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Klausz K, Pekar L, Boje AS, Gehlert CL, Krohn S, Gupta T, Xiao Y, Krah S, Zaynagetdinov R, Lipinski B, Toleikis L, Poetzsch S, Rabinovich B, Peipp M, Zielonka S. Multifunctional NK Cell–Engaging Antibodies Targeting EGFR and NKp30 Elicit Efficient Tumor Cell Killing and Proinflammatory Cytokine Release. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1724-1735. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In this work, we have generated novel Fc-comprising NK cell engagers (NKCEs) that bridge human NKp30 on NK cells to human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells. Camelid-derived VHH single-domain Abs specific for human NKp30 and a humanized Fab derived from the EGFR-specific therapeutic Ab cetuximab were used as binding arms. By combining camelid immunization with yeast surface display, we were able to isolate a diverse panel of NKp30-specific VHHs against different epitopes on NKp30. Intriguingly, NKCEs built with VHHs that compete for binding to NKp30 with B7-H6, the natural ligand of NKp30, were significantly more potent in eliciting tumor cell lysis of EGFR-positive tumor cells than NKCEs harboring VHHs that target different epitopes on NKp30 from B7-H6. We demonstrate that the NKCEs can be further improved with respect to killing capabilities by concomitant engagement of FcγRIIIa and that soluble B7-H6 does not impede cytolytic capacities of all scrutinized NKCEs at significantly higher B7-H6 concentrations than observed in cancer patients. Moreover, we show that physiological processes requiring interactions between membrane-bound B7-H6 and NKp30 on NK cells are unaffected by noncompeting NKCEs still eliciting tumor cell killing at low picomolar concentrations. Ultimately, the NKCEs generated in this study were significantly more potent in eliciting NK cell–mediated tumor cell lysis than cetuximab and elicited a robust release of proinflammatory cytokines, both features which might be beneficial for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Klausz
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lukas Pekar
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ammelie Svea Boje
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Carina Lynn Gehlert
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Steffen Krohn
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tushar Gupta
- ‡Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Yanping Xiao
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Simon Krah
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Rinat Zaynagetdinov
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Britta Lipinski
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- ¶Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany; and
| | - Lars Toleikis
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sven Poetzsch
- ‖Strategic Innovation, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Brian Rabinovich
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Matthias Peipp
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- ¶Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany; and
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52
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An armed oncolytic virus for GBM Destruction. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:1274-1276. [PMID: 36396753 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00457-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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53
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Yi YW, You KS, Han S, Ha IJ, Park JS, Lee SG, Seong YS. Inhibition of IκB Kinase Is a Potential Therapeutic Strategy to Circumvent Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5215. [PMID: 36358633 PMCID: PMC9654813 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains as an intractable malignancy with limited therapeutic targets. High expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a poor prognosis of TNBC; however, EGFR targeting has failed with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Here, we performed a combinatorial screening of fifty-five protein kinase inhibitors with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib in the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and identified the IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor IKK16 as a sensitizer of gefitinib. Cell viability and clonogenic survival assays were performed to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of the gefitinib and IKK16 (Gefitinib + IKK16) combination in TNBC cell lines. Western blot analyses were also performed to reveal the potential mode of action of this combination. In addition, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was performed in Gefitinib+IKK16-treated cells. The Gefitinib+IKK16 treatment synergistically reduced cell viability and colony formation of TNBC cell lines such as HS578T, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. This combination downregulated p-STAT3, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-GSK3β, and p-RPS6. In addition, p-NF-κB and the total NF-κB were also regulated by this combination. Furthermore, NGS analysis revealed that NF-κB/RELA targets including CCL2, CXCL8, EDN1, IL-1β, IL-6, and SERPINE1 were further reduced and several potential tumor suppressors, such as FABP3, FADS2, FDFT1, SEMA6A, and PCK2, were synergistically induced by the Gefitinib-+IKK16 treatment. Taken together, we identified the IKK/NF-κB pathway as a potential target in combination of EGFR inhibition for treating TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Weon Yi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Kyu Sic You
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Sanghee Han
- Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - In Jin Ha
- Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Jeong-Soo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Seok-Geun Lee
- Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
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Lamtha T, Tabtimmai L, Songtawee N, Tansakul N, Choowongkomon K. Structural analysis of cannabinoids against EGFR-TK leads a novel target against EGFR-driven cell lines. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 3:100132. [PMID: 36568260 PMCID: PMC9780064 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the ErbB family of proteins and are involved in downstream signal transduction, plays prominent roles in cell growth regulation, proliferation, and the differentiation of many cell types. They are correlated with the stage and severity of cancer. Therefore, EGFRs are targeted proteins for the design of new drugs to treat cancers that overexpress these proteins. Currently, several bioactive natural extracts are being studied for therapeutic purposes. Cannabis has been reported in many studies to have beneficial medicinal effects, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, and antitumor activity. However, it is unclear whether cannabinoids reduce intracellular signaling by inhibiting tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. In this study, cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, and CBN) were simulated for binding to the EGFR-intracellular domain to evaluate the binding energy and binding mode based on molecular docking simulation. The results showed that the binding site was almost always located at the kinase active site. In addition, the compounds were tested for binding affinity and demonstrated their ability to inhibit kinase enzymes. Furthermore, the compounds potently inhibited cellular survival and apoptosis induction in either of the EGFR-overexpressing cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomanai Lamtha
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Bioinformatics (PROTEB), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand,Spectroscopic and Sensing Devices Research Group (SSDRG), National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Lueacha Tabtimmai
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
| | - Napat Songtawee
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Natthasit Tansakul
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Bioinformatics (PROTEB), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand,Corresponding author.
