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Rossi C, Chrétien ML, Casasnovas RO. Antibody–Drug Conjugates for the Treatment of Hematological Malignancies: A Comprehensive Review. Target Oncol 2018; 13:287-308. [DOI: 10.1007/s11523-018-0558-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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52
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Müller F, Stookey S, Cunningham T, Pastan I. Paclitaxel synergizes with exposure time adjusted CD22-targeting immunotoxins against B-cell malignancies. Oncotarget 2018; 8:30644-30655. [PMID: 28423727 PMCID: PMC5458156 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CD22-targeted recombinant immunotoxins (rIT) are active in hairy cell leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but not in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients. The goal was to enhance rIT efficacy in vivo and to define a strong combination treatment. Activity of Moxetumomab pasudotox (Moxe) and LR combined with paclitaxel was tested against MCL cell lines in vitro and as bolus doses or continuous infusion in xenograft models. In the KOPN-8 ALL xenograft, Moxe or paclitaxel alone was active, but all mice died from leukemia; when combined, 60% of the mice achieved a sustained complete remission. Against MCL cells in vitro, LR was more active than Moxe and the cells had to be exposed to rIT for more than 24 hours for them to die. To maintain high blood levels in vivo, LR was administered continuously by 7-day pumps achieving a well-tolerated steady plasma concentration of 45 ng/ml. In JeKo-1 xenografts, continuously administered LR was 14-fold more active than bolus doses and the combination with paclitaxel additionally improved responses by 135-fold. Maintaining high rIT-plasma levels greatly improves responses in the JeKo-1 model and paclitaxel substantially enhances bolus and continuously infused rIT, supporting a clinical evaluation against B-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Müller
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stookey
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,MD Program, University of North Caroline, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tyler Cunningham
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,MD/PhD Program, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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53
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Mazor R, Onda M, Park D, Addissie S, Xiang L, Zhang J, Hassan R, Pastan I. Dual B- and T-cell de-immunization of recombinant immunotoxin targeting mesothelin with high cytotoxic activity. Oncotarget 2017; 7:29916-26. [PMID: 27167198 PMCID: PMC5058652 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are genetically engineered proteins being developed to treat cancer. They are composed of an Fv that targets a cancer antigen and a portion of a protein toxin. Their clinical success is limited by their immunogenicity. Our goal is to produce a new RIT that targets mesothelin and is non-immunogenic by combining mutations that decrease B- and T-cell epitopes. Starting with an immunotoxin that has B-cell epitopes suppressed, we added mutations step-wise that suppress T-cell epitopes. The final protein (LMB-T14) has greatly reduced antigenicity as assessed by binding to human anti-sera and a greatly decreased ability to activate helper T-cells evaluated in a T-cell activation assay. It is very cytotoxic to mesothelioma cells from patients, and to cancer cell lines. LMB-T14 produces complete remissions of a mesothelin expressing cancer (A431/H9) xenograft. The approach used here can be used to de-immunize other therapeutic foreign proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Mazor
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Masanori Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dong Park
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,New Business Development Department, Medytox Inc., Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Selamawit Addissie
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laiman Xiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jingli Zhang
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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54
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Bera TK, Abe Y, Ise T, Oberle A, Gallardo D, Liu XF, Nagata S, Binder M, Pastan I. Recombinant immunotoxins targeting B-cell maturation antigen are cytotoxic to myeloma cell lines and myeloma cells from patients. Leukemia 2017; 32:569-572. [PMID: 29149102 PMCID: PMC5808081 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T K Bera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Cancer Biology Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Y Abe
- Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - T Ise
- Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - A Oberle
- Klinik für Onkologie, Hämatologie und KMT mit Sektion Pneumologie Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Gallardo
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - X-F Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Cancer Biology Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - S Nagata
- Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - M Binder
- Klinik für Onkologie, Hämatologie und KMT mit Sektion Pneumologie Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - I Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Cancer Biology Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
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55
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Short NJ, Kantarjian H, Jabbour E, Cortes JE, Thomas DA, Rytting ME, Daver N, Alvarado Y, Konopleva M, Kebriaei P, Wierda WG, DiNardo CD, Bivins C, McCue D, Richie MA, Ravandi F. A phase I study of moxetumomab pasudotox in adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2017; 182:442-444. [PMID: 28616864 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Short
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elias Jabbour
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jorge E Cortes
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deborah A Thomas
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael E Rytting
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics-Patient Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yesid Alvarado
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Partow Kebriaei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William G Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Courtney D DiNardo
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carol Bivins
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deborah McCue
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mary A Richie
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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56
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Addressing the Immunogenicity of the Cargo and of the Targeting Antibodies with a Focus on Demmunized Bacterial Toxins and on Antibody-Targeted Human Effector Proteins. Biomedicines 2017; 5:biomedicines5020028. [PMID: 28574434 PMCID: PMC5489814 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines5020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Third-generation immunotoxins are composed of a human, or humanized, targeting moiety, usually a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment, and a non-human effector molecule. Due to the non-human origin of the cytotoxic domain, these molecules stimulate potent anti-drug immune responses, which limit treatment options. Efforts are made to deimmunize such immunotoxins or to combine treatment with immunosuppression. An alternative approach is using the so-called “human cytotoxic fusion proteins”, in which antibodies are used to target human effector proteins. Here, we present three relevant approaches for reducing the immunogenicity of antibody-targeted protein therapeutics: (1) reducing the immunogenicity of the bacterial toxin, (2) fusing human cytokines to antibodies to generate immunocytokines and (3) addressing the immunogenicity of the targeting antibodies.
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57
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Yu Y, Li J, Zhu X, Tang X, Bao Y, Sun X, Huang Y, Tian F, Liu X, Yang L. Humanized CD7 nanobody-based immunotoxins exhibit promising anti-T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia potential. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:1969-1983. [PMID: 28331319 PMCID: PMC5357075 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s127575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanobodies, named as VHHs (variable domain of heavy chain of HCAb [heavy-chain antibodies]), are derived from heavy-chain-only antibodies that circulate in sera of camelids. Their exceptional physicochemical properties, possibility of humanization, and unique antigen recognition properties make them excellent candidates for targeted delivery of biologically active components, including immunotoxins. In our previous efforts, we have successfully generated the monovalent and bivalent CD7 nanobody-based immunotoxins, which can effectively trigger the apoptosis of CD7-positive malignant cells. To pursue the possibility of translating those immunotoxins into clinics, we humanized the nanobody sequences (designated as dhuVHH6) as well as further truncated the Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE)-derived PE38 toxin to produce a more protease-resistant form, which is named as PE-LR, by deleting majority of PE domain II. METHODS AND RESULTS Three new types of immunotoxins, dhuVHH6-PE38, dVHH6-PE-LR, and dhuVHH6-PE-LR, were successfully constructed. These recombinant immunotoxins were expressed in Escherichia coli and showed that nanobody immunotoxins have the benefits of easy soluble expression in a prokaryotic expression system. Flow cytometry results revealed that all immunotoxins still maintained the ability to bind specifically to CD7-positive T lymphocyte strains without binding to CD7-negative control cells. Laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed that these proteins can be endocytosed into the cytoplasm after binding with CD7-positive cells and that this phenomenon was not observed in CD7-negative cells. WST-8 experiments showed that all immunotoxins retained the highly effective and specific growth inhibition activity in CD7-positive cell lines and primary T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells. Further in vivo animal model experiments showed that humanized dhuVHH6-PE38 immunotoxin can tolerate higher doses and extend the survival of NOD-Prkdcem26Il2rgem26Nju (NCG) mice transplanted with CEM cells without any obvious decrease in body weight. Further studies on NCG mice model with patient-derived T-ALL cells, dhuVHH6-PE38 treatment, significantly prolonged mice survival with ~40% survival improvement. However, it was also noticed that although dhuVHH6-PE-LR showed strong antitumor effect in vitro, its in vivo antitumor efficacy was disappointing. CONCLUSION We have successfully constructed a targeted CD7 molecule-modified nanobody (CD7 molecule-improved nanobody) immunotoxin dhuVHH6-PE38 and demonstrated its potential for treating CD7-positive malignant tumors, especially T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yu
