subsequent biopsies obtained at the time of FCL relapse and seven subsequent biopsies at the time of transformation to DLBCL. A comprehensive analysis of the ATM gene was performed by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and sequencing. The analysis covered all of the 66 exons including the 9168 base pairs of ATM coding sequence as well as 16,676 base pairs of non-coding sequence. Twenty-eight known polymorphisms and rare sequence variants were observed, but no classic A-T mutations were detected. In 11 tumors, both tumor B-cells and normal T-cells were sorted for separate examination, and in each case, polymorphisms and rare variants were present in both tumor and normal cells. No new ATM gene mutations were associated with transformation from FCL to DLBCL. Thus, ATM gene mutations do not play a pivotal role either in the pathogenesis of FCL or in its transformation to DLBCL.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10428190290021623

    View details for Web of Science ID 000176012000021

    View details for PubMedID 12148890

  • Idiotype-pulsed dendritic cell vaccination for B-cell lymphoma: clinical and immune responses in 35 patients BLOOD Timmerman, J. M., Czerwinski, D. K., Davis, T. A., Hsu, F. J., Benike, C., Hao, Z. M., Taidi, B., Rajapaksa, R., Caspar, C. B., Okada, C. Y., van Beckhoven, A., Liles, T. M., Engleman, E. G., Levy, R. 2002; 99 (5): 1517-1526

    Abstract

    Tumor-specific clonal immunoglobulin expressed by B-cell lymphomas (idiotype [Id]) can serve as a target for active immunotherapy. We have previously described the vaccination of 4 patients with follicular lymphoma using dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with tumor-derived Id protein and now report on 35 patients treated using this approach. Among 10 initial patients with measurable lymphoma, 8 mounted T-cell proliferative anti-Id responses, and 4 had clinical responses--2 complete responses (CRs) (progression-free [PF] for 44 and 57 months after vaccination), 1 partial response (PR) (PF for 12 months), and 1 molecular response (PF for 75+ months). Subsequently, 25 additional patients were vaccinated after first chemotherapy, and 15 of 23 (65%) who completed the vaccination schedule mounted T-cell or humoral anti-Id responses. Induction of high-titer immunoglobulin G anti-Id antibodies required coupling of Id to the immunogenic carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (Id-KLH). These antibodies could bind to and induce tyrosine phosphorylation in autologous tumor cells. Among 18 patients with residual tumor at the time of vaccination, 4 (22%) had tumor regression, and 16 of 23 patients (70%) remain without tumor progression at a median of 43 months after chemotherapy. Six patients with disease progression after primary DC vaccination received booster injections of Id-KLH protein, and tumor regression was observed in 3 of them (2 CRs and 1 PR). We conclude that Id-pulsed DC vaccination can induce T-cell and humoral anti-Id immune responses and durable tumor regression. Subsequent boosting with Id-KLH can lead to tumor regression despite apparent resistance to the primary DC vaccine.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000174042700004

    View details for PubMedID 11861263

  • Rapid establishment of dendritic cell chimerism in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients BLOOD Auffermann-Gretzinger, S., Lossos, I. S., Vayntrub, T. A., Leong, W., GRUMET, F. C., Blume, K. G., Stockerl-Goldstein, K. E., Levy, R., Shizuru, J. A. 2002; 99 (4): 1442-1448

    Abstract

    Regeneration of hematopoiesis after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) involves conversion of the recipient's immune system to donor type. It is likely that distinct cell lineages in the recipient reconstitute at different rates. Dendritic cells (DCs) are a subset of hematopoietic cells that function as a critical component of antigen-specific immune responses because they modulate T-cell activation, as well as induction of tolerance. Mature DCs are transferred with hematopoietic grafts and subsequently arise de novo. Little information exists about engraftment kinetics and turnover of this cell population in patients after allogeneic HCT. This study examined the kinetics of DC chimerism in patients who underwent matched sibling allogeneic HCT. T-cell, B-cell, and myelocytic and monocytic chimerism were also studied. Peripheral blood cells were analyzed at defined intervals after transplantation from 19 patients with various hematologic malignancies after treatment with myeloablative or nonmyeloablative preparatory regimens. Cell subsets were isolated before analysis of chimerism. Despite the heterogeneity of the patient population and preparatory regimens, all showed rapid and consistent development of DC chimerism. By day +14 after transplantation approximately 80% of DCs were of donor origin with steady increase to more than 95% by day +56. Earlier time points were examined in a subgroup of patients who had undergone nonmyeloablative conditioning and transplantation. These data suggest that a major proportion of blood DCs early after transplantation is donor-derived and that donor chimerism develops rapidly. This information has potential implications for manipulation of immune responses after allogeneic HCT.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000173787600049

    View details for PubMedID 11830498

  • BLyS* and BLyS receptor expression in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma EXPERIMENTAL HEMATOLOGY Briones, J., Timmerman, J. M., Hilbert, D. M., Levy, R. 2002; 30 (2): 135-141

    Abstract

    B Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS) protein and its receptor are new members of the tumor necrosis factor family, with specific effects exclusively on B cells. We have studied the tumor cell expression of the BLyS-Receptor (BLyS-R) and the serum BLyS protein levels in patients with different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL).BLyS-R expression was assessed by flow cytometry on B cells from 43 NHL patients and 10 normal donors. BLyS protein serum levels were analyzed by ELISA.All B cells, tumor and normal, expressed BLyS-R. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI +/- SD) of BLyS-R on normal B cells was 25.2 +/- 2.3 arbitrary units, while follicular NHL and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) exhibited significantly lower expression of the BLyS-R (17.7 +/- 3.1; 15.5 +/- 3.9, respectively, p < 0.0001 for both); other lymphoma subtypes expressed levels comparable to normal B cells (diffuse large cell, 24.8 +/- 4.3; mantle cell, 20 +/- 4.7; marginal zone, 20.7 +/- 3.7). BLyS protein serum levels were analyzed in 15 normal donors and 17 patients with follicular NHL. Levels of BLyS protein were, on average, threefold higher in patients with follicular lymphoma compared to normal donors (mean +/- SD; 13.4 +/- 5.6 ng/mL vs 4.6 +/- 0.7 ng/mL; p < 0.0001). BLyS protein alone was unable to stimulate proliferation in cultures of follicular lymphoma B cells or normal B cells.The specificity of the expression of BLyS-R by B-cell lymphomas opens new opportunities for the treatment of these cancers by targeting this ligand-receptor pair.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000174129400005

    View details for PubMedID 11823048

  • Apoptosis stimulating protein of p53 (ASPP2) expression differs in diffuse large B-cell and follicular center lymphoma: Correlation with clinical outcome LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Lossos, I. S., Natkunam, Y., Levy, R., Lopez, C. D. 2002; 43 (12): 2309-2317

    Abstract

    ASPP2 interacts with the tumor suppressor protein p53, promotes damage-induced apoptosis, and can specifically stimulate p53 apoptotic function. Thus, ASPP2 may function as a tumor suppressor and/or play a role in the cellular response to cytotoxic injury. To explore the role of ASPP2 in human cancer, we determined ASPP2 expression in two lymphoma subtypes with differing clinical outcomes: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular center lymphoma (FCL). A real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed to detect ASPP2 mRNA. Sixty-one DLBCL and twenty-three FCL cases were analyzed and normalized ASPP2 levels were expressed relative to an mRNA standard. We found that ASPP2 mean expression strongly correlated with lymphoma subtype: DLBCL = 11.74 and FCL = 4.99 (p = 0.029, unpaired 2-tailed t-test). Importantly, ASPP2 expression was variable in DLBCL but not FCL (DLBCL-range, 0.04-94.6; FCL-range, 1.2-15.0). In these DLBCL cases, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was an independent predictor of survival with median survival in the high LDH group of 24 months and median survival not achieved in the normal-low LDH group (p = 0.014, Log-Rank Test). Mean ASPP2 levels trended toward an inverse correlation with LDH levels: High LDH, ASPP2 = 6.2; Normal-low LDH, ASPP2 = 18.2 (p = 0.074, unpaired 2-tailed t-test). In the DLBCL cases with ASPP2 levels > 7.8, only 10% (1/10) had a high LDH, in contrast to cases with ASPP2 levels < 7.8 in which 59% (26/44) had a high LDH (p = 0.011, Fisher Exact Test). Thus, low ASPP2 mRNA levels may correlate with poor clinical outcome in lymphoma which is consistent with the hypothesis that ASPP2 may play a role in tumor formation and/or sensitivity to cytotoxic agents. Larger studies as well as analysis of different tumor types are warranted.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/1042819021000040017

    View details for Web of Science ID 000178910400009

    View details for PubMedID 12613517

  • A polymorphism in the BCL-6 gene is associated with follicle center lymphoma LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Lossos, I. S., Jones, C. D., Zehnder, J. L., Levy, R. 2001; 42 (6): 1343-1350

    Abstract

    Follicle center lymphoma (FCL) accounts for approximately 40% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). The genetic-environmental interactions involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are unknown. In our previous study a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (397C) in the regulatory untranslated first intron region of the BCL-6 gene was found in four of the eight FCL patients but in none of the 10 healthy controls. To further evaluate the potential association between the 397C allele of the BCL-6 gene and FCL, we performed a case-control study. Genomic DNA was isolated from 85 FCL patients, from 98 control cases without a previous history of malignancy, treated at Stanford University Medical Center for non-malignant disorders and from 90 samples from the DNA Polymorphism Discovery Resource. The 397G and the 397C polymorphic alleles were identified by a PCR-RFLP method. To evaluate the possible effect of this polymorphism on gene expression, BCL-6 mRNA levels in nine FCL tumors with the 397G-G genotype and in nine FCL tumors with the 397G-C genotype were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The 397C polymorphic allele was found in 32 FCL cases (37.6%), in 20 controls (20.4%) and in 17 (18.9%) samples from the DNA Polymorphism Discovery Resource. The prevalence of the 397G-C and 397C-C genotypes was significantly higher in FCL cases than in control group (p = 0.01). No difference in BCL-6 gene expression was observed between FCL cases with 397G-G and 397G-C genotypes. The present study demonstrates a possible association between the 397C allele of the BCL-6 proto-oncogene and FCL. The similar levels of BCL-6 mRNA expression in 397G-G and in 397G-C FCL cases suggests that any possible oncogenic effect of the polymorphic allele would not simply be related to a direct effect on BCL-6 gene expression and suggests the existence of other FCL susceptibility genes that are in linkage disequilibrium with the 397C allele of the BCL-6 gene.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000173558700022

    View details for PubMedID 11911418

  • Re: Akasaka, H., et al., Molecular anatomy of BCL6 translocations revealed by long-distance polymerase chain reaction-based assays. Cancer Res., 60: 2335-2341, 2000. Cancer research Lossos, I. S., Jacobs, Y., Cleary, M. L., Levy, R. 2001; 61 (19): 7363-7364

    View details for PubMedID 11585778

  • Expression of complement inhibitors CD46, CD55, and CD59 on tumor cells does not predict clinical outcome after rituximab treatment in follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma BLOOD Weng, W. K., Levy, R. 2001; 98 (5): 1352-1357

    Abstract

    Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets B-cell-specific antigen CD20 and an effective treatment for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although it is readily used in clinical practice, the exact mechanism of its antitumor effect is unclear. One potential mechanism involves complement-mediated cytotoxicity. It has been shown that rituximab induces complement-mediated cytotoxicity in follicular lymphoma cells in vitro, and complement inhibitors CD55 and CD59 may regulate this process. To determine whether complement inhibitors play a role in regulating the antitumor effect of rituximab, the expression of complement inhibitors CD46, CD55, and CD59 was analyzed in pretreatment tumor cells from 29 rituximab-treated follicular lymphoma patients. Among them, 8 patients achieved complete responses, 11 patients achieved partial responses, and 10 patients showed no or minimal responses to rituximab treatment. Expression of surface CD20, CD46, CD55, and CD59 was determined by 2-color flow cytometry. Although the CD59 level was slightly lower in the complete response group, there was no statistically significant difference in the expression of individual complement inhibitor CD46 (mean channel fluorescence [MCF]: NR, 26.4; PR, 21.9; CR, 29.9), CD55 (MCF: NR, 16.4; PR, 14.9; CR, 23.2), or CD59 (MCF: NR, 41.6; PR, 40.6; CR, 30.6), the combination of any 2 inhibitors, or all 3 on tumor cells from 3 response groups. In addition, there was no difference in the rituximab-induced complement-mediated cytotoxicity in an in vitro assay using tumor cells from 3 response groups. Thus, CD46, CD55, and CD59 expression on pretreatment tumor cells, or their susceptibility to in vitro complement-mediated killing, does not predict clinical outcome after rituximab treatment.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000170685000014

    View details for PubMedID 11520782

  • Expression of a single gene, BCL-6, strongly predicts survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma BLOOD Lossos, I. S., Jones, C. D., Warnke, R., Natkunam, Y., Kaizer, H., Zehnder, J. L., Tibshirani, R., Levy, R. 2001; 98 (4): 945-951

    Abstract

    Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is characterized by a marked degree of morphologic and clinical heterogeneity. Establishment of parameters that can predict outcome could help to identify patients who may benefit from risk-adjusted therapies. BCL-6 is a proto-oncogene commonly implicated in DLBCL pathogenesis. A real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay was established for accurate and reproducible determination of BCL-6 mRNA expression. The method was applied to evaluate the prognostic significance of BCL-6 expression in DLBCL. BCL-6 mRNA expression was assessed in tumor specimens obtained at the time of diagnosis from 22 patients with primary DLBCL. All patients were subsequently treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. These patients could be divided into 2 DLBCL subgroups, one with high BCL-6 gene expression whose median overall survival (OS) time was 171 months and the other with low BCL-6 gene expression whose median OS was 24 months (P =.007). BCL-6 gene expression also predicted OS in an independent validation set of 39 patients with primary DLBCL (P =.01). BCL-6 protein expression, assessed by immunohistochemistry, also predicted longer OS in patients with DLBCL. BCL-6 gene expression was an independent survival predicting factor in multivariate analysis together with the elements of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) (P =.038). By contrast, the aggregate IPI score did not add further prognostic information to the patients' stratification by BCL-6 gene expression. High BCL-6 mRNA expression should be considered a new favorable prognostic factor in DLBCL and should be used in the stratification and the design of risk-adjusted therapies for patients with DLBCL. (Blood. 2001;98:945-951)

    View details for Web of Science ID 000170364100008

    View details for PubMedID 11493437

  • Idiotype-encoding recombinant adenoviruses provide protective immunity against murine B-cell lymphomas BLOOD Timmerman, J. M., Caspar, C. B., Lambert, S. L., Syrengelas, A. D., Levy, R. 2001; 97 (5): 1370-1377

    Abstract

    Vaccination with tumor-specific immunoglobulin or idiotype (Id) is a promising new form of immunotherapy for B-cell malignancies. Id protein vaccination has demonstrated clinical activity in B-cell lymphomas, yet it requires the laborious and time-consuming procedures of tumor-myeloma cell hybridization, large-scale in vitro culture, and protein purification. Recombinant adenoviruses are highly efficient and immunogenic gene transfer vehicles from which individualized vaccines can be rapidly assembled using polymerase chain reaction-amplified tumor Id genes. Id-encoding adenoviruses were evaluated as vaccines in 2 murine B-cell lymphoma models. A single injection of recombinant Id adenovirus provided protection from subsequent tumor challenge that was equivalent or superior to that afforded by Id protein vaccination. Protected mice had substantial serum titers of Id-specific antibodies. When used in conjunction with chemotherapy, vaccination also prolonged the survival of mice bearing pre-existing tumor. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that tumor protection was not dependent upon T cells. Importantly, in mice prevaccinated with an irrelevant adenovirus, tumor protection following vaccination with Id adenovirus was not significantly impaired. These findings have implications for the design of future lymphoma immunotherapy trials.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000167117500027

    View details for PubMedID 11222382

  • Idiotype vaccination following ABMT can stimulate specific anti-idiotype immune responses in patients with B-cell lymphoma BIOLOGY OF BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANTATION Davis, T. A., Hsu, F. J., Caspar, C. B., van Beckhoven, A., Czerwinski, D. K., Liles, T. M., Taidi, B., Benike, C. J., Engleman, E. G., Levy, R. 2001; 7 (9): 517-522

    Abstract

    Vaccination with the idiotype (Id) protein derived from B-cell malignancies can produce Id-specific immune responses that correlate with improved remission duration and survival rates in patients with follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). A state of minimal or no residual disease correlates strongly with the laboratory detection of a cellular or humoral immune response. High-dose cytotoxic therapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell support (autologous bone marrow transplantation [ABMT]) can provide profound cytoreduction of B-cell NHL, but the potential immune suppression associated with myeloablative therapy may compromise a patient's ability to mount a specific immune response. To determine whether patients with NHL could mount detectable immuneresponses following ABMT, Id vaccines were administered at 2 to 12 months following myeloablative therapy to a series of patients with relapsed or resistant B-cell NHL. Two different vaccination strategies produced robust immune responses against KLH in all patients, supporting the capacity of the reconstituted immune system following HDCT to react against a strong antigen. Combining the results from both vaccination strategies, 10 of 12 patients mounted Id-specific humoral or cellular responses. Vaccinations were consistently well tolerated. Of the 12 patients, 7 have experienced prolonged remissions with a follow-up from HDCT ranging from 3 to more than 11 years. Our experience serves to document the ability of the recovering immune system to react against both self and xenotypic antigens and supports the feasibility and safety of antigen-specific vaccination following myeloablative therapy in patients with B-cell NHL.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000171449200006

    View details for PubMedID 11669219

  • T cell antigen receptor vaccines for active therapy of T cell malignancies Conference on Basic and Clinical Relevant Biology of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma Reddy, S. A., Okada, C., Wong, C., Bahler, D., Levy, R. NEW YORK ACAD SCIENCES. 2001: 97–105

    Abstract

    T cell lymphoproliferative disorders continue to be serious management problems, and so alternative therapeutic modalities are continuously being explored. One such strategy involves immunotherapy using the T cell receptor (TCR) as a target. Specifically we are attempting to develop a T cell receptor idiotype (TCR-Id) vaccine because the TCR-Id can serve as a tumor-specific antigen. In this article we will briefly review the rationale for TCR-Id vaccines, the preclinical models as developed in our laboratory, and a discussion of our current plans for a vaccine trial in mycosis fungoides.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000172619000010

    View details for PubMedID 11594586

  • The inference of antigen selection on Ig genes JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Lossos, I. S., Tibshirani, R., Narasimhan, B., Levy, R. 2000; 165 (9): 5122-5126

    Abstract

    Analysis of somatic mutations in V regions of Ig genes is important for understanding various biological processes. It is customary to estimate Ag selection on Ig genes by assessment of replacement (R) as opposed to silent (S) mutations in the complementary-determining regions and S as opposed to R mutations in the framework regions. In the past such an evaluation was performed using a binomial distribution model equation, which is inappropriate for Ig genes in which mutations have four different distribution possibilities (R and S mutations in the complementary-determining region and/or framework regions of the gene). In the present work, we propose a multinomial distribution model for assessment of Ag selection. Side-by-side application of multinomial and binomial models on 86 previously established Ig sequences disclosed 8 discrepancies, leading to opposite statistical conclusions about Ag selection. We suggest the use of the multinomial model for all future analysis of Ag selection.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000090076000047

    View details for PubMedID 11046043

  • A perspective on monoclonal antibody therapy: Where we have been and where we are going Symposium on Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Hematologic Malignancies - Prospects for an Integrated Therapy Approach Levy, R. W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC. 2000: 43–46

    Abstract

    The history of monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer includes many promising beginnings, a vast number of detours, and now a major success--perhaps soon to be joined by several more. Years of research by hundreds of investigators worldwide have led to a growing understanding of the principles that underlie successful monoclonal antibody therapy and that can be used to create new antibody-based agents. However, there are many remaining uncertainties about this mode of therapy, even for those agents that have already joined our therapeutic armamentarium. Several key questions will be identified and used to suggest avenues for future research.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000090000300007

    View details for PubMedID 11147489

  • The history of the development of vaccines for the treatment of lymphoma. Clinical lymphoma Timmerman, J. M., Levy, R. 2000; 1 (2): 129-139

    Abstract

    Exploitation of the immune system is an attractive strategy for developing selective lymphoma therapies. In the past several decades, increased knowledge of tumor immunology has granted investigators the tools to formulate a variety of lymphoma-specific vaccines. Vaccines targeting the tumor-specific immunoglobulin (idiotype) of B-cell lymphomas were the first to be developed, owing to successful active vaccination studies in animal models and clinical studies of passive anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies. In initial clinical trials, patient-specific idiotype vaccines have been found to induce anti-idiotype immune responses that correlate with improved disease-free and overall survival and the reduction of the level of detectable residual disease. More recent strategies for improving the potency and practicality of idiotype vaccines are utilization of dendritic cells, recombinant idiotype proteins, and DNA vaccination. Custom-made vaccines utilizing whole autologous tumor cells are also being developed. Given the exciting results of these early lymphoma vaccine studies and the accelerated pace of immunologic research, it is hoped that vaccines will someday expand the armamentarium of effective lymphoma therapies.

    View details for PubMedID 11707821

  • Rituximab anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Safety and efficacy of re-treatment JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Davis, T. A., Grillo-Lopez, A. J., White, C. A., McLaughlin, P., Czuczman, M. S., Link, B. K., Maloney, D. G., Weaver, R. L., Rosenberg, J., Levy, R. 2000; 18 (17): 3135-3143

    Abstract

    This phase II trial investigated the safety and efficacy of re-treatment with rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, in patients with low-grade or follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who relapsed after a response to rituximab therapy.Fifty-eight patients were enrolled onto this study, and two were re-treated within the study. Patients received an intravenous infusion of 375 mg/m(2) of rituximab weekly for 4 weeks. All patients had at least two prior therapies and had received at least one prior course of rituximab, with a median interval of 14.5 months between rituximab courses.Most adverse experiences (AEs) were transient grade 1 or 2 events occurring during the treatment period. Clinically significant myelosuppression was not observed; hematologic toxicity was generally mild and reversible. No patient developed human antichimeric antibodies after treatment. The type, frequency, and severity of AEs in this study were not apparently different from those reported in the phase III trial of rituximab. The overall response rate in 57 assessable patients was 40% (11% complete response and 30% partial responses). Median time to progression (TTP) in responders and median duration of response (DR) have not been reached, but Kaplan-Meier estimated medians are 17.8 months (range, 5.4+ to 26.6 months) and 16.3 months (range, 3.7+ to 25.1 months), respectively. These estimated medians are longer than the medians achieved in the patients' prior course of rituximab (TTP and DR of 12.4 and 9.8 months, respectively, P: >.1) and in a previously reported phase III trial (TTP in responders and DR of 13.2 and 11.6 months, respectively). Responses are ongoing in seven of 23 responders.In this re-treatment population, safety and efficacy were not apparently different from those after initial rituximab exposure.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000089038300010

    View details for PubMedID 10963642

  • Ongoing immunoglobulin somatic mutation in germinal center B cell-like but not in activated B cell-like diffuse large cell lymphomas PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Lossos, I. S., Alizadeh, A. A., Eisen, M. B., Chan, W. C., Brown, P. O., Botstein, D., Staudt, L. M., Levy, R. 2000; 97 (18): 10209-10213

    Abstract

    B cell diffuse large cell lymphoma (B-DLCL) is a heterogeneous group of tumors, based on significant variations in morphology, clinical presentation, and response to treatment. Gene expression profiling has revealed two distinct tumor subtypes of B-DLCL: germinal center B cell-like DLCL and activated B cell-like DLCL. In a separate study, we determined that B-DLCL can also be subdivided into two groups based on the presence or absence of ongoing Ig gene hypermutation. Here, we evaluated the correlation between these B-DLCL subtypes established by the two different methods. Fourteen primary B-DLCL cases were studied by gene expression profiling using DNA microarrays and for the presence of ongoing mutations in their Ig heavy chain gene. All seven cases classified as germinal center B cell-like DLCL by gene expression showed the presence of ongoing mutations in the Ig genes. Five of the seven cases classified by gene expression as activated B cell-like DLCL had no ongoing somatic mutations, whereas, in the remaining two cases, a single point mutation was observed in only 2 of 15 and 21 examined molecular clones of variable heavy (V(H)) chain gene, respectively. These two cases were distantly related to the rest of the activated B cell-like DLCL tumors by gene expression. Our findings validate the concept that lymphoid malignancies are derived from cells at discrete stages of normal lymphocyte maturation and that the malignant cells retain the genetic program of those normal cells.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000089067500071

    View details for PubMedID 10954754

  • Higher-grade transformation of follicle center lymphoma is associated with somatic mutation of the 5 ' noncoding regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene BLOOD Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. 2000; 96 (2): 635-639