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Hintzen G, Dulat HJ, Rajkovic E. Engaging innate immunity for targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor: Therapeutic options leveraging innate immunity versus adaptive immunity versus inhibition of signaling. Front Oncol 2022; 12:892212. [PMID: 36185288 PMCID: PMC9518002 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.892212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key player in the normal tissue physiology and the pathology of cancer. Therapeutic approaches have now been developed to target oncogenic genetic aberrations of EGFR, found in a subset of tumors, and to take advantage of overexpression of EGFR in tumors. The development of small-molecule inhibitors and anti-EGFR antibodies targeting EGFR activation have resulted in effective but limited treatment options for patients with mutated or wild-type EGFR-expressing cancers, while therapeutic approaches that deploy effectors of the adaptive or innate immune system are still undergoing development. This review discusses EGFR-targeting therapies acting through distinct molecular mechanisms to destroy EGFR-expressing cancer cells. The focus is on the successes and limitations of therapies targeting the activation of EGFR versus those that exploit the cytotoxic T cells and innate immune cells to target EGFR-expressing cancer cells. Moreover, we discuss alternative approaches that may have the potential to overcome limitations of current therapies; in particular the innate cell engagers are discussed. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential to combine innate cell engagers with immunotherapies, to maximize their effectiveness, or with unspecific cell therapies, to convert them into tumor-specific agents.
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56
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Simultaneous Imaging and Therapy Using Epitope-Specific Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Antibody Conjugates. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091917. [PMID: 36145664 PMCID: PMC9505583 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Matuzumab and nimotuzumab are anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies that bind to different epitopes of domain III of EGFR. We developed 89Zr-matuzumab as a PET probe for diagnosis/monitoring of response to treatment of a noncompeting anti-EGFR nimotuzumab antibody drug conjugate (ADC) using mouse colorectal cancer (CRC) xenografts. We developed 89Zr-matuzumab and performed quality control in EGFR-positive DLD-1 cells. The KD of matuzumab, DFO-matuzumab and 89Zr-matuzumab in DLD-1 cells was 5.9, 6.2 and 3 nM, respectively. A competitive radioligand binding assay showed that 89Zr-matuzumab and nimotuzumab bound to noncompeting epitopes of EGFR. MicroPET/CT imaging and biodistribution of 89Zr-matuzumab in mice bearing EGFR-positive xenografts (HT29, DLD-1 and MDA-MB-231) showed high uptake that was blocked with pre-dosing with matuzumab but not with the noncompeting binder nimotuzumab. We evaluated nimotuzumab-PEG6-DM1 ADC in CRC cells. IC50 of nimotuzumab-PEG6-DM1 in SNU-C2B, DLD-1 and SW620 cells was dependent on EGFR density and was up to five-fold lower than that of naked nimotuzumab. Mice bearing the SNU-C2B xenograft were treated using three 15 mg/kg doses of nimotuzumab-PEG6-DM1, and 89Zr-matuzumab microPET/CT was used to monitor the response to treatment. Treatment resulted in complete remission of the SNU-C2B tumor in 2/3 mice. Matuzumab and nimotuzumab are noncompeting and can be used simultaneously.
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57
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Lou H, Cao X. Antibody variable region engineering for improving cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:804-827. [PMID: 35822503 PMCID: PMC9456695 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy and specificity of conventional monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs in the clinic require further improvement. Currently, the development and application of novel antibody formats for improving cancer immunotherapy have attracted much attention. Variable region-retaining antibody fragments, such as antigen-binding fragment (Fab), single-chain variable fragment (scFv), bispecific antibody, and bi/trispecific cell engagers, are engineered with humanization, multivalent antibody construction, affinity optimization and antibody masking for targeting tumor cells and killer cells to improve antibody-based therapy potency, efficacy and specificity. In this review, we summarize the application of antibody variable region engineering and discuss the future direction of antibody engineering for improving cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Lou
- Ludwig Institute of Cancer ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 7DRUK
- Chinese Academy for Medical Sciences Oxford InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 7FZUK
| | - Xuetao Cao
- Chinese Academy for Medical Sciences Oxford InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 7FZUK
- Department of ImmunologyCentre for Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical SciencesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing100005P. R. China
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58
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Jain M, Mishra A, Singh MK, Shyam H, Kumar S, Shankar P, Singh S. Immunotherapeutic and their immunological aspects: Current treatment strategies and agents. Natl J Maxillofac Surg 2022; 13:322-329. [PMID: 36683928 PMCID: PMC9851344 DOI: 10.4103/njms.njms_62_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is often caused by the immune system's inability to deal with malignant cells and allows them to progress and proliferate. Emerging cancerous cells constantly evade the immune system, and as a result, these cancerous cells acquire more mutations and exhibit the deadliest characteristics among malignant tumors. The importance of understanding tumor immunology, particularly the functions of tumor antigens and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, is highlighted by the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy therapies. Many innovative immunotherapy drugs that effectively battle cancer have been produced since the 1980s. At present, in cancer treatment, immunotherapy appears as a paradigm that targets immune checkpoints of tumor cells such as CTLA-4, PD-1, and monoclonal antibodies (MABs), although the treatment of cancer is classified into non-specific and specific types. Specific types define the antibody targeting cell receptors as a new cancer treatment modality. For a number of malignancies, checkpoint inhibitors, MABs, and their derivatives have become standard-of-care therapy. Other immunotherapy techniques, such as most cancer vaccines and cell-based therapies, are still in the experimental stage. Many new immunotherapy techniques and agents are being explored and evaluated in clinical trials, which is a good thing. Thus, this review discusses the role of checkpoint inhibitors and MABs in the treatment of tumor cells. Moreover, these findings help us to understand the mechanism of action of this class of therapeutics and provide support for the management of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Jain
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Archana Mishra
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul K. Singh
- Department of Urology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hari Shyam
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shailendra Kumar
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pratap Shankar
- Center for Advance Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saumya Singh
- Department of Surgery, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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59
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Wu CWK, Reid M, Leedham S, Lui RN. The emerging era of personalized medicine in advanced colorectal cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:1411-1425. [PMID: 35815339 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a genetically heterogeneous disease with its pathogenesis often driven by varying genetic or epigenetic alterations. This has led to a substantial number of patients developing chemoresistance and treatment failure, resulting in a high mortality rate for advanced disease. Deep molecular analysis has allowed for the discovery of key intestinal signaling pathways which impacts colonic epithelial cell fate, and the integral role of the tumor microenvironment on cancer growth and dissemination. Through transitioning pre-clinical knowledge in research into clinical practice, many potential druggable targets within these pathways have been discovered in the hopes of overcoming the roadblocks encountered by conventional therapies. A personalized approach tailoring treatment according to the histopathological and molecular features of individual tumors can hopefully translate to better patient outcomes, and reduce the rate of recurrence in patients with advanced CRC. Herein, the latest understanding on the molecular science behind CRC tumorigenesis, and the potential treatment targets currently at the forefront of research are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia W K Wu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Madeleine Reid
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Leedham
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rashid N Lui
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Abstract
EGFR is a member of the ERBB family. It plays a significant role in cellular processes such as growth, survival and differentiation via the activation of various signaling pathways. EGFR deregulation is implicated in various human malignancies, and therefore EGFR has emerged as an attractive anticancer target. EGFR inhibition using strategies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies hinders cellular proliferation and promotes apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. EGFR inhibition by tyrosine kinase inhibitors has been shown to be a better treatment option than chemotherapy for advanced-stage EGFR-driven non-small-cell lung cancer, yet de novo and acquired resistance limits the clinical benefit of these therapeutic molecules. This review discusses the cellular signaling pathways activated by EGFR. Further, current therapeutic strategies to target aberrant EGFR signaling in cancer and mechanisms of resistance to them are highlighted.