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University
- Suzhou Cancer Immunotherapy and Diagnosis Engineering Center, Suzhou
| | - Jialu Li
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University
- Suzhou Cancer Immunotherapy and Diagnosis Engineering Center, Suzhou
| | - Xuejun Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing
| | - Xiaowen Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Yangyi Bao
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, The First People’s Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Sun
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, The First People’s Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Huang
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University
| | - Fang Tian
- Central Laboratory, Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University
| | - Lin Yang
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University
- Suzhou Cancer Immunotherapy and Diagnosis Engineering Center, Suzhou
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58
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Akbari B, Farajnia S, Ahdi Khosroshahi S, Safari F, Yousefi M, Dariushnejad H, Rahbarnia L. Immunotoxins in cancer therapy: Review and update. Int Rev Immunol 2017; 36:207-219. [DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2017.1284211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Akbari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Safar Farajnia
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Yousefi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hassan Dariushnejad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Leila Rahbarnia
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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59
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Akbari B, Farajnia S, Zarghami N, Mahdieh N, Rahmati M, Khosroshahi SA, Barzegar A, Rahbarnia L. Construction, expression, and activity of a novel immunotoxin comprising a humanized antiepidermal growth factor receptor scFv and modified Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A. Anticancer Drugs 2017; 28:263-270. [PMID: 27861173 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a significant role in the development and metastasis of many solid tumors. Strategies based on anti-EGFR immunotoxins have shown promising results in several studies, but immunogenicity of antibody and toxin moieties is a limitation of this type of therapeutics. In the present study, a novel humanized anti-EGFR immunotoxin (huscFv-PE25) was developed by genetic fusing of a humanized anti-EGFR single-chain variable fragment (huscFv) with a modified Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PE25KDEL). The reactivity and toxicity of this immunotoxin with tumor cells were assessed by dot-blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and MTT procedures. Results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and dot-blot assay indicated that the immunotoxin recognizes and efficiently binds to EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells. MTT assay showed a specific growth-inhibitory effect of huscFv-PE25 on EGFR-overexpressing A431 cells, without any inhibitory effect on EGFR-negative cells. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that huscFv-PE25 can recognize and exert an inhibitory effect on EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells, despite its smaller size and lower immunogenicity. This may provide a basis for the development of novel clinical therapeutic agents against EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Akbari
- aDepartment of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences bDrug Applied Research Center cStudent Research Committee dBiotechnology Research Center eInfection and Tropical Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz fCardiogenetic Research Laboratory, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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60
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Novel Chemokine-Based Immunotoxins for Potent and Selective Targeting of Cytomegalovirus Infected Cells. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:4069260. [PMID: 28251165 PMCID: PMC5303859 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4069260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins as antiviral therapeutics are largely unexplored but have promising prospective due to their high selectivity potential and their unparalleled efficiency. One recent example targeted the virus-encoded G protein-coupled receptor US28 as a strategy for specific and efficient treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections. US28 is expressed on virus-infected cells and scavenge chemokines by rapid internalization. The chemokine-based fusion-toxin protein (FTP) consisted of a variant (F49A) of CX3CL1 specifically targeting US28 linked to the catalytic domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE). Here, we systematically seek to improve F49A-FTP by modifications in its three structural domains; we generated variants with (1) altered chemokine sequence (K14A, F49L, and F49E), (2) shortened and elongated linker region, and (3) modified toxin domain. Only F49L-FTP displayed higher selectivity in its binding to US28 versus CX3CR1, the endogenous receptor for CX3CL1, but this was not matched by a more selective killing of US28-expressing cells. A longer linker and different toxin variants decreased US28 affinity and selective killing. Thereby, F49A-FTP represents the best candidate for HCMV treatment. Many viruses encode internalizing receptors suggesting that not only HCMV but also, for instance, Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus may be targeted by FTPs.
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61
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Mazor R, Kaplan G, Park D, Jang Y, Lee F, Kreitman R, Pastan I. Rational design of low immunogenic anti CD25 recombinant immunotoxin for T cell malignancies by elimination of T cell epitopes in PE38. Cell Immunol 2017; 313:59-66. [PMID: 28087047 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
LMB-2, is a potent recombinant immunotoxin (RIT) that is composed of scFv antibody that targets CD25 (Tac) and a toxin fragment (PE38). It is used to treat T cell leukemias and lymphomas. To make LMB-2 less immunogenic, we introduced a large deletion in domain II and six point mutations in domain III that were previously shown to reduce T cell activation in other RITs. We found that unlike other RITs, deletion of domain II from LMB-2 severely compromised its activity. Rather than deletion, we identified T cell epitopes in domain II and used alanine substitutions to identify point mutations that diminished those epitopes. The novel RIT, LMB-142 contains a 38kDa toxin and nine point mutations that diminished T cell response to the corresponding peptides by an average of 75%. LMB-142 has good cytotoxic activity and has lower nonspecific toxicity in mice. LMB-142 should be more efficient in cancer therapy because more treatment cycles can be given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Mazor
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Gilad Kaplan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Dong Park
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Youjin Jang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Fred Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Robert Kreitman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
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Bauss F, Lechmann M, Krippendorff BF, Staack R, Herting F, Festag M, Imhof-Jung S, Hesse F, Pompiati M, Kollmorgen G, da Silva Mateus Seidl R, Bossenmaier B, Lau W, Schantz C, Stracke JO, Brinkmann U, Onda M, Pastan I, Bosslet K, Niederfellner G. Characterization of a re-engineered, mesothelin-targeted Pseudomonas exotoxin fusion protein for lung cancer therapy. Mol Oncol 2016; 10:1317-29. [PMID: 27507537 PMCID: PMC5423209 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin overexpression in lung adenocarcinomas correlates with the presence of activating KRAS mutations and poor prognosis. Hence SS1P, a mesothelin-targeted immunotoxin, could offer valuable treatment options for these patients, but its use in solid tumor therapy is hampered by high immunogenicity and non-specific toxicity. To overcome both obstacles we developed RG7787, a de-immunized cytotoxic fusion protein comprising a humanized SS1 Fab fragment and a truncated, B-cell epitope silenced, 24 kD fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE24). Reactivity of RG7787 with sera from immunotoxin-treated patients was >1000 fold reduced. In vitro RG7787 inhibited cell viability of lung cancer cell lines with picomolar potency. The pharmacokinetic properties of RG7787 in rodents were comparable to SS1P, yet it was tolerated up to 10 fold better without causing severe vascular leak syndrome or hepatotoxicity. A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model developed based on NCI-H596 xenograft studies showed that for RG7787 and SS1P, their in vitro and in vivo potencies closely correlate. At optimal doses of 2-3 mg/kg RG7787 is more efficacious than SS1P. Even large, well established tumors (600 mm(3)) underwent remission during three treatment cycles with RG7787. Also in two patient-derived lung cancer xenograft models, Lu7336 and Lu7187, RG7787 showed anti-tumor efficacy. In monotherapy two treatment cycles were moderately efficacious in the Lu7336 model but showed good anti-tumor activity in the KRAS mutant Lu7187 model (26% and 80% tumor growth inhibition, respectively). Combination of RG7787 with standard chemotherapies further enhanced efficacy in both models achieving near complete eradication of Lu7187 tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frieder Bauss
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Martin Lechmann
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ben-Fillippo Krippendorff
- Roche pRED Innovation Center Basel, Pharmaceutical Sciences, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roland Staack
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Frank Herting
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Festag
- Roche pRED Innovation Center Basel, Pharmaceutical Sciences, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Imhof-Jung
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Friederike Hesse
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Marc Pompiati
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Gwendlyn Kollmorgen
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Rita da Silva Mateus Seidl
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Bossenmaier
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Wilma Lau
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian Schantz
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Jan O Stracke
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany; Pharmaceutical Development & Supplies, Pharma Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Masanori Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Klaus Bosslet
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Niederfellner
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Penzberg, Nonnenwald 2, D-82377 Penzberg, Germany.