    Abstract

    Follicle center lymphoma (FCL) is an indolent low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that frequently transforms to aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Histologic transformation of FCL is commonly associated with accumulation of secondary genetic alterations. The BCL-6 gene is altered by chromosomal rearrangements and mutations clustering in its 5' noncoding regulatory region in up to 70% of primary DLBCL, but in a significantly smaller subset of FCL. Previous studies have shown that both chromosomal rearrangements and mutations could deregulate BCL-6 expression. To evaluate the association between progressive accumulation of BCL-6 regulatory region mutations and the histologic transformation of FCL, we analyzed by extensive cloning and sequencing paired biopsy specimens obtained at the time of FCL diagnosis and transformation (6 patients) or FCL relapse (3 patients). In an additional patient, biopsy specimens obtained at the time of diagnosis, FCL relapse, and subsequent transformation to DLBCL were evaluated. The presence of identical mutations in the paired diagnosis and posttransformation DLBCL specimens confirmed the common clonal origin of both the pretransformation and the posttransformation lymphomas. No new mutations in the 5' noncoding regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene were detected in any of the specimens evaluated at the time of FCL relapse. In contrast, 5 of the 7 transformed specimens contained new mutations not found in the paired original biopsy specimens obtained at the time of FCL diagnosis or relapse. The number of these new mutations ranged from 1 to 6 per specimen. Some of the new mutations tended to cluster in certain areas of the 5' noncoding regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene. Our results show that transformation of FCL to DLBCL is associated with accumulation of new mutations in the 5' noncoding regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene, that by deregulation of the BCL-6 gene expression may play a role in lymphoma transformation. (Blood. 2000;96:635-639)

    View details for Web of Science ID 000088234800034

    View details for PubMedID 10887128

  • Combination immunotherapy of relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with rituximab and interferon-alpha-2a CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Davis, T. A., Maloney, D. G., Grillo-Lopez, A. J., White, C. A., Williams, M. E., Weiner, G. J., Dowden, S., Levy, R. 2000; 6 (7): 2644-2652

    Abstract

    Rituximab and IFN have each demonstrated single-agent activity in patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). A single-arm, multicenter, Phase II trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with rituximab and IFN-alpha-2a in 38 patients with relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, B-cell NHL. IFN-alpha-2a [2.5 or 5 million units (MIU)] was administered s.c., three times weekly for 12 weeks. Starting on the fifth week of treatment, rituximab was administered by i.v. infusion (375 mg/m2) weekly for 4 doses. All 38 patients received four complete infusions of rituximab and were evaluable for efficacy, although 11 patients (29%) did not-receive all 36 injections of IFN. The mean number of IFN-alpha-2a injections was 31 doses; the mean total units received were 141 MIU (maximum, 180 MIU). The study treatment was reasonably well tolerated with no unexpected toxicities stemming from the combination therapy. No grade 4 events were reported. Frequent adverse events during the treatment period included asthenia (35 of 38 patients), chills (31 of 38), fever (30 of 38), headache (28 of 38), nausea (23 of 38), and myalgia (22 of 38). The overall response rate was 45% (17 of 38 patients); 11% had a complete response, and 34% had a partial response. The Kaplan-Meier estimates for the median response duration and the median time to progression in responders are 22.3 and 25.2 months, respectively. Further follow-up is needed to determine whether this treatment combination leads to a significantly longer time to progression than single-agent treatment with rituximab.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000088147500008

    View details for PubMedID 10914705

  • Recombinant adenovirus vaccine encoding a chimeric T-cell antigen receptor induces protective immunity against a T-cell lymphoma CANCER RESEARCH Wong, C. P., Levy, R. 2000; 60 (10): 2689-2695

    Abstract

    Vaccination using recombinant tumor-derived T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) protein induces a protective, idiotype-specific immune response against a murine T-cell tumor. However, the technically demanding task of producing patient-specific, recombinant TCR protein restricts the translation of TCR vaccines for clinical use. We report here the development of an effective recombinant TCR adenovirus vaccine. Individual adenoviruses were constructed to encode a chimeric TCR derived from either tumor Valpha or Vbeta regions fused to xenogeneic human constant regions. Coinjection of the chimeric alpha- and the beta-TCR adenoviruses protected mice against tumors. The level of protection was comparable to that achieved by an optimized regimen of recombinant TCR protein vaccines. Tumor immunity induced by TCR adenoviruses required the xenogeneic constant regions and was mediated by CD8+ T cells. Independent vaccines consisting of adenovirus expressing either chimeric alpha- or beta-TCR chain also stimulated a protective immune response. Immunization with TCR adenovirus may offer a new efficacious, protein-free vaccination approach for the treatment of T-cell malignancies.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000087059600022

    View details for PubMedID 10825142

  • Linkage of foreign carrier protein to a self-tumor antigen enhances the immunogenicity of a pulsed dendritic cell vaccine JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Timmerman, J. M., Levy, R. 2000; 164 (9): 4797-4803

    Abstract

    The unique Ag-presenting capabilities of dendritic cells (DCs) make them attractive vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic cancer vaccines. While tumor Ag-pulsed DC vaccination has shown promising results in a variety of murine tumor models and early clinical trials, the optimal form of tumor Ag for use in DC pulsing has not been determined. We have studied DC vaccination using alternative forms of a soluble protein tumor Ag, the tumor-specific Ig idiotype (Id) expressed by a murine B cell lymphoma. Vaccination of mice with Id-pulsed DCs was able to induce anti-Id Abs only when the Id was modified to constitute a hapten-carrier system. DCs pulsed with Id proteins modified to include foreign constant regions, foreign constant regions plus GM-CSF, or linkage to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) carrier protein were increasingly potent in their ability to elicit anti-Id Abs. Vaccination with Id-KLH-pulsed DCs induced tumor-protective immunity superior to that obtained with Id-KLH plus a chemical adjuvant, and protection was not dependent upon effector T cells. Rather, protection was associated with the induction of high titers of anti-Id Abs of the IgG2a subclass, characteristic of a Th1 response. These findings have implications for the design of therapeutic Ag-pulsed DC vaccines for cancer immunotherapy in humans.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000086624300047

    View details for PubMedID 10779787

  • Molecular analysis of immunoglobulin genes in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas BLOOD Lossos, I. S., Okada, C. Y., Tibshirani, R., Warnke, R., Vose, J. M., Greiner, T. C., Levy, R. 2000; 95 (5): 1797-1803

    Abstract

    Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that is highly heterogeneous from both clinical and histopathologic viewpoints. The immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H) chain variable region genes were examined in 71 patients with untreated primary DLBCL. Fifty-eight potentially functional V(H) genes were detected in 53 DLBCL cases; V(H) genes were nonfunctional in 9 cases and were not detected in an additional 9 cases. The use of V(H) gene families by DLBCL tumors was unbiased without overrepresentation of any particular V(H) gene or gene family. Analysis of Ig mutations in comparison to the most closely related germline gene disclosed mutated V(H) genes in all but 1 DLBCL case. More than 2% difference from the most similar germline sequence was detected in 52 potentially functional and the 8 nonfunctional V(H) gene sequences, whereas less than 2% difference from the germline sequence was observed in 3 V(H) gene isolates. Only 3 V(H) gene isolates were unmutated. No correlation was found between V(H) gene use, mutation level, and International Prognostic Index (IPI) or survival. Six of 8 tested tumors showed evidence of ongoing somatic mutations. Evidence for positive or negative antigen selection pressure was observed in 65% of mutated DLBCL cases. Our findings indicate that the etiology and the driving forces for clonal expansion are heterogeneous, which may explain the well-known clinical and pathologic heterogeneity of DLBCL. (Blood. 2000;95:1797-1803)

    View details for Web of Science ID 000085564700037

    View details for PubMedID 10688840

  • Mutation analysis of the 5 ' noncoding regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: evidence for recurrent mutations and intraclonal heterogeneity BLOOD Lossos, I. S., Levy, R. 2000; 95 (4): 1400-1405

    Abstract

    The BCL-6 proto-oncogene is involved in the genesis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Rearrangements due to chromosomal translocations and somatic mutations of the 5' noncoding regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene are potential mechanisms for altering its expression in NHL. To further elucidate the nature of the somatic mutations in the regulatory region of this gene, we have studied 10 healthy donors and 11 NHL biopsy samples by extensive molecular cloning and sequencing. In addition, we analyzed the BCL-6 genes of tumor and nontumor cells from 2 of the cases. The germ line sequence of this region was defined, which differs in 7 positions from that previously reported. In addition, 1 polymorphic variation at position 397(G or C) was identified. Deletions, insertions, and repeated substitution mutations were detected among the molecular isolates in 8 tumor specimens, with a mutational incidence ranging from 1.3 x 10(-3) to 1.3 x 10(-2)/bp (base pair). A total of 20 distinct substitution mutations, 1 insertion and 3 deletions were observed. One of these deletion mutations and 2 of the substitutions were observed in more than 1 tumor specimen from different individuals. In 3 tumor samples, identical mutations affecting both alleles were observed. These findings suggest the presence of mutational hot spots and hot specific events, a finding supported by our compilation of previously published data. In 6 samples, the nucleotide sequences showed evidence of intraclonal heterogeneity, consistent with a stepwise ongoing mutational process affecting the BCL-6 gene in the tumor cells. These mutations accumulating in the regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene could play a role in lymphoma progression and in the transformation of follicular lymphomas to more aggressive large cell lymphomas. (Blood. 2000;95:1400-1405)

    View details for Web of Science ID 000085261600042

    View details for PubMedID 10666217

  • Distinct types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma identified by gene expression profiling NATURE Alizadeh, A. A., Eisen, M. B., Davis, R. E., Ma, C., Lossos, I. S., Rosenwald, A., Boldrick, J. G., Sabet, H., Tran, T., Yu, X., Powell, J. I., Yang, L. M., Marti, G. E., Moore, T., Hudson, J., Lu, L. S., Lewis, D. B., Tibshirani, R., Sherlock, G., Chan, W. C., Greiner, T. C., Weisenburger, D. D., Armitage, J. O., Warnke, R., Levy, R., Wilson, W., Grever, M. R., Byrd, J. C., Botstein, D., Brown, P. O., Staudt, L. M. 2000; 403 (6769): 503-511

    Abstract

    Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is clinically heterogeneous: 40% of patients respond well to current therapy and have prolonged survival, whereas the remainder succumb to the disease. We proposed that this variability in natural history reflects unrecognized molecular heterogeneity in the tumours. Using DNA microarrays, we have conducted a systematic characterization of gene expression in B-cell malignancies. Here we show that there is diversity in gene expression among the tumours of DLBCL patients, apparently reflecting the variation in tumour proliferation rate, host response and differentiation state of the tumour. We identified two molecularly distinct forms of DLBCL which had gene expression patterns indicative of different stages of B-cell differentiation. One type expressed genes characteristic of germinal centre B cells ('germinal centre B-like DLBCL'); the second type expressed genes normally induced during in vitro activation of peripheral blood B cells ('activated B-like DLBCL'). Patients with germinal centre B-like DLBCL had a significantly better overall survival than those with activated B-like DLBCL. The molecular classification of tumours on the basis of gene expression can thus identify previously undetected and clinically significant subtypes of cancer.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000085227300039

    View details for PubMedID 10676951

  • Idiotype vaccination using dendritic cells after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation for multiple myeloma BIOLOGY OF BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANTATION Liso, A., Stockerl-Goldstein, K. E., Auffermann-Gretzinger, S., Benike, C. J., Reichardt, V., van Beckhoven, A., Rajapaksa, R., Engleman, E. G., Blume, K. G., Levy, R. 2000; 6 (6): 621-627

    Abstract

    The idiotype (Id) determinants on the multiple myeloma immunoglobulin can serve as tumor-specific antigens. An anti-Id immune response may stem the growth of the malignant clone. We report on 26 patients treated at our institution with high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (PBPCT) and vaccinated with the Id protein. The patients received chemotherapy and PBPCT to establish a minimal residual disease state. After high-dose therapy, the patients received a series of monthly immunizations consisting of 2 intravenous infusions of dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with either Id protein or Id coupled with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) as an immunogenic carrier protein, followed by subcutaneous boosts of Id-KLH conjugates. DCs were obtained in all patients from a leukapheresis product 3 to 9 months after PBPCT. Patients were observed for toxicity, immune responses, and tumor status. The DC infusions and the administration of Id-KLH boosts were well tolerated, with patients experiencing only minor and transient side effects. Of the patients, 24 of 26 generated a KLH-specific cellular proliferative immune response. Only 4 patients developed an Id-specific proliferative immune response. Three of these immune responders were in complete remission at the time of vaccination. A total of 17 patients are alive at a median follow-up of 30 months after transplantation. Id vaccination with autologous DCs is feasible for myeloma patients after transplantation. Id-specific cellular responses can be induced in patients who are in complete remission. Further studies are needed to increase the rate of anti-Id immune responses in patients who do not achieve complete remission.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000165614400004

    View details for PubMedID 11128812

  • Cytokine fusion constructs as DNA vaccines against tumors. Methods in molecular medicine Maecker, H. T., Syrengelas, A., Levy, R. 2000; 29: 221-239

    Abstract

    Various studies have used DNA vaccination as a method of immunizing against tumors (1-12). As with any tumor vaccine, one challenge is to find a truly tumor-specific antigen (13,14). The majority of immunologically targeted tumor antigens are also expressed on a subset of normal host cells. Examples of such antigens include prostate-specific antigen, and CD20, a B cell marker. Some tumor antigens are specific for activated cells of certain types, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or the IL-2 receptor. These are often found on embryonic or fetal cells as well as tumor cells. The carbohydrate antigens of melanomas and the immunoglobulin (Ig) idiotype of B cell lymphomas represent tumor-specific antigens (TSA). Unfortunately, TSA have not been identified in more common malignancies. Furthermore, the antigenic determinants of known TSA may differ between patients; for example, the tumor idiotype (Id) of B cell lymphoma is highly patient-specific and must be determined for each case.

    View details for DOI 10.1385/1-59259-688-6:221

    View details for PubMedID 21374323

  • 'Gene shaving' as a method for identifying distinct sets of genes with similar expression patterns. Genome biology Hastie, T., Tibshirani, R., Eisen, M. B., Alizadeh, A., Levy, R., Staudt, L., Chan, W. C., Botstein, D., BROWN, P. 2000; 1 (2): RESEARCH0003-?

    Abstract

    Large gene expression studies, such as those conducted using DNA arrays, often provide millions of different pieces of data. To address the problem of analyzing such data, we describe a statistical method, which we have called 'gene shaving'. The method identifies subsets of genes with coherent expression patterns and large variation across conditions. Gene shaving differs from hierarchical clustering and other widely used methods for analyzing gene expression studies in that genes may belong to more than one cluster, and the clustering may be supervised by an outcome measure. The technique can be 'unsupervised', that is, the genes and samples are treated as unlabeled, or partially or fully supervised by using known properties of the genes or samples to assist in finding meaningful groupings.We illustrate the use of the gene shaving method to analyze gene expression measurements made on samples from patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The method identifies a small cluster of genes whose expression is highly predictive of survival.The gene shaving method is a potentially useful tool for exploration of gene expression data and identification of interesting clusters of genes worth further investigation.

    View details for PubMedID 11178228

  • Karnofsky Lecture: Immunotherapy of lymphoma JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Levy, R. 1999; 17 (11): 7-12

    View details for Web of Science ID 000083479500003

    View details for PubMedID 10630255

  • 1999 keystone symposium on B lymphocyte biology and disease: B cell malignancy II session. Biochimica et biophysica acta Levy, R. 1999; 1424 (2-3): R43-4

    View details for PubMedID 10528154

  • Single-agent monoclonal antibody efficacy in bulky non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Results of a phase II trial of rituximab JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Davis, T. A., White, C. A., Grillo-Lopez, A. J., Velasquez, W. S., Link, B., Maloney, D. G., Dillman, R. O., Williams, M. E., MOHRBACHER, A., Weaver, R., Dowden, S., Levy, R. 1999; 17 (6): 1851-1857

    Abstract

    A phase II trial was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, in patients with bulky (> 10-cm lesion) relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).Thirty-one patients received intravenous infusions of rituximab 375 mg/m(2) weekly for four doses. All patients had at least one prior therapy (median, three; range, one to 13) and had progressive disease at study entry. Patients were a median of 4 years from diagnosis.No patient had treatment discontinued because of an adverse event. No patient developed human antichimeric antibody. The overall response rate in 28 assessable patients was 43% with a median time to progression of 8.1 months (range, 4.5 to 18.6+ months) and median duration of response of 5.9 months (range, 2.8 to 12.1+ months). The average decrease in lesion size in patients who achieved a partial response was 76%, and patients with stable disease had a decrease in average lesion size of 26%. Median serum antibody concentration was higher in responders compared with nonresponders, and a negative correlation was shown between antibody concentration and tumor bulk at baseline.Rituximab single-agent outpatient therapy is safe and shows significant clinical activity in patients with bulky relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular B-cell NHL.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000080852800026

    View details for PubMedID 10561225

  • DNA vaccination against the idiotype of a murine B cell lymphoma: Mechanism of tumor protection JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Syrengelas, A. D., Levy, R. 1999; 162 (8): 4790-4795

    Abstract

    Several studies have shown that immunization with DNA, which encodes the idiotypic determinants of a B cell lymphoma, generates tumor-specific immunity. Although induction of antiidiotypic Abs has correlated with tumor protection, the effector mechanisms that contribute to tumor protection have not been clearly identified. This study evaluated the tumor protective effects of humoral and cellular immune mechanisms recruited by idiotype-directed DNA vaccines in the 38C13 murine B cell lymphoma model. Antiidiotypic Abs induced by DNA vaccination supported in vitro complement-mediated cytotoxicity of tumor cells, and simultaneous transfer of tumor cells and hyperimmune sera protected naive animals against tumor growth. However, in vitro stimulation of immune splenocytes with tumor cells failed to induce idiotype-specific cytotoxicity, and following vaccination, depletion of CD4 or CD8 T cell subsets did not compromise protection. Furthermore, protection of naive recipients against tumor challenge could not be demonstrated either by a Winn assay approach or by adoptive transfer of spleen and lymph node cells. Thus, in this experimental model, current evidence suggests that the tumor-protective effects of DNA vaccination can be largely attributed to idiotype-specific humoral immunity.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000079612100052

    View details for PubMedID 10202021

  • Idiotype vaccination using dendritic cells after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma - A feasibility study BLOOD Reichardt, V. L., Okada, C. Y., Liso, A., Benike, C. J., Stockerl-Goldstein, K. E., Engleman, E. G., Blume, K. G., Levy, R. 1999; 93 (7): 2411-2419

    Abstract

    The idiotype (Id) determinant on the multiple myeloma (MM) protein can be regarded as a tumor-specific marker. Immunotherapy directed at the MM Id may stem the progression of this disease. We report here on the first 12 MM patients treated at our institution with high-dose therapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) followed by Id immunizations. MM patients received PBSCT to eradicate the majority of the disease. PBSCT produced a complete response in 2 patients, a partial response in 9 patients and stable disease in 1 patient. Three to 7 months after high-dose therapy, patients received a series of monthly immunizations that consisted of two intravenous infusions of Id-pulsed autologous dendritic cells (DC) followed by five subcutaneous boosts of Id/keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) administered with adjuvant. Between 1 and 11 x 10(6) DC were obtained by leukapheresis in all patients even after PBSCT. The administration of Id-pulsed DC and Id/KLH vaccines were well tolerated with patients experiencing only minor and transient side effects. Two of 12 patients developed an Id-specific, cellular proliferative immune response and one of three patients studied developed a transient but Id-specific cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response. Eleven of the 12 patients generated strong KLH-specific cellular proliferative immune responses showing the patients' immunocompetence at the time of vaccination. The two patients who developed a cellular Id-specific immune response remain in complete remission. Of the 12 treated patients, 9 are currently alive after autologous transplantation with a minimum follow-up of 16 months, 2 patients died because of recurrent MM and 1 patient succumbed to acute leukemia. These studies show that patients make strong anti-KLH responses despite recent high-dose therapy and that DC-based Id vaccination is feasible after PBSCT and can induce Id-specific T-cell responses. Further vaccine development is necessary to increase the proportion of patients that make Id-specific immune responses. The clinical benefits of Id vaccination in MM remain to be determined.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000079377400034

    View details for PubMedID 10090953

  • TCR vaccines against T cell lymphoma: QS-21 and IL-12 adjuvants induce a protective CD8(+) T cell response JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Wong, C. P., Okada, C. Y., Levy, R. 1999; 162 (4): 2251-2258

    Abstract

    Tumor-specific TCR can serve as an effective target for active immunotherapy of T cell malignancies. Using the murine T cell tumor model C6VL, vaccination with C6VL TCR protected mice from a subsequent lethal dose of tumor cells. This study characterizes the immune mechanisms involved in the tumor protection, and the influence of immunologic adjuvants in inducing a protective immune response. Immune responses induced by TCR vaccines formulated with various adjuvants: QS-21, IL-12, SAF-1, CD40L, and GM-CSF were compared. QS-21, IL-12, and SAF-1 biased the humoral immune response toward Th1-type, reflected by the induction of IgG2a and IgG2b anti-C6VL TCR Abs. CD40L and GM-CSF exclusively produced IgG1 Abs, reflecting a Th2-type immune response. In our tumor model system, only vaccines containing adjuvants that induced a Th1-type immune response favored tumor protection. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CD8+ T cells were necessary and sufficient for tumor protection using anti-CD8 mAb depletion and adoptive cell transfer experiments. Transfer of hyperimmune serum containing anti-C6VL TCR Abs into na ive mice had modest anti-tumor effects and was not sufficient to prevent tumor growth. TCR-vaccinated B cell-deficient mice were not protected against C6VL tumor, and tumor protection was not completely restored after hyperimmune serum transfer. Thus, B cells may serve as important APCs in inducing a protective immune response. Based on these results future TCR vaccines should be designed to maintain native TCR conformation, as well as induce a strong Th1-type immune response.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000078510800049

    View details for PubMedID 9973501

  • Dendritic cell vaccines for cancer immunotherapy ANNUAL REVIEW OF MEDICINE Timmerman, J. M., Levy, R. 1999; 50: 507-529

    Abstract

    Human tumors express a number of protein antigens that can be recognized by T cells, thus providing potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Dendritic cells (DCs) are rare leukocytes that are uniquely potent in their ability to present antigens to T cells, and this property has prompted their recent application to therapeutic cancer vaccines. Isolated DCs loaded with tumor antigen ex vivo and administered as a cellular vaccine have been found to induce protective and therapeutic anti-tumor immunity in experimental animals. In pilot clinical trials of DC vaccination for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and melanoma, induction of anti-tumor immune responses and tumor regressions have been observed. Additional trials of DC vaccination for a variety of human cancers are under way, and methods for targeting tumor antigens to DCs in vivo are also being explored. Exploitation of the antigen-presenting properties of DCs thus offers promise for the development of effective cancer immunotherapies.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000078831800032

    View details for PubMedID 10073291

  • The lymphochip: A specialized cDNA microarray for the genomic-scale analysis of gene expression in normal and malignant lymphocytes 64th Symposia: Signaling and Gene Expression in the Immune System Alizadeh, A., Eisen, M., Davis, R. E., Ma, C., Sabet, H., Tran, T., Powell, J. I., Yang, L., Marti, G. E., Moore, D. T., Hudson, J. R., Chan, W. C., Greiner, T., Weisenburger, D., Armitage, J. O., Lossos, I., Levy, R., Botstein, D., Brown, P. O., Staudt, L. M. COLD SPRING HARBOR LAB PRESS, PUBLICATIONS DEPT. 1999: 71–78

    View details for Web of Science ID 000087225400011

    View details for PubMedID 11232339

  • Anti-idiotype antibodies can induce long-term complete remissions in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma without eradicating the malignant clone BLOOD Davis, T. A., Maloney, D. G., Czerwinski, D. K., Liles, T. M., Levy, R. 1998; 92 (4): 1184-1190

    Abstract

    The immunoglobulin on the surface of B-cell lymphomas can be a tumor-specific target for monoclonal antibody therapy. Between 1981 and 1993, 45 individuals with low grade B-cell lymphoma were treated with 52 courses of custom-made anti-idiotype antibodies. The antibodies were used either alone or in combination with alpha-interferon, chlorambucil, or interleukin-2 (IL-2). The majority of these patients responded to treatment, with a 66% overall and 18% complete response rate. Six patients (13%) experienced prolonged complete remissions, five of which are ongoing from 4 to 10 years after therapy and are the subject of this report. We asked whether residual lymphoma could be found in these patients with prolonged remissions. We performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays for idiotype protein or anti-idiotype antibodies in serum. Blood and bone marrow samples were examined by flow cytometry for idiotype positive cells, and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for clonal gene rearrangements of immunoglobulin CDR3 sequences or t(14;18) translocations. Using these sensitive and specific tests it was possible to detect very low levels of residual lymphoma in five of these patients who had been in clinical remission for 3 to 8 years before this evaluation. These five have continued without recurrence for up to 3 years since. Thus, we have found a pattern of residual inactive disease in patients treated with anti-idiotype antibodies. The biology of follicular lymphoma evidently includes the potential for tumor dormancy after therapies with varied mechanisms of action, resulting in clinical inactivity for many years. Thus, long-term control of the disease is possible at a clinical level despite persistence of the malignant clone.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000075326800013