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61
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Tashima T. Brain Cancer Chemotherapy through a Delivery System across the Blood-Brain Barrier into the Brain Based on Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis Using Monoclonal Antibody Conjugates. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1597. [PMID: 35884906 PMCID: PMC9313144 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in pharmacotherapy have brought extraordinary benefits to humanity. However, unmet medical needs in patients remain, particularly in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and cancers. CNS drug delivery into the brain across the endothelium is difficult due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is composed mainly of tight junctions and efflux transporters, such as multiple drug resistance 1 (MDR1) (P-glycoprotein). On the other hand, the development of anti-cancer drugs is a challenging task due to their frequent off-target side effects and the complicated mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis and progression. Brain cancer treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It is difficult to remove all tumor cells, even by surgical removal after a craniotomy. Accordingly, innovative brain cancer drugs are needed. Currently, antibody (Ab) drugs that show high therapeutic effects are often used clinically. Furthermore, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), such as trastuzumab deruxtecan, an anti-HER2 (human epidermal receptor 2) ADC with low-molecular cancer drugs through the suitable linker, have been developed. In the case of trastuzumab deruxtecan, it is internalized into cancer cells across the membrane via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, it is reported that drug delivery into the brain across the BBB was carried out via receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT), using anti-receptor Abs as a vector against the transferrin receptor (TfR) or insulin receptor (InsR). Thus, anti-TfR ADCs with cancer drugs are promising brain cancer agents due to their precise distribution and low side effects. In this review, I introduce the implementations and potential of brain cancer drug delivery into the brain across the BBB, based on RMT using ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Tashima
- Tashima Laboratories of Arts and Sciences, 1239-5 Toriyama-cho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 222-0035, Japan
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62
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Raja Sharin RNFS, Khan J, Ibahim MJ, Muhamad M, Bowen J, Wan Mohamad Zain WNI. Role of ErbB1 in the Underlying Mechanism of Lapatinib-Induced Diarrhoea: A Review. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4165808. [PMID: 35800225 PMCID: PMC9256418 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4165808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lapatinib, an orally administered small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (SM-TKI), is an effective treatment for ErbB2-positive breast cancer. However, its efficacy as one of the targeted cancer therapies has been hampered by several adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal toxicity, commonly manifested as diarrhoea. Although it can be generally tolerated, diarrhoea is reported as the most common and most impactful on a patient's quality of life and associated with treatment interruption. Severe diarrhoea can result in malabsorption, leading to dehydration, fatigue, and even death. ErbB1 is an epidermal growth factor profoundly expressed in normal gut epithelium while lapatinib is a dual ErbB1/ErbB2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Thus, ErbB1 inhibition by lapatinib may affect gut homeostasis leading to diarrhoea. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This review article provides evidence of the possible mechanisms of lapatinib-induced diarrhoea that may be related to/or modulated by ErbB1. Insight regarding the involvement of ErbB1 in the pathophysiological changes such as inflammation and intestinal permeability as the underlying cause of diarrhoea is covered in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Nur Firzanah Syaza Raja Sharin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jesmine Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Johari Ibahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mudiana Muhamad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Joanne Bowen
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Wan Nor I'zzah Wan Mohamad Zain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
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63
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Mosch R, Guchelaar HJ. Immunogenicity of Monoclonal Antibodies and the Potential Use of HLA Haplotypes to Predict Vulnerable Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:885672. [PMID: 35784343 PMCID: PMC9249215 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.885672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in the clinic has successfully expanded to treatment of cancer, viral infections, inflammations, and other indications. However, some of the classes of mAbs that are used in the clinic show the formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) leading to loss of efficacy. This review describes ADA formation for the various mAbs, and its clinical effect. Lastly, this review considers the use of HLA-haplotypes as biomarkers to predict vulnerability of patients sensitive to formation of ADAs.