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Müller F, Cunningham T, Liu XF, Wayne AS, Pastan I. Wide Variability in the Time Required for Immunotoxins to Kill B Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells: Implications for Trial Design. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:4913-4922. [PMID: 27114443 PMCID: PMC5050065 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-2500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recombinant immunotoxins (rITs) targeting CD22 are highly active in hairy cell leukemia, but less so in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study aims to understand the variable activity of an rIT against ALL toward improving responses in clinical application. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We determined in vitro activity of rITs by WST-8 assays and the time needed to kill ALL cell lines and patient-derived ALL blasts by flow cytometry. The findings were translated into two systemic ALL xenograft models. Differences in time needed to kill KOPN-8 cells for distinct rITs were addressed biochemically. RESULTS In vitro activity (IC50) of anti-CD22 rIT varied 210-fold from 0.02 to 4.6 ng/mL. Activity also varied greatly depending on the time ALL cells were exposed to immunotoxin from < 30 minutes to > 4 days. For KOPN-8, the difference in exposure time was related to intracellular rIT processing. We showed in newly developed ALL xenograft models, where immunotoxins have a short half-life, that the needed exposure time in vitro predicted the responses in vivo By replacing bolus dose with small doses at frequent intervals or with continuous infusion, responses were substantially improved. We confirmed exposure time variability on patient-derived ALL samples and showed a correlation between exposure time needed to reach maximal cytotoxicity in vitro and their clinical response. CONCLUSIONS The exposure time needed for rITs targeting CD22 to kill ALL cells varies widely. Our results suggest that ALL patients would have a better response rate to anti-CD22 immunotoxins if treated by continuous infusion rather than by bolus injections. Clin Cancer Res; 22(19); 4913-22. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Müller
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tyler Cunningham
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xiu Fen Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alan S Wayne
- Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Glypican-3 Targeting Immunotoxins for the Treatment of Liver Cancer. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8100274. [PMID: 27669301 PMCID: PMC5086635 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8100274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, yet no effective therapeutics exist. This review provides an overview of the recent development of recombinant immunotoxins for the treatment of glypican-3 (GPC3) expressing HCC. GPC3 is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is overexpressed in HCC, but is absent from normal adult human tissues. Treatment of HCC with anti-GPC3 immunotoxins represents a new therapeutic option. Using phage display and hybridoma technologies, three high affinity antibodies (HN3, HS20 and YP7) have been generated against GPC3. Two of these antibodies (HN3 and HS20) have demonstrated the ability to inhibit Wnt/Yap signaling, leading to a reduction in liver cancer cell proliferation. By combining the HN3 antibody capable of inhibiting Wnt/Yap signaling with the protein synthesis inhibitory domain of the Pseudomonas exotoxin, a recombinant immunotoxin that exhibits a dual inhibitory mechanism was generated. This immunotoxin was found to be highly effective in the treatment of human HCCs in mouse xenograft models. Engineering of the toxin fragment to reduce the level of immunogenicity is currently being explored. The development of immunotoxins provides opportunities for novel liver cancer therapies.
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65
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Kaplan G, Lee F, Onda M, Kolyvas E, Bhardwaj G, Baker D, Pastan I. Protection of the Furin Cleavage Site in Low-Toxicity Immunotoxins Based on Pseudomonas Exotoxin A. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E217. [PMID: 27463727 PMCID: PMC4999843 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8080217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are fusions of an Fv-based targeting moiety and a toxin. Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) has been used to make several immunotoxins that have been evaluated in clinical trials. Immunogenicity of the bacterial toxin and off-target toxicity have limited the efficacy of these immunotoxins. To address these issues, we have previously made RITs in which the Fv is connected to domain III (PE24) by a furin cleavage site (FCS), thereby removing unneeded sequences of domain II. However, the PE24 containing RITs do not contain the naturally occurring disulfide bond around the furin cleavage sequence, because it was removed when domain II was deleted. This could potentially allow PE24 containing immunotoxins to be cleaved and inactivated before internalization by cell surface furin or other proteases in the blood stream or tumor microenvironment. Here, we describe five new RITs in which a disulfide bond is engineered to protect the FCS. The most active of these, SS1-Fab-DS3-PE24, shows a longer serum half-life than an RIT without the disulfide bond and has the same anti-tumor activity, despite being less cytotoxic in vitro. These results have significance for the production of de-immunized, low toxicity, PE24-based immunotoxins with a longer serum half-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Kaplan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Fred Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Masanori Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Emily Kolyvas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Gaurav Bhardwaj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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66
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Guo R, Cao L, Guo W, Liu H, Xu H, Fang Q, Hong Z. HER2-targeted immunotoxins with low nonspecific toxicity and immunogenicity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 475:93-9. [PMID: 27178207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Immunotoxins have efficient anti-tumor activity due to their extreme potency. However, dose-limiting off-target toxicity and immunogenicity are the critical barriers for these immunotoxins to be used in a clinical setting. In this study, we designed a Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE)-based human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-specific immunotoxin HER2-PE25-X7 by deleting most of domain II and introducing seven point mutations into domain III of the PE38 toxin. The anti-cancer activity, off-target toxicity and immunogenicity of this immunotoxin were carefully evaluated in vitro and in vivo. This new construct maintained the therapeutic potency of the original PE38-based immunotoxin HER2-PE38, with a greatly reduced off-target toxicity and immunogenicity. To compare with HER2-PE38, which resulted in the death of most of the mice after a single dose of 1.0 mg/kg, the new construct was completely tolerated at a dose of 10 mg/kg by the mice and almost completely depleted the tumor after treatment with five doses of 5 mg/kg of the immunotoxin. This work demonstrates a potentially attractive therapeutic modality for HER2-specific cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, PR China
| | - Li Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, PR China
| | - Wenjun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, PR China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, PR China
| | - Hua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, PR China
| | - Qi Fang
- Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang, 324000, PR China.
| | - Zhangyong Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, PR China.
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Robak T, Blonski JZ, Robak P. Antibody therapy alone and in combination with targeted drugs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Semin Oncol 2016; 43:280-90. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are chimeric proteins designed to treat cancer. They are made up of an Fv or Fab that targets an antigen on a cancer cell fused to a 38-kDa portion of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38). Because PE38 is a bacterial protein, it is highly immunogenic in patients with solid tumors that have normal immune systems, but much less immunogenic in patients with hematologic malignancies where the immune system is suppressed. RITs have shown efficacy in refractory hairy cell leukemia and in some children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but have been much less effective in solid tumors, because neutralizing antibodies develop and prevent additional treatment cycles. In this paper we will (i) review data from clinical trials describing the immunogenicity of PE38 in different patient populations; (ii) review results from clinical trials using different immunosuppressive drugs; and (iii) describe our efforts to make new less-immunogenic RITs by identifying and removing T- and B-cell epitopes to hide the RIT from the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Mazor
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Masanori Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Coccè V, Vitale A, Colombo S, Bonomi A, Sisto F, Ciusani E, Alessandri G, Parati E, Brambilla P, Brambilla M, La Porta CA, Pessina A. Human skin-derived fibroblasts used as a 'Trojan horse' for drug delivery. Clin Exp Dermatol 2016; 41:417-24. [PMID: 26899383 DOI: 10.1111/ced.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug toxicity currently represents the main challenge of tumour chemotherapy. Our group recently developed a new method for drug delivery inspired by the 'Trojan Horse' concept. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been shown to play the role of new 'horses' in delivering anti-tumour agents, without involving any genetic manipulation. As human stromal dermal fibroblasts (hSDFs) represent an interesting alternative to hMSCs, being easy to isolate, they could be an ideal candidate for this kind of procedure. AIM To investigate whether hSDFs can take up and deliver paclitaxel (PTX) in sufficient concentrations to inhibit a very aggressive melanoma tumour (IgR39) in vitro. METHODS hSDFs were primed with high doses of PTX, and then the effect of drug delivery on IgR39 melanoma proliferation in vitro was evaluated using several assays (antiproliferation, transwell cocultures, rosette assays and colony growth assays). Furthermore, the cell cycle and PTX uptake/release mechanism of hSDFs were studied both under both normal and hypoxic conditions. RESULTS hSDFs incorporated PTX and then released it with unaffected pharmacological activity, inhibiting human IgR39 melanoma growth in vitro. The hypoxic conditions did not induce changes in cell cycle pattern and the uptake-release mechanism with PTX was not affected. CONCLUSIONS hSDFs can be used as a Trojan horse, as the released drug was functionally active. These results indicated that these cells could be used for clinical treatment as the drug was released into the cellular environment and the primed cells underwent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Coccè
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A Vitale
- Department of Biosciences, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Colombo
- Department of Biosciences, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A Bonomi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - F Sisto
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - E Ciusani
- Department of Diagnostics and Applied Technology, Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - G Alessandri
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - E Parati
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - P Brambilla
- Department of Diagnostic Services, Desio and Vimercate's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - M Brambilla