    View details for PubMedID 9694706

  • Stereotactic radiosurgery of angiographically occult vascular malformations: 14-year experience NEUROSURGERY Chang, S. D., Levy, R. P., Adler, J. R., Martin, D. P., Krakovitz, P. R., Steinberg, G. K. 1998; 43 (2): 213-220

    Abstract

    Radiosurgery is generally effective in obliterating true arteriovenous malformations, but less is known about its effects on angiographically occult vascular malformations (AOVMs). Since July 1983, 57 patients with surgically inaccessible AOVMs of the brain were treated using helium ion (47 patients) or linear accelerator (10 patients) radiosurgery. This study retrospectively evaluates the response of these AOVMs to treatment.All patients presented with previous hemorrhage. The mean patient age was 35.6 years (range, 13-71 yr). The mean AOVM volume was 2.25 cm3 (range, 0.080-15.2 cm3), treated with a mean of 18.0 Gy equivalent (physical dose x relative biological effectiveness, which is 1.3 for helium ion Bragg peak) (range, 7.0-40 Gy equivalent). The Drake scale scores before treatment were as follows: excellent (25 patients), good (26 patients), and poor (6 patients). The mean follow-up period was 7.5 years (range, 9 mo-13.8 yr).Eighteen patients (32%) bled symptomatically (20 hemorrhages) after radiosurgery. Sixteen hemorrhages occurred within 36 months after radiosurgery (9.4% annual bleed rate; 16 hemorrhages/171 patient yr); 4 hemorrhages occurred more than 36 months after treatment (1.6% annual bleed rate; 4 hemorrhages/257 patient yr) (P < 0.001). Complications included symptomatic radiation edema (four patients, 7%), necrosis (one patient, 2%), and increased seizure frequency (one patient, 2%). Eight patients underwent surgical resection of their AOVMs 8 to 59 months after radiosurgery because of subsequent hemorrhage. The Drake scale scores after treatment were as follows: excellent (25 patients), good (24 patients), poor (3 patients), and dead (5 patients, 3 of whom died as a result of causes unrelated to the AOVMs or radiosurgery).Radiosurgery may be useful for AOVMs located in surgically inaccessible regions of the brain. A significant decrease in bleed rate exists more than 3 years after treatment compared with the bleed rate within 3 years of treatment. Because current neuroradiological techniques are not able to image obliterative response in these slow-flow vascular lesions, longer term clinical follow-up is required.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000074979500010

    View details for PubMedID 9696072

  • Pathological changes in surgically resected angiographically occult vascular malformations after radiation NEUROSURGERY Gewirtz, R. J., Steinberg, G. K., Crowley, R., Levy, R. P. 1998; 42 (4): 738-742

    Abstract

    The goal of this study was to evaluate the pathological changes associated with radiation treatment (stereotactic radiosurgery or conventional irradiation) of angiographically occult vascular malformations (AOVMs).Eleven patients underwent surgical resection of an AOVM in the mesial temporal lobe, brain stem, thalamus, or basal ganglia after previous radiation treatment. The indications for surgery were recurrent symptomatic bleeding from the lesion in 10 patients and recurrent intractable seizures in 1 patient. Radiation was used as the initial therapy because the risk of surgical resection was deemed too high. Three patients received conventional radiation therapy of 3000 to 5400 rads at an outside institution. One patient received radiosurgery with the gamma knife at another institution using a dose of 15 Gy to the margin. The remaining 7 patients received stereotactic radiosurgery with a helium-ion particle beam. The dose range was from 18 to 26 Gy equivalents. The interval from radiation to surgical resection ranged from 1 to 10 years, with a mean of 3.5 years. These lesions were compared with 10 nonirradiated cavernous malformations.One irradiated lesion was identified pathologically as a true arteriovenous malformation despite being angiographically occult. This lesion did not demonstrate significant changes in the vasculature but did have radiation necrosis of the surrounding brain 5 years after 25 Gy equivalents of helium-ion radiosurgery. Two other specimens were too small to identify the type of vascular malformation adequately. Of the remaining eight malformations identified as cavernous malformations, six showed a combination of marked fibrosis of the vascular channels, fibrinoid necrosis, and ferrugination. However, the fibrinoid necrosis was the only finding unique to the irradiated lesions compared with nonirradiated controls. All the irradiated lesions still had patent vascular channels; none were completely thrombosed.Radiosurgery or conventional radiation therapy did not cause histologic vascular obliteration in intracranial AOVMs evaluated 1 to 10 years (mean 3.5 yr) after radiation delivery. It should be recognized that these patients are irradiation failures who may not be representative of all irradiated patients. However, recurrent bleeding from AOVMs may relate to poor radiation response in some patients.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000073318600029

    View details for PubMedID 9574637

  • Identification of peptide ligands for the antigen binding receptor expressed on human B-cell lymphomas. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) Renschler, M. F., Dower, W. J., Levy, R. 1998; 87: 209-234

    View details for PubMedID 9523274

  • TCR vaccines for active immunotherapy of T cell malignancies JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Okada, C. Y., Wong, C. P., Denney, D. W., Levy, R. 1997; 159 (11): 5516-5527

    Abstract

    We have developed a TCR-based vaccine approach for the treatment of T cell malignancies. TCR genes were isolated from C6VL, a T cell tumor of C57BL/Ka origin. The transmembrane encoding domains of the TCR genes were replaced by sequences encoding for phosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface expression. A high expressing cell line was produced by transfection and amplification of the TCR genes. Large quantities of soluble native C6VL TCR-alphabeta protein was obtained by treating the high-expressing cells with a specific phospholipase and purifying the released TCR by affinity chromatography. Following vaccination with the TCR linked to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, specific anti-TCR humoral responses were induced. Both the carrier protein and an adjuvant were required for optimal responses. Hyperimmune serum from vaccinated mice reacted specifically with C6VL cells, and the immunizations did not affect the TCR repertoire, which suggested that the immune response was Id specific. The TCR-vaccinated mice were specifically protected from a lethal number of C6VL tumor cells. B cell-deficient mice were not protected by TCR vaccinations. Similarly, TCR-immunized mice depleted of CD8+ cells prior to tumor challenge were not protected. Thus, C6VL TCR vaccine effectively stimulated tumor protection, which depends on the presence of both B cells and CD8+ T cells.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000071914800041

    View details for PubMedID 9548492

  • Idiotype vaccines for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma induce polyclonal immune responses that cover mutated tumor idiotypes: Comparison of different vaccine formulations BLOOD Caspar, C. B., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1997; 90 (9): 3699-3706

    Abstract

    The idiotype (Id) of the Ig expressed on the surface of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells is a suitable target for immunotherapy. Indeed, treatment with monoclonal anti-Id antibodies (Abs) can induce long-lasting clinical remissions. However, some of the treated patients relapse with a tumor expressing Ig with point mutations in the idio recognized by the particular monoclonal antibody (MoAb). The alternative approach of active immunization with tumor Id can cure the disease in mice with established tumors and is now being studied in clinical trials. Here, we tested the hypothesis that active immunization with the idiotype would evoke a polyclonal immune response that would cover mutated tumor variants. As a test system, we chose the tumor from a patient who had achieved a complete remission after therapy with anti-Id Ab but subsequently relapsed with a mutated tumor variant no longer binding the treatment Ab. Mice were immunized with proteins and genetic vaccines derived from the original tumor, including (1) Id-keyhole limpet hemocyanin protein, (2) Id single-chain variable fragment (scFv) granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein, (3) DNA encoding the Id, and (4) an adenovirus encoding the Id. All immunized mice developed a specific immune response detecting tumor-derived Id proteins from the original tumor and from all tumor variants. We conclude that active immunization with tumor Id can induce a polyclonal immune response and therefore may prevent the escape of mutated tumor variants.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1997YD10800047

    View details for PubMedID 9345055

  • IDEC-C2B8: Results of a phase I multiple-dose trial in patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Maloney, D. G., GRILLOLOPEZ, A. J., Bodkin, D. J., White, C. A., Liles, T. M., Royston, I., Varns, C., Rosenberg, J., Levy, R. 1997; 15 (10): 3266-3274

    Abstract

    To evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and biologic effect of multiple doses of the chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) IDEC-C2B8 in patients with relapsed B-cell lymphoma.Twenty patients with relapsed low-grade (n = 15) or intermediate-/high-grade (n = 5) lymphoma received weekly infusions times four of 125 mg/m2 (n = 3), 250 mg/m2 (n = 7), or 375 mg/m2 (n = 10) of IDEC-C2B8.Infusional side effects during the initial infusion were mainly grade I/II fever, asthenia, chills, nausea, rash, and urticaria. More serious events were rare. Peripheral-blood B cells were rapidly depleted and slowly recovered over 3 to 6 months. There was no change in mean immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. Antibody serum half-life (and maximum concentration [Cmax]) generally increased between the first and fourth infusions (33.2 hours v 76.6 hours, respectively) following the 375-mg/m2 doses. Six of 18 assessable patients had a partial remission (PR), with a median time to disease progression of 6.4 months (range, 3 to 21.7). Minor responses (MRs) were observed in five patients and progressive disease (PD) in seven. Tumor responses occurred in peripheral blood, bone marrow (BM), spleen, bulky lymph nodes, and extranodal sites, and in patients who had relapsed following high-dose myeloablative chemotherapy. Six of 14 patients (40%) with a low-grade histology responded. Four of six with bulky disease had a PR.IDEC-C2B8 chimeric anti-CD20 mAb therapy is well tolerated and has clinical activity in patients with relapsed B-cell lymphoma. The 375-mg/m2 dose has been selected for a phase II trial in patients with relapsed low-grade or follicular B-cell lymphoma.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1997YA58100014

    View details for PubMedID 9336364

  • IDEC-C2B8 (Rituximab) anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy in patients with relapsed low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma BLOOD Maloney, D. G., GRILLOLOPEZ, A. J., White, C. A., Bodkin, D., Schilder, R. J., Neidhart, J. A., Janakiraman, N., Foon, K. A., Liles, T. M., Dallaire, B. K., Wey, K., Royston, I., Davis, T., Levy, R. 1997; 90 (6): 2188-2195

    Abstract

    IDEC-C2B8 is a chimeric monoclonal antibody (MoAb) directed against the B-cell-specific antigen CD20 expressed on non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). The MoAb mediates complement and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and has direct antiproliferative effects against malignant B-cell lines in vitro. Phase I trials of single doses up to 500 mg/m2 and 4 weekly doses of 375 mg/m2 showed clinical responses with no dose-limiting toxicity. We conducted a phase II, multicenter study evaluating four weekly infusions of 375 mg/m2 IDEC-C2B8 in patients with relapsed low-grade or follicular NHL (Working Formulation groups A-D). Patients were monitored for adverse events, antibody pharmacokinetics, and clinical response. Thirty-seven patients with a median age of 58 years (range, 29 to 81 years) were treated. All patients had relapsed after chemotherapy (median of 2 prior regimens) and 54% had failed aggressive chemotherapy. Infusional side effects (grade 1-2) consisting of mild fever, chills, respiratory symptoms, and occasionally hypotension were observed mostly with the initial antibody infusion and were rare with subsequent doses. Peripheral blood B-cell depletion occurred rapidly, with recovery beginning 6 months posttreatment. There were no significant changes in mean IgG levels and infections were not increased over what would be expected in this population. Clinical remissions were observed in 17 patients (3 complete remissions and 14 partial remissions), yielding an intent to treat response rate of 46%. The onset of these tumor responses was as soon as 1 month posttreatment and reached a maximum by 4 months posttreatment. In the 17 responders, the median time to progression was 10.2 months (5 patients exceeding 20 months). Likelihood of tumor response was associated with a follicular histology, with the ability to sustain a high serum level of antibody after the first infusion, and with a longer duration of remission to prior chemotherapy. One patient developed a detectable but not quantifiable immune response to the antibody that had no clinical significance. IDEC-C2B8 in a dose of 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks has antitumor activity in patients with relapsed low-grade or follicular NHL. Results with this brief, outpatient treatment compare favorably with results with standard chemotherapy, and IDEC-C2B8 has a better safety profile. Further studies evaluating IDEC-C2B8 in other types of lymphoma either alone or combined with chemotherapy are warranted.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1997XW30600007

    View details for PubMedID 9310469

  • Rationale for adjuvant idiotypic vaccination after high-dose therapy for multiple myeloma. Biology of blood and marrow transplantation Reichardt, V. L., Okada, C. Y., Stockerl-Goldstein, K. E., Bogen, B., Levy, R. 1997; 3 (3): 157-163

    Abstract

    With conventional therapy, multiple myeloma (MM) has a poor prognosis. During the last few years, it has become clear that high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support can increase overall survival of MM patients, but further improvement in outcome is desperately needed. The monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) produced by the MM cells called idiotypes (Id) is a tumor-specific antigen due to unique antigenic determinants that are localized in the variable regions of the Ig molecule. Conceivably, Id immunization of MM patients in complete remission could further increase survival. Here we review the scientific basis for such Id immunization.

    View details for PubMedID 9310193

  • Tumor-specific idiotype vaccines in the treatment of patients with B-cell lymphoma - Long-term results of a clinical trial BLOOD Hsu, F. J., Caspar, C. B., Czerwinski, D., Kwak, L. W., Liles, T. M., Syrengelas, A., TAIDILASKOWSKI, B., Levy, R. 1997; 89 (9): 3129-3135

    Abstract

    The surface Ig on each B-cell lymphoma has unique portions (idiotypes), which can be recognized by the immune system. In this study, we immunized patients against the Ig expressed by their tumor and observed their clinical outcomes. After standard chemotherapy, 41 patients with non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma received a series of injections with a vaccine consisting of tumor Ig protein coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and emulsified in an immunologic adjuvant. Subjects were observed for toxicity, immune responses, and tumor status. The median duration of follow-up of all patients is 7.3 years from diagnosis and 5.3 years from the last chemotherapy given before vaccine treatment. Twenty patients (49%) generated specific immune responses against the idiotypes of their tumor Ig. Two patients who had residual disease experienced complete tumor regression in association with the development of these immune responses. The median duration of freedom from disease progression and overall survival of all 20 patients mounting an anti-idiotype immune response are significantly prolonged compared to the patients who did not mount an immune response. Thirty-two patients were in their first remission and nine were in subsequent remissions before beginning vaccine treatments. Analysis of the 32 first remission patients also shows an improved clinical outcome for those patients who mounted a specific immune response compared to those who did not (freedom from progression, 7.9 years v 1.3 years P = .0001; median survival from time of last chemotherapy not yet reached v 7 years, P = .04). This study confirms an earlier report that patients with B-cell lymphoma can be induced to make a specific immune response against the Ig expressed by their own tumor. It further shows that the ability to make such an immune response is correlated with a more favorable clinical outcome. Prospective controlled trials will be needed to prove a causal relationship between anti-idiotype immunity and improved clinical outcome.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1997WX54200007

    View details for PubMedID 9129015

  • A nine-amino acid peptide from IL-1 beta augments antitumor immune responses induced by protein and DNA vaccines JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Hakim, I., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1996; 157 (12): 5503-5511

    Abstract

    The idiotypic determinants of B cell lymphoma provide a tumor-specific Ag and a target for immunotherapy. We have developed several generations of idiotype vaccines that were tested in an animal model, the 38C13 mouse B cell lymphoma. Initially we showed that effective tumor immunity was elicited by the syngeneic Id when it was conjugated to a carrier protein and mixed with an adjuvant. A subsequent generation of Id vaccines eliminated the need for a carrier protein and for an adjuvant by incorporating cytokines into fusion proteins containing the Id. A third generation of vaccines consisting of naked DNA encoding the Id-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) fusion proteins was equally effective in inducing tumor immunity. To determine whether Ig variable regions, in the absence of constant regions, could be immunotherapeutic in this model, we tested the use of single-chain Fv (scFv). scFv proteins, produced in bacteria, and naked DNA encoding scFv were used in this study. scFv was tested alone or fused to GM-CSF or an immunoenhancing peptide derived from IL-1beta. Here we demonstrate that scFv-GM-CSF was effective only when injected as a protein, not as a DNA vaccine. In contrast, both scFv-IL-1beta peptide fusion protein and naked DNA encoding it induced tumor immunity that protected mice from tumor challenge.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996VX02600036

    View details for PubMedID 8955200

  • DNA immunization induces protective immunity against B-cell lymphoma NATURE MEDICINE Syrengelas, A. D., Chen, T. T., Levy, R. 1996; 2 (9): 1038-1041

    Abstract

    Idiotypic determinants of the immunoglobulin expressed on the surface of B-cell lymphomas are tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), which can be targeted by immunotherapy. Immunization with DNA constructs encoding the idiotype (ld) of a murine B-cell lymphoma induced specific anti-ld antibody responses and protected mice against tumor challenge. Use of DNA encoding an ld/GM-CSF (idiotype/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) fusion protein improved vaccine efficacy, and xenogeneic immunoglobulin constant region determinants were required for immunogenicity. These results indicate that DNA may be a simple and efficacious means of inducing immune responses against a weak, otherwise unrecognized tumor antigen, provided that additional stimuli are included with the DNA.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996VF49700042

    View details for PubMedID 8782465

  • Tumor-specific, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response after idiotype vaccination for B-cell, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma BLOOD Nelson, E. L., Li, X. B., Hsu, F. J., Kwak, L. W., Levy, R., CLAYBERGER, C., KRENSKY, A. M. 1996; 88 (2): 580-589

    Abstract

    Patients with non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma who received an antitumor vaccine of idiotypic ig protein showed humoral and proliferative immune responses. Because immunity to some antigens, including tumor antigens and human pathogenic viruses, may be better correlated with the cytolytic cellular immune response, we evaluated 16 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients immunized with autologous idiotypic ig molecules for changes in tumor-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursor (CTLp) frequency using limiting dilution analysis. Eleven patients had a significant increase in tumor-specific CTLp. Eight of these 11 patients remain without evidence of disease or with stable minimal disease. In contrast, all five patients who did not have a significant change in tumor-specific CTLp have developed progressive disease. Patient vaccination with tumor associated protein antigens can increase tumor-specific CTLp frequencies. The correlation of increased tumor specific CTLp with freedom from progression is significant at P = .002. This study indicates that measurement of CTLp frequencies are relevant to the clinical evaluation of human tumor vaccines and suggests that cell-mediated cytolytic immune responses may be an important determinant of vaccine efficacy.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996UW48800023

    View details for PubMedID 8695806

  • Surgical resection of large incompletely treated intracranial arteriovenous malformations following stereotactic radiosurgery JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY Steinberg, G. K., Chang, S. D., Levy, R. P., Marks, M. P., Frankel, K., Marcellus, M. 1996; 84 (6): 920-928

    Abstract

    Although radiosurgery is effective in obliterating small arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), it has a lower success rate for thrombosing larger AVMs. The authors surgically resected AVMs from 33 patients ranging in age from 7 to 64 years (mean 30.4 years) 1 to 11 years after radiosurgery. Initial AVM volumes were 0.8 to 117 cm3 (mean 21.6 cm3), and doses ranged from 4.6 to 45 GyE (mean 21.2 GyE). Of 27 AVMs in eloquent or critical areas, 10 were located in language, motor, sensory, or visual cortex, 11 in the basal ganglia/thalamus, one each in the brainstem, hypothalamus, and cerebellum, and three in the corpus callosum. Venous drainage was deep in 13, superficial in 12, or both in eight lesions. Spetzler-Martin grades were II in one, III in 12, IV in 16, and V in four patients. Eight patients experienced rebleeding after radiosurgery but prior to surgery. Three patients developed radiation necrosis and 25 underwent endovascular embolization prior to surgery. At surgery the AVMs were found to be markedly less vascular, partially thrombosed, and more easily resected, compared to those seen in patients who had not undergone radiosurgery. Pathological investigation showed endothelial proliferation with hyaline and calcium in vessel walls. There was partial or complete thrombosis of some AVM vessels and evidence of vessel and brain necrosis in many cases. Complete resection was achieved in 28 patients and partial resection in five. Clinical outcome was excellent or good in 31 cases, and two patients died of rebleeding from residual AVM. Four patients' conditions worsened following microsurgical resection. Final clinical outcome was largely related to the pretreatment grade. Radiosurgery several years prior to open microsurgery may prove to be a useful adjunct in treating unusually large and complex AVMs.

    View details for PubMedID 8847585

  • Yttrium-90-labeled anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy of recurrent B-cell lymphoma CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Knox, S. J., Goris, M. L., Trisler, K., Negrin, R., Davis, T., Liles, T. M., GRILLOLOPEZ, A., Chinn, P., Varns, C., Ning, S. C., Fowler, S., Deb, N., Becker, M., Marquez, C., Levy, R. 1996; 2 (3): 457-470

    Abstract

    A Phase I/II dose escalation study of 90Y-murine anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in patients with recurrent B-cell lymphoma was performed. The primary objectives of the study were: (a) to determine the effect of the preinfusion of unlabeled anti-CD20 mAb on the biodistribution of 111In-anti-CD20 mAb; (b) to determine the maximal tolerated dose of 90Y-anti-CD20 mAb that does not require bone marrow transplantation; and (c) to evaluate the safety and antitumor effect of 90Y-anti-CD20 mAb in patients with recurrent B-cell lymphoma. Eighteen patients with relapsed low- or intermediate-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated. Biodistribution studies with 111In-anti-CD20 mAb were performed prior to therapy. Groups of three or four patients were treated at dose levels of approximately 13.5, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mCi 90Y-anti-CD20 mAb. Three patients were retreated at the 40-mCi dose level. The use of unlabeled antibody affected the biodistribution favorably. Nonhematological toxicity was minimal. The only significant toxicity was myelosuppression. The overall response rate following a single dose of 90Y-anti-CD20 mAb therapy was 72%, with six complete responses and seven partial responses and freedom from progression of 3-29+ months following treatment. Radioimmunotherapy with

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996TY62000004

    View details for PubMedID 9816191

  • Treatment of cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma with chimeric anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody BLOOD Knox, S., Hoppe, R. T., Maloney, D., Gibbs, I., Fowler, S., Marquez, C., Cornbleet, P. J., Levy, R. 1996; 87 (3): 893-899

    Abstract

    Chimeric anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody was administered intravenously as a single dose to eight patients with mycosis fungoides. The dose was escalated throughout the study between patients groups, and individual patients received 50, 100, or 200 mg per dose. Seven of eight patients responded to treatment with an average freedom from progression of 25 weeks (range, 6 to 52 weeks). The treatment was well tolerated, and there was no clinical evidence of immunosuppression. Following treatment, there was significant suppression of peripheral blood CD4 counts in all patients for 1 to 22+ weeks. Only one patient made a very low titer human antichimeric antibody response. All but two patients made primary antibody and T-cell proliferative responses to a foreign antigen administered 24 hours after antibody infusion. However, there was generally marked, but temporary suppression of T-cell proliferative responses in vitro to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), tetanus toxoid, and normal donor lymphocytes. We conclude that at the dose levels studied, this antibody (1) had clinical efficacy against mycosis fungoides; (2) was well tolerated; (3) had a low level of immunogenicity; (4) decreased T-cell proliferative responses in vitro, and (5) did not induce tolerance to a foreign antigen.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996TT48400008

    View details for PubMedID 8562959

  • Vaccination of patients with B-cell lymphoma using autologous antigen-pulsed dendritic cells NATURE MEDICINE Hsu, F. J., Benike, C., Fagnoni, F., Liles, T. M., Czerwinski, D., Taidi, B., Engleman, E. G., Levy, R. 1996; 2 (1): 52-58

    Abstract

    In this pilot study, we investigated the ability of autologous dendritic cells pulsed ex vivo with tumor-specific idiotype protein to stimulate host antitumor immunity when infused as a vaccine. Four patients with follicular B-cell lymphoma received a series of three or four infusions of antigen-pulsed dendritic cells followed, in each instance, by subcutaneous injections of soluble antigen two weeks later. All patients developed measurable antitumor cellular immune responses. In addition, clinical responses have been measured with one patient experiencing complete tumor regression, a second patient having partial tumor regression, and a third patient resolving all evidence of disease as detected by a sensitive tumor-specific molecular analysis.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996TP57900037

    View details for PubMedID 8564842

  • B-LYMPHOMA CELLS ARE ACTIVATED BY PEPTIDE LIGANDS OF THE ANTIGEN-BINDING RECEPTOR OR BY ANTIIDIOTYPIC ANTIBODY TO INDUCE EXTRACELLULAR ACIDIFICATION CANCER RESEARCH Renschler, M. F., Wada, H. G., Fok, K. S., Levy, R. 1995; 55 (23): 5642-5647