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Simón L, Sanhueza S, Gaete-Ramírez B, Varas-Godoy M, Quest AFG. Role of the Pro-Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment in Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Transfer of Therapy Resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:897205. [PMID: 35646668 PMCID: PMC9130576 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.897205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of cancer biology have contributed to generating different treatments to improve the survival of cancer patients. However, although initially most of the therapies are effective, relapse and recurrence occur in a large percentage of these cases after the treatment, and patients then die subsequently due to the development of therapy resistance in residual cancer cells. A large spectrum of molecular and cellular mechanisms have been identified as important contributors to therapy resistance, and more recently the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) has been ascribed an important function as a source of signals generated by the TME that modulate cellular processes in the tumor cells, such as to favor the acquisition of therapy resistance. Currently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered one of the main means of communication between cells of the TME and have emerged as crucial modulators of cancer drug resistance. Important in this context is, also, the inflammatory TME that can be caused by several conditions, including hypoxia and following chemotherapy, among others. These inflammatory conditions modulate the release and composition of EVs within the TME, which in turn alters the responses of the tumor cells to cancer therapies. The TME has been ascribed an important function as a source of signals that modulate cellular processes in the tumor cells, such as to favor the acquisition of therapy resistance. Although generally the main cellular components considered to participate in generating a pro-inflammatory TME are from the immune system (for instance, macrophages), more recently other types of cells of the TME have also been shown to participate in this process, including adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, cancer stem cells, as well as the tumor cells. In this review, we focus on summarizing available information relating to the impact of a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment on the release of EVs derived from both cancer cells and cells of the TME, and how these EVs contribute to resistance to cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Simón
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sofía Sanhueza
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Belén Gaete-Ramírez
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.,Centro Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew F G Quest
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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65
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Gramespacher JA, Cotton AD, Burroughs PWW, Seiple IB, Wells JA. Roadmap for Optimizing and Broadening Antibody-Based PROTACs for Degradation of Cell Surface Proteins. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1259-1268. [PMID: 35481357 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is a promising therapeutic strategy capable of overcoming the limitations of traditional occupancy-based inhibitors. By ablating all of the associated functions of a protein at once, the event-driven pharmacology of degrader technologies has recently enabled the targeting of proteins that have been historically deemed "undruggable". Most degradation strategies utilize the ubiquitin-proteasome system to mediate intracellular target degradation and are thus limited to targeting proteins with cytoplasmic domains. While some of these strategies, such as PROTACs, have shown great promise, there is a need for new modalities that can be applied to specifically target cell surface proteins. We previously described the development of an antibody-based PROTAC (AbTAC) that utilizes genetically encoded IgG bispecific antibody scaffolds to bring the cell surface E3-ligase RNF43 into the proximity of a membrane protein of interest (POI) to mediate its degradation. Here, we employ rational protein engineering strategies to interrogate and optimize the properties necessary for efficient degradation of two therapeutically important membrane proteins, PD-L1 and EGFR. We develop multiple antibodies to RNF43 and show that the specific antibody binding epitopes on RNF43 and the POI are more important than the affinities of the AbTAC antibodies. We further expand the available repertoire of E3 ligases by co-opting the E3-ligase ZNRF3 to degrade both PD-L1 and EGFR and show similar importance of epitope for degradation efficiency. Importantly, we show that both RNF43 and ZNRF3 AbTACs do not potentiate unwanted WNT signaling. Lastly, we find that these AbTACs can be even further improved by exploring various dual-binding and IgG scaffolds that range in flexibility, valency, and orientation of the binding arms. These structure-activity and mechanistic studies provide a roadmap for optimizing the development of AbTACs, thereby greatly expanding their utility for targeted cell surface protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef A. Gramespacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Adam D. Cotton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Paul W. W. Burroughs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Ian B. Seiple
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - James A. Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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Iida M, McDaniel NK, Kostecki KL, Welke NB, Kranjac CA, Liu P, Longhurst C, Bruce JY, Hong S, Salgia R, Wheeler DL. AXL regulates neuregulin1 expression leading to cetuximab resistance in head and neck cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:447. [PMID: 35461210 PMCID: PMC9035247 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09511-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed and an important therapeutic target in Head and Neck cancer (HNC). Cetuximab is currently the only EGFR-targeting agent approved by the FDA for treatment of HNC; however, intrinsic and acquired resistance to cetuximab is a major problem in the clinic. Our lab previously reported that AXL leads to cetuximab resistance via activation of HER3. In this study, we investigate the connection between AXL, HER3, and neuregulin1 (NRG1) gene expression with a focus on understanding how their interdependent signaling promotes resistance to cetuximab in HNC. METHODS Plasmid or siRNA transfections and cell-based assays were conducted to test cetuximab sensitivity. Quantitative PCR and immunoblot analysis were used to analyze gene and protein expression levels. Seven HNC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were evaluated for protein expression levels. RESULTS We found that HER3 expression was necessary but not sufficient for cetuximab resistance without AXL expression. Our results demonstrated that addition of the HER3 ligand NRG1 to cetuximab-sensitive HNC cells leads to cetuximab resistance. Further, AXL-overexpressing cells regulate NRG1 at the level of transcription, thereby promoting cetuximab resistance. Immunoblot analysis revealed that NRG1 expression was relatively high in cetuximab-resistant HNC PDXs compared to cetuximab-sensitive HNC PDXs. Finally, genetic inhibition of NRG1 resensitized AXL-overexpressing cells to cetuximab. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that AXL may signal through HER3 via NRG1 to promote cetuximab resistance and that targeting of NRG1 could have significant clinical implications for HNC therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 1111 highland Ave, WIMR 3159, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Nellie K McDaniel
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 1111 highland Ave, WIMR 3159, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Kourtney L Kostecki
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 1111 highland Ave, WIMR 3159, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Noah B Welke
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 1111 highland Ave, WIMR 3159, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Carlene A Kranjac
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 1111 highland Ave, WIMR 3159, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Colin Longhurst
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Justine Y Bruce
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Seungpyo Hong
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Deric L Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 1111 highland Ave, WIMR 3159, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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Takagi‐Maeda S, Yajima S, Suzuki T, Usami K, Takahashi N, Niwa R, Shimada H. A novel cancer‐specific EGFR antibody obtained from the serum of esophageal cancer patients with long‐term survival. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:2118-2128. [PMID: 35348270 PMCID: PMC9207364 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Takagi‐Maeda
