Biology subjects

Berger, T. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Berger, T. R..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Engineering CAR-T cells to remodel the mucin-rich cancer cell glycocalyx

The dense glycocalyx of cancer cells can restrict immune-cell access to surface antigens and limit CAR-T cell activity. Here, we show that mucin density and epitope position determine how glycocalyx remodeling affects CAR-T cell recognition and killing. We identify KLK5 as a human protease that cleaves tumor-associated mucins, increases access to membrane-proximal antigens, and enhances CAR-T cell function. We then engineer CAR-T cells to display or secrete KLK5, enabling remodeling of the tumor glycocalyx during antigen recognition. KLK5-engineered CAR-T cells improved tumor control across multiple xenograft models, and KLK5-secreting MUC17 CAR-T cells produced the strongest in vivo benefit, prolonging survival compared with conventional MUC17 CAR-T cells. These findings show that CAR-T cells can be engineered to breach the mucin-rich glycocalyx while preserving accessible target epitopes.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2024

In vivo CRISPR screens identify key modifiers of CAR T cell function in myeloma

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are highly effective in hematologic malignancies. However, loss of CAR T cells can contribute to relapse in a significant number of patients. These limitations could potentially be overcome by targeted gene editing to increase CAR T cell persistence. Here, we performed in vivo loss-of-function CRISPR screens in BCMA-targeting CAR T cells to investigate genes that influence CAR T cell persistence, function and efficacy in a human multiple myeloma model. We tracked the expansion and persistence of CRISPR-library edited T cells in vitro and then at early and late timepoints in vivo to track the performance of gene modified CAR T cells from manufacturing to survival in tumors. The screens revealed several context-specific regulators of CAR T cell expansion and persistence. Ablation of RASA2 and SOCS1 enhanced T cell expansion in vitro, while loss of PTPN2, ZC3H12A, and RC3H1 conferred early selective growth advantages to CAR T cells in vivo. Strikingly, we identified cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), a cell cycle regulator, as the most important factor limiting CAR T cell fitness at late timepoints in vivo. CDKN1B ablation increased BCMA CAR T cell proliferation and effector function in response to antigen, significantly enhancing tumor clearance and overall survival. Thus, our findings reveal differing effects of gene-perturbation on CAR T cells over time and in different selective environments, highlight CDKN1B as a promising target to generate highly effective CAR T cells for multiple myeloma, and underscore the importance of in vivo screening as a tool for identifying genes to enhance CAR T cell function and efficacy.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2021

A faithful in vivo model of human macrophages in metastatic melanoma

AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWDespite recent therapeutic progress, advanced melanoma remains lethal for many patients. The composition of the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) has decisive impacts on therapy response and disease outcome. High dimensional analyses of patient samples can reveal the composition and heterogeneity of the immune TME. In particular, macrophages are known for their cancer-supportive role, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood, and experimental in vivo systems are needed to test the functional properties of these cells. We characterized a humanized mouse model, reconstituted with a human immune system and a human melanoma, in which: (1) human macrophages support metastatic spread of the tumor; and (2) tumor-infiltrating macrophages have a specific transcriptional signature that faithfully represents the transcriptome of macrophages from patient melanoma samples and is associated with shorter survival. This model complements patient sample analyses, enabling the elucidation of fundamental principles in melanoma biology, and the development and evaluation of candidate therapies.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2021

SARS -CoV-2 T-cell immunity to variants of concern following vaccination

Recently, two mRNA vaccines to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) have become available, but there is also an emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with increased transmissibility and virulence1-6. A major concern is whether the available vaccines will be equally effective against these variants. The vaccines are designed to induce an immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein7, 8, which is required for viral entry to host cells9. Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is often evaluated by antibody production, while less is known about the T-cell response. Here we developed, characterized, and implemented two standardized, functional assays to measure T-cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in uninfected, convalescent, and vaccinated individuals. We found that vaccinated individuals had robust T-cell responses to the wild type spike and nucleocapsid proteins, even more so than convalescent patients. We also found detectable but diminished T-cell responses to spike variants (B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.1.248) among vaccinated but otherwise healthy donors. Since decreases in antibody neutralization have also been observed with some variants10-12, investigation into the T-cell response to these variants as an alternative means of viral control is imperative. Standardized measurements of T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 are feasible and can be easily adjusted to determine changes in response to variants.

immunology↗