    Abstract

    Synthetic peptide ligands specific for the surface immunoglobulin receptor of the human Burkitt's lymphoma cell line SUP-B8, previously identified using phage display libraries, induced apoptosis of the SUP-B8 cells in vitro when administered as dimers or tetramers. The use of synthetic peptide ligands is being explored for immunotherapy of B-cell lymphoma. It will be critical to identify which of the peptide ligands identified are the most active functionally. Using the Cytosensor microphysiometer, SUP-B8 cells and B-lymphoma cells obtained from patients were found to acidify their extracellular environment within minutes of specific activation by surrogate peptide ligands or by anti-idiotype antibodies. This signal was blocked by pretreatment of the lymphoma cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. Treatment of SUP-B8 cells with dimeric and tetrameric specific peptide ligands caused a rapid increase in extracellular acidification rate, which peaked after 10 min at approximately 15 and 20% above basal rates, respectively. These responses were blocked by excess monomeric peptide. To evaluate the ability of different peptide ligands to induce a signal directly on lymphoma cells, thereby establishing their relative affinity to the surface immunoglobulin receptor, acidification rate changes were measured at varying peptide concentrations. The microphysiometer signal correlated with the known relative affinities and antiproliferative potencies of the peptides. This approach is particularly useful for primary tumor cells that cannot be cultured. The signal may be predictive of the efficacy of treatment with synthetic peptide ligands and may be useful in the evaluation of ligands for other cell surface receptors with biological effects on B-lymphoma cells.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1995TG21100031

    View details for PubMedID 7585648

  • (90)Yttrium labeled anti-CD20 therapy for recurrent B cell lymphoma Davis, T. A., Goris, M. L., Trisler, K. D., Negrin, R., Liles, T. M., Fowler, S. F., Deb, N., Becker, M., Marquez, C. M., Ning, S., Levy, R., Knox, S. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 1995: 1080–80
  • PREFERENTIAL USE OF THE VH4 IG GENE FAMILY BY DIFFUSE LARGE-CELL LYMPHOMA BLOOD Hsu, F. J., Levy, R. 1995; 86 (8): 3072-3082

    Abstract

    Ig heavy chain variable region (VH) genes expressed by human diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLC) and follicular lymphoma (FL) were identified and analyzed with respect to germline gene families. In 67 cases of FL, VH region genes were expressed in a pattern similar to that of normal B cells, with a predominance of the large VH3 gene family being used. In contrast, of the 17 cases of DLC, there was an extremely biased use of VH genes. Of these DLC tumors, 88% expressed genes from the small VH4 gene family; and even among these tumors, there was a limited use of genes, with 11 cases producing Igs derived from the VH4.21 germline gene. Although most of the VH genes expressed by DLC tumor cells contained mutations with respect to their germline counterparts, almost all of these mutations occurred before the clonal expansion of the tumor. This contrasts with our previous findings of ongoing mutations in FL and represents a fundamental difference between these two malignancies. This preferential gene use implies an important role for the VH4 gene family, and specifically for VH4.21, in the genesis of DLC.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1995RZ07100024

    View details for PubMedID 7579401

  • INDUCTION OF AUTOANTIBODY RESPONSES TO GM-CSF BY HYPERIMMUNIZATION WITH AN ID-GM-CSF FUSION PROTEIN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Chen, T. T., Levy, R. 1995; 154 (7): 3105-3117

    Abstract

    Fusion proteins consisting of an Ig containing xenogenic constant regions and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (Id-GM-CSF) are potent immunogens capable of inducing anti-idiotypic Abs after two immunizations, without the usual need for adjuvants or carrier proteins. In this study, we investigated the effects of hyperimmunization with Id-GM-CSF and found that it induces anti-GM-CSF Abs that could bind to GM-CSF and neutralize its bioactivity in vitro. However, no detrimental effects of the anti-GM-CSF activity were apparent on the general health of the animals or on their base line white blood cell counts. Mice with the anti-GM-CSF activity reconstituted their peripheral white blood cells with identical kinetics as control mice after high dose cyclophosphamide treatment, sublethal irradiation, or lethal irradiation followed by syngeneic bone marrow transplantation. Primary and secondary Ab responses to a variety of protein Ags, including an unrelated Ig Id, were not affected. However, the anti-Id response induced by an unrelated GM-CSF fusion protein that is dependent upon the GM-CSF bioactivity was impaired. To avoid any potential problems associated with inducing anti-GM-CSF Abs, we show that priming with the Id-GM-CSF protein and boosting with the Id protein alone were sufficient to induce comparable anti-Id titers without inducing anti-GM-CSF Abs. We conclude that although hyperimmunization of mice with the GM-CSF fusion protein induced neutralizing anti-GM-CSF Abs, this was of little consequence to the animals. Nevertheless, we have devised a strategy to overcome this potential limitation on the use of GM-CSF fusion proteins for immunization.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1995QN45900007

    View details for PubMedID 7897201

  • IDIOTYPE-CYTOKINE FUSION PROTEINS AS CANCER VACCINES - RELATIVE EFFICACY OF IL-2, IL-4, AND GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Chen, T. T., Tao, M. H., Levy, R. 1994; 153 (10): 4775-4787

    Abstract

    Idiotypic determinants, antigenic sites expressed on the variable region of Ig molecules of malignant B cells, represent tumor-specific Ags but are weak immunogens. We have previously shown that the immunogenicity can be dramatically increased by fusing tumor Id to granulocyte macrophage (GM)-CSF. Here, we demonstrate that fusion proteins with IL-2 or IL-4 can also be highly immunogenic. Co-immunization of these fusion proteins with another Id demonstrated the importance of physical linkage between the cytokine and relevant Ag for this enhancement. All three fusion proteins are capable of eliciting significant levels of specific Abs against the Id without the use of carrier proteins or adjuvants, although the GM-CSF fusion protein appeared to be unique in its ability to induce higher titers of anti-Id Abs in the primary response. Furthermore, the Id-IL-2 fusion protein induced high titers of IgG2a and IgG3 anti-Id Abs, whereas the Id-IL-4 and Id-GM-CSF fusion proteins did not. Despite the differences, tumor protection was comparable in all mice having significant titers of anti-Id Abs, regardless of the fusion protein used. We concluded that Id-cytokine fusion proteins are potent immunogens that can elicit significant antitumor immunity. The general approach of fusing a cytokine to a potential Ag may be applicable to the design of vaccines for immunotherapy of other types of tumors as well as for other pathogens and disease states.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1994PR22200045

    View details for PubMedID 7525715

  • PHASE-I CLINICAL-TRIAL USING ESCALATING SINGLE-DOSE INFUSION OF CHIMERIC ANTI-CD20 MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY (IDEC-C2B8) IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT B-CELL LYMPHOMA BLOOD Maloney, D. G., Liles, T. M., Czerwinski, D. K., WALDICHUK, C., Rosenberg, J., GRILLOLOPEZ, A., Levy, R. 1994; 84 (8): 2457-2466

    Abstract

    The B-cell antigen CD20 is expressed on normal B cells and by nearly all B-cell lymphomas. This nonmodulating antigen provides an excellent target for antibody-directed therapies. A chimeric anti-CD20 antibody (IDEC-C2B8), consisting of human IgG1-kappa constant regions and variable regions from the murine monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody IDEC-2B8, has been produced for clinical trials. It lyses CD20+ cells in vitro via complement and antibody-dependent cell-mediated lysis. Preclinical studies have shown that the chimeric antibody selectively depletes B cells in blood and lymph nodes in macaque monkeys. In this phase I clinical trial, 15 patients (3 per dose level) with relapsed low-grade B-cell lymphoma were treated with a single dose (10, 50, 100, 250, or 500 mg/m2) of antibody administered intravenously. Treatment-related symptoms correlated with the number of circulating CD20 cells and grade II events consisted of fever (5 patients); nausea (2), rigor (2), orthostatic hypotension (2), bronchospasm (1), and thrombocytopenia (1). No significant toxicities were observed during the 3 months of follow-up. Serum C3, IgG, and IgM levels, neutrophils, and T cells were largely unchanged. At the three higher dose levels, pharmacokinetics of the free antibody showed a serum half-life of 4.4 days (range, 1.6 to 10.5). Levels greater than 10 micrograms/mL persisted in 6 of 9 patients for more than 14 days. No quantifiable immune responses to the infused antibody have been detected. CD20+ B cells were rapidly and specifically depleted in the peripheral blood at 24 to 72 hours and remained depleted for at least 2 to 3 months in most patients. Two-week postinfusion tumor biopsies showed the chimeric antibody bound to tumor cells and a decrease in the percentage of B cells. Tumor regressions occurred in 6 of 15 patients (2 partial and 4 minor responses). The results of this single-dose trial have been used to design a multiple-dose phase I/II study.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1994PL35900008

    View details for PubMedID 7522629

  • SYNTHETIC PEPTIDE LIGANDS OF THE ANTIGEN-BINDING RECEPTOR INDUCE PROGRAMMED CELL-DEATH IN A HUMAN B-CELL LYMPHOMA PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Renschler, M. F., Bhatt, R. R., Dower, W. J., Levy, R. 1994; 91 (9): 3623-3627

    Abstract

    Peptide ligands for the antigen binding site of the surface immunoglobulin receptor of a human B-cell lymphoma cell line were identified with the use of filamentous phage libraries displaying random 8- and 12-amino acid peptides. Corresponding synthetic peptides bound specifically to the antigen binding site of this immunoglobulin receptor and blocked the binding of an anti-idiotype antibody. The ligands, when conjugated to form dimers or tetramers, induced cell death by apoptosis in vitro with an IC50 between 40 and 200 nM. This effect was associated with specific stimulation of intracellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1994NJ03400032

    View details for PubMedID 8170958

  • LYMPHOMA REGRESSION INDUCED BY MONOCLONAL ANTIIDIOTYPIC ANTIBODIES CORRELATES WITH THEIR ABILITY TO INDUCE IG SIGNAL-TRANSDUCTION AND IS NOT PREVENTED BY TUMOR EXPRESSION OF HIGH-LEVELS OF BCL-2 PROTEIN BLOOD Vuist, W. M., Levy, R., Maloney, D. G. 1994; 83 (4): 899-906

    Abstract

    Custom-made monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies (anti-Id MoAbs) have been tested as a treatment modality in 34 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients. Partial or complete tumor remissions have been induced with this treatment in 68% of these patients. One mechanism by which anti-idiotype antibodies may have induced these tumor responses is via a direct antiproliferative effect on the tumor cells, resulting in apoptosis. Primary NHL cells do not proliferate well enough in vitro to test this hypothesis directly. Therefore, we studied the effect of anti-idiotype antibodies on signal transduction through the surface Ig receptor as measured by the induction of cellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation. To assess whether bcl-2 protein could protect lymphoma cells from death induced by anti-Id MoAb, we also measured the level of bcl-2 protein in the same tumor cells. We found a strong correlation between the ability of an anti-Id MoAb to induce an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in vitro and its ability to induce a tumor regression in the patient. By contrast, the level of bcl-2 expressed by the tumor cells was not correlated with clinical response to anti-Id MoAb treatment.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1994MW69200004

    View details for PubMedID 7509210

  • CELL DYN-3000 AND COULTER STKS AUTOMATED DIFFERENTIAL COUNTERS - REPLY AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY Cornbleet, P. J., Myrick, D., Levy, R., JUDKINS, S. 1993; 100 (4): 464-465
  • TRANSFORMATION OF MYCOSIS-FUNGOIDES - T-CELL RECEPTOR-BETA GENE ANALYSIS DEMONSTRATES A COMMON CLONAL ORIGIN FOR PLAQUE-TYPE MYCOSIS-FUNGOIDES AND CD30+ LARGE-CELL LYMPHOMA JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY Wood, G. S., Bahler, D. W., Hoppe, R. T., Warnke, R. A., Sklar, J. L., Levy, R. 1993; 101 (3): 296-300

    Abstract

    It is well recognized that patients with classical mycosis fungoides (MF) may develop a large-cell lymphoma (LCL), a phenomenon known as "transformation." An unresolved issue regarding the transformation of MF is whether MF and LCL represent two separate lymphomas or whether they are derived from the same T-cell clone. We report the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and immunogenotypic analysis of MF and LCL in a white male. He developed a rash at age 51 that was diagnosed at age 56 as clinical stage IA patch/plaque MF. After topical nitrogen mustard and total skin electron beam therapy for progressive generalized CD3+CD4+ patch/plaque lesions, he developed nodules of Ki-1+ (CD30+) T-LCL at age 72. Southern blot analysis of DNA digested with Bg/II or BamHI and probed with a T-cell receptor (TCR)-beta gene J beta 1/J beta 2 probe showed a single, identical rearranged band in both the MF and LCL skin lesions that had been obtained 4 years apart. V beta gene family--specific gene amplification assays demonstrated dominant V beta 6 PCR products in both types of lesions. These PCR products and lesional cDNA exhibited a monoclonal pattern when amplified with consensus TCR-beta gene VDJ joint primers and electrophoresed under conditions that allowed the resolution of small differences in size. Furthermore, sequence analysis of the V beta 6 PCR products amplified from both the MF and LCL lesions showed an identical nucleotide sequence involving V beta 6.4, D beta 1.1, J beta 1.2, and C beta 1. These findings indicate that both the MF and the LCL in this patient arose from the same T-cell clone and that these diseases developed at a stage in the clone's differentiation subsequent to rearrangement of the TCR-beta gene.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1993LX78600011

    View details for PubMedID 8396607

  • CLINICAL-TRIALS OF IDIOTYPE-SPECIFIC VACCINE IN B-CELL LYMPHOMAS ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Hsu, F. J., Kwak, L., Campbell, M., LILES, T., Czerwinski, D., Hart, S., Syrengelas, A., Miller, R., Levy, R. 1993; 690: 385-387

    View details for Web of Science ID A1993LX02100052

    View details for PubMedID 8368764

  • IDIOTYPE GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR FUSION PROTEIN AS A VACCINE FOR B-CELL LYMPHOMA NATURE Tao, M. H., Levy, R. 1993; 362 (6422): 755-758

    Abstract

    To produce a vaccine against cancer, antigens must be found that are preferentially expressed by tumour cells and can induce an immune response against the tumour. The variable regions of the immunoglobulin molecules expressed on malignant B cells (idiotypes) are tumour-specific, but are weak immunogens. To induce an immune response in animals or humans, the idiotypic protein has therefore to be chemically coupled to a strongly immunogenic protein and mixed with an adjuvant. The resulting response can protect animals from subsequent tumour challenge, and cure animals with established tumours in combination with chemotherapy. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) augments antigen presentation in a variety of cells. Here we show that by fusing a tumour-derived idiotype to GM-CSF, it can be converted into a strong immunogen capable of inducing idiotype-specific antibodies without other carrier proteins or adjuvants and of protecting recipient animals from challenge with an otherwise lethal dose of tumour cells. This approach may be applicable to the design of vaccines for a variety of other diseases.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1993KY45000058

    View details for PubMedID 8469286

  • ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL ARTERIOVENOUS-MALFORMATIONS FOLLOWING RADIOSURGERY AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURORADIOLOGY Marks, M. P., Lane, B., Steinberg, G. K., FABRIKANT, J. I., Levy, R. P., Frankel, K. A., Phillips, M. H. 1993; 14 (2): 297-303

    Abstract

    Previous reports of embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) have evaluated the technique as adjunctive therapy prior to surgery or radiosurgery; our aim is to assess the role of embolization following radiosurgery.Six patients previously treated with radiosurgery and showing no response as judged by cerebral angiography were embolized 24 to 55 months (mean 34.3 months) after initial radiosurgery.In five of six, a significant volume reduction was achieved ranging from 60%-100% (mean 74%). One patient was treated with embolization alone and the AVM has remained fully thrombosed 2 years after treatment. Three patients underwent surgical resection for cure after embolization, and two patients had repeat radiosurgery to a significantly smaller AVM volume. One patient had an asymptomatic carotid dissection at embolization; however, no clinically apparent complications occurred in the treatment group.Embolization can be used after radiosurgery to assist in the management of those AVMs that have not responded to initial treatment.

    View details for PubMedID 8456702

  • A SUBMICROSCOPIC INTERSTITIAL DELETION OF CHROMOSOME-14 FREQUENTLY OCCURS ADJACENT TO THE T(14 18) TRANSLOCATION BREAKPOINT IN HUMAN FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA GENES CHROMOSOMES & CANCER Zelenetz, A. D., Cleary, M. L., Levy, R. 1993; 6 (3): 140-150

    Abstract

    The t(14;18) chromosomal translocation characteristic of follicular lymphoma (FL) juxtaposes the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IGH) and the BCL2 proto-oncogene. The translocation can be readily detected as a non-germline Notl fragment resolved by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A benefit of this approach is that it enables examination of the structure of a large region (+/- 300 kb) surrounding the chromosomal breakpoint. In 40/46 cases the observed translocated Notl fragment was smaller than the 680-690 kb expected from published restriction maps of the involved loci suggesting a deletion in the region of the breakpoint. Analysis of the der(14) allele by molecular hybridization demonstrated that in 35/46 cases the mu constant region (C mu) was deleted. Further molecular dissection of the IGH locus demonstrated that this resulted from an interstitial deletion of the der(14) chromosome within the region defined by the mu switch region (S mu) on the 5' side and the epsilon constant region (C epsilon) on the 3' end. Thus, the deletion resembled a class switch (CS) recombination event. Surprisingly, the CS deletion was as common in FL which was sIGM positive (24/33, 72.7%) as in cases where the productive allele had already undergone CS deletion (11/13, 84.6%) suggesting that the observed non-physiologic CS deletion resulted from a cis effect of the chromosomal translocation. Similar interstitial deletions of the non-productive IGH allele were not seen in B cell lymphocytic lymphomas which do not have the t(14;18) translocation. Mapping of the 3' extent of the deletion by an isotype PCR assay demonstrated frequent involvement (11/12 cases) of the gamma 1 constant region (C gamma 1). Analysis of cases in which the deletion was not evident by Southern blotting but detectable by PCR suggested that the CS deletion had occurred in a small subpopulation of FL cells subsequent to the t(14;18) translocation. The biological role of frequent interstitial deletions of the der(14) chromosome in t(14;18)-carrying lymphomas remains to be elucidated.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1993KP45200002

    View details for PubMedID 7682098

  • EVALUATION OF THE COULTER STKS 5-PART DIFFERENTIAL AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY Cornbleet, P. J., Myrick, D., Levy, R. 1993; 99 (1): 72-81

    Abstract

    The authors evaluated the Coulter STKS (Coulter Corp., Hialeah, FL) five-part differential in a tertiary-care hospital using samples with a broad range of distributional and morphologic abnormalities. Particular attention was given to the performance of the instrument-generated suspect flags that occur as an aid to identify samples with abnormal leukocytes. A morphologically abnormal, or positive, blood smear was defined by the presence of any blasts, malignant lymphoid cells, grossly dysplastic neutrophils, nucleated red blood cells (nRBC), platelet clumps, or reactive lymphocytes of more than 5%. The presence of any white blood cell-related suspect flag, except for Immature Granulocyte/Bands (i.e., Blasts, Variant Lymph, NRBC, Platelet Clumps, Review Slide, or WBC*R), was considered to be a positive instrument result. The STKS showed excellent quantitative results for the WBC differential compared with the manual differential when these "morphologic abnormalities" were absent in a 400-cell manual differential or low in numbers (< or = 5%). Specificity of these non-immature granulocyte/band suspect flags was good, with a false-positive rate of only 11.7%. Overall sensitivity in 113 samples with morphologic abnormalities was 67.3%. Sensitivity to detection of > or = 1% abnormal WBCs or > or = 1 nRBC/100 WBCs (a subset of 78 samples) was 80.8%. Sensitivity to detection of more than 5% abnormal WBCs or more than 5 nRBC/100 WBCs (a subset of 53 samples) was 84.9%. The primary deficiency was the inability of the STKS to flag samples with lymphoma cells, lymphoid blasts, or more than 5% reactive lymphocytes.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1993KG79100017

    View details for PubMedID 8422021

  • EVALUATION OF THE CELL-DYN 3000 DIFFERENTIAL AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY Cornbleet, P. J., Myrick, D., JUDKINS, S., Levy, R. 1992; 98 (6): 603-614

    Abstract

    The CELL-DYN 3000 (Unipath Corp., Mountain View, CA) differential was evaluated in a tertiary care hospital using samples with a broad range of distributional and morphologic abnormalities. Particular attention was directed to the performance of the instrument-generated suspect flags that occur as an aid to identify samples with abnormal leukocytes, as well as the estimates of abnormal cells that are made by the instrument. The CELL-DYN 3000 showed excellent quantitative results for the white blood cell differential compared with a 400-cell manual differential, in which morphologic abnormalities were absent or occurred in low numbers (< or = 5%). Specificity of the BLAST, VARIANT LYMPH, NRBC, WBC, or DIFF suspect flags (with the requirement that the blast estimate and variant lymphocyte estimate by the instrument be > or = 1%) was 82.6%. Sensitivity of these flags to detection of more than 5% "abnormal" leukocytes (blasts, malignant lymphoid cells, grossly dysplastic neutrophils, nucleated red blood cells, or reactive lymphocytes) or significant platelet clumping was 81.6%. The primary deficiency was the inability of the CELL-DYN 3000 to flag samples with small numbers (< or = 5%) of nucleated erythrocytes, lymphoid blasts, or hairy cells, or more than 5% reactive lymphocytes. Specificity of the IG flag (with immature granulocyte estimate > or = 3%) for immature granulocytes (metamyelocytes, myelocytes, or promyelocytes) was 94.9%. Sensitivity of the immature granulocyte flag varied from 41.7% for identifying IG > or = 1% to 100% for the three samples with immature granulocytes > or = 3%. Calculation of sensitivity and specificity to varying percentages of bands showed poor flagging performance, with many false-positive and false-negative results at all levels.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992KB87700012

    View details for PubMedID 1462958

  • INDUCTION OF IMMUNE-RESPONSES IN PATIENTS WITH B-CELL LYMPHOMA AGAINST THE SURFACE-IMMUNOGLOBULIN IDIOTYPE EXPRESSED BY THEIR TUMORS NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Kwak, L. W., Campbell, M. J., Czerwinski, D. K., Hart, S., MILLER, R. A., Levy, R. 1992; 327 (17): 1209-1215

    Abstract

    The idiotypic determinants of the surface immunoglobulin of a B-cell lymphoma can serve as a clonal tumor-specific marker, which may have implications for immunotherapy. We sought to determine whether idiotype-specific immune responses against this autologous antigen could be induced in patients with B-cell lymphoma.Nine patients were selected who had minimal residual disease or a complete remission after chemotherapy. Each received a series of subcutaneous injections of the immunoglobulin derived from his or her tumor cells (immunoglobulin-idiotype protein), which had been conjugated to a protein carrier and mixed with an immunologic adjuvant.In seven of the nine patients the injections induced sustained idiotype-specific immunologic responses of the humoral type (two patients), the cell-mediated type (four patients), or both (one patient). The use of an adjuvant was essential for these immune responses. The induced antibodies bound specifically to autologous immunoglobulin idiotype, inhibited the binding of murine monoclonal antiidiotype antibodies, and bound autologous tumor cells. Cell-mediated responses were demonstrated by the specific proliferation of immune peripheral-blood mononuclear cells to the soluble immunoglobulin-idiotype protein in vitro. The tumors of both of the patients with measurable disease regressed completely. Toxicity associated with the vaccine was minimal and consisted only of mild reactions at the site of intramuscular injection.These results demonstrate that autologous immunoglobulin idiotype can be formulated into an immunogenic, tumor-specific antigen in humans with B-cell lymphoma, and they provide the background for large-scale trials of active specific immunotherapy of this disease.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992JU39300005

    View details for PubMedID 1406793

  • Antigen selection in human lymphomagenesis. Cancer research Bahler, D. W., Zelenetz, A. D., Chen, T. T., Levy, R. 1992; 52 (19): 5547s-5551s

    Abstract

    Although surface immunoglobulin plays a central role in the differentiation and growth of normal B-cells, its role in the growth of human B-cell malignancies is largely a matter of conjecture. Human follicular lymphomas are attractive systems to study in part because they are clones of cells sharing many similarities with germinal center B-cells which are critically dependent on antigen selection for survival. Nucleotide sequence information was determined for the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable genes expressed by two cases of follicular lymphoma. In addition, the germ line variable gene counterparts were also cloned and sequenced from biopsy material obtained from both of these patients. Numerous mutations from germ line were present in the variable genes from both of these cases, many of which accumulated during expansion and growth of these lymphomas. Moreover, the mutations that accumulated during tumor expansion were distributed in a manner that almost certainly was dependent on positive selection presumably mediated by contact with an antigen. These data indicate that antigen selection is probably important for the growth and clonal evolution of follicular lymphomas.