- Research and Development Division Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. 3‐6‐6 Asahi‐machi, Machida‐shi Tokyo 194‐8533 Japan
| | - Satoshi Yajima
- Department of Surgery School of Medicine Toho University 6‐11‐1 Omori‐Nishi, Ota‐ku Tokyo 143‐8541 Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Surgery School of Medicine Toho University 6‐11‐1 Omori‐Nishi, Ota‐ku Tokyo 143‐8541 Japan
| | - Katsuaki Usami
- Research and Development Division Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. 3‐6‐6 Asahi‐machi, Machida‐shi Tokyo 194‐8533 Japan
| | - Nobuaki Takahashi
- Research and Development Division Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. 1‐9‐2 Otemachi, Chiyoda‐ku Tokyo 100‐0004 Japan
| | - Rinpei Niwa
- Research and Development Division Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. 3‐6‐6 Asahi‐machi, Machida‐shi Tokyo 194‐8533 Japan
| | - Hideaki Shimada
- Department of Surgery School of Medicine Toho University 6‐11‐1 Omori‐Nishi, Ota‐ku Tokyo 143‐8541 Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Clinical Oncology Toho University Graduate School of Medicine 6‐11‐1, Omori‐Nishi, Ota‐ku Tokyo 143‐8541 Japan
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Li Y, Fu R, Jiang T, Duan D, Wu Y, Li C, Li Z, Ni R, Li L, Liu Y. Mechanism of Lethal Skin Toxicities Induced by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors and Related Treatment Strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:804212. [PMID: 35223483 PMCID: PMC8866822 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.804212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are widely used to treat various types of cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer. Adverse reactions such as skin toxicity, interstitial lung disease, hepatotoxicity, ocular toxicity, hypomagnesemia, stomatitis, and diarrhea may occur during treatment. Because the EGFR signaling pathway is important for maintaining normal physiological skin function. Adverse skin reactions occurred in up to 90% of cancer patients treated with EGFR inhibitors, including common skin toxicities (such as papulopustular exanthemas, paronychia, hair changes) and rare fatal skin toxicities (e.g., Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis). This has led to the dose reduction or discontinuation of EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of cancer. Recently, progress has been made about research on the skin toxicity of EGFR inhibitors. Here, we summarize the mechanism of skin toxicity caused by EGFR inhibitors, measures to prevent severe fatal skin toxicity, and provide reference for medical staff how to give care and treatment after adverse skin reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruoqiu Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongyu Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanlin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yu J, Fang T, Yun C, Liu X, Cai X. Antibody-Drug Conjugates Targeting the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family in Cancers. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:847835. [PMID: 35295841 PMCID: PMC8919033 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.847835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family, which includes HER1 (also known as EGFR), HER2, HER3 and HER4, have played a central role in regulating cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration. The overexpression of the HER family has been recognized as one of the most common cellular dysregulation associated with a wide variety of tumor types. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a new and promising class of anticancer therapeutics that combine the cancer specificity of antibodies with cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Two HER2-directed ADCs, trastuzumane-emtansine (T-DM1) and trastuzumab-deruxtecan (DS-8201a), have been approved for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 and 2019, respectively. A third HER2-directed ADC, disitamab vedotin (RC48), has been approved for locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer by the NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) of China in 2021. A total of 11 ADCs that target HER family receptors (EGFR, HER2 or HER3) are currently under clinical trials. In this review article, we summarize the three approved ADCs (T-DM1, DS-8201a and RC48), together with the investigational EGFR-directed ADCs (ABT-414, MRG003 and M1231), HER2-directed ADCs (SYD985, ARX-788, A166, MRG002, ALT-P7, GQ1001 and SBT6050) and HER3-directed ADC (U3-1402). Lastly, we discuss the major challenges associated with the development of ADCs, and highlight the possible future directions to tackle these challenges.
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Klewinghaus D, Pekar L, Arras P, Krah S, Valldorf B, Kolmar H, Zielonka S. Grabbing the Bull by Both Horns: Bovine Ultralong CDR-H3 Paratopes Enable Engineering of 'Almost Natural' Common Light Chain Bispecific Antibodies Suitable For Effector Cell Redirection. Front Immunol 2022; 12:801368. [PMID: 35087526 PMCID: PMC8787767 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.801368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of antibodies found in cattle comprises ultralong CDR-H3 regions of up to 70 amino acids. Interestingly, this type of immunoglobulin usually pairs with the single germline VL gene, V30 that is typically very conserved in sequence. In this work, we have engineered ultralong CDR-H3 common light chain bispecific antibodies targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells as well as Natural Cytotoxicity Receptor NKp30 on Natural Killer (NK) cells. Antigen-specific common light chain antibodies were isolated by yeast surface display by means of pairing CDR-H3 diversities following immunization with a single V30 light chain. After selection, EGFR-targeting paratopes as well as NKp30-specific binders were combined into common light chain bispecific antibodies by exploiting the strand-exchange engineered domain (SEED) technology for heavy chain heterodimerization. Biochemical characterization of resulting bispecifics revealed highly specific binding to the respective antigens as well as simultaneous binding to both targets. Most importantly, engineered cattle-derived bispecific common light chain molecules elicited potent NK cell redirection and consequently tumor cell lysis of EGFR-overexpressing cells as well as robust release of proinflammatory cytokine interferon-γ. Taken together, this data is giving clear evidence that bovine bispecific ultralong CDR-H3 common light chain antibodies are versatile for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Klewinghaus
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lukas Pekar
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Paul Arras
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Bernhard Valldorf
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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Bivalent EGFR-Targeting DARPin-MMAE Conjugates. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052468. [PMID: 35269611 PMCID: PMC8909960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a validated tumor marker overexpressed in various cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) of the head and neck and gliomas. We constructed protein-drug conjugates based on the anti-EGFR Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein (DARPin) E01, and compared the bivalent DARPin dimer (DD1) and a DARPin-Fc (DFc) to the monomeric DARPin (DM) and the antibody derived scFv425-Fc (scFvFc) in cell culture and a mouse model. The modular conjugation system, which was successfully applied for the preparation of protein-drug and -dye conjugates, uses bio-orthogonal protein-aldehyde generation by the formylglycine-generating enzyme (FGE). The generated carbonyl moiety is addressed by a bifunctional linker with a pyrazolone for a tandem Knoevenagel reaction and an azide for strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). The latter reaction with a PEGylated linker containing a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) for SPAAC and monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) as the toxin provided the stable conjugates DD1-MMAE (drug-antibody ratio, DAR = 2.0) and DFc-MMAE (DAR = 4.0) with sub-nanomolar cytotoxicity against the human squamous carcinoma derived A431 cells. In vivo imaging of Alexa Fluor 647-dye conjugates in A431-xenografted mice bearing subcutaneous tumors as the SCC model revealed unspecific binding of bivalent DARPins to the ubiquitously expressed EGFR. Tumor-targeting was verified 6 h post-injection solely for DD1 and scFvFc. The total of four administrations of 6.5 mg/kg DD1-MMAE or DFc-MMAE twice weekly did not cause any sequela in mice. MMAE conjugates showed no significant anti-tumor efficacy in vivo, but a trend towards increased necrotic areas (p = 0.2213) was observed for the DD1-MMAE (n = 5).