- Department of Diagnostic Services, Desio and Vimercate's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - C A La Porta
- Department of Biosciences, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A Pessina
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Wang H, Chen J, Ying J, Xu Y, Sheng R. Hydrophobic chain modified low molecular weight polyethylenimine for efficient antigen delivery. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra25919c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing new therapeutic vaccines to promote antigen cross-presentation in antigen-presenting cells, especially dendritic cells, is regarded as a promising approach to prime antigen-specific T cell responses against tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- School of Pharmacy
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Jian Chen
- School of Pharmacy
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Jiajun Ying
- School of Pharmacy
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Yuhong Xu
- School of Pharmacy
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Ruilong Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry
- Shanghai
- China
- Department of Chemistry
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71
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Mazor R, Zhang J, Xiang L, Addissie S, Awuah P, Beers R, Hassan R, Pastan I. Recombinant Immunotoxin with T-cell Epitope Mutations That Greatly Reduce Immunogenicity for Treatment of Mesothelin-Expressing Tumors. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:2789-96. [PMID: 26443804 PMCID: PMC4674367 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
SS1P is a recombinant immunotoxin (RIT) that targets mesothelin. It consists of an antimesothelin Fv fused to a portion of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. In clinical studies, it has produced dramatic responses in patients with advanced mesothelioma, when combined with immunosuppressive therapy so that several treatment cycles could be given. Otherwise its activity is limited by its immunogenicity. In this work, we describe the development and characterization of LMB-T20, a highly potent RIT targeted at mesothelin-expressing cancers with low immunogenicity due to removal of its eight T-cell epitopes. LMB-T20 was more active than SS1P when tested on four different mesothelin-expressing cell lines as well as on cells obtained from patients with mesothelioma. It also has potent antitumor activity in mice, and has reduced immunogenicity as measured by cytokine secretion assays. In conclusion, LMB-T20 is a favorable candidate for evaluation in clinical trials due to its reduced immunogenicity and excellent activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Mazor
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jingli Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Laiman Xiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Selamawit Addissie
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Prince Awuah
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Richard Beers
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Elimination of murine and human T-cell epitopes in recombinant immunotoxin eliminates neutralizing and anti-drug antibodies in vivo. Cell Mol Immunol 2015; 14:432-442. [PMID: 26477977 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2015.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies against the toxin portion of recombinant immunotoxins (RIT) reduce their efficacy and pose a potential safety risk. To overcome this problem we mutated the very immunogenic immunotoxin SS1P to produce LMB-T20, a de-immunized RIT that has the eight human T-cell epitopes in SS1P modified or removed. To determine the effect of T-cell epitope removal in vivo we mapped the T-cell epitopes in immune-competent BALB/c mice and found that these mice recognize two epitopes. One corresponds to the human immunodominant T-cell epitope and the other to a human subdominant epitope; both were eliminated in LMB-T20. We found that mice immunized with LMB-T20 did not have T-cell activation and did not develop anti-drug antibodies (ADA), whereas mice immunized with SS1P, showed T-cell activation, and developed ADA detected by both ELISA and drug neutralizing assays. The ability of the mice treated with LMB-T20 to respond to other antigens was not compromised. We conclude that elimination of T-cell epitopes is sufficient to prevent formation of antibodies to an immunogenic foreign protein.
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Pacioni S, D'Alessandris QG, Giannetti S, Morgante L, De Pascalis I, Coccè V, Bonomi A, Pascucci L, Alessandri G, Pessina A, Falchetti ML, Pallini R. Mesenchymal stromal cells loaded with paclitaxel induce cytotoxic damage in glioblastoma brain xenografts. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:194. [PMID: 26445228 PMCID: PMC4594910 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The goal of cancer chemotherapy is targeting tumor cells and/or tumor-associated microvessels with the lowest systemic toxicity. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising vehicles for selective drug delivery due to their peculiar ability to home to pathological tissues. We previously showed that MSCs are able to uptake and subsequently to release the chemotherapeutic compound Paclitaxel (PTX) and to impair the growth of subcutaneous glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) xenografts. Here we used an orthotopic GBM model 1) to assess whether PTX-loaded MSCs (PTX-MSCs) retain a tropism towards the tumor cells in the brain context, and 2) to characterize the cytotoxic damage induced by MSCs-driven PTX release in the tumor microenvironment. METHODS U87MG GBM cells were fluorescently labeled with the mCherry protein and grafted onto the brain of immunosuppressed rats. In adjacent brain regions, we injected green fluorescent protein-expressing murine MSCs, either loaded with PTX or unloaded. After 1 week survival, the xenografted brain was assessed by confocal microscopy for PTX-induced cell damage. RESULTS Overall, MSCs showed remarkable tropism towards the tumor. In rats grafted with PTX-MSCs, the nuclei of U87MG cells showed changes that are typically induced by PTX, including multi-spindle mitoses, centrosome number alterations, and nuclear fragmentation. Multi-spindle mitoses resulted in multinucleated cells that were significantly higher in tumors co-grafted with PTX-MSCs than in controls. Nuclear changes did not occur in astrocytes and neurons surrounding the tumor. CONCLUSIONS MSCs appear particularly suited for anti-neoplastic drug delivery in the brain since PTX-specific damage of GBM cells can be achieved avoiding side effects to the normal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pacioni
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. .,CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology (IBCN), via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Stefano Giannetti
- Institute of Anatomy, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Liliana Morgante
- Institute of Anatomy, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ivana De Pascalis
- Institute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Coccè
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Arianna Bonomi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luisa Pascucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Giulio Alessandri
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, via Giovanni Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Augusto Pessina
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Laura Falchetti
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology (IBCN), via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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Robak P, Smolewski P, Robak T. Emerging immunological drugs for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2015; 20:423-47. [PMID: 26153226 DOI: 10.1517/14728214.2015.1046432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last few years, several new immunological drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), immunomodulatory drugs and B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway inhibitors have been developed and investigated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This article summarizes recent discoveries regarding their mechanism of action, pharmacological properties, clinical activity and toxicity, as well as the emerging role of these agents in CLL. AREAS COVERED A literature review of mAbs, BCR pathway inhibitors and immunomodulating drugs was conducted of the MEDLINE database via PubMed for articles in English. Publications from 2000 through February 2015 were scrutinized. The search terms used were alemtuzumab, BI 836826, duvelisib ibrutinib, idelalisib, lenalidomide, monoclonal antibodies, MEDI-551, MOR208, obinutuzumab, ocaratuzumab, ofatumumab, ONO-4059, otlertuzumab, spebrutinib, veltuzumab and XmAb5574 in conjunction with CLL. Conference proceedings from the previous 5 years of the American Society of Hematology, European Hematology Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meetings were searched manually. Additional relevant publications were obtained by reviewing the references from the chosen articles. EXPERT OPINION The use of mAbs, BCR inhibitors and immunomodulating drugs is a promising new strategy for chemotherapy-free treatment of CLL. However, definitive data from ongoing and future clinical trials will aid in better defining the status of immunological drugs in the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Robak
- a Medical University of Lodz, Departments of Experimental Hematology and Hematology, Copernicus Memorial Hospital , 93-510 Lodz, Ul. Ciolkowskiego 2, Poland +48 42 689 51 91 ; +48 42 689 51 92 ;
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Weldon JE, Skarzynski M, Therres JA, Ostovitz JR, Zhou H, Kreitman RJ, Pastan I. Designing the furin-cleavable linker in recombinant immunotoxins based on Pseudomonas exotoxin A. Bioconjug Chem 2015; 26:1120-8. [PMID: 25997032 PMCID: PMC7724502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are fusion proteins that join antibodies to protein toxins for targeted cell killing. RITs armed with Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) are undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. The current design of PE-based RITs joins an antibody fragment to the catalytic domain of PE using a polypeptide linker that is cleaved by the protease furin. Intracellular cleavage of native PE by furin is required for cytotoxicity, yet the PE cleavage site has been shown to be a poor furin substrate. Here we describe the rational design of more efficiently cleaved furin linkers in PE-based RITs, and experiments evaluating their effects on cleavage and cytotoxicity. We found that changes to the furin site could greatly influence both cleavage and cytotoxicity, but the two parameters were not directly correlated. Furthermore, the effects of alterations to the furin linker were not universal. Identical mutations in the anti-CD22 RIT HA22-LR often displayed different cytotoxicity from mutations in the anti-mesothelin RIT SS1-LR/GGS, underscoring the prominent role of the target site in their intoxication pathways. Combining several beneficial mutations in HA22-LR resulted in a variant (HA22-LR/FUR) with a remarkably enhanced cleavage rate and improved cytotoxicity against five B cell lines and similar or enhanced cytotoxicity in five out of six hairy cell leukemia patient samples. This result informs the design of protease-sensitive linkers and suggests that HA22-LR/FUR may be a candidate for further preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Weldon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, Towson University, Towson, Maryland 21252, United States
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Martin Skarzynski
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Jamy A. Therres
- Department of Biological Sciences, Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, Towson University, Towson, Maryland 21252, United States
| | - Joshua R. Ostovitz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, Towson University, Towson, Maryland 21252, United States