    View details for PubMedID 1394171

  • CLONAL EXPANSION IN FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA OCCURS SUBSEQUENT TO ANTIGENIC SELECTION JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Zelenetz, A. D., Chen, T. T., Levy, R. 1992; 176 (4): 1137-1148

    Abstract

    The genesis of human follicular lymphoma (FL) is a multistep process. The initial event is thought to be the chromosomal translocation t(14;18)(q32;q21) juxtaposing the bcl-2 proto-oncogene with the immunoglobulin (Ig) H chain locus joining segment (JH) as an error of D-J or V-D joining in the pre-B cell. However, FL is recognized clinically as a tumor of surface Ig (sIg)-positive B cells with morphologic and phenotypic similarities to the centrocyte of the secondary immune response. Thus, additional steps must be involved in the clonal expansion of the FL tumor cell beyond the activation of bcl-2 as a consequence of the t(14;18) translocation. Like the normal centrocyte, somatic mutations accumulate in the variable (V) genes of FL tumor B cells. To determine if clonal expansion of FL occurs before or after the development of the malignant follicle, we sought to examine the evolution of the FL V gene from its unmutated germline (GL) counterpart. To obtain the GL gene we first cloned the productively rearranged V gene of patient MT FL and obtained the clone rMTF. A hybridization probe derived from the 2.1-kb region upstream of the V gene in clone rMTF identified a single band in Southern blot hybridization of GL DNA. This probe was used to screen a size-selected library, and candidate GL V genes were isolated. Two identical clones, MTGL1 and 2, proved to have upstream regions (USRs) that were colinear with the USR of the rMTF. Thus, the MTGL clones represent the unmutated GL V genes, which were productively rearranged in the MT FL. Comparison of the GL V gene sequence to a consensus of MT FL V gene sequences revealed 42 mutations, demonstrating that malignant clonal expansion occurred subsequent to the activation of somatic mutation, presumably in the malignant follicle. Furthermore, the individual FL V gene sequences segregated into two distinct patterns of mutation. The major population represented 71% of the clones, and the minor population 29%. To investigate possible mechanisms for the parallel selection of distinct tumor cell populations, we analyzed the pattern of silent and replacement mutations within the V gene sequences. We found that in the framework regions (FRs) of both populations there were significantly fewer replacement changes than expected, suggesting that negative selective pressure was maintaining the structural integrity of the sIg. In contrast, the complementarity determining regions (CDRs), which make up the antigen binding domain of Ig, had an excess of replacement changes, suggesting positive selection for altered ligand binding.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992JP86200023

    View details for PubMedID 1402658

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2119381

  • MONOCLONAL ANTIIDIOTYPE ANTIBODY THERAPY OF B-CELL LYMPHOMA - THE ADDITION OF A SHORT COURSE OF CHEMOTHERAPY DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE ANTITUMOR EFFECT NOR PREVENT THE EMERGENCE OF IDIOTYPE-NEGATIVE VARIANT CELLS BLOOD Maloney, D. G., Brown, S., Czerwinski, D. K., Liles, T. M., Hart, S. M., MILLER, R. A., Levy, R. 1992; 80 (6): 1502-1510

    Abstract

    The Ig idiotype of B-cell lymphoma can be used as a tumor-specific target. Prior trials with monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies alone and combined with alpha-interferon have shown significant antitumor activity. In some patients, idiotype-negative tumors emerged after treatment. In this trial, patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with two identical courses of monoclonal anti-idiotype anti-body therapy. Concurrent with the second course, at a time when idiotype-negative cells were suspected to be proliferating, a pulse dose of chlorambucil was administered. Tumor biopsies obtained before the first and second courses of treatment and at relapse were analyzed for idiotype expression and proliferation. Thirteen patients received 24 courses of antibody with minimal toxicity. Eleven had tumor regression, with 1 complete remission, 8 partial remissions, and 2 minor remissions, with freedom from progression lasting a median of 7 months in responding patients. Idiotype-negative tumor cells appeared in some relapse specimens despite the use of chlorambucil. In retrospect, this was not surprising because there was no increase in the proliferative rate of these tumors at the time the drug was used. Anti-idiotype antibodies continue to demonstrate antitumor activity against B-cell lymphoma with minimal toxicity. The mechanism of the effect is presumed to involve both direct antiproliferative effects of the antibody on the tumor cells as well as indirect, more long-lasting effects on the host. The addition of a mild chemotherapeutic agent in the dose and schedule used here to the second cycle of antibody therapy did not interfere with the antitumor effect, nor did it decrease the emergence of idiotype-negative cells.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992JN50700018

    View details for PubMedID 1520877

  • TUMOR RESISTANCE INDUCED BY SYNGENEIC BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION AND ENHANCED BY INTERLEUKIN-2 - A MODEL FOR THE GRAFT VERSUS LEUKEMIA REACTION CANCER RESEARCH Kwak, L. W., Campbell, M. J., Levy, R. 1992; 52 (15): 4117-4120

    Abstract

    Lethally irradiated C3H/HeN mice reconstituted with normal syngeneic bone marrow survived significantly longer than unmanipulated control mice following challenge with a lethal dose of 38C13 lymphoma cells 2 to 3 weeks post-bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Although the magnitude of this effect was modest, it was highly reproducible. This resistance-producing effect of BMT could be enhanced by interleukin 2 administration and could be abrogated by anti-asialo-GM1 antiserum treatment of recipients. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cells with a natural killer phenotype are activated by BMT and can mediate tumor resistance. These studies provide a model to explore the cellular basis, independent of donor alloreactivity, of the graft antitumor effect of BMT observed in humans.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992JF74600009

    View details for PubMedID 1638524

  • CLONAL EVOLUTION OF A FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA - EVIDENCE FOR ANTIGEN SELECTION PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Bahler, D. W., Levy, R. 1992; 89 (15): 6770-6774

    Abstract

    The potential role antigens play in growth stimulation or in clonal selection of follicular lymphomas is unknown. To study this issue, we sequenced the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region genes expressed by a follicular lymphoma from multiple biopsy specimens and also cloned and sequenced the corresponding germ-line variable gene from this patient. Comparison to the germ-line gene revealed numerous nucleotide substitutions in all of the lymphoma variable gene sequences. Some of the substitutions may have occurred in the nonmalignant precursor B cell that gave rise to this lymphoma because they were shared among all of the variable genes, but many of the mutations accumulated as the malignant clone expanded. The mutations were distributed in such a way that strongly suggested the majority of tumor cells had been positively selected through their antigen receptor. This was especially evident for the mutations that developed late in the clonal evolution of this lymphoma. These findings indicate that antigen stimulation may be involved in the growth of follicular lymphoma tumors.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992JF85600023

    View details for PubMedID 1495966

  • INTERLEUKIN-3 IS A GROWTH-FACTOR FOR HUMAN FOLLICULAR B-CELL LYMPHOMA JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE CLAYBERGER, C., LUNAFINEMAN, S., Lee, J. E., Pillai, A., Campbell, M., Levy, R., KRENSKY, A. M. 1992; 175 (2): 371-376

    Abstract

    More than one-half of adults with non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphomas present with low-grade follicular lymphomas. These tumor cells are found in close association with follicular T lymphocytes and dendritic cells, suggesting that the surrounding cells may play a role in the support of follicular tumors. Supernatants from activated human peripheral blood lymphocytes were found to promote the in vitro proliferation of follicular tumor cells. This effect was entirely due to interleukin 3 (IL-3), a factor generally thought to cause the growth and differentiation of immature hematopoietic cells. IL-3 receptors were detected on fresh isolates of all primary follicular cell tumors examined. These findings suggest that follicular cell tumors may be dependent in vivo on IL-3 and that therapies directed against IL-3, its receptor, or the T cells that produce it may be effective treatment for follicular lymphoma.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992HB06100007

    View details for PubMedID 1732410

  • USE OF FAMILY SPECIFIC LEADER REGION PRIMERS FOR PCR AMPLIFICATION OF THE HUMAN HEAVY-CHAIN VARIABLE REGION GENE REPERTOIRE MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY Campbell, M. J., Zelenetz, A. D., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1992; 29 (2): 193-203

    Abstract

    We have designed a set of six, non-degenerate oligonucleotide primers, corresponding to the 5' leader regions of each of the six human VH gene families. A general strategy for family specific polymerase chain reaction amplification is described using these primers and a conserved 3' primer corresponding to frame work 3, JH, or constant region. This strategy was used to isolate and sequence novel human germline VH genes belonging to the VH2 and VH4 families. Under certain conditions, chimeric VH sequences were created by a "jumping polymerase chain reaction", combining DNA segments from different germline genes, but this could be avoided by limiting the number of amplification cycles. PCR amplification with these family specific primers will facilitate studies of the repertoire of germline VH genes as well as studies on VH gene usage in normal and aberrant (B cell malignancies, autoimmune diseases, etc.) B cell populations.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992HF03200006

    View details for PubMedID 1542297

  • DIVERSITY OF T-CELL ANTIGEN RECEPTOR VARIABLE GENES USED BY MYCOSIS-FUNGOIDES CELLS AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY Bahler, D. W., Berry, G., Oksenberg, J., Warnke, R. A., Levy, R. 1992; 140 (1): 1-8

    Abstract

    The expression of T-cell antigen receptor beta-chain variable genes (V beta) was evaluated in 28 cases of mycosis fungoides. A novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to associate expression of particular V beta genes with monoclonal T-cell populations. In addition, the same biopsies used for PCR analysis were also examined for reactivity with a panel of seven monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognized V beta proteins from four different families. Only three cases clearly stained with the antibodies, a result consistent with a diverse set of V beta genes being used. This was confirmed by PCR analysis, which indicated that V beta genes from many different families were expressed by these tumors. Preferential use of the V beta 8 family, which had been previously use of the V beta 8 family, which had been previously reported for this disease, was not evident among the cases analyzed.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1992GZ63600002

    View details for PubMedID 1731519

  • TRANSFER OF SPECIFIC IMMUNITY TO B-CELL LYMPHOMA WITH SYNGENEIC BONE-MARROW IN MICE - A STRATEGY FOR USING AUTOLOGOUS MARROW AS AN ANTITUMOR THERAPY BLOOD Kwak, L. W., Campbell, M. J., Zelenetz, A. D., Levy, R. 1991; 78 (10): 2768-2772

    Abstract

    Persistence of the underlying malignancy remains the major obstacle limiting the success of high-dose chemoradiotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. We used the 38C13 murine B-cell lymphoma model to explore the approach of transferring tumor antigen-specific immunity with syngeneic BM as a protective element. Mice serving as syngeneic marrow donors were twice immunized with tumor-derived surface Ig protein, the idiotype of which serves as a tumor-specific antigen, or with a control Ig of matched isotype. Naive lethally irradiated recipients reconstituted with marrow from immune donors showed serologic tumor idiotype-specific immunity, as well as protection against lethal tumor challenge. The immunoprotective effect of immune marrow was also shown in lethally irradiated recipients partially protected by specific immunization post-BMT. Combined donor and recipient immunization also replaced the requirement for the booster immunization of the donor. These results provide the rationale for active immunization with purified surface Ig from autologous tumor as an adjunct to autologous BMT in humans.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991GP88700040

    View details for PubMedID 1824269

  • IG VH GENE-EXPRESSION AMONG HUMAN FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMAS BLOOD Bahler, D. W., Campbell, M. J., Hart, S., MILLER, R. A., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1991; 78 (6): 1561-1568

    Abstract

    Thirty-six randomly selected cases of low grade follicular lymphoma (FL) were analyzed for Ig heavy chain variable region (VH) gene expression. Assignment to one of the six human VH gene families (VH1 to VH6) was made with a polymerase chain reaction-based technique using family-specific leader primers. The frequency of VH family use in FL was found to be similar to that reported for normal peripheral blood lymphocytes and is therefore also roughly proportional to VH family size. To evaluate expression within an individual family, all of the lymphoma VH genes from the middle size VH4 family were sequenced and compared with previously published sequences. Of these eight lymphoma VH sequences, six were most closely related to just two of the 10 known functional VH4 germline genes. Nonrandom usage by FL of the JH3, JH4, and JH5 joining segments was also observed. Nucleotide sequences were also determined for 10 randomly selected lymphoma VH genes from the large VH3 family. With one possible exception, none of these lymphoma VH sequences appear to represent any of the VH3 genes that may be preferentially used in the fetal repertoire.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991GF44400023

    View details for PubMedID 1909196

  • ENHANCED DETECTION OF THE T(14-18) TRANSLOCATION IN MALIGNANT-LYMPHOMA USING PULSED-FIELD GEL-ELECTROPHORESIS BLOOD Zelenetz, A. D., Chu, G., Galili, N., Bangs, C. D., Horning, S. J., Donlon, T. A., Cleary, M. L., Levy, R. 1991; 78 (6): 1552-1560

    Abstract

    The t(14;18) chromosomal translocation that results in the juxtaposition of the bcl-2 proto-oncogene with the heavy chain JH locus is a common cytogenetic abnormality in human lymphoma. In particular, it is seen in about 85% of follicular lymphoma (FL) and up to one-third of diffuse lymphomas (DL). The chromosome 18 breakpoints have been shown to cluster into two regions. The major breakpoint region (mbr) within the 3' untranslated region of the bcl-2 proto-oncogene accounts for approximately 60% of the cases and the minor cluster region (mcr) 30 kb 3' of bcl-2 accounts for approximately 25% of the breakpoints. Because of variability in the position of the breakpoint, detection of the t(14;18) by Southern blot analysis provides an important clonal marker for the tumor. However, conventional electrophoresis (CE) fails to detect the translocation in 15% to 25% of cases. We have applied pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to the detection of the t(14;18) in a series of lymphoma prospectively analyzed by CE, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and cytogenetic analysis. PFGE readily detected t(14;18) rearrangements as indicated by comigration of bands detected with probes for the mbr region (chromosome 18) and the JH locus (chromosome 14). In a series of 40 patients with FL, this method proved to be the most comprehensive for detection of the translocation compared with standard methods; in fact, in one case only PFGE was able to detect the chromosomal rearrangement. Ten percent of the FL cases were negative by all methods tested. In a separate analysis of matched tissue specimens from cases of tumor progression of FL to diffuse lymphoma, PFGE detected a common t(14;18) rearrangement confirming a clonal origin in seven of seven cases, whereas CE detected a rearrangement in only three of seven cases. Overall, PFGE was able to detect a translocation in 8 of 12 cases that were negative by CE and four of eight negative by cytogenetic analysis. In conclusion, PFGE analysis is more comprehensive than CE, PCR, and cytogenetic analysis for the detection of the t(14;18) breakpoint in tissue biopsies of malignant lymphoma.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991GF44400022

    View details for PubMedID 1884022

  • AN EPITOPE ON THE TRANSFERRIN RECEPTOR PREFERENTIALLY EXPOSED DURING TUMOR PROGRESSION IN HUMAN LYMPHOMA IS CLOSE TO THE LIGAND-BINDING SITE BLOOD Takahashi, S., Esserman, L., Levy, R. 1991; 77 (4): 826-832

    Abstract

    We have previously reported an anti-transferrin receptor antibody, Trump, which was originally selected for its ability to discriminate low- and high-grade lymphomas. This feature was distinct from the other anti-transferrin receptor antibodies such as OKT9. In the present study, further immunochemical analysis was performed to define the nature of the antigenic site recognized by the Trump antibody. Trump was found to block the binding of transferrin both to solubilized and to surface transferrin receptors; conversely, transferrin could block the binding of Trump only to surface transferrin receptors. Therefore, the epitope recognized by Trump is near but not identical to the transferrin binding site. Stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin induced both the OKT9 epitope and the Trump epitope, but 12-phorbol 13 myristate acetate induced only the OKT9 epitope. Growth of some cell lines was inhibited by Trump but not by OKT9. No structural difference was found between transferrin receptor molecules reactive with Trump and those reactive with OKT9. In support of these results, Trump was able to immunoprecipitate transferrin receptor molecules solubilized from low-grade follicular lymphoma cells even though it did not bind to the receptors exposed on the surface of these cells. These findings imply that low-grade lymphoma cells differ from high-grade lymphoma cells not in the structures of their transferrin receptors but in their exposure of the molecule on the cell surface.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991EX92200020

    View details for PubMedID 1704266

  • AN EXPERIMENTAL COMPARTMENTAL FLOW MODEL FOR ASSESSING THE HEMODYNAMIC-RESPONSE OF INTRACRANIAL ARTERIOVENOUS-MALFORMATIONS TO STEREOTAXIC RADIOSURGERY NEUROSURGERY Lo, E. H., FABRIKANT, J. I., Levy, R. P., Phillips, M. H., Frankel, K. A., ALPEN, E. L. 1991; 28 (2): 251-259

    Abstract

    Stereotactic radiosurgery has proven to be an effective method of treating selected inaccessible or inoperable arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain. Radiation-induced obliteration of successfully-treated AVMs, however, occurs only after some latent period after treatment, depending on size, location, and dose. An experimental compartmental flow model is proposed to describe the hemodynamic alterations in the AVM as a result of the pathophysiological changes after radiosurgery, and to analyze temporal alterations in AVM blood flow rates and pressure gradients before complete obliteration. In representative small (low-flow, 150 ml/min) and large (high-flow, 440 ml/min) AVMs, it is found that increases in pressure gradients across certain vascular structures within the AVM occur during the normal course of radiation-induced flow decrease and AVM obliteration. The magnitude of these pressure alterations, however, may be within the normal physiological variations in cerebrovascular blood pressure. The effects of partial-volume irradiation of the AVM is examined by limiting radiosurgical treatment to varying portions of the flow compartments within the model. It is found that alterations in pressure gradients persist in unirradiated vascular shunts, even after complete obliteration of the treated AVM volume. These pressure alterations may increase the probability of hemorrhage from the untreated shunts of the AVM and cause redistribution of regional cerebral blood flow resulting in increased flow through these untreated shunts.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991EU43000012

    View details for PubMedID 1997894

  • FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA - A MODEL OF LYMPHOID TUMOR PROGRESSION IN MAN 4TH INTERNATIONAL CONF ON MALIGNANT LYMPHOMA Zelenetz, A. D., Campbell, M. J., Bahler, D. W., Takahashi, S., Oren, R., Esserman, L., Umetsu, D. T., Kwak, L. W., Maloney, D. G., Brown, S., Chen, T. T., Andria, M. L., Levy, S., MILLER, R. A., Levy, R. KLUWER ACADEMIC PUBL. 1991: 115–122

    Abstract

    Human follicular lymphoma can be viewed as a malignancy in evolution. Since this disease is composed of a clonal population of B lymphocytes all expressing a given immunoglobulin light chain and heavy chain, it seems possible that the initial transforming event, the t(14; 18) chromosomal translocation, occurs in a cell already committed to the expression of a particular VH and VL gene. A panel of antibodies has been assembled which define a set of idiotypes expressed repeatedly by B-cell lymphomas. Nonetheless, VH gene usage in follicular lymphoma tumors appears to reflect the normal B-cell repertoire. Growth of follicular lymphoma appears to be partially under normal regulatory control. The expanding malignant B-cell clone grows in follicles with particular apposition to follicular dendritic cells and heavy infiltration with CD4+ T cells. Interaction with T cells can induce the proliferation of follicular lymphoma cells. This tumor eventually evolves into a diffuse large-cell lymphoma which is highly aggressive and lethal. It is now clear that the malignant progression occurs from a single cell within the expanding follicular lymphoma clone. A panel of monoclonal antibodies to cell surface molecules has been generated that inhibit proliferation of diffuse lymphoma cell lines, and some of the target molecules have been partially characterized. Therapeutic application of anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies has shown a high degree of tumor responsiveness, but ultimately escape of idiotype-negative variant cells occurs. These variants arise as a result of extensive somatic point mutation in the VH and VL genes of follicular lymphoma. Active immunization can result in an immune response by patients directed against the idiotype expressed on their own B-cell tumors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991FB41200018

    View details for PubMedID 2049308

  • OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF CHIMERIC ANTI-CD4 MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY IN PATIENTS WITH MYCOSIS-FUNGOIDES BLOOD Knox, S. J., Levy, R., Hodgkinson, S., Bell, R., Brown, S., Wood, G. S., Hoppe, R., Abel, E. A., Steinman, L., Berger, R. G., Gaiser, C., Young, G., Bindl, J., Hanham, A., Reichert, T. 1991; 77 (1): 20-30

    Abstract

    Chimeric (murine/human) anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody was infused into seven patients with mycosis fungoides. Successive patients received doses of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg of antibody twice a week for 3 consecutive weeks. All patients had some clinical improvement, but responses were of relatively short duration. Serum levels of chimeric antibody varied as a function of dose. At the 80-mg dose level, antibody was readily observed in biopsied skin lesions. Although there was coating by antibody of most CD4 positive cells in the blood, there was no significant depletion of CD4 positive cells. Low-level antibody responses against the mouse Ig variable region and human Ig allotypic constant region determinants were observed in several patients, but none were of clinical significance. All but two patients made primary antibody and T-cell proliferative responses to a simultaneously administered foreign protein test antigen. However, there was marked suppression of the mixed lymphocyte reaction. We conclude that at the dose levels studied, a chimeric anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (1) had some clinical efficacy against mycosis fungoides; (2) was well tolerated; (3) had a low level of immunogenicity; (4) had immediate immunosuppressive effects; and (5) did not induce tolerance to a co-injected antigen.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991EQ04100003

    View details for PubMedID 1984796

  • HISTOLOGIC TRANSFORMATION OF FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA TO DIFFUSE LYMPHOMA REPRESENTS TUMOR PROGRESSION BY A SINGLE MALIGNANT B-CELL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Zelenetz, A. D., Chen, T. T., Levy, R. 1991; 173 (1): 197-207

    Abstract

    To investigate the clonal relationship between follicular lymphoma (FL) and transformed diffuse lymphoma (tDL), we examined the expression of tumor idiotype, immunoglobulin (Ig) gene rearrangements and sequence of Ig variable genes in paired tissue specimens. All 16 cases analyzed expressed surface immunoglobulin (sIg) on both the FL and the tDL, though the immunophenotype of one case of FL could not be definitively determined. In 14 of 15 cases, the surface immunophenotype was preserved; the exception was likely secondary to a class switch from IgM to IgG. In 12 of 13 cases, antiidiotypic monoclonal antibodies prepared against the FL reacted with the paired tDL. Analysis of Ig gene rearrangements in four cases by Southern blot hybridization showed evidence of clonal relationships in all cases though concordance was not seen with all probes tested (C kappa, C lambda, JH, PFL1, and PFL2). In the one case that had a discordant L chain rearrangement, sequence analysis of the L chain demonstrated a common mature B cell origin for both the FL and tDL. To determine whether tDL arose from one or more FL cells, the sequences of the H chain variable genes were analyzed. Individual clones of the V region gene of the FL showed a random distribution of changes throughout the sequence. In contrast, individual clones of the V region gene from tDL shared numerous nonrandom sequence alterations, implying a common single cell origin. In conclusion, tDL is a mature B cell and arises by transformation of a single FL cell.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991EP65900021

    View details for PubMedID 1898660

  • IDIOTYPE VACCINATION POST-BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION FOR B-CELL LYMPHOMA - INITIAL STUDIES IN A MURINE MODEL CANCER DETECTION AND PREVENTION Kwak, L. W., Campbell, M., Levy, R. 1991; 15 (4): 323-325

    Abstract

    Studies in the 38C13 model, a lethal murine B-cell lymphoma of C3H origin, have previously demonstrated the efficacy of immunization with tumor idiotype against established tumors, especially in the setting of reduced tumor burden when combined with chemotherapy. We have extended these studies to test the protective effect of immunization with 38C13 idiotype protein (38C-Id), coupled to KLH and administered with an adjuvant, against a subsequent tumor challenge following lethal total body irradiation (950 R) and reconstitution with syngeneic bone marrow (20 x 10(6) cells) from normal donors. Animals prepared in this manner which were immunized with 38C-Id after 3 weeks recuperation and challenged with 1000 38C13 tumor cells 2 weeks later demonstrated significantly longer survival when compared to control animals which had been immunized with irrelevant idiotype protein. Irradiated reconstituted mice immunized after 5 weeks recuperation and challenged with 1000 tumor cells also demonstrated prolonged survival compared to controls, as well as a small number of cures (approximately 40%). Anti-38C-Id antibodies, implicated in the mechanism of idiotype induced anti-tumor immunity in this model, were detectable after immunization at both 3 and 5 weeks, although there was no significant correlation between serum antibody levels and survival of individual mice. These results suggest that immunologic recovery as early as 3 to 5 weeks following marrow grafting is sufficient to allow induction of idiotype-specific, anti-tumor immunity and form a model for our clinical trial of tumor idiotype vaccination for patients with B-cell lymphoma undergoing autologous BMT.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991FY39000011

    View details for PubMedID 1794139

  • COMBINED SYNGENEIC BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION AND IMMUNOTHERAPY OF A MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA - ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION WITH TUMOR-DERIVED IDIOTYPIC IMMUNOGLOBULIN BLOOD Kwak, L. W., Campbell, M. J., Zelenetz, A. D., Levy, R. 1990; 76 (11): 2411-2417

    Abstract

    Recurrence of the underlying malignancy remains a major cause of treatment failure after autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for patients with lymphoma. In this regard, we have developed an immunotherapeutic approach designed to induce resistance against residual tumor cells persisting after BMT. Previous studies in the model system of 38C13, a lethal B-cell lymphoma of C3H origin, have shown that active immunization with purified tumor-derived surface immunoglobulin (Id), as a tumor-associated antigen, produces resistance to tumor growth. Id immunization of lethally irradiated mice at 3 or 5 weeks after reconstitution with syngeneic bone marrow resulted in significantly prolonged survival after tumor challenge compared with nonspecifically immunized controls. Low levels of idiotype-specific antibody were also demonstrated in the sera of specifically immunized mice at this early time, when other functional studies in the literature of immunocompetence after syngeneic reconstitution might have predicted incomplete recovery. Immunization of mice before lethal irradiation and syngeneic marrow reconstitution also induced significant resistance to tumor challenge, suggesting the persistence of established host antitumor immunity through total body irradiation. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of id immunization in conjunction with bone marrow transplantation.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990EK72700036