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Recent Advances in Ovarian Cancer: Therapeutic Strategies, Potential Biomarkers, and Technological Improvements. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040650. [PMID: 35203301 PMCID: PMC8870715 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive and recurrent gynecological cancers are associated with worse prognosis and a lack of effective therapeutic response. Ovarian cancer (OC) patients are often diagnosed in advanced stages, when drug resistance, angiogenesis, relapse, and metastasis impact survival outcomes. Currently, surgical debulking, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy remain the mainstream treatment modalities; however, patients suffer unwanted side effects and drug resistance in the absence of targeted therapies. Hence, it is urgent to decipher the complex disease biology and identify potential biomarkers, which could greatly contribute to making an early diagnosis or predicting the response to specific therapies. This review aims to critically discuss the current therapeutic strategies for OC, novel drug-delivery systems, and potential biomarkers in the context of genetics and molecular research. It emphasizes how the understanding of disease biology is related to the advancement of technology, enabling the exploration of novel biomarkers that may be able to provide more accurate diagnosis and prognosis, which would effectively translate into targeted therapies, ultimately improving patients’ overall survival and quality of life.
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Iancu G, Serban D, Badiu CD, Tanasescu C, Tudosie MS, Tudor C, Costea DO, Zgura A, Iancu R, Vasile D. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors in breast cancer (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:114. [PMID: 34970337 PMCID: PMC8713180 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.11037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy has been intensely researched in the last years, motivated by the favorable results obtained with monoclonal antibodies in HER2-enriched breast cancer (BC) patients. Most researched alternatives of anti-EGFR agents were tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies. However, excluding monoclonal antibodies trastuzumab and pertuzumab, the remaining anti-EGFR molecules have exhibited disappointing results, due to the lack of specificity and frequent adverse side effects. TKIs have several advantages, including reduced cardiotoxicity, oral administration and favorable penetration of blood-brain barrier for brain metastatic BC. Lapatinib and neratinib and recently pyrotinib (approved only in China) are the only TKIs from dozens of molecules researched over the years that were approved to be used in clinical practice with limited indications, in a subset of BC patients, single or in combination with other chemotherapy or hormonal therapeutic agents. Improved identification of BC subtypes and improved characterization of aggressive forms (triple negative BC or inflammatory BC) should lead to advancements in shaping of targeted agents to improve the outcome of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Iancu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Gynecology, ‘Filantropia’ Clinical Hospital, 011132 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Serban
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Fourth Department of General Surgery, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristinel Dumitru Badiu
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of General Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Bagdasar Arseni’ Emergency Clinical Hospital, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ciprian Tanasescu
- Third Clinico-Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Lucian Blaga’ University, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Mihai Silviu Tudosie
- Department of Orthopedia and Intensive care, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- ICU II Toxicology, Clinical Emergency Hospital, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Tudor
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Ovidiu Costea
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- First Surgery Department, Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Anca Zgura
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, Institute of Oncology ‘Prof. Dr. Trestioreanu’, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Iancu
- Department of ENT-Opthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Danut Vasile
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- First Department of General Surgery, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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Matochko WL, Nelep C, Chen WC, Grauer S, McFadden K, Wilson V, Oxenoid K. CellCelector™ as a platform in isolating primary B cells for antibody discovery. Antib Ther 2022; 5:11-17. [PMID: 35059561 PMCID: PMC8764991 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The most robust strategy in antibody discovery is the use of immunized animals and the ability to isolate and immortalize immune B-cells to hybridoma for further interrogation. However, capturing the full repertoire of an immunized animal is labor intensive, time consuming and limited in throughput. Therefore, techniques to directly mine the antibody repertoire of primary B-cells are of great importance in antibody discovery. In the current study, we present a method to isolate individual antigen-specific primary B-cells using the CellCellector™ single-cell isolation platform from XenoMouse® (XM) immunized with a recombinant therapeutic protein, EGFR. We screened a subset of CD138+ B-cells and identified 238 potential EGFR-specific B-cells from 1189 antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) and isolated 94 by CellCellector. We identified a diverse set of heavy chain complementarity-determining region sequences and cloned and expressed 20 into a standard human immunoglobulin G1 antibody format. We further characterized and identified 13 recombinant antibodies that engage soluble and native forms of EGFR. By extrapolating the method to all 400 000 CD138+ B-cells extracted from one EGFR immunized XM, a potential 1196 unique EGFR-specific antibodies could be discovered. CellCelector allows for interrogating the B-cell pool directly and isolating B-cells specific to the therapeutic target of interest. Furthermore, antibody sequences recovered from isolated B-cells engage the native and recombinant target, demonstrating the CellCellector can serve as a platform in antibody discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadim L Matochko
- Biologics Discovery, Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen British Columbia Inc., Burnaby, Canada
| | - Constantin Nelep
- Marketing and Application Development, ALS Automated Lab Solutions GmbH, Jena, Germany
| | - Weihsu C Chen
- Biologics Discovery, Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen British Columbia Inc., Burnaby, Canada
| | - Stephanie Grauer
- Biologics Discovery, Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen British Columbia Inc., Burnaby, Canada
| | - Karyn McFadden
- Biologics Discovery, Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen British Columbia Inc., Burnaby, Canada
| | - Vicki Wilson
- Biologics Discovery, Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen British Columbia Inc., Burnaby, Canada