| | - Hong Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Robert J. Kreitman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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76
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Verdurmen WPR, Luginbühl M, Honegger A, Plückthun A. Efficient cell-specific uptake of binding proteins into the cytoplasm through engineered modular transport systems. J Control Release 2015; 200:13-22. [PMID: 25526701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Through advances in protein scaffold engineering and selection technologies, highly specific binding proteins, which fold under reducing conditions, can be generated against virtually all targets. Despite tremendous therapeutic opportunities, intracellular applications are hindered by difficulties associated with achieving cytosolic delivery, compounded by even correctly measuring it. Here, we addressed cytosolic delivery systematically through the development of a biotin ligase-based assay that objectively quantifies cytosolic delivery in a generic fashion. We developed modular transport systems that consist of a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) for receptor targeting and a different DARPin for intracellular recognition and a bacterial toxin-derived component for cytosolic translocation. We show that both anthrax pores and the translocation domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (ETA) efficiently deliver DARPins into the cytosol. We found that the cargo must not exceed a threshold thermodynamic stability for anthrax pores, which can be addressed by engineering, while the ETA pathway does not appear to have this restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Dept of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Manuel Luginbühl
- Dept of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Annemarie Honegger
- Dept of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Dept of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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77
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Whole-genome RNAi screen highlights components of the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi as a source of resistance to immunotoxin-mediated cytotoxicity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E1135-42. [PMID: 25713356 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1501958112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins (antibody-toxin fusion proteins) target surface antigens on cancer cells and kill these cells via toxin-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis. To identify genes controlling this process, an RNAi whole-genome screen (∼ 22,000 genes at three siRNAs per gene) was conducted via monitoring the cytotoxicity of the mesothelin-directed immunotoxin SS1P. SS1P, a Pseudomonas exotoxin-based immunotoxin, was chosen because it is now in clinical trials and has produced objective tumor regressions in patients. High and low concentrations of SS1P were chosen to allow for the identification of both mitigators and sensitizers. As expected, silencing known essential genes in the immunotoxin pathway, such as mesothelin, furin, KDEL receptor 2, or members of the diphthamide pathway, protected cells. Of greater interest was the observation that many RNAi targets increased immunotoxin sensitivity, indicating that these gene products normally contribute to inefficiencies in the killing pathway. Of the top sensitizers, many genes encode proteins that locate to either the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or Golgi and are annotated as part of the secretory system. Genes related to the ER-associated degradation system were not among high-ranking mitigator or sensitizer candidates. However, the p97 inhibitor eeyarestatin 1 enhanced immunotoxin killing. Our results highlight potential targets for chemical intervention that could increase immunotoxin killing of cancer cells and enhance our understanding of toxin trafficking.
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78
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Geoghegan EM, Zhang H, Desai PJ, Biragyn A, Markham RB. Antiviral activity of a single-domain antibody immunotoxin binding to glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus 2. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:527-35. [PMID: 25385102 PMCID: PMC4291438 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03818-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite years of research dedicated to preventing the sexual transmission of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), there is still no protective vaccine or microbicide against one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. Using a phage display library constructed from a llama immunized with recombinant HSV-2 glycoprotein D, we identified a single-domain antibody VHH, R33, which binds to the viral surface glycoprotein D. Although R33 does not demonstrate any HSV-2 neutralization activity in vitro, when expressed with the cytotoxic domain of exotoxin A, the resulting immunotoxin (R33ExoA) specifically and potently kills HSV-2-infected cells, with a 50% neutralizing dilution (IC50) of 6.7 nM. We propose that R33ExoA could be used clinically to prevent transmission of HSV-2 through killing of virus-producing epithelial cells during virus reactivation. R33 could also potentially be used to deliver other cytotoxic effectors to HSV-2-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Geoghegan
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Prashant J Desai
- Viral Oncology Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arya Biragyn
- Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard B Markham
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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79
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Stefan N, Zimmermann M, Simon M, Zangemeister-Wittke U, Plückthun A. Novel prodrug-like fusion toxin with protease-sensitive bioorthogonal PEGylation for tumor targeting. Bioconjug Chem 2014; 25:2144-56. [PMID: 25350699 DOI: 10.1021/bc500468s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Highly potent biotoxins like Pseudomonas exotoxin A (ETA) are attractive payloads for tumor targeting. However, despite replacement of the natural cell-binding domain of ETA by tumor-selective antibodies or alternative binding proteins like designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) the therapeutic window of such fusion toxins is still limited by target-independent cellular uptake, resulting in toxicity in normal tissues. Furthermore, the strong immunogenicity of the bacterial toxin precludes repeated administration in most patients. Site-specific modification to convert ETA into a prodrug-like toxin which is reactivated specifically in the tumor, and at the same time has a longer circulation half-life and is less immunogenic, is therefore appealing. To engineer a prodrug-like fusion toxin consisting of the anti-EpCAM DARPin Ec1 and a domain I-deleted variant of ETA (ETA″), we used strain-promoted azide alkyne cycloaddition for bioorthogonal conjugation of linear or branched polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers at defined positions within the toxin moiety. Reversibility of the shielding was provided by a designed peptide linker containing the cleavage site for the rhinovirus 3C model protease. We identified two distinct sites, one within the catalytic domain and one close to the C-terminal KDEL sequence of Ec1-ETA″, simultaneous PEGylation of which resulted in up to 1000-fold lower cytotoxicity in EpCAM-positive tumor cells. Importantly, the potency of the fusion toxin was fully restored by proteolytic unveiling. Upon systemic administration in mice, PEGylated Ec1-ETA″ was much better tolerated than Ec1-ETA″; it showed a longer circulation half-life and an almost 10-fold increased area under the curve (AUC). Our strategy of engineering prodrug-like fusion toxins by bioorthogonal veiling opens new possibilities for targeting tumors with more specificity and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Stefan
- Department of Biochemistry, Winterthurerstrasse 190, University of Zurich , CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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80
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Alewine C, Xiang L, Yamori T, Niederfellner G, Bosslet K, Pastan I. Efficacy of RG7787, a next-generation mesothelin-targeted immunotoxin, against triple-negative breast and gastric cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:2653-61. [PMID: 25239937 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The RG7787 mesothelin-targeted recombinant immunotoxin (RIT) consists of an antibody fragment targeting mesothelin (MSLN) fused to a 24-kD fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A for cell killing. Compared with prior RITs, RG7787 has improved properties for clinical development including decreased nonspecific toxicity and immunogenicity and resistance to degradation by lysosomal proteases. MSLN is a cell surface glycoprotein highly expressed by many solid tumor malignancies. New reports have demonstrated that MSLN is expressed by a significant percentage of triple-negative breast and gastric cancer clinical specimens. Here, panels of triple-negative breast and gastric cancer cell lines were tested for surface MSLN expression, and for sensitivity to RG7787 in vitro and in animal models. RG7787 produced >95% cell killing of the HCC70 and SUM149 breast cancer cell lines in vitro with IC50 < 100 pmol/L. RG7787 was also effective against gastric cancer cell lines MKN28, MKN45, and MKN74 in vitro, with subnanomolar IC50s. In a nude mouse model, RG7787 treatment (2.5 mg/kg i.v. qod ×3-4) resulted in a statistically significant 41% decrease in volumes of HCC70 xenograft tumors (P < 0.0001) and an 18% decrease in MKN28 tumors (P < 0.0001). Pretreatment with paclitaxel (50 mg/kg i.p.) enhanced efficacy, producing 88% and 70% reduction in tumor volumes for HCC70 and MKN28, respectively, a statistically significant improvement over paclitaxel alone (P < 0.0001 for both). RG7787 merits clinical testing for triple-negative breast and gastric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Laiman Xiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Takao Yamori
- Center for Product Evaluation, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gerhard Niederfellner
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, F. Hoffman-La Roche, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Bosslet
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Discovery Oncology, F. Hoffman-La Roche, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
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81
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Linke T, Aspelund MT, Thompson C, Xi G, Fulton A, Wendeler M, Pabst TM, Wang X, Wang WK, Ram K, Hunter AK. Development and scale-up of a commercial fed batch refolding process for an anti-CD22 two chain immunotoxin. Biotechnol Prog 2014; 30:1380-9. [PMID: 25139260 PMCID: PMC4283723 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We describe the development and scale-up of a novel two chain immunotoxin refolding process. This work provides a case study comparing a clinical manufacturing process and the commercial process developed to replace it. While the clinical process produced high quality material, it suffered from low yield and high yield variability. A systematic approach to process development and understanding led to a number of improvements that were implemented in the commercial process. These include a shorter inclusion body recovery process, limiting the formation of an undesired deamidated species and the implementation of fed batch dilution refolding for increased refold titers. The use of a combination of urea, arginine and DTT for capture column cleaning restored the binding capacity of the capture step column and resulted in consistent capture step yields compared to the clinical process. Scalability is shown with data from 250 L and 950 L scale refolding processes. Compared to the clinical process it replaces, the commercial process demonstrated a greater than fivefold improvement in volumetric productivity at the 950 L refolding scale. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1380–1389, 2014