    View details for PubMedID 2257310

  • TAPA-1, THE TARGET OF AN ANTIPROLIFERATIVE ANTIBODY, IS ASSOCIATED ON THE CELL-SURFACE WITH THE LEU-13 ANTIGEN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Takahashi, S., Doss, C., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1990; 145 (7): 2207-2213

    Abstract

    A murine mAb, 5A6 (IgG1), has been isolated by immunization with a human B lymphoma cell line and screening for growth inhibition. The antibody immunoprecipitated a single chain protein of 26 kDa from cell lysates made with Triton X-100 but additional proteins were precipitated when cell lysates were made with the milder detergent CHAPS (3-[3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)-1-propane sulfate). We have identified one of these coprecipitated molecules as the 16-kDa Leu-13 Ag. 5A6 and anti-Leu-13 showed similar, although not identical, reactivity, growth inhibition and temperature-dependent aggregation effects among hematolymphoid cell lines. The aggregation induced by 5A6 and anti-Leu-13 was not dependent on LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1). The cell-surface expression of both TAPA-1 (target of an antiproliferative antibody-1) and Leu-13 could be down-modulated by binding to their respective antibodies and they could be reciprocally comodulated. These results suggest that TAPA-1 and Leu-13 form a complex on the cell surface and play a role in growth control through a common pathway.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990DZ68500029

    View details for PubMedID 2398277

  • DETERMINANTS OF THE ANTITUMOR EFFECT OF RADIOLABELED MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES CANCER RESEARCH Knox, S. J., Levy, R., MILLER, R. A., UHLAND, W., Schiele, J., RUEHL, W., FINSTON, R., DAYLOLLINI, P., Goris, M. L. 1990; 50 (16): 4935-4940

    Abstract

    The murine B-cell lymphoma 38C13 model was used to study the radiobiological effect of 131I-monoclonal antibody (MAB) therapy compared with dose equivalent external beam irradiation. Continuous exponentially decreasing low dose rate (LDR) gamma-irradiation, and multiply fractionated (MF) X-irradiation were compared with dose equivalent 131I-MAB. The relative therapeutic efficacy of radioimmunotherapy, and the relative contribution of (a) low dose rate; (b) whole body irradiation; and (c) microdosimetry to the overall effect were determined. Groups of mice with or without B-cell lymphoma were treated with either (a) 131I-anti-idiotype MAB; (b) 131I-isotype-matched irrelevant control MAB; (c) 5-15 Gy 250 kV X-irradiation given as a single fraction; (d) 2.5-30 Gy 250 kV X-irradiation given in 10 fractions/2 weeks; or by (e) continuous exponentially decreasing gamma-irradiation via a 137Cs source, which simulated the effective t1/2 of the 131I-MAB. In tumor-free mice the LD50/30 was approximately 10 Gy for MF and LDR external irradiation, and 11-12 Gy for 131I-MAB. However, the effect of these modes of irradiation on tumor size differed significantly. The cumulative percentage of tumor reduction averaged over 12 days was 0.635 +/- 0.055%/Gy for MF, and 1.36 +/- 0.061%/Gy for LDR external irradiation (a relative efficacy factor of 1.63 for LDR irradiation; P = 0.01). Assuming homogeneous body distribution, the tumor reduction effect over 12 days for 131I-MAB was 2.064 +/- 0.133%/Gy for specific, and 1.742 +/- 0.1%/Gy for nonspecific isotype-matched irrelevant 131I-MAB (P = 0.02). When 131I-MAB was compared to LDR external irradiation, the relative efficacy factor was 1.99 (P less than 0.001). In summary, there was a dose rate effect on tumor response, which may in part explain the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy. The additional effect of 131I-MAB on tumor response was only partially explained by the cumulative concentration ratio of 131I-MAB tumor/131I-MAB whole body, which was on average 1.7. This relatively low concentration ratio was partly due to tumor-mediated dehalogenation. Thus, the overall tumor response was a function of the total dose, dose rate, and both the specific and nonspecific distribution of 131I-MAB.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990DT62000020

    View details for PubMedID 2379158

  • TAPA-1, THE TARGET OF AN ANTIPROLIFERATIVE ANTIBODY, DEFINES A NEW FAMILY OF TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEINS MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY Oren, R., Takahashi, S., Doss, C., Levy, R., Levy, S. 1990; 10 (8): 4007-4015

    Abstract

    A murine monoclonal antibody was identified by its ability to induce a reversible antiproliferative effect on a human lymphoma cell line. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed that the antibody reacted with a 26-kilodalton cell surface protein (TAPA-1). A diverse group of human cell lines, including hematolymphoid, neuroectodermal, and mesenchymal cells, expressed the TAPA-1 protein. Many of the lymphoid cell lines, in particular those derived from large cell lymphomas, were susceptible to the antiproliferative effects of the antibody. TAPA-1 may therefore play an important role in the regulation of lymphoma cell growth. A cDNA clone coding for TAPA-1 was isolated by using the monoclonal antibody to screen an expression library in COS cells. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicated that the protein is highly hydrophobic and that it contains four putative transmembrane domains and a potential N-myristoylation site. TAPA-1 showed strong homology with the CD37 leukocyte antigen and with the ME491 melanoma-associated antigen, both of which have been implicated in the regulation of cell growth.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990DP92000016

    View details for PubMedID 1695320

  • IDIOTYPE VACCINATION AGAINST MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA - HUMORAL AND CELLULAR-REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FULL EXPRESSION OF ANTITUMOR IMMUNITY JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Campbell, M. J., Esserman, L., BYARS, N. E., Allison, A. C., Levy, R. 1990; 145 (3): 1029-1036

    Abstract

    The roles of humoral and cellular antitumor immune responses induced by immunization with tumor-derived idiotypic IgM were studied in a syngeneic, transplantable B cell lymphoma (38C13) of C3H mice. Id vaccination with keyhole limpet hemocyanin-conjugated Id induced protection against a subsequent lethal tumor challenge. Such immunizations elicited anti-idiotypic antibodies that were cytotoxic in in vitro antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays as well as in vivo passive transfer experiments. L3T4+ T cells, which proliferated in vitro in response to the specific Id protein, were also induced. However, cells mediating direct cytotoxicity, either in vitro or in vivo, were not observed in the lymph nodes, spleens, or peritoneal cavity of immune mice or at the site of tumor regression as demonstrated by using a tumor sponge implantation model. In addition, in vitro sensitization of immune lymphocytes against 38C13 tumor cells failed to induce cytotoxicity. Immunization with lipid conjugated Id also elicited a T cell proliferative response but failed to induce anti-idiotypic antibodies and did not confer resistance to tumor growth. These results suggest that anti-idiotypic antibodies play the major role in the destruction of 38C13 tumor cells. However, in vivo depletion of L3T4+ or Lyt-2+ cells from 38C-Id-keyhole limpet hemocyanin-immunized mice resulted in diminished protection against a tumor challenge. Thus, although humoral responses appear to play the predominant part in tumor destruction, cellular responses are also required for the full expression of antitumor immunity in this system.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990DQ56900035

    View details for PubMedID 2373859

  • STEREOTAXIC HEAVY-CHARGED-PARTICLE BRAGG-PEAK RADIATION FOR INTRACRANIAL ARTERIOVENOUS-MALFORMATIONS NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Steinberg, G. K., FABRIKANT, J. I., Marks, M. P., Levy, R. P., Frankel, K. A., Phillips, M. H., Shuer, L. M., Silverberg, G. D. 1990; 323 (2): 96-101

    Abstract

    Heavy-charged-particle radiation has several advantages over protons and photons for the treatment of intracranial lesions; it has an improved physical distribution of the dose deep in tissue, a small angle of lateral scattering, and a sharp distal falloff of the dose.We present detailed clinical and radiologic follow-up in 86 patients with symptomatic but surgically inaccessible cerebral arteriovenous malformations that were treated with stereotactic helium-ion Bragg-peak radiation. The doses ranged from 8.8 to 34.6 Gy delivered to volumes of tissue of 0.3 to 70 cm3.Two years after radiation treatment, the rate of complete obliteration of the lesions, as detected angiographically, was 94 percent for lesions smaller than 4 cm3, 75 percent for those of 4 to 25 cm3, and 39 percent for those larger than 25 cm3. After three years, the rates of obliteration were 100, 95, and 70 percent, respectively. Major neurologic complications occurred in 10 patients (12 percent), of whom 8 had permanent deficits. All these complications occurred in the initial stage of the protocol, before the maximal dose of radiation was reduced to 19.2 Gy. In addition, hemorrhage occurred in 10 patients from residual malformations between 4 and 34 months after treatment. Seizures and headaches were less severe in 63 percent of the 35 and 68 percent of the 40 patients, respectively, who had them initially.Given the natural history of these inaccessible lesions and the high risks of surgery, we conclude that heavy-charged-particle radiation is an effective therapy for symptomatic, surgically inaccessible intracranial arteriovenous malformations. The current procedure has two disadvantages: a prolonged latency period before complete obliteration of the vascular lesion and a small risk of serious neurologic complications.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990DM62600005

    View details for PubMedID 2359429

  • DIRECTIONAL CLONING OF CDNA USING A SELECTABLE SFII CASSETTE GENE Zelenetz, A. D., Levy, R. 1990; 89 (1): 123-127

    Abstract

    To increase the efficiency of directionally cloning cDNA, we have constructed a pair of vectors and devised a cDNA cloning strategy that improves upon previously published methods. The vectors, pLIB: AZ and pLIB: ZA, have two unique (distinct religation specificities; GGCCN/NNNNGGCC) SfiI sites (SfiI.A and SfiI.B) flanking a stuffer fragment which contains the tetracycline-resistance element. These vectors permit the directional cloning of cDNA in both sense (pLIB: AZ) and antisense (pLIB: ZA) orientations relative to the promoter for phage T3 RNA polymerase. cDNA that was synthesized using a primer with a 5' sequence of a SfiI.B site followed by an oligo(dT)16 3' tail was then ligated to an adaptor with the sequence of a SfiI.A site produced directional molecules that could be cloned into the pLIB vectors. Complex libraries with 10(7) members were produced from as few as 6 x 10(5) cells. The SfiI sites and stuffer can be subcloned as a cassette to permit directional cloning in other vectors, as there are several restriction enzyme sites flanking this region to the 5' and 3'.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990DM37300017

    View details for PubMedID 2165017

  • INDUCTION OF PROLIFERATION OF HUMAN FOLLICULAR (B-TYPE) LYMPHOMA-CELLS BY COGNATE INTERACTION WITH CD4+ T-CELL CLONES JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Umetsu, D. T., Esserman, L., Donlon, T. A., DeKruyff, R. H., Levy, R. 1990; 144 (7): 2550-2557

    Abstract

    We examined stimuli which are required for the induction of in vitro proliferation of follicular lymphoma cells, a low grade non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation, t(14;18)(q32;q21), and by in vivo growth of the lymphoma cells in germinal center-like follicles infiltrated with CD4+ T cells. The purified follicular lymphoma cells, which are morphologically uniform, small, and dense, did not respond to stimulation with soluble lymphokines in the absence of T cells. Vigorous in vitro proliferation of follicular lymphoma cells was induced, however, when the follicular lymphoma cells were cultured with a CD4+ T cell clone which recognized alloantigens expressed by the lymphoma cells. This response required B-T cell contact, and was inhibited by anti-class II but not by anti-class I MHC mAb, indicating that these neoplastic B cells behaved as normal B cells and responded to normal activation and differentiation signals from T cells. After the cognate B lymphoma-T cell interaction occurred in culture, addition of IL-2 or IL-4 enhanced the proliferation of the tumor cells. These results, with a monoclonal and homogeneous population of B cells, affirm the idea that cognate interaction between B cells and Th cells is required for the effective activation of resting B cells. Moreover, these results suggest that a critical host-tumor interaction occurs in vivo, and that the polyclonal CD4+ T cells that infiltrate follicular lymphomas play a role in sustaining rather than inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. If so, therapies directed not only against the neoplastic cell but also against specific T cells and their cognate interactions with tumor cells may have a rationale.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990CX20100015

    View details for PubMedID 1969451

  • IDIOTYPIC VARIATION IN A HUMAN B-LYMPHOMA CELL-LINE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Berinstein, N., Campbell, M. J., Lam, K., CARSWELL, C., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1990; 144 (2): 752-758

    Abstract

    The Ig Id of a B cell lymphoma serves as a distinct marker of the malignant clone and thus as a tumor-specific target for antibody therapy. Somatic variation of the Ig genes expressed by B cell tumors can lead to loss of reactivity with anti-Id antibodies and escape of tumors from the therapeutic effects of such antibodies. In our study, we have used anti-Id antibodies to screen for variants within a cell line derived from a patient with a large cell lymphoma of the B cell type. Cells were simultaneously stained on their surface for idiotypic and for isotypic Ig determinants using reagents labeled with different fluorochromes. Tumor cells expressing intact Ig molecules with alteration of their idiotypic determinants were isolated with the fluorescence activated cell sorter. Idiotypic variation was an ongoing process in vitro with Id- variants being generated at a rate of 2.7 x 10(-4)/cell per generation and Ig- cells being produced at a rate of 1.31 x 10(-5)/cell per generation. Subcloned variants expressed subtle differences in reactivity with a panel of three non-cross-blocking anti-Id antibodies. Analysis of Ig gene rearrangements by the Southern blotting technique using a JH probe established that the variants and the original tumor cells were all clonally related. Immunoprecipitation of surface labeled Ig molecules from the variant subclones disclosed major alterations of the lambda-L chains with no gross alterations of the mu-H chains. Related studies have established that the tumor cells undergo rearrangement and expression of new lambda-L chain genes.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1990CH29500051

    View details for PubMedID 2295809

  • Therapy of lymphoma directed at idiotypes. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Monographs Levy, R., MILLER, R. A. 1990: 61-68

    Abstract

    Anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies are now available for up to one-third of all patients with B-cell cancer. This is because some antibodies made in the past for individual patients cross-react with the idiotype expressed by other patients' tumor cells. Clinical trials with anti-idiotype antibodies have demonstrated reproducible antitumor effects in patients who have failed conventional treatments. The anti-idiotype antibody treatments are not associated with any significant toxicity and rarely induce immune responses in patients with B-cell lymphoma. They can therefore be used repetitively. Future developments will include the combination of anti-idiotype antibodies with other biologic therapies and with chemotherapy. In addition, one may be able to induce the patient to make an active immune response against the idiotype expressed by his or her tumor cells.

    View details for PubMedID 1693283

  • AN EPITOPE OF THE TRANSFERRIN RECEPTOR IS EXPOSED ON THE CELL-SURFACE OF HIGH-GRADE BUT NOT LOW-GRADE HUMAN LYMPHOMAS BLOOD Esserman, L., Takahashi, S., Rojas, V., Warnke, R., Levy, R. 1989; 74 (8): 2718-2729

    Abstract

    In attempting to identify antigens that are differentially expressed on tumor cells following transformation from follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma (FSC) to immunoblastic lymphoma (IL), we identified a unique epitope of the transferrin receptor (TfR). The epitope is available for binding in aggressive lymphomas but not in indolent lymphomas or normal cells. An immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) antibody that binds this epitope, Trump, was produced by screening on tumor cells from a patient who initially had a low-grade lymphoma which subsequently converted to a high-grade lymphoma. Immunoprecipitation and comodulation studies show that Trump binds to the TfR, but blocking studies and immunostaining reveal that the TfR epitope seen by Trump is distinct from the OKT9 and anti-TfR binding sites. The ability of Trump to discriminate a separate population of more highly malignant cells suggests that the expression of the Trump epitope is determined by the state of activation or degree of malignancy of the cell. In addition, it may be possible to use the Trump antibody diagnostically or therapeutically in the management of lymphomas.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1989CB88100017

    View details for PubMedID 2479430

  • DNA FRAGMENTATION AND CELL-DEATH MEDIATED BY T-CELL ANTIGEN RECEPTOR CD3 COMPLEX ON A LEUKEMIA T-CELL LINE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Takahashi, S., Maecker, H. T., Levy, R. 1989; 19 (10): 1911-1919

    Abstract

    An anti-T cell receptor (TcR) monoclonal antibody (mAb), LC4, directed against a human leukemic T cell line, SUP-T13, caused DNA fragmentation ("apoptosis") and cell death upon binding to this cell line. Cross-linking of receptor molecules was necessary for this effect since F(ab')2, but not Fab', fragments of LC4 could induce cell death. Five anti-CD3 mAb tested also caused apoptosis, but only when they were presented on a solid phase. Interestingly, soluble anti-CD3 mAb induced calcium flux and had an additive effect on the calcium flux and interleukin 2 receptor expression induced by LC4, but these anti-CD3 mAb reversed the growth inhibition and apoptosis caused by LC4. The calcium ionophore A23187, but not the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), also induced apoptosis, suggesting that protein kinase C activation alone does not cause apoptosis, although PMA is growth inhibitory. These results suggest that two distinct biological phenomena can accompany stimulation of the TcR/CD3 complex. In both cases, calcium flux and interleukin 2 receptor expression is induced, but only in one case is apoptosis and cell death seen. The signal initiating apoptosis can be selectively prevented by binding CD3 portion of the receptor in this cell line. This difference in signals mediated by the TcR/CD3 complex may be important in explaining the process of thymic selection, as well as in choosing anti-TcR mAb for therapeutic use.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1989CD31500022

    View details for PubMedID 2531090

  • FUNCTIONAL IMMUNOGLOBULIN LIGHT CHAIN GENES ARE REPLACED BY ONGOING REARRANGEMENTS OF GERMLINE VK GENES TO DOWNSTREAM JK SEGMENTS IN A MURINE B-CELL LINE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Levy, S., Campbell, M. J., Levy, R. 1989; 170 (1): 1-13

    Abstract

    A murine B cell lymphoma (38C13) was subjected to immunoselection with mAbs directed against the idiotypic determinants of its cell surface Ig. Variants emerged with altered Ig receptors containing identical heavy chains but different light chains. The functional light chain genes in these variants were composed of V kappa segments drawn from the V kappa Ox-1 family, which had replaced the V kappa gene expressed by the parental tumor by rearranging to downstream J kappa segments. Rearrangement at the kappa locus continued to occur spontaneously, giving rise to secondary and tertiary variants at a rate of 1.9 x 10(-4) per cell per generation. Variants were isolated that had ceased production of surface Ig but went on to rearrange again and to become surface Ig+. The Ig- state may be an intermediate step providing a stimulus for continued rearrangement. This process provides an additional mechanism for generating diversity within B cell clones and expands the use of the available repertoire of Ig genes.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1989AE68500001

    View details for PubMedID 2501443

  • ANTIIDIOTYPE ANTIBODY THERAPY OF B-CELL LYMPHOMA SEMINARS IN ONCOLOGY Brown, S. L., MILLER, R. A., Levy, R. 1989; 16 (3): 199-210

    View details for Web of Science ID A1989U963200004

    View details for PubMedID 2658083

  • CYTO-TOXIC LYMPHOCYTE-T SPECIFIC FOR SELF TUMOR IMMUNOGLOBULIN EXPRESS T-CELL RECEPTOR DELTA-CHAIN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Wright, A., Lee, J. E., Link, M. P., Smith, S. D., Carroll, W., Levy, R., CLAYBERGER, C., KRENSKY, A. M. 1989; 169 (5): 1557-1564

    Abstract

    CTL are thought to play a role in the elimination of transformed cells in vivo. The effectiveness of such CTL is in part dependent on recognition of tumor specific antigens. Among the best characterized tumor-specific antigens are the unique or idiotypic determinants on the Ig of B cell lymphomas. Here we describe the generation and properties of human CTL specific for the idiotype on autologous B cell tumors. These cells are CD3+,CD4-,CD8- and express the delta chain of the TCR. Such cells may prove useful in tumor-specific adoptive therapy.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1989U366600004

    View details for PubMedID 2541219

  • ACTIVATION OF AN EXCLUDED IMMUNOGLOBULIN ALLELE IN A HUMAN B-LYMPHOMA CELL-LINE SCIENCE Berinstein, N., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1989; 244 (4902): 337-339

    Abstract

    Mature B cells that express surface immunoglobulin (Ig) are usually committed to their original Ig product. It was shown that such a cell can replace its light chain by rearranging and expressing a new light chain from the other allele. Anti-idiotype antibodies were used to isolate idiotypic variants from a surface IgM+lambda+ human B cell tumor line. The variants expressed a new lambda light chain. Both the original and the new lambda transcripts were present in the variant cells, but only the new one was expressed as a protein on the cell surface. Therefore, although the cell exhibited allelic exclusion and had only one Ig receptor at a time, the commitment to a particular light chain gene was reversible.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1989U213700028

    View details for PubMedID 2496466

  • TREATMENT OF B-CELL LYMPHOMAS WITH ANTI-IDIOTYPE ANTIBODIES ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH ALPHA INTERFERON BLOOD Brown, S. L., MILLER, R. A., Horning, S. J., Czerwinski, D., Hart, S. M., MCELDERRY, R., BASHAM, T., Warnke, R. A., Merigan, T. C., Levy, R. 1989; 73 (3): 651-661

    Abstract

    Idiotypes are distinct clonal markers for B-cell lymphomas. Previously we reported the use of anti-idiotype antibodies in the therapy of patients with B-cell malignancies. Because synergy was demonstrated with the addition of alpha interferon to anti-idiotype antibodies in a murine lymphoma model, we performed a clinical trial combining these two agents. Here we provide an update of the original trial of anti-idiotype antibodies alone and report the outcome of the new combination trial. In 16 treatment courses of anti-idiotype antibodies alone there were seven partial responses and one complete response. In 12 courses of combination anti-idiotype antibody and alpha interferon there were two complete responses and seven partial responses. Substantial tumor regressions occurred with minimal toxicity in both trials even in patients refractory to conventional chemotherapy. Tumor specimens obtained at the time of disease progression often contained a preponderance of idiotype-negative lymphoma cells, suggesting that anti-idiotype antibody treatment exerted a strong antitumor effect against antigen-positive cells. Anti-idiotype antibodies have reproducible objective antitumor activity in B-cell lymphoma. The addition of alpha interferon may improve the initial rate of response to this treatment. Strategies that deal effectively with idiotype-negative lymphoma cells should improve the extent and duration of these responses.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1989T250100006

    View details for PubMedID 2465039

  • PREVALENCE OF ANTIGEN RECEPTOR VARIANTS IN HUMAN T-CELL LINES AND TUMORS JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Maecker, H. T., Levy, R. 1989; 142 (4): 1395-1404

    Abstract

    Previously, we have shown that a human T acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, HPB-ALL, exhibits clonal heterogeneity within its Ag receptor, as revealed by varying reactivity patterns with a panel of anti-idiotype mAb. We now extend these findings to another human T acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, SUP-T13, and to two fresh human chronic lymphocytic leukemias, JE and EF. In the two cell lines, two types of Ag receptor variants could be found: those that retained a receptor molecule but lost reactivity with an anti-idiotype mAb (idiotype variants), and those which had lost surface receptor expression completely (receptor-negative variants). The idiotype variants, at least in HPB-ALL, have differentially glycosylated receptor alpha-chains from the parent. The receptor-negative cells, in HPB-ALL as well as in SUP-T13, produce cytoplasmic receptor and CD3 proteins but do not transport them to the surface. Neither idiotype nor receptor-negative variants could be detected in either of the fresh tumors of chronic lymphocytic leukemias. The limit of sensitivity in these analyses was about 0.05%. We conclude that antigen receptor variants can spontaneously occur in cell lines derived from acute lymphoblastic leukemias, but are infrequent in chronic lymphocytic leukemias in vivo, and that therapy with anti-idiotype mAb may be a viable strategy for these malignancies.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1989T159900046

    View details for PubMedID 2783711

  • Development of a new therapeutic approach to B cell malignancy. The induction of immunity by the host against cell surface receptor on the tumor. International reviews of immunology Campbell, M. J., Esserman, L., BYARS, N. E., Allison, A. C., Levy, R. 1989; 4 (4): 251-270

    View details for PubMedID 2519929

  • ALTERNATIVE V-KAPPA GENE REARRANGEMENTS IN A MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA - AN EXPLANATION FOR IDIOTYPIC HETEROGENEITY JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Carroll, W. L., Starnes, C. O., Levy, R., Levy, S. 1988; 168 (5): 1607-1620

    Abstract

    Idiotype variants of 38C13, a murine B cell lymphoma, have been isolated by immunoselection with antiidiotype mAbs. The V region genes for the kappa light chains and mu heavy chains expressed by these tumor cells were sequenced and compared. There was no evidence for V region somatic point mutation in this tumor. However, while the heavy chain genes were all identical, the light chain genes were all different. The light chain genes of each variant were derived from the V kappa-Ox1 gene family and joined to J kappa 4, whereas the light chain gene of the parental tumor was derived from the V kappa 9 family and joined to J kappa 2. Two of the variants used the identical V kappa gene but differed by the inclusion of a variable number of additional nucleotides in the V/J joint. Thus, the idiotypic heterogeneity of this B cell lymphoma arises as a consequence of alternative light chain rearrangements rather than point mutation. This process repetitively uses members of the same V kappa gene family. Two of the variants use the identical V kappa and J kappa gene segments but differ by the presence of extra nucleotides at the V kappa/J kappa joint.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988Q904300008