| | - Kirill Oxenoid
- Biologics Discovery, Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen British Columbia Inc., Burnaby, Canada
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Muthusami S, Sabanayagam R, Periyasamy L, Muruganantham B, Park WY. A review on the role of epidermal growth factor signaling in the development, progression and treatment of cervical cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 194:179-187. [PMID: 34848237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The sub-committee constituted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for the management of cervical cancer (CC) detailed in the consensus document (2016) reported CC as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women. The incidence of an increase in CC and associated mortality in women is a major cause of cancer. To date, human papilloma viral (HPV) infection accounts for more than 99% of CC. However, there are individuals infected with HPV do not develop CC. There is a greater correlation between HPV infection and upregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling cascade during the initiation, sustenance, and progression of CC. Therefore, EGFR is often targeted to treat CC using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAB). The current review analyzed the existing clinical/pre-clinical studies and the significance of EGFR abundance using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival plot analysis for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed a series of bioinformatics analyses to screen the crucial role of the EGFR gene in CC. Further, different transcription factors that are dysregulated due to EGFR abundance and their relevance were determined using computational tools in this review. Endogenous microRNAs (miRNA) that undergo changes due to alterations in EGFR during CC were identified using computational database and consolidated the information obtained with the published in the area of miRNA and EGFR with special reference to the initiation, sustenance and progression of CC. The current review aims to consolidate contemporary approaches for targeting CC using EGFR and highlight the current role of miRNA and genes that are differently regulated during CC involving EGFR mutations. Potential resistance to the available EGFR therapies such as TKIs and mABs and the need for better therapies are also extensively reviewed for the development of newer therapeutic molecules with better efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Muthusami
- Department of Biochemistry, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, India; Karpagam Cancer Research Centre, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, India.
| | | | - Loganayaki Periyasamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, India
| | - Bharathi Muruganantham
- Karpagam Cancer Research Centre, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, India
| | - Woo Yoon Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
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76
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Huang Y, Ognjenovic J, Karandur D, Miller K, Merk A, Subramaniam S, Kuriyan J. A molecular mechanism for the generation of ligand-dependent differential outputs by the epidermal growth factor receptor. eLife 2021; 10:73218. [PMID: 34846302 PMCID: PMC8716103 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that couples the binding of extracellular ligands, such as EGF and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), to the initiation of intracellular signaling pathways. EGFR binds to EGF and TGF-α with similar affinity, but generates different signals from these ligands. To address the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon, we have carried out cryo-EM analyses of human EGFR bound to EGF and TGF-α. We show that the extracellular module adopts an ensemble of dimeric conformations when bound to either EGF or TGF-α. The two extreme states of this ensemble represent distinct ligand-bound quaternary structures in which the membrane-proximal tips of the extracellular module are either juxtaposed or separated. EGF and TGF-α differ in their ability to maintain the conformation with the membrane-proximal tips of the extracellular module separated, and this conformation is stabilized preferentially by an oncogenic EGFR mutation. Close proximity of the transmembrane helices at the junction with the extracellular module has been associated previously with increased EGFR activity. Our results show how EGFR can couple the binding of different ligands to differential modulation of this proximity, thereby suggesting a molecular mechanism for the generation of ligand-sensitive differential outputs in this receptor family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Jana Ognjenovic
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Deepti Karandur
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Kate Miller
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Alan Merk
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | | | - John Kuriyan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Divisions of Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, United States
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77
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Mansour MA, Caputo VS, Aleem E. Highlights on selected growth factors and their receptors as promising anticancer drug targets. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 140:106087. [PMID: 34563698 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor receptors (GFRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are groups of proteins mediating a plethora of physiological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration. Under certain circumstances, expression of GFRs and subsequently their downstream kinase signaling are deregulated by genetic, epigenetic, and somatic changes leading to uncontrolled cell division in many human diseases, most notably cancer. Cancer cells rely on growth factors to sustain the increasing need to cell division and metabolic reprogramming through cancer-associated activating mutations of their receptors (i.e., GFRs). In this review, we highlight the recent advances of selected GFRs and their ligands (growth factors) in cancer with emphasis on structural and functional differences. We also interrogate how overexpression and/or hyperactivation of GFRs contribute to cancer initiation, development, progression, and resistance to conventional chemo- and radiotherapies. Novel approaches are being developed as anticancer agents to target growth factor receptors and their signaling pathways in different cancers. Here, we illustrate how the current knowledge of GFRs biology, and their ligands lead to development of targeted therapies to inhibit and/or block the activity of growth factors, GFRs and downstream kinases to treat diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Mansour
- Cancer Biology and Therapy Lab, Division of Human Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK; Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Valentina S Caputo
- Cancer Biology and Therapy Lab, Division of Human Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Eiman Aleem
- Cancer Biology and Therapy Lab, Division of Human Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK.