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Linke
- Dept. of Purification Process Sciences, MedImmune, One MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878
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82
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Bera TK, Onda M, Kreitman RJ, Pastan I. An improved recombinant Fab-immunotoxin targeting CD22 expressing malignancies. Leuk Res 2014; 38:1224-9. [PMID: 25127689 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Moxetumomab pasudotox (HA22) is a recombinant immunotoxin, now in clinical trials, that combines an anti-CD22-Fv with a 38-kDa fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. To produce a less immunogenic molecule without reducing the half-life in circulation, we constructed LMB11 combining an anti-CD22 Fab with a less immunogenic version of PE38. We found that LMB11 retains full activity toward CD22-expressing cells. In mice, the half-life of LMB11 is 29 min and the antitumor activity of LMB11 is better than that of HA22. Because it can be safely given at much higher doses, LMB11 produced complete tumor remissions in 7/7 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan K Bera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Room 5106, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA
| | - Masanori Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Room 5106, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA
| | - Robert J Kreitman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Room 5106, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Room 5106, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
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83
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Staudinger M, Glorius P, Burger R, Kellner C, Klausz K, Günther A, Repp R, Klapper W, Gramatzki M, Peipp M. The novel immunotoxin HM1.24-ETA' induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells. Blood Cancer J 2014; 4:e219. [PMID: 24927408 PMCID: PMC4080209 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2014.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite new treatment modalities, the clinical outcome in a substantial number of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has yet to be improved. Antibody-based targeted therapies for myeloma patients could make use of the HM1.24 antigen (CD317), a surface molecule overexpressed on malignant plasma cells and efficiently internalized. Here, a novel immunotoxin, HM1.24-ETA', is described. HM1.24-ETA' was generated by genetic fusion of a CD317-specific single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody and a truncated variant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA'). HM1.24-ETA' inhibited growth of interleukin 6 (IL-6)-dependent and -independent myeloma cell lines. Half-maximal growth inhibition was observed at concentrations as low as 0.3 nM. Target cell killing occurred via induction of apoptosis and was unaffected in co-culture experiments with bone marrow stromal cells. HM1.24-ETA' efficiently triggered apoptosis of freshly isolated/cryopreserved cells of patients with plasma cell leukemia and MM and was active in a preclinical severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse xenograft model. Importantly, HM1.24-ETA' was not cytotoxic against CD317-positive cells from healthy tissue (monocytes, human umbilical vein endothelial cells). These results indicate that CD317 may represent a promising target structure for specific and efficient immunotoxin therapy for patients with plasma cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Staudinger
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - P Glorius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - R Burger
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - C Kellner
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - K Klausz
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - A Günther
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - R Repp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - W Klapper
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - M Gramatzki
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - M Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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84
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Hollevoet K, Mason-Osann E, Liu XF, Imhof-Jung S, Niederfellner G, Pastan I. In vitro and in vivo activity of the low-immunogenic antimesothelin immunotoxin RG7787 in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:2040-9. [PMID: 24928849 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0089-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis, and new therapies are needed. RG7787 is a novel low-immunogenic antimesothelin recombinant immunotoxin (RIT), engineered to overcome the limitations of SS1P, a RIT now in clinical trials. In vitro activity was evaluated on five established PDAC cell lines (KLM-1, AsPC-1, BxPC-3, Panc 3.014, and PK-1) and on PDAC cells directly established from a patient tumor (GUMC108). RG7787 had subnanomolar IC50s in most cell lines, and was significantly more active than SS1P in GUMC108, KLM-1, and Panc 3.014 cells. GUMC108 was most sensitive, with RG7787 killing >99% of the cells. In a subcutaneous KLM-1 xenograft mouse model, two cycles of 3 × 2.5 mg/kg RG7787 QOD combined with two cycles of 1 × 50 mg/kg paclitaxel induced near-complete responses, with all tumors regressing below 5 mm(3) within 30 days after therapy was initiated (>95% decrease) and no significant growth increase for at least another 3 weeks. RG7787 alone gave limited but significant regressions and paclitaxel by itself arrested tumor growth. Quantifying the uptake of Alexa Fluor 647-labeled RG7787 in tumors showed that the RIT reached only 45% of KLM-1 cells, accounting in part for the limited responses. Paclitaxel did not improve RG7787 uptake, which thus cannot explain the beneficial effect of the combination therapy. In conclusion, RG7787 has high cytotoxic activity on PDAC cell lines as well as on primary patient cells. In vivo, this novel RIT gives durable near-complete tumor responses when combined with paclitaxel. RG7787 merits further evaluation for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Hollevoet
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland; Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Emily Mason-Osann
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xiu-fen Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sabine Imhof-Jung
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Niederfellner
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland;
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85
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Mazor R, Eberle JA, Hu X, Vassall AN, Onda M, Beers R, Lee EC, Kreitman RJ, Lee B, Baker D, King C, Hassan R, Benhar I, Pastan I. Recombinant immunotoxin for cancer treatment with low immunogenicity by identification and silencing of human T-cell epitopes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:8571-6. [PMID: 24799704 PMCID: PMC4060717 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1405153111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonhuman proteins have valuable therapeutic properties, but their efficacy is limited by neutralizing antibodies. Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are potent anticancer agents that have produced many complete remissions in leukemia, but immunogenicity limits the number of doses that can be given to patients with normal immune systems. Using human cells, we identified eight helper T-cell epitopes in PE38, a portion of the bacterial protein Pseudomonas exotoxin A which consists of the toxin moiety of the RIT, and used this information to make LMB-T18 in which three epitopes were deleted and five others diminished by point mutations in key residues. LMB-T18 has high cytotoxic and antitumor activity and is very resistant to thermal denaturation. The new immunotoxin has a 93% decrease in T-cell epitopes and should have improved efficacy in patients because more treatment cycles can be given. Furthermore, the deimmunized toxin can be used to make RITs targeting other antigens, and the approach we describe can be used to deimmunize other therapeutically useful nonhuman proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Mazor
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892;Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 6998, Israel
| | - Jaime A Eberle
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Aaron N Vassall
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Masanori Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Richard Beers
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Elizabeth C Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Robert J Kreitman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Byungkook Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - David Baker
- Institute for Protein Design, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98122; and
| | - Chris King
- Institute for Protein Design, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98122; and
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892;Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Itai Benhar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 6998, Israel
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892;
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86
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Bachran C, Gupta PK, Bachran S, Leysath CE, Hoover B, Fattah RJ, Leppla SH. Reductive methylation and mutation of an anthrax toxin fusion protein modulates its stability and cytotoxicity. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4754. [PMID: 24755540 PMCID: PMC3996465 DOI: 10.1038/srep04754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We characterized an anti-cancer fusion protein consisting of anthrax lethal factor (LF) and the catalytic domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A by (i) mutating the N-terminal amino acids and by (ii) reductive methylation to dimethylate all lysines. Dimethylation of lysines was achieved quantitatively and specifically without affecting binding of the fusion protein to PA or decreasing the enzymatic activity of the catalytic moiety. Ubiquitination in vitro was drastically decreased for both the N-terminally mutated and dimethylated variants, and both appeared to be slightly more stable in the cytosol of treated cells. The dimethylated variant showed greatly reduced neutralization by antibodies to LF. The two described modifications offer unique advantages such as increased cytotoxic activity and diminished antibody recognition, and thus may be applicable to other therapeutic proteins that act in the cytosol of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bachran
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Pradeep K. Gupta
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Silke Bachran
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Clinton E. Leysath
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin Hoover
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rasem J. Fattah
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Stephen H. Leppla
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Abstract
Unconjugated monoclonal antibodies that target hematopoietic differentiation antigens have been developed to treat hematologic malignancies. Although some of these have activity against chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia, in general, monoclonal antibodies have limited efficacy as single agents in the treatment of leukemia. To increase their potency, the binding domains of monoclonal antibodies can be attached to protein toxins. Such compounds, termed immunotoxins, are delivered to the interior of leukemia cells based on antibody specificity for cell surface target antigens. Recombinant immunotoxins have been shown to be highly cytotoxic to leukemic blasts in vitro, in xenograft model systems, and in early-phase clinical trials in humans. These agents will likely play an increasing role in the treatment of leukemia.