    View details for PubMedID 3141553

  • SPONTANEOUS T-CELL ANTIGEN RECEPTOR VARIANTS OF A HUMAN T-LEUKEMIA CELL-LINE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Maecker, H. T., Levy, R. 1988; 141 (9): 2994-3002

    Abstract

    We have sought to address the question of clonal variation of TCR within a human T leukemia cell line, HPB-ALL. To do so, a panel of anti-idiotypic antibodies was produced and the cell line examined for variants. We isolated both spontaneous idiotype and receptor-negative variants without applying mutagens or any selective pressure other than sorting the cells. These sorted and cloned populations are all clonally related to each other as shown by their beta-TCR locus gene rearrangements. The idiotype variants have alpha-chains which are differentially glycosylated, but they have the same size core protein after treatment with peptide N-glycosidase F to remove their carbohydrate side chains. This probably accounts for their idiotypic difference, since the antibody that distinguishes them appears dependent upon glycosylation for its binding, as shown by immunoprecipitation in the presence versus the absence of tunicamycin, which inhibits glycosylation from occurring. The idiotype variants differed from one another in variable region sequences by only a single amino acid substitution in the beta-chain, which is likely not important for the idiotypic difference. The receptor-negative variant produces both alpha- and beta-mRNA and cytoplasmic protein for TCR, but fails to transport this protein to the cell surface. We conclude that idiotype and receptor-negative variants of a T cell clone can occur in the absence of appreciable somatic mutation.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988Q532300018

    View details for PubMedID 3262674

  • IMMUNOTHERAPY OF ESTABLISHED MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA - COMBINATION OF IDIOTYPE IMMUNIZATION AND CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Campbell, M. J., Esserman, L., Levy, R. 1988; 141 (9): 3227-3233

    Abstract

    A murine B cell lymphoma (38C13) was used to study the efficacy of idiotype immunotherapy against established tumors. Immunization of mice with 38C13 tumor-derived Ig, administered after a lethal tumor inoculation, significantly prolonged survival of animals compared to control groups. The efficacy of active immunotherapy was dramatically enhanced when combined with chemotherapy. Cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg), administered in combination with idiotype immunization to mice bearing 10-day-old, 1 to 2 cm diameter s.c. tumors, resulted in a significant prolongation of survival as compared with either cyclophosphamide or immunization alone and yielded approximately 50% cures. Additional studies combining active immunotherapy with surgical excision of the primary s.c. tumor nodule were less effective than combination chemoimmunotherapy, indicating that reduction of tumor burden was necessary, but not sufficient for effective treatment of established 38C13 lymphoma.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988Q532300054

    View details for PubMedID 3049819

  • SYNERGISTIC ANTITUMOR-ACTIVITY WITH IFN AND MONOCLONAL ANTI-IDIOTYPE FOR MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA - MECHANISM OF ACTION JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY BASHAM, T. Y., RACE, E. R., Campbell, M. J., Reid, T. R., Levy, R., Merigan, T. C. 1988; 141 (8): 2855-2860

    Abstract

    Combination therapy with syngeneic anti-idiotype antibody and human hybrid rIFN-alpha A/D synergistically increase survival in C3H/HeN mice challenged with a lethal dose of tumor cells. C3H/HeJ mice, which have previously been described to be LPS hyporesponsive and have a defect in Fc gamma R function, did not respond to anti-idiotype therapy as well as C3H/HeN normal mice. This defect was completely corrected in animals treated simultaneously with IFN. Anti-idiotype mAb that was cleaved into F(ab')2 fragments no longer had any antitumor activity alone and could not be enhanced by IFN therapy. These results suggest that antibody is functioning through Fc gamma R-bearing effector cells that are enhanced by IFN therapy. Synergy between IFN and anti-idiotype mAb was maintained in nude mice lacking classical T cells but was reduced in C3H beige mice lacking classical NK/killer cells. IFN did not increase idiotype expression on the tumor cells but did increase H-2 expression. Although we have previously shown that rIFN-alpha A/D can directly kill 38C13 in vitro, an IFN-resistant subclone derived from 38C13, SIR-1, was equally or more responsive to human rIFN-alpha A/D in vivo and had a synergistic antitumor response to combination IFN and anti-idiotype therapy, indicating that IFN acts primarily through host mediated effects rather than direct effects.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988Q342300052

    View details for PubMedID 2971732

  • MUTATIONAL HOT SPOTS IN IG V-REGION GENES OF HUMAN FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMAS JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Levy, S., Mendel, E., Kon, S., Avnur, Z., Levy, R. 1988; 168 (2): 475-489

    Abstract

    The genes coding for the Ig light chains expressed in two cases of human follicular lymphoma were cloned and sequenced. In each case, multiple independent isolates of the tumor population were compared. Although each tumor represented a single clone of B cells with a unique V/J joint, different cells within each tumor had accumulated multiple point mutations in the V gene during clonal expansion. Most of the mutations observed were silent, but some resulted in amino acid replacements. Identical silent mutations were often observed in independent isolates of each tumor. By combining the current data with VH sequences obtained previously from the same cells, it was apparent that the repetitive silent mutations could not be explained solely by a genealogic tree. Such mutations could represent hot spots whose tendency to mutate may be influenced by neighboring DNA sequences or by the methylation of specific cytosine residues.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988P872200002

    View details for PubMedID 3045247

  • COMPARISON OF COMBINATIONS OF INTERFERONS WITH TUMOR SPECIFIC AND NONSPECIFIC MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES AS THERAPY FOR MURINE B-CELL AND T-CELL LYMPHOMAS CANCER RESEARCH BASHAM, T. Y., Palladino, M. A., BADGER, C. C., Bernstein, I. D., Levy, R., Merigan, T. C. 1988; 48 (15): 4196-4200

    Abstract

    Two murine models, C3H 38C13 B-cell lymphoma and AKR SL2 T-cell lymphoma were used to determine the efficacy of three different interferon preparations, recombinant human hybrid interferon-alpha A/D, recombinant murine interferon (rMIFN)-gamma, and natural MIFN-alpha/beta (greater than or equal to 85% beta), alone and in combination with tumor specific and nonspecific monoclonal antibody therapy. All three interferon preparations have direct in vitro antigrowth activity for 38C13 and SL2. All three interferons have direct antitumor activity in vivo for 38C13 lymphoma at high doses; however, none of these interferons has independent antitumor activity for SL2 in vivo. These data indicate that there is no relationship between in vitro growth cytostasis/cytolysis and in vivo antitumor response. All three interferon preparations will potentiate both tumor specific and nonspecific monoclonal antibody therapy. Natural MIFN-alpha/beta and recombinant human hybrid interferon-alpha A/D, which should share a common cell surface receptor, had similar antitumor activity in both models. Combining recombinant human hybrid interferon-alpha A/D and rMIFN-gamma therapy was not additive for 38C13 lymphoma and a three-way combination with antiidiotype was not significantly more effective than combination therapy with one interferon type. In general, rMIFN-gamma was more effective in in vivo combination therapy against the s.c. T-cell lymphoma than against the i.p. B-cell lymphoma and was more synergistic with anti-Thy1.1 than with antiidiotype.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988P330500011

    View details for PubMedID 2455592

  • HETEROGENEITY OF A MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA - ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IDIOTYPIC VARIANTS JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Starnes, C. O., Carroll, W. L., Campbell, M. J., Houston, L. L., Apell, G., Levy, R. 1988; 141 (1): 333-339

    Abstract

    mAb directed toward the idiotype of the 38C13 murine B cell lymphoma can be used to treat and cure a high percentage of mice challenged previously with an otherwise lethal dose of tumor cells. Tumors developing in animals despite antibody therapy were examined by immunofluorescence and found to demonstrate either loss of surface Ig, or expression of an altered idiotype that no longer bound the antibody used for treatment. Further immunofluorescence analysis of the variant tumors revealed individual patterns of cross-reactivity with anti-38C13 idiotype mAb other than that used for therapy. The variant tumor cells were fused to myeloma cells and hybrids were isolated which secreted large quantities of the altered idiotype proteins. Polyclonal antibodies and mAb prepared against the mutant proteins demonstrated cross-reactivity with the original 38C13 protein and its other variants. But the variants and wild type cells could be distinguished from each other by their patterns of reactivity with the panels of anti-idiotype antibodies. Differences in apparent m.w. were demonstrated in the L chains of each of the mutant proteins. Southern blot analysis of the H chain locus of these mutants established that they were all clonally related; however, the L chain loci were grossly different. Thus, rare cells with alteration in their Ig L chain genes and expressed proteins can give rise to idiotype variants in this B cell tumor.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988N994900048

    View details for PubMedID 3132505

  • SPECIFIC ENHANCEMENT OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ANTI-IDIOTYPE ANTIBODIES ON A MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA BY IL-2 JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Berinstein, N., Starnes, C. O., Levy, R. 1988; 140 (8): 2839-2845

    Abstract

    We have previously reported on the augmentation of monoclonal anti-Id antibodies by IL-2 in the therapy of a murine B cell lymphoma. The mechanism of this augmentation was through the expansion by IL-2 of effector cells mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. In this paper we explore the power of IL-2 to enhance anti-Id therapy on larger tumor burdens and at sites distant from the site of injection. The combination treatment was able to induce regression of established 1-cm s.c. tumors associated with microscopic metastatic tumor in lungs, liver, and spleen. Further studies into the mechanism of activity showed that IL-2 was unable to augment in vivo or in vitro tumor lysis by F(ab')2 fragments, thus emphasizing the importance of Fc interactions with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity effector cells. FcR-bearing NK cells were increased in the peritoneum of IL-2-treated mice. The augmented therapeutic effect by the combination treatment was specific for tumor cells expressing the target Id, and non-specific cytotoxicity on Id-negative variants was not seen.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988M900100057

    View details for PubMedID 3258621

  • IDIOTYPE AS A TUMOR-SPECIFIC MARKER IN CHILDHOOD B-CELL ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC-LEUKEMIA BLOOD Carroll, W. L., Link, M. P., Cleary, M. L., Bologna, S., CARSWELL, C., Amylon, M. D., Smith, S. D., Levy, R. 1988; 71 (4): 1068-1073

    Abstract

    Immunoglobulin (Ig) or idiotype (Id) is a tumor-specific target in those B cell malignancies that express this molecule on their surface. We explored the biology of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B cell ALL) using Id as a tumor marker. In this report we describe the development of anti-Id monoclonal antibodies (MAB) for two children with B cell ALL. These reagents were used retrospectively to study tumor kinetics and to detect residual disease after chemotherapy. In both cases serum Id values were strikingly high at diagnosis (1.2 mg/mL and 10.8 mg/mL), suggesting that the tumor cells were relatively mature B cells capable of significant antibody production. In both patients the serum Id levels fell with the institution of therapy and confirmed that the patients were in remission. Increasing serum Id predicted relapse four months before conventional methods in patient 1, and Id proved to be a more sensitive measure of tumor burden than Southern blot analysis of rearranged Ig genes in bone marrow samples. Surprisingly, low levels of Id were redetected in the second patient just before completing therapy and have persisted for over a year despite the absence of clinical evidence of recurrent disease. Thus, serum Id levels reflect tumor burden during initial therapy but may not necessarily predict tumor progression after a complete clinical remission.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988M985300037

    View details for PubMedID 3128346

  • SINGLE CELL ORIGIN OF BIGENOTYPIC AND BIPHENOTYPIC B-CELL PROLIFERATIONS IN HUMAN FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMAS JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Cleary, M. L., Galili, N., Trela, M., Levy, R., Sklar, J. 1988; 167 (2): 582-597

    Abstract

    To investigate the possible relatedness of the subpopulations that make up so-called biclonal lymphomas, we examined five bigenotypic and biphenotypic follicular lymphomas using DNA probes specific for the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation, which is a characteristic feature of these neoplasms. On Southern blot analysis, both subpopulations from four of five lymphomas contained comigrating t(14;18) DNA rearrangements, confirming the single cell origins for these neoplasms. No comigrating t(14;18) DNA rearrangements were observed in the fifth lymphoma, but nucleotide sequence analysis of cloned, breakpoint DNA showed identical t(14;18) crossovers in the two subpopulations. The migration differences of both the Ig and chromosome 18 DNA rearrangements were shown to result from somatically acquired mutations of the Ig genes from the fifth lymphoma. These studies indicate that Ig gene rearrangements and idiotope expression are not consistently stable clonal markers since they are subject to variability as a result of somatic mutation. Although translocated chromosome 18 DNA rearrangements are more reliable, they may also vary among cells of some tumors since somatic mutation can affect, as well, DNA of translocated alleles in follicular lymphomas.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1988M473200025

    View details for PubMedID 3126254

  • ANTIBODY-DIRECTED TARGETING OF LIPOSOMES TO HUMAN CELL-LINES - ROLE OF BINDING AND INTERNALIZATION ON GROWTH-INHIBITION CANCER RESEARCH Berinstein, N., Matthay, K. K., Papahadjopoulos, D., Levy, R., Sikic, B. I. 1987; 47 (22): 5954-5959

    Abstract

    Small unilamellar liposomes containing methotrexate or methotrexate-gamma-aspartate were conjugated to Staphylococcus aureus protein A and were thus able to bind cell-specific immunoglobulins for targeting to malignant human B- and T-cell lines. We were able to demonstrate enhanced protein A liposome uptake and growth inhibition by targeting with an anti-major histocompatibility complex class II antibody recognizing two different B-cell lines. The enhanced growth inhibition was specific for the targeting antibody and amounted to a 2- to 3-fold lowering of the concentration of drug required to inhibit cell growth by 50% as compared to nontargeted liposomes or liposomes targeted with an antibody not recognizing a cell surface antigen. A strong association between enhanced growth inhibition and liposome internalization as assessed by fluorescent-activated cell sorter analysis of carboxyfluorescein containing protein A liposomes was seen. By contrast, specific enhancement of growth inhibition was not seen with several anti-idiotype antibodies or antibodies to T-cell differentiation antigens. Liposome internalization did not occur with these antibodies. Failure of growth inhibition and PA liposome internalization could not be explained by differences in cell binding of the antibody PA liposomes or the degree of protein A binding of the targeting antibody. Although the ability of the targeting antibody to bind to the cell and to protein A are important, these factors alone are not sufficient to guarantee internalization and growth inhibition. Variations in rates of internalization of various cell surface antigen-antibody complexes may account for different protein A liposome mediated cytotoxicities.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1987K885800026

    View details for PubMedID 3664498

  • IDIOTYPE VACCINATION AGAINST MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA - HUMORAL AND CELLULAR-RESPONSES ELICITED BY TUMOR-DERIVED IMMUNOGLOBULIN-M AND ITS MOLECULAR SUBUNITS JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Campbell, M. J., Carroll, W., Kon, S., Thielemans, K., Rothbard, J. B., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1987; 139 (8): 2825-2833

    Abstract

    C3H/HeN mice were immunized with idiotypic immunoglobulin M (IgM) and its molecular subunits from the syngeneic 38C13 lymphoma. Immunization with idiotypic IgM (38C-Id) resulted in idiotype-specific humoral and cellular immunity and protection against a lethal tumor cell challenge. Heavy (H38C) and light (L38C) chains were isolated by electroelution from preparative polyacrylamide gels. Both of these immunogens induced significant resistance to a subsequent tumor challenge. Variable region immunogens, in the form of trpE-fusion proteins, were obtained by cloning heavy and light chain variable region genes into the expression plasmid pATH-11. Of these, only the trpE-VH38C immunogen yielded immune resistance to tumor challenge. Finally, the nucleic acid sequence of 38C-Id light chain was determined and, based on the corresponding amino acid sequence and an analysis of predicted secondary structure, a region of potential antigenicity in complementarity-determining region 3 was chosen for the production of a synthetic peptide. Vaccination with this synthetic peptide resulted in significant suppression of tumor growth. Analysis of the humoral and cellular immunity generated by these vaccines revealed the presence of antibodies reactive with native idiotypic IgM only in 38C-Id, H38C, and trpE-VH38C immune sera, although the latter two were not idiotype-specific. Idiotype-specific lymphocytes, which proliferated in response to native 38C-Id, were observed in all immune animals. With the exception of the fusion protein immunogens, conjugation to an immunogenic carrier protein (keyhole limpet hemocyanin or thyroglobulin) was required for optimal humoral and cellular responses.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1987K320700049

    View details for PubMedID 3498771

  • TREATMENT OF A MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMA WITH MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES AND IL-2 JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Berinstein, N., Levy, R. 1987; 139 (3): 971-976

    Abstract

    A transplantable murine B cell lymphoma was used to study combination therapy with anti-idiotype antibody and interleukin 2 (IL 2). Class-switched IgG2a and IgG2b antibodies were compared. A marked additive and sometimes synergistic effect was seen when IL 2 was combined with either IgG2a or IgG2b anti-idiotype antibodies. A synergistic effect was also seen when similar experiments were performed in nude mice. In vitro antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays showed that IL 2 enhanced antibody-mediated lysis by peritoneal cells exposed to IL 2 in vitro in a dose-related manner. Peritoneal cells harvested from mice treated in vivo with IL 2 contained an increased number of T cells and asialo GM+ natural killer cells, and also mediated enhanced ADCC. Depletion of natural killer cells with anti-asialo GM and complement resulted in a marked decrease in the antibody-dependent cytotoxicity mediated by these peritoneal cells. The mechanism of synergy between monoclonal antibody and IL 2 may be due to the direct or indirect activation of natural killer cells mediating ADCC.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1987J362700049

    View details for PubMedID 3496394

  • ISOLATION OF ANTIIDIOTYPIC ANTIBODIES TO T-CELLS USING AN ANTI-FRAMEWORK DETERMINANT ANTIBODY JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGICAL METHODS Maecker, H. T., Kitamura, K., Brenner, M. B., Levy, R. 1987; 98 (2): 219-226

    Abstract

    A panel of anti-idiotypic antibodies to the T cell line HPB-ALL was produced by screening with a novel enzyme-linked immunoadsorption assay (ELISA). Using the beta framework I (beta F1) monoclonal antibody directed at a common determinant on the human T cell receptor beta subunit, we were able to specifically capture the receptor molecule from a cell lysate preparation and use this as the basis of an ELISA assay. Hybridoma supernatants were tested for their ability to bind to the receptor thus captured. A total of four antibodies were isolated by this method, and they were shown to immunoprecipitate a disulfide-linked heterodimer composed of alpha (49 kDa) and beta (40 kDa) subunits from HPB-ALL cells, similar to the subunits recognized by the beta F1 antibody. Furthermore, all four antibodies blocked the binding of T40/25, an anti-idiotype to HPB-ALL. Three of these antibodies blocked the binding of anti-Leu 4 to a similar degree as did T40/25, while one did not. This suggests that these new anti-idiotypic antibodies recognize distinct but associated idiotypic determinants. The isolation of such antibodies for any particular T cell line or tumor promises to be useful for biological studies of T cell malignancy in humans.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1987G904800008

    View details for PubMedID 2437204

  • INVITRO TESTS THAT PREDICT TUMOR-ASSOCIATED IDIOTYPE LEVELS IN THE SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH B-CELL LYMPHOMAS AND LEUKEMIAS BLOOD MILLER, R. A., Lowder, J. N., Gralow, J., Meeker, T., Levy, R. 1987; 69 (4): 1249-1254

    Abstract

    The presence of circulating tumor idiotype interferes with the in vivo effectiveness of anti-idiotype antibodies. We developed two assays that permit identification of patients with high levels of serum idiotype without the need for first producing an anti-idiotype antibody. A cell suspension made from the tumor was cultured for seven days with or without phytohemagglutin (PHA) and/or phorbol myristic acetate (PMA). Ig secretion in vitro by patients' tumor cells varied. In 4 patients, no secretion in vitro occurred, 5 patients had low levels, and 5 patients had high levels of Ig secretion. In three patients, Ig secretion occurred only after stimulation with PHA, PMA, or both. Spontaneous or induced immunoglobulin secretion in vitro is related to the levels of tumor idiotype secretion that exist in vivo. Eight patients with serum idiotype levels greater than 100 micrograms/mL (mean 265 micrograms/mL), had a minimum of 1.0 microgram/10(6) cells of idiotype secretion in vitro. Nine patients with serum idiotype levels less than 30 micrograms/mL (mean 3.7 micrograms/mL), had less than or equal to 0.5 microgram/10(6) cells of idiotype secretion in vitro. In another assay, the levels of IgM kappa and IgM lambda in patients' sera were compared with those in normal serum. An imbalance in the relative amounts of IgM kappa and IgM lambda indicated high levels of circulating idiotype in the serum, but this assay was less sensitive than the in vitro secretion assay and limited to IgM-secreting tumors. These assays will be useful for future clinical studies using anti-idiotype antibodies.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1987G733000042

    View details for PubMedID 3103720

  • ANTI-IDIOTYPE ANTIBODIES REVEAL THE EXISTENCE OF SOMATIC MUTATION IN HUMAN B-CELL LYMPHOMA MONOGRAPHS IN ALLERGY Levy, R., Levy, S., Brown, S. L., Kon, S., Carroll, W. 1987; 22: 194-203

    View details for Web of Science ID A1987L484700023

    View details for PubMedID 3325832

  • STUDIES ON B-LYMPHOID TUMORS TREATED WITH MONOCLONAL ANTIIDIOTYPE ANTIBODIES - CORRELATION WITH CLINICAL-RESPONSES BLOOD Lowder, J. N., MEEKER, T. C., Campbell, M., Garcia, C. F., Gralow, J., MILLER, R. A., Warnke, R., Levy, R. 1987; 69 (1): 199-210

    Abstract

    Monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies can be made which are exquisitely specific for B lymphocytic malignancies. We have conducted a clinical trial in which some patients' tumors regressed after infusion of such antibodies. Here, we evaluated characteristics of the antibodies, the tumors, and the patients to determine which features best correlated with the clinical response. Neither the isotype of the murine antibodies, nor their avidity were predictive of clinical outcome. The specific epitope to which the antibodies bound was characterized by immunochemical techniques. Reactivity with a heavy-light chain combinatorial determinant correlated somewhat with clinical effect. Variations in the characteristics of the individual tumors such as antigen sites per cell and ability to modulate the surface immunoglobulin were not predictive of response. In one patient with prolymphocytic leukemia the anti-idiotype antibody had a direct antiproliferative effect on tumor cells in vitro. This patient's tumor response was explainable by such a direct mechanism. In the other patients, who had lymphomas, therapeutic outcome correlated with the number of host nontumor cells infiltrating the tumor. The vast majority of these nontumor cells were mature T lymphocytes of the Leu 4, Leu 3 (T3, T4) phenotype. Thus, a preexistent host-tumor interaction seems to be important in the in vivo effect of anti-idiotype antibodies in B cell tumors.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1987F547000034

    View details for PubMedID 2431729

  • SYNERGISTIC ANTITUMOR EFFECT OF INTERFERON AND ANTIIDIOTYPE MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY IN MURINE LYMPHOMA JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY BASHAM, T. Y., Kaminski, M. S., Kitamura, K., Levy, R., Merigan, T. C. 1986; 137 (9): 3019-3024

    Abstract

    Both IFN-alpha and anti-idiotype monoclonal antibody therapy have significant antitumor activity in vivo in a murine B cell lymphoma model. Combination therapy with syngeneic anti-idiotype antibody of the IgG2a or IgG2b isotype (a single i.p. injection of 100 micrograms) and recombinant human hybrid interferon-alpha A/D (10(4) to 10(6) U three times weekly for 3 wk) synergistically increased median survival time in mice challenged with a lethal dose of tumor cells compared with the sum of the median survival times of the two individual treatments. IFN-alpha has direct antiproliferative activity against 38C13 in vitro and enhances in vitro macrophage anti-idiotype antibody-specific cytolysis for IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG1 isotypes.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1986E489100046

    View details for PubMedID 3760580

  • A UNIQUE ANTIGEN ON MATURE B-CELLS DEFINED BY A MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Link, M. P., Bindl, J., MEEKER, T. C., CARSWELL, C., DOSS, C. A., Warnke, R. A., Levy, R. 1986; 137 (9): 3013-3018

    Abstract

    A novel 42,000 dalton antigen (MB-1) expressed by mature human B cells in blood and tonsil was identified and characterized by utilizing a hybridoma monoclonal antibody. A comparison of MB-1 with other known B cell antigens suggests that the MB-1 antigen has not been previously identified. From one-and two-color immunofluorescence studies, it appears that the MB-1 antigen is found on all normal immunoglobulin (Ig)-expressing cells, but not on T cells, thymocytes, granulocytes, or platelets. Studies of malignant B cell tumors reveal that the antigen is expressed by virtually all Ig-expressing B cell tumors but only 10% of SIg- B-lineage leukemias. Data from these studies suggest that the MB-1 antigen is expressed late in B cell ontogeny before the expression of SIg.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1986E489100045

