B7H3-targeting chimeric antigen receptor modification enhances antitumor effect of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in glioblastoma

Abstract

Abstract Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in GBM treatment. The sensitivity of different glioma specimens to Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated cytotoxicity is assessed using a patient-derived tumor cell clusters (PTCs) model. Methods The study evaluates the anti-tumor effect of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in 26 glioma cases through the PTCs model. Protein expression of BTN2A1 and BTN3A1, along with gene expression related to lipid metabolism and glioma inflammatory response pathways, is analyzed in matched tumor tissue samples. Additionally, the study explores two strategies to re-sensitize tumors in the weak anti-tumor effect (WAT) group: utilizing a BTN3A1 agonistic antibody or employing bisphosphonates to inhibit farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS). Furthermore, the study investigates the efficacy of genetically engineered Vγ9Vδ2 T cells expressing Car-B7H3 in targeting diverse GBM specimens. Results The results demonstrate that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells display a stronger anti-tumor effect (SAT) in six glioma cases, while showing a weaker effect (WAT) in twenty cases. The SAT group exhibits elevated protein expression of BTN2A1 and BTN3A1, accompanied by differential gene expression related to lipid metabolism and glioma inflammatory response pathways. Importantly, the study reveals that the WAT group GBM can enhance Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated killing sensitivity by incorporating either a BTN3A1 agonistic antibody or bisphosphonates. Both approaches support TCR-BTN mediated tumor recognition, which is distinct from the conventional MHC-peptide recognition by αβ T cells. Furthermore, the study explores an alternative strategy by genetically engineering Vγ9Vδ2 T cells with Car-B7H3, and both non-engineered and Car-B7H3 Vγ9Vδ2 T cells demonstrate promising efficacy in vivo, underscoring the versatile potential of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells for GBM treatment. Conclusions Vγ9Vδ2 T cells demonstrate a robust anti-tumor effect in some glioma cases, while weaker in others. Elevated BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 expression correlates with improved response. WAT group tumors can be sensitized using a BTN3A1 agonistic antibody or bisphosphonates. Genetically engineered Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, i.e.,  Car-B7H3, show promising efficacy. These results together highlight the versatility of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells for GBM treatment.