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88
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Brown P, Hunger SP, Smith FO, Carroll WL, Reaman GH. Novel targeted drug therapies for the treatment of childhood acute leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2014; 2:145. [PMID: 20126514 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.09.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The cure rates for childhood acute leukemia have dramatically improved to approximately 70% overal, with treatments that include intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy and, in some cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, many children still die of their disease or of treatment-related toxicities. Even in patients that are cured, there can be significant and, not uncommonly debilitating, acute and late complications of treatment. Improved understanding of the molecular and cellular biology of leukemia and the increasing availability of high-throughput genomic techniques have facilitated the development of molecularly targeted therapies that have the potential to be more effective and less toxic than the standard approaches. In this article, we review the progress to date with agents that are showing promise in the treatment of childhood acute leukemia, including monoclonal antibodies, inhibitors of kinases and other signaling molecules (e.g., BCR-ABL, FLT3, farnesyltransferase, mTOR and γ-secretase), agents that target epigenetic regulation of gene expression (DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors) and proteasome inhibitors. For the specific agents in each of these classes, we summarize the published preclinical data and the clinical trials that have been completed, are in progress or are being planned for children with acute leukemia. Finally, we discuss potential challenges to the success of molecularly targeted therapy, including proper target identification, adequate targeting of leukemia stem cells, developing synergistic and tolerable combinations of agents and designing adequately powered clinical trials to test efficacy in molecularly defined subsets of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Brown
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer, Center and Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, CRB1 Room 2M49, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA, Tel.: +1 410 955 8817, ,
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89
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Gilabert-Oriol R, Weng A, Mallinckrodt BV, Melzig MF, Fuchs H, Thakur M. Immunotoxins constructed with ribosome-inactivating proteins and their enhancers: a lethal cocktail with tumor specific efficacy. Curr Pharm Des 2014; 20:6584-643. [PMID: 25341935 PMCID: PMC4296666 DOI: 10.2174/1381612820666140826153913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The term ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) is used to denominate proteins mostly of plant origin, which have N-glycosidase enzymatic activity leading to a complete destruction of the ribosomal function. The discovery of the RIPs was almost a century ago, but their usage has seen transition only in the last four decades. With the advent of antibody therapy, the RIPs have been a subject of extensive research especially in targeted tumor therapies, which is the primary focus of this review. In the present work we enumerate 250 RIPs, which have been identified so far. An attempt has been made to identify all the RIPs that have been used for the construction of immunotoxins, which are conjugates or fusion proteins of an antibody or ligand with a toxin. The data from 1960 onwards is reviewed in this paper and an extensive list of more than 450 immunotoxins is reported. The clinical reach of tumor-targeted toxins has been identified and detailed in the work as well. While there is a lot of potential that RIPs embrace for targeted tumor therapies, the success in preclinical and clinical evaluations has been limited mainly because of their inability to escape the endo/lysosomal degradation. Various strategies that can increase the efficacy and lower the required dose for targeted toxins have been compiled in this article. It is plausible that with the advancements in platform technologies or improved endosomal escape the usage of tumor targeted RIPs would see the daylight of clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mayank Thakur
- Institut fur Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (Forum 4), Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany.
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90
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Feld J, Barta SK, Schinke C, Braunschweig I, Zhou Y, Verma AK. Linked-in: design and efficacy of antibody drug conjugates in oncology. Oncotarget 2013; 4:397-412. [PMID: 23651630 PMCID: PMC3717303 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) as targeted chemotherapies has successfully entered clinical practice and holds great promise. ADCs consist of an antibody and toxin-drug combined together via a chemical linker. While the antibody and drug are of vital importance in the direct elimination of cancer cells, more advanced linker technology was instrumental in the delivery of more potent drugs with fewer side effects. Here, we discuss the preclinical experience as well as clinical trials, with a specific emphasis on the clinical outcomes and side effects, in addition to linker strategies for five different ADCs, in order to describe different approaches in the development of this new class of anticancer agents. Brentuximab vedotin is approved for use in Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Trastuzumab emtansine is approved for breast cancer. Combotox, Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, and Moxetumomab Pasudotox are in various stages of clinical development and are showing significant efficacy in lymphoid malignancies. These ADCs illustrate the promise and future potential of targeted therapy for presently incurable malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Feld
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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91
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Antignani A, FitzGerald D. Immunotoxins: the role of the toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 5:1486-502. [PMID: 23965432 PMCID: PMC3760048 DOI: 10.3390/toxins5081486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins are antibody-toxin bifunctional molecules that rely on intracellular toxin action to kill target cells. Target specificity is determined via the binding attributes of the chosen antibody. Mostly, but not exclusively, immunotoxins are purpose-built to kill cancer cells as part of novel treatment approaches. Other applications for immunotoxins include immune regulation and the treatment of viral or parasitic diseases. Here we discuss the utility of protein toxins, of both bacterial and plant origin, joined to antibodies for targeting cancer cells. Finally, while clinical goals are focused on the development of novel cancer treatments, much has been learned about toxin action and intracellular pathways. Thus toxins are considered both medicines for treating human disease and probes of cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Antignani
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: (A.A.); (D.F.); Tel.: +1-301-496-9457 (D.F.); Fax: +1-301-402-1344 (D.F.)
| | - David FitzGerald
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: (A.A.); (D.F.); Tel.: +1-301-496-9457 (D.F.); Fax: +1-301-402-1344 (D.F.)