    View details for PubMedID 3489782

  • The immunobiology of B cell lymphoma: clonal heterogeneity as revealed by anti-idiotype antibodies and immunoglobulin gene probes. Symposium on Fundamental Cancer Research Levy, R., Meeker, T., Lowder, J., Levy, S., Thielemans, K., Warnke, R. A., Cleary, M. L., Sklar, J. 1986; 38: 261-268

    View details for PubMedID 3529276

  • MOUSE X HUMAN HETEROHYBRIDOMAS AS FUSION PARTNERS WITH HUMAN B-CELL TUMORS JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGICAL METHODS Carroll, W. L., Thielemans, K., Dilley, J., Levy, R. 1986; 89 (1): 61-72

    Abstract

    Surface idiotype (Id) of B cell malignancies is an excellent tumor-specific marker. We have, however, recently described heterogeneity of tumor Id in some cases. We therefore sought a way to isolate, reliably and efficiently, different species of idiotype from a potentially heterogeneous population. In this report we demonstrate our success using a series of mouse X human heterohybridomas as fusion partners with human B cell tumors. Three lines (K6H6/B5, K6H9/G12, SBC/H20) demonstrated excellent fusion efficiency with 75%-85% of wells plated containing hybrids. Two cell lines, K6H9/G12 and SBC/H20 had a tendency to secrete a single Ig chain (heavy or light chain), whereas the K6H6/B5 cell line secreted whole immunoglobulin (Ig) in greater than 80% of the hybrids. This line secreted significant amounts of Ig (2.73 micrograms/ml/10(6) cells) and was relatively stable in culture. Since this line has such a high fusion efficiency the products of normal B cells admixed with tumor may be recovered, allowing the opportunity of isolating host anti-tumor antibodies. In order to prove that hybrids were derived from the tumor, Southern blot analysis of rearranged DNA was performed in selected cases. Fusions with this line provide the potential for recovering many different species of idiotype in a mixed population. This will facilitate the production of mouse monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies against many variants and against different idiotopes.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1986C112000008

    View details for PubMedID 3084658

  • CLUSTERING OF EXTENSIVE SOMATIC MUTATIONS IN THE VARIABLE REGION OF AN IMMUNOGLOBULIN HEAVY-CHAIN GENE FROM A HUMAN B-CELL LYMPHOMA CELL Cleary, M. L., MEEKER, T. C., Levy, S., Lee, E., Trela, M., Sklar, J., Levy, R. 1986; 44 (1): 97-106

    Abstract

    Following treatment of a human B cell lymphoma with an anti-idiotype antibody, a subpopulation of tumor cells remained that had lost the tumor-specific heavy chain idiotypic determinant. Nucleotide sequence analyses of eight independent heavy chain variable region isolates showed extensive point mutations, so that no two sequences were identical. Comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment sequences implicated an amino acid in CDR2 as being involved in the idiotypic determinant. Apparently the malignant B cells escaped the therapeutic effects of the anti-idiotype antibody through an ongoing process of somatic mutation in their immunoglobulin genes. Non-random clustering of amino acid replacements in CDR2 suggested that growth of the tumor may have been influenced by endogenous selective forces interacting with the tumor cell-surface immunoglobulin.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1986AYV3400011

    View details for PubMedID 3079673

  • SYNGENEIC ANTIIDIOTYPIC IMMUNE-RESPONSES TO A B-CELL LYMPHOMA - COMPARISON BETWEEN HEAVY-CHAIN HYPERVARIABLE REGION PEPTIDES AND INTACT IG AS IMMUNOGENS JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Thielemans, K., Rothbard, J. B., Levy, S., Levy, R. 1985; 162 (1): 19-34

    Abstract

    The nucleic acid sequence of the heavy chain variable region (VH) expressed by 38C13, a B cell tumor of C3H origin, was determined by a combination of direct (messenger RNA) mRNA sequencing by primer extension and complementary DNA (cDNA) isolation and sequencing in M13. The VH amino acid sequence was deduced, and hypervariable regions were identified. From an analysis of predicted secondary structure, regions of predicted antigenicity were chosen, and a series of synthetic peptides corresponding to CDR2 and CDR3 (complementarity-determining region) were produced. These peptides were coupled to protein carriers and used to immunize syngeneic C3H mice. All peptides gave rise to a vigorous antibody response. However, only the CDR3 peptides induced antibodies that crossreacted with the isolated H chain protein. Only one CDR3 peptide induced antibody-producing clones, isolated as hybridomas, that reacted with the intact IgM protein. However, the appearance of these clones was a low-frequency event. All antibodies reacting with the H chain or the intact IgM protein were idiotypically specific for 38C13. These monoclonal antiidiotype (anti-Id) antibodies, raised against CDR3 peptides, gave strong reactions in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunoblots, but they were of low affinity compared to syngeneic anti-Id raised against the intact IgM protein. Moreover, while the intact IgM was capable of inducing tumor immunity, the CDR peptides were not able to do so.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1985ALW4900002

    View details for PubMedID 3925067

  • MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY THERAPY OF LYMPHOID MALIGNANCY CANCER SURVEYS Lowder, J. N., MEEKER, T. C., Levy, R. 1985; 4 (2): 359-375

    Abstract

    Monoclonal antibodies which bind to tumour cell surface antigens have produced regressions of malignancies in an increasing number of clinical trials. The largest experience to date is in the treatment of refractory B and T lymphoid tumours using a variety of intravenously administered mouse monoclonal antibodies. Treatment with antibodies against common differentiation antigens or very specific anti-idiotype antibodies has been effective in both cases. Toxicity has been acceptably low. A number of problems which limit the application and efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy of lymphoid malignancy have been identified. Most prominent among these are tumour heterogeneity, which allows non-antibody binding subpopulations of the tumour to escape therapy, and the patient's immunological response to the monoclonal antibody-tumour cell complex. As more experience is accumulated, solutions to these problems will be found.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1985AXK0700005

    View details for PubMedID 3842318

  • EMERGENCE OF IDIOTYPE VARIANTS DURING TREATMENT OF B-CELL LYMPHOMA WITH ANTI-IDIOTYPE ANTIBODIES NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Meeker, T., Lowder, J., Cleary, M. L., Stewart, S., Warnke, R., Sklar, J., Levy, R. 1985; 312 (26): 1658-1665

    Abstract

    We studied two patients with malignant B-cell lymphoma that manifested resistance to the therapeutic effects of anti-idiotype antibody because of the emergence of subclones with changes in their immunoglobulin idiotypes. In both patients, tumor-cell populations arose that were unreactive with anti-idiotype antibody but that retained surface immunoglobulin. One of the patients had an additional subpopulation of tumor cells that had switched from mu to gamma heavy-chain expression. Study of the immunoglobulin genes in the tumors confirmed that the subpopulations were derived from the same original clone of neoplastic B cells in each patient. The available data suggest that the idiotypic variation observed was the result of somatic mutation in the variable region of the active immunoglobulin genes. The fact that such mutations became evident over a short time and in the context of a partial tumor response suggests that the antibody therapy exerted a strong selective force against tumor cells that expressed the idiotype determinant. Multiple anti-idiotype antibodies may therefore be needed to identify all cells of a malignant clone, and some patients may require treatment with more than one monoclonal antibody.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1985AKT8700002

    View details for PubMedID 3923352

  • A CLINICAL-TRIAL OF ANTI-IDIOTYPE THERAPY FOR B-CELL MALIGNANCY BLOOD MEEKER, T. C., Lowder, J., Maloney, D. G., MILLER, R. A., Thielemans, K., Warnke, R., Levy, R. 1985; 65 (6): 1349-1363

    Abstract

    Eleven patients with B lymphocytic malignancy were treated with mouse monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies. All but one of the patients in this study had received extensive prior treatment with conventional lymphoma therapy. All antibodies were prepared against, and uniquely reactive with, the patient's own tumor. Ten patients were treated with a single antibody, but one patient received three antibodies concurrently. The treatment protocol initially used an escalating dose schedule that was intended to evaluate toxicity, pharmacokinetics and, eventually, to achieve appreciable levels of free mouse antibody in the circulation. The last two patients received substantial initial doses. Tumor sampling was performed before and during therapy to evaluate tissue penetration by antibody. None of the patients had serum paraproteins by routine clinical testing, but six had idiotype protein detectable by a sensitive immunoassay at levels greater than 1 microgram/mL, two of which were greater than 200 micrograms/mL. Plasmapheresis was capable of reducing these levels temporarily. However, the presence of serum idiotype increased the requirement for mouse antibody to achieve tumor penetration. Another obstacle to treatment was immune response to mouse Ig, which occurred in five of the 11 patients. Once an immune response had begun, further infusions of antibody were not capable of reaching the tumor or inducing tumor regression and were associated with toxicity. Our initial patient remains in an unmaintained complete remission 42 months after receiving antibody. Five of ten additional patients have had objective remissions that were also clinically significant. However, these remissions were not complete and were of relatively short duration. This therapy shows promise as an alternative modality for the treatment of B cell malignancy. Further study will be needed to determine the mechanisms of the antitumor effect and to improve the clinical results.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1985AJZ7200007

    View details for PubMedID 3888313

  • DIFFERENCES IN HOST INFILTRATES AMONG LYMPHOMA PATIENTS TREATED WITH ANTI-IDIOTYPE ANTIBODIES - CORRELATION WITH TREATMENT RESPONSE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Garcia, C. F., Lowder, J., MEEKER, T. C., Bindl, J., Levy, R., Warnke, R. A. 1985; 135 (6): 4252-4260

    Abstract

    To correlate treatment responses with numbers and types of "host cell infiltrates," lymphoid tissues from 10 patients with low-grade B cell malignancies were stained before, during, and after anti-idiotype therapy with a panel of monoclonal antibodies applied to frozen sections. Tissue penetration by the anti-idiotype antibodies was confirmed in five patients by these immunoperoxidase methods. Large numbers of phenotypic T helper cells were the main component of the "host infiltrate" in most patients. Two patients showed a complete and a near-complete clinical remission, four others had partial responses, and four did not respond to therapy. The two patients that developed clinical remission demonstrated the largest number of T cells, T helper cells, TAC+ cells, Leu-7+ cells, and in general the smallest number of proliferating cells as measured by the Ki-67 antibody. Other major differences in host cells were not evident among the patients. These preliminary data suggest that the type and amount of "host infiltrate" in low-grade B cell lymphomas may predict which patients will respond to anti-idiotype therapy.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1985AUL1400096

    View details for PubMedID 2933460

  • DETECTION OF B-CELL LYMPHOMA IN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD BY DNA HYBRIDIZATION LANCET Hu, E., Thompson, J., Horning, S., Trela, M., Lowder, J., Levy, R., Sklar, J. 1985; 2 (8464): 1092-1095

    Abstract

    As an alternative to morphological identification of circulating neoplastic lymphocytes in the blood of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, DNA of peripheral blood lymphocytes was analysed for clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in 29 patients with low-grade B-cell lymphomas. 76% of the patients showed clonal rearrangements of immunoglobulin genes in their blood, including 58% of those with no other evidence of disease. In seven patients from whom paired samples were available the rearranged bands found in the blood and in lymph-node biopsy specimens containing histologically confirmed lymphoma were identical. Detection of circulating lymphoma cells by use of tumour-specific anti-idiotype antibodies and cytofluorimetry showed complete agreement with the results of DNA analysis.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1985AUJ1200004

    View details for PubMedID 2865569

  • BICLONAL B-CELL LYMPHOMA NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Sklar, J., Cleary, M. L., Thielemans, K., Gralow, J., Warnke, R., Levy, R. 1984; 311 (1): 20-27

    Abstract

    The cells of most tumors are considered to be genetically homogeneous because they are assumed to represent a single clone descended from one abnormal cell. We have discovered three cases of B-cell lymphoma for which this generalization is not true. In each case, the tumor was composed of two subpopulations of cells, each expressing a different immunoglobulin molecule. Antibodies directed against these immunoglobulins were used to separate the two cell subpopulations of each tumor on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. DNA extracted from the original tumor and the two fractionated subpopulations was analyzed to determine the configuration of immunoglobulin genes. Differences were found in the arrangement of DNA in at least one immunoglobulin gene for each of the two subpopulations. Thus, biclonality of these tumors was revealed by examination of both protein markers (cell-surface immunoglobulin) and DNA markers (immunoglobulin-gene rearrangements). Our results indicate that the incidence of biclonal B-cell lymphoma may be higher than previously recognized, possibly as high as 10 per cent of all B-cell lymphomas. Furthermore, our findings may have important implications for the diagnosis and therapy of lymphoid cancers.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1984SX98200004

    View details for PubMedID 6427612

  • CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF IMMUNOLOGICAL PHENOTYPE IN DIFFUSE LARGE CELL LYMPHOMA BLOOD Horning, S. J., Doggett, R. S., Warnke, R. A., Dorfman, R. F., Cox, R. S., Levy, R. 1984; 63 (5): 1209-1215

    Abstract

    The immunologic phenotypes of 78 diffuse large cell lymphomas were determined by an immunoperoxidase technique using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. The phenotypes were correlated with clinical and morphological parameters by univariate and multivariate analysis. Forty-one lymphomas (53%) expressed immunoglobulin (Ig+). Of the 37 cases that did not express immunoglobulin (Ig-), 9 expressed T cell antigens. Although the T cell phenotypes were antigenically heterogeneous, all cases represented mature T cell phenotypes. The majority of the remaining 28 cases expressed the B cell-associated antigen, B1. At 5 yr, actuarial survival for the Ig- patients was 63%, compared with 15% for the Ig+ patients. A significantly greater proportion of patients with Ig+ lymphomas were over the age of 65 at diagnosis. All of the 9 patients with marrow involvement were Ig+. Multiple factors were analyzed by the Cox regression procedure for their impact on survival, including antigenic profile, histologic grade, morphological classification, and numerous clinical parameters previously recognized to be of prognostic significance. In this analysis, stage, age greater than 65 yr, systemic symptoms, and marrow involvement had the greatest influence on survival. The survival difference between Ig- and Ig+ patients is explained by a higher proportion of Ig+ patients with these unfavorable prognostic factors. With our current immunologic methods, retrospective cell phenotyping analysis has not provided independent prognostic significance in diffuse large cell lymphoma. A prospective evaluation of similarly treated patients is needed to characterize the influence of phenotype fully and to determine its potential usefulness for therapy.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1984SQ45700034

    View details for PubMedID 6370335

  • PAN-LEUKOCYTE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY-L3B12 - CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION TO RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTIC PROBLEMS AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY Wood, G. S., Link, M., Warnke, R. A., Dilley, J., Levy, R. 1984; 81 (2): 176-183

    Abstract

    In this report, the authors describe a murine anti-human monoclonal antibody, L3B12, which defines a pan-leukocyte cell surface antigen of approximately 180,000 m.w. Extensive screening against a variety of tissues indicates that L3B12 is sensitive and specific for leukocytes, related cells of bone marrow lineage, and their corresponding neoplasms. Unlike many lymphoid antigens that are not detectable following routine fixation and embedding, those recognized by L3B12 and related antibodies are variably preserved. L3B12 has proven useful in studying the antigen expression of normal leukocytic elements, lymphomas, and related disorders, and in enriching or depleting leukocytes from heterogeneous cell populations. From a diagnostic standpoint, L3B12 staining of tissue sections or cell suspensions is useful for distinguishing large cell lymphomas from undifferentiated carcinomas and in distinguishing lymphomas and leukemias from other small round cell tumors of childhood.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1984SD84900005

    View details for PubMedID 6364781

  • THE IMMUNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF 95 NODAL AND EXTRANODAL DIFFUSE LARGE CELL LYMPHOMAS IN 89 PATIENTS AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY Doggett, R. S., Wood, G. S., Horning, S., Levy, R., Dorfman, R. F., Bindl, J., Warnke, R. A. 1984; 115 (2): 245-252

    Abstract

    Ninety-five diffuse large cell lymphomas in 89 patients were stained in cryostat sections with a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Lymphoma cells from 47 patients (53%) expressed either kappa or lambda light chains, usually in combination with mu heavy chains. Fifteen samples from 12 patients (14%) expressed two or more T-cell antigens and commonly expressed Ia antigens. Lymphoma cells from 10 of these patients uniformly lacked one or more pan T-cell antigens; lymphoma cells from 4 of these patients also lacked both T-subset antigens--findings which should prove useful in diagnosis. Lymphomas from 28 patients (31%) did not express immunoglobulin or T-cell antigens but commonly expressed the B-lineage antigen B1; and the remaining 9 cases generally expressed Ia antigens, common ALL antigens, or both. Our findings confirm the marked immunologic heterogeneity of diffuse large cell lymphomas; the phenotypic heterogeneity observed in T-cell cases in many instances is difficult to reconcile with current models of T-cell differentiation.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1984SQ54100012

    View details for PubMedID 6232854

  • A UNIQUE HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE-B ANTIGEN DEFINED BY A MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY HYBRIDOMA MEEKER, T. C., MILLER, R. A., Link, M. P., Bindl, J., Warnke, R., Levy, R. 1984; 3 (4): 305-320

    Abstract

    We produced a hybridoma designated 4G7 from a mouse immunized with chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. The 4G7 hybridoma secretes an IgG1 antibody that is specific for normal and malignant B lymphocytes. Using dual color immunofluorescence staining, this antibody reacted with all immunoglobulin-positive cells but no T cells in normal peripheral blood. There was no detectable 4G7 antigen on monocytes, platelets, red cells, granulocytes, or phytohemagglutinin-activated T cells. When PBL were depleted of 4G7 positive cells and stimulated with pokeweed mitogen, secreted immunoglobulin levels fell to less than 10% of control values on Day 5 and less than 1% of control on Day 7. This antibody was reactive with 155 of 176 B lineage neoplasms on which it was screened. Thirty-five cases of myeloid or T-lymphoid malignancy were negative. Our studies show that the 4G7 antigen modulates in the presence of excess antibody. Free 4G7 antigen was not found circulating in human serum. The cell surface antigen identified by 4G7 was sensitive to pronase proteolysis but resistant to trypsin and chymotrypsin digestion. A comparison of 4G7 with other known B-cell antibodies indicates that the 4G7 antigen has not been previously identified. This antibody is of use for the identification of normal B lymphocytes, the study of B-cell differentiation, and the characterization of lymphoid malignancies.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1984AAF5100001

    View details for PubMedID 6441771

  • STRATEGIES FOR PRODUCTION OF MONOCLONAL ANTI-IDIOTYPE ANTIBODIES AGAINST HUMAN B-CELL LYMPHOMAS JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY Thielemans, K., Maloney, D. G., Meeker, T., Fujimoto, J., Doss, C., Warnke, R. A., Bindl, J., Gralow, J., MILLER, R. A., Levy, R. 1984; 133 (1): 495-501

    Abstract

    Murine monoclonal antibodies (MAB) against the idiotype (Id) of B lymphocyte malignancies are powerful reagents for the study of these diseases, and are potentially useful for treatment. Different strategies for the production of these anti-Id MAB have been compared. Initially, the Id Ig from nonsecreting B cell tumors was "rescued" by human X mouse or human X human hybridization. These somatic cell hybridizations resulted in the secretion of human Ig in 10 and 100% of the fusions, respectively. In a second step, anti-Id MAB were produced by using the "rescued" Id Ig as immunogen. A more streamlined approach is based on a one-step procedure in which the tumor cell suspension is used as immunogen. This method of immunization, coupled with a four-layer ELISA, results in the detection of anti-Id MAB in a frequency of approximately 1% of the total hybrids. By using a pool of 10 different anti-Id MAB, each reactive with the tumor of one patient, we searched for idiotypic relatedness among a panel of 50 additional tumors. No cross-reactions were found, indicating that our current strategy results in the identification of unique idiotypic determinants among human B cell tumors. Idiotypic Ig can be found in the serum of patients with B cell tumors. Among groups of patients, there is a wide spectrum of serum Id levels, ranging from less than 0.01 microgram/ml to greater than 500 micrograms/ml.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1984SW96300082

    View details for PubMedID 6609992

  • STANFORD STUDY OF SEZARY SYNDROME JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY Rich, L., Levy, R., Horning, S., Merigan, T. C. 1983; 9 (2): 279-279
  • A SINGLE MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY IDENTIFIES T-CELL LINEAGE OF CHILDHOOD LYMPHOID MALIGNANCIES BLOOD Link, M., Warnke, R., Finlay, J., Amylon, M., Miller, R., Dilley, J., Levy, R. 1983; 62 (4): 722-728

    Abstract

    Immunophenotyping studies with monoclonal antibodies have revealed the heterogeneity of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The lymphoid malignancies of T-cell lineage are particularly heterogeneous and, until now, no single monoclonal antibody has been found to identify all cases of T-ALL and T-NHL. A monoclonal antibody, 4H9, recognizes an antigen of 40,000 molecular weight on normal and malignant T cells. Thirty-six cases of childhood T-ALL and T-NHL were tested, and in all cases, the malignant blast cells were reactive with 4H9, whereas malignant cells from 61 cases of non-T ALL and NHL were not reactive with 4H9. Monoclonal antibody 4H9 is a sensitive and specific reagent for the identification of childhood T-cell ALL and NHL and should be extremely useful in immunophenotyping studies of lymphoid malignancies.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1983RK80600002

    View details for PubMedID 6603882

  • STUDIES OF A HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE-T ANTIGEN RECOGNIZED BY A MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Engleman, E. G., Warnke, R., FOX, R. I., Dilley, J., Benike, C. J., Levy, R. 1981; 78 (3): 1791-1795

    Abstract

    A monoclonal antibody (designated L17F12) detects an antigen present on 95-100% of human peripheral T lymphocytes, the majority of thymocytes, and acute lymphocytic leukemia T cells but not B cells, B-cell lines, or monocytes. Examination of frozen tissue sections by the immunoperoxidase method revealed that the cells expressing this antigen were found predominantly in the medulla of thymus and in T-cell zones of lymph node and spleen. The antigen recognized by L17F12 was associated with a cell-surface glycoprotein of 67,000 daltons. L17F12 was used to isolate this molecule from human thymocytes, normal peripheral T cells, leukemic T cells, and T-cell lines. Expression of this antigen on normal T cells was not diminished by prolonged exposure in vitro to various T-cell stimuli. In the absence of complement, L17F12 bound to T cells without altering proliferative functions, thus enabling rapid purification of functionally intact T cells. In the presence of complement, L17F12 was cytolytic for T cells, providing the basis for depletion of T cells from heterogeneous populations. These data suggest that the monoclonal antibody L17F12 recognizes a specific T-cell differentiation protein. This antibody will be useful in studies of the human immune system.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1981LJ93300097

    View details for PubMedID 7015346

  • INHIBITION OF LYMPHOMA HYBRIDS BY HUMAN INTERFERON LANCET Sikora, K., Dilley, J., Merigan, T., BASHAM, T., Levy, R. 1980; 2 (8200): 891-893

    Abstract

    A set of stable mouse-human hybrids was constructed from the neoplastic lymphocytes from a patient with nodular lymphoma and from another with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Both patients had shown a clinical response to human leucocyte interferon. The same interferon preparation inhibited the growth rate of 14 out of 17 established hybrid cell lines. This system provides evidence of a direct growth inhibitory effect of interferon on neoplastic B lymphocytes. Such a system could be used to predict the sensitivity of a patient's tumour before therapy.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1980KM63500007

    View details for PubMedID 6159511

  • HUMAN THYMUS-LEUKEMIA ANTIGEN DEFINED BY HYBRIDOMA MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Levy, R., Dilley, J., FOX, R. I., Warnke, R. 1979; 76 (12): 6552-6556

    Abstract

    A series of mouse hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies against human acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) cells was generated and screened for tumor specificity. Among 1200 primary cultures, 60 produced an antibody that could distinguish between the immunizing leukemia cells and an isologous B lymphoblastoid cell line. Of these, two produced an antibody that detects an antigen expressed preferentially on ALL cells and on a subpopulation of normal cells found in the cortex of the thymus. Other normal human lymphoid cells from lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood express only low levels of this antigen. High levels of this "thymus-leukemia" antigen were found on T-ALL cells, T-ALL-derived cell lines, and some "null" ALL cells. By contrast, B-cell leukemias, B lymphoblastoid cell lines, and normal and malignant myeloid cells contain either low or undetectable amounts of this antigen. The thymus-leukemia antigen has been isolated from the membranes of leukemia cells by detergent solubilization and subsequent immunoprecipitation with the monoclonal antibody. Preliminary biochemical characterization shows the antigen to be associated with a polypeptide of Mr approximately 28,000.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1979JA38200114

    View details for PubMedID 316541

  • EFFECTS OF INTERFERON ON PATIENTS WITH NON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA Sikora, K., Levy, R., Merigan, T., Rosenberg, S. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 1979: 299–99
  • PRELIMINARY-OBSERVATIONS ON EFFECT OF HUMAN LEUKOCYTE INTERFERON IN NON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Merigan, T. C., Sikora, K., BREEDEN, J. H., Levy, R., Rosenberg, S. A. 1978; 299 (26): 1449-1453

    View details for Web of Science ID A1978GC17400008

    View details for PubMedID 362211