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92
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Daver N, O’Brien S. Novel therapeutic strategies in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia--a focus on emerging monoclonal antibodies. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2013; 8:123-31. [PMID: 23539383 PMCID: PMC4438701 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-013-0160-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The outcomes in adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain inferior to those achieved in pediatric populations. Targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies may improve outcomes in adult B-cell ALL without significant additive toxicity. Rituximab is the best known monoclonal antibody and is routinely used in combination chemo-immunotherapy for treatment of adult B-cell ALL and Burkitts leukemia. A number of other monoclonal antibodies are currently under investigation for treatment of adult B-cell ALL including unconjugated antibodies (eg., ofatumumab, alemtuzumab and epratuzumab), antibodies conjugated to cytotoxic agents (eg., inotuzumab ozogamycin and SAR3419), antibodies conjugated to toxins such Pseudomonas or Diptheria toxins (eg., BL22 and moxetumomab pasudotox), and T-cell engaging bi-specific antibodies that redirect cytotoxic T lymphocytes to lyse target ALL cells (eg., blinatumomab). In this article we review the therapeutic implications, current status and results of monoclonal antibody-based therapy in adult B-cell ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 0428, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Susan O’Brien
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 0428, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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93
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Diving through Membranes: Molecular Cunning to Enforce the Endosomal Escape of Antibody-Targeted Anti-Tumor Toxins. Antibodies (Basel) 2013. [DOI: 10.3390/antib2020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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94
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Tang H, Wu Y, Wu H, Wu Y, Wu H, Wang W. Functional analysis of a survivin-like gene in Bombyx mori. Cytotechnology 2013; 66:181-91. [PMID: 23529562 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-013-9551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The survivin (svv) gene is a newly discovered member of the inhibitors of apoptosis gene family. In recent years, svv has been confirmed to have an anti-apoptosis function and to play a critical role in cell division. We identified a survivin-like gene in the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Bm-svv). In this study, to gain insight into its function, a baculovirus expression system was used to express the Bm-svv gene in insect cell lines. The recombinant viruses were then used as a vector to transform insect cells, and cell activity was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), which is usually employed for detecting mammalian cell number. The results indicated that the Bm-svv gene plays a role in the cell growth arrest or apoptosis induced by viruses. Furthermore, the CCK-8 kit is effective in determining the activity of insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Tang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China,
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95
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Baskar S, Muthusamy N. Antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of human B cell malignancies. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2013; 13:33-43. [PMID: 23229130 PMCID: PMC3674564 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-012-0327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic expression of various phenotypic markers during B cell development not only defines the particular stage in ontogeny but also provides the necessary growth, differentiation, maturation and survival signals. When a B cell at any given stage becomes cancerous, these cell surface molecules, intracellular signaling molecules, and the over-expressed gene products become favorite targets for potential therapeutic intervention. Various adaptive and adoptive immunotherapeutic approaches induce T cell and antibody responses against cancer cells, and successful remission leading to minimal residual disease has been obtained. Nonetheless, subsequent relapse and development of resistant clones prompted further development and several novel strategies are evolving. Engineered monoclonal antibodies with high affinity and specificity to target antigens have been developed and used either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. They are also used as vehicles to deliver cytotoxic drugs, toxins, or radionuclides that are either directly conjugated or encapsulated in liposomal vesicles. Likewise, genetically engineered T cells bearing chimeric antigen receptors are used to redirect cytotoxicity to antigen-positive target cells. This review describes recent advancements in some of these adoptive immunotherapeutic strategies targeting B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivasubramanian Baskar
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10/CRC; Room 3E-3248, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine; Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics and Veterinary BioSciences, The OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 455E, OSUCCC, 410, West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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96
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Pessina A, Coccè V, Pascucci L, Bonomi A, Cavicchini L, Sisto F, Ferrari M, Ciusani E, Crovace A, Falchetti ML, Zicari S, Caruso A, Navone S, Marfia G, Benetti A, Ceccarelli P, Parati E, Alessandri G. Mesenchymal stromal cells primed with Paclitaxel attract and kill leukaemia cells, inhibit angiogenesis and improve survival of leukaemia-bearing mice. Br J Haematol 2013; 160:766-78. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Pessina
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Valentina Coccè
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Luisa Pascucci
- Section of Veterinary Anatomy; Department of Biopathological Sciences and Hygiene of Animal and Food Productions; University of Perugia; Milan Italy
| | - Arianna Bonomi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases; Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Loredana Cavicchini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Francesca Sisto
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Maura Ferrari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna; Brescia Italy
| | - Emilio Ciusani
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Neurogenetic Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Antonio Crovace
- Dipartimento dell'Emergenza e dei Trapianti di Organi (D.E.T.O.), Sezione di Chirurgia Veterinaria; Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro; Bari Italy
| | | | - Sonia Zicari
- Department of Microbiology; University of Brescia and Spedali Civili; Brescia Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Department of Microbiology; University of Brescia and Spedali Civili; Brescia Italy
| | - Stefania Navone
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases; Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Giovanni Marfia
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases; Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Anna Benetti
- 2nd Department of Pathology; University of Brescia and Spedali Civili; Brescia Italy
| | - Piero Ceccarelli
- Section of Veterinary Anatomy; Department of Biopathological Sciences and Hygiene of Animal and Food Productions; University of Perugia; Milan Italy
| | - Eugenio Parati
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases; Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Giulio Alessandri
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases; Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta; Milan Italy
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97
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Bonomi A, Coccè V, Cavicchini L, Sisto F, Dossena M, Balzarini P, Portolani N, Ciusani E, Parati E, Alessandri G, Pessina A. Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells Primed in Vitro with Paclitaxel Acquire Anti-Tumor Activity. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2013; 26:33-41. [DOI: 10.1177/03946320130260s105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Bonomi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - V. Coccè
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - L. Cavicchini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - F. Sisto
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - M. Dossena
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases; Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - P. Balzarini
- Second Department of Pathology, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - N. Portolani
- Second Department of Pathology, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - E. Ciusani
- Department of Diagnostics and Applied Technology, Fondazione IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - E. Parati
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases; Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Alessandri
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases; Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Pessina
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
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98
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Mazor R, Vassall AN, Eberle JA, Beers R, Weldon JE, Venzon DJ, Tsang KY, Benhar I, Pastan I. Identification and elimination of an immunodominant T-cell epitope in recombinant immunotoxins based on Pseudomonas exotoxin A. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:E3597-603. [PMID: 23213206 PMCID: PMC3529021 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1218138109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) are chimeric proteins that are being developed for cancer treatment. We have produced RITs that contain PE38, a portion of the bacterial protein Pseudomonas exotoxin A. Because the toxin is bacterial, it often induces neutralizing antibodies, which limit the number of treatment cycles and the effectiveness of the therapy. Because T cells are essential for antibody responses to proteins, we adopted an assay to map the CD4(+) T-cell epitopes in PE38. We incubated peripheral blood mononuclear cells with an immunotoxin to stimulate T-cell expansion, followed by exposure to overlapping peptide fragments of PE38 and an IL-2 ELISpot assay to measure responses. Our observation of T-cell responses in 50 of 50 individuals correlates with the frequency of antibody formation in patients with normal immune systems. We found a single, highly immunodominant epitope in 46% (23/50) of the donors. The immunodominant epitope is DRB1-restricted and was observed in subjects with different HLA alleles, indicating promiscuity. We identified two amino acids that, when deleted or mutated to alanine, eliminated the immunodominant epitope, and we used this information to construct mutant RITs that are highly cytotoxic and do not stimulate T-cell responses in many donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Mazor
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | - David J. Venzon
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, and
| | - Kwong Y. Tsang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - Itai Benhar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
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99
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Weldon JE, Xiang L, Zhang J, Beers R, Walker DA, Onda M, Hassan R, Pastan I. A recombinant immunotoxin against the tumor-associated antigen mesothelin reengineered for high activity, low off-target toxicity, and reduced antigenicity. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 12:48-57. [PMID: 23136186 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
SS1P is a recombinant immunotoxin (RIT) engineered for the targeted elimination of malignant cells that express the tumor-associated antigen mesothelin. It is composed of an antimesothelin antibody variable fragment (Fv) linked to a cytotoxic fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) that includes domains II and III of native PE. The clinical use of SS1P is limited by its propensity to induce neutralizing antibodies and to cause a dose-limiting capillary leak syndrome (CLS) in patients. In this article, we describe a reengineered SS1P with improved properties that overcome these deficits. The redesign of SS1P consists of (i) removing the bulk of PE domain II (residues 251-273 and 284-394 of native PE), leaving only an 11-residue furin cleavage site, (ii) adding a Gly-Gly-Ser peptide linker after the furin cleavage site, and (iii) replacing eight highly solvent-exposed residues in the catalytic domain of PE. The new molecule, SS1-LR/GGS/8M, has cytotoxic activity comparable with SS1P on several mesothelin-expressing cell lines and remarkably improved activity on primary cells from patients with mesothelioma. In a mouse xenograft tumor model, high doses of SS1-LR/GGS/8M elicit antitumor activity superior to the activity of SS1P at its maximum-tolerated dose. In addition, SS1-LR/GGS/8M has greatly decreased ability to cause CLS in a rat model and reduced antigenicity or reactivity with antibodies to the sera of patients previously treated with SS1P.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Weldon
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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100
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), as well as antibody conjugates of protein toxins (immunotoxins) and cytokines (immunocytokines), are showing clinical efficacy, with manageable toxicities, in cancer treatment. AREAS COVERED The utility of an ADC is governed by the antibody and the target, as well as by the drug-linker component of the conjugate. The conjugation site, conjugating group, drug/antibody ratios and site-specific conjugation for product homogeneity are all aspects to consider in optimizing the ADC and enhancing its therapeutic window. Immunotoxin and immunocytokine construction by recombinant methods can be modulated to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. The Dock-and-Lock (DNL) platform technology provides a flexible approach to assemble mono- or bispecific constructs carrying multiple toxin or cytokine molecules for targeted therapy. EXPERT OPINION Conjugation chemistry and recombinant technologies have had a significant impact on the therapeutic prospects of immunoconjugates, particularly in hematopoietic diseases. Continued concerted efforts from different scientific disciplines are needed, together with newer treatment paradigms, for greater progress in the more challenging therapy of solid tumors.
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