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Gong L, Li Y, Cui K, Chen Y, Hong H, Li J, Li D, Yin Y, Wu Z, Huang Z. Nanobody-Engineered Natural Killer Cell Conjugates for Solid Tumor Adoptive Immunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2103463. [PMID: 34761524 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is demonstrated to be a promising strategy. However, NK cells are deficient in ligands that target specific tumors, resulting in limited antitumor efficacy. Here, a glycoengineering approach to imitate the chimeric antigen receptor strategy and decorate NK cells with nanobodies to promote NK-based immunotherapy in solid tumors is proposed. Nanobody 7D12, which specifically recognizes the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that is overexpressed on many solid tumors, is coupled to the chemically synthesized DBCO-PEG4 -GGG-NH2 by sortase A-mediated ligation to generate DBCO-7D12. The NK92MI cells bearing azide groups are then equipped with DBCO-7D12 via bioorthogonal click chemistry. The resultant 7D12-NK92MI cells exhibit high specificity and affinity for EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells in vitro and in vivo by the 7D12-EGFR interaction, causing increased cytokine secretion to more effectively kill EGFR-positive tumor cells, but not EGFR-negative cancer cells. Importantly, the 7D12-NK92MI cells also show a wide anticancer spectrum and extensive tumor penetration. Furthermore, mouse experiments reveal that 7D12-NK92MI treatment achieves excellent therapeutic efficacy and outstanding safety. The authors' works provide a cell modification strategy using specific protein ligands without genetic manipulation and present a potential novel method for cancer-targeted immunotherapy by NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214062, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Yanchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Kaisa Cui
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214062, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214062, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Haofei Hong
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Jiuming Li
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214062, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Yin
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214062, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214062, P. R. China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
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Kordbacheh F, Farah CS. Current and Emerging Molecular Therapies for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215471. [PMID: 34771633 PMCID: PMC8582411 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer affects nearly 750,000 patients, with more than 300,000 deaths annually. Advances in first line surgical treatment have improved survival rates marginally particularly in developed countries, however survival rates for aggressive locally advanced head and neck cancer are still poor. Recurrent and metastatic disease remains a significant problem for patients and the health system. As our knowledge of the genomic landscape of the head and neck cancers continues to expand, there are promising developments occurring in molecular therapies available for advanced or recalcitrant disease. The concept of precision medicine is underpinned by our ability to accurately sequence tumour samples to best understand individual patient genomic variations and to tailor targeted therapy for them based on such molecular profiling. Not only is their purported response to therapy a factor of their genomic variation, but so is their inclusion in biomarker-driven personalised medicine therapeutic trials. With the ever-expanding number of molecular druggable targets explored through advances in next generation sequencing, the number of clinical trials assessing these targets has significantly increased over recent years. Although some trials are focussed on first-line therapeutic approaches, a greater majority are focussed on locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic disease. Similarly, although single agent monotherapy has been found effective in some cases, it is the combination of drugs targeting different signalling pathways that seem to be more beneficial to patients. This paper outlines current and emerging molecular therapies for head and neck cancer, and updates readers on outcomes of the most pertinent clinical trials in this area while also summarising ongoing efforts to bring more molecular therapies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Kordbacheh
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA 02142, USA;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Camile S. Farah
- The Australian Centre for Oral Oncology Research & Education, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Genomics for Life, Milton, QLD 4064, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, Australian Clinical Labs, Subiaco, WA 6009, Australia
- Head and Neck Cancer Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Correspondence:
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80
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Toffoli EC, Sheikhi A, Lameris R, King LA, van Vliet A, Walcheck B, Verheul HMW, Spanholtz J, Tuynman J, de Gruijl TD, van der Vliet HJ. Enhancement of NK Cell Antitumor Effector Functions Using a Bispecific Single Domain Antibody Targeting CD16 and the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215446. [PMID: 34771609 PMCID: PMC8582566 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Strategies to enhance the preferential accumulation and activation of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the tumor microenvironment can be expected to increase the efficacy of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we report that a bispecific single domain antibody (VHH) that targets CD16 (FcRγIII) on NK cells and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells can be used to target and enhance cytolysis of cancer cells. The bispecific VHH enhanced NK cell activation and cytotoxicity in an EGFR- and CD16-dependent and KRAS-independent manner. Moreover, the bispecific VHH induced stronger activity of cancer patient-derived NK cells and resulted in tumor control in a co-culture of metastatic colorectal cancer cells and either autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells or allogeneic CD16+ NK cells. We believe that this novel approach could represent a valid therapeutic strategy either alone or in combination with other NK cell-based therapies. Abstract The ability to kill tumor cells while maintaining an acceptable safety profile makes Natural Killer (NK) cells promising assets for cancer therapy. Strategies to enhance the preferential accumulation and activation of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment can be expected to increase the efficacy of NK cell-based therapies. In this study, we show binding of a novel bispecific single domain antibody (VHH) to both CD16 (FcRγIII) on NK cells and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells of epithelial origin. The bispecific VHH triggered CD16- and EGFR-dependent activation of NK cells and subsequent lysis of tumor cells, regardless of the KRAS mutational status of the tumor. Enhancement of NK cell activation by the bispecific VHH was also observed when NK cells of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were co-cultured with EGFR expressing tumor cells. Finally, higher levels of cytotoxicity were found against patient-derived metastatic CRC cells in the presence of the bispecific VHH and autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells or allogeneic CD16 expressing NK cells. The anticancer activity of CD16-EGFR bispecific VHHs reported here merits further exploration to assess its potential therapeutic activity either alone or in combination with adoptive NK cell-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C. Toffoli
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
| | - Abdolkarim Sheikhi
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
- School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology, Dezful 64616-43993, Iran
| | - Roeland Lameris
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
| | - Lisa A. King
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
| | - Amanda van Vliet
- Glycostem Therapeutics, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands; (A.v.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Bruce Walcheck
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Henk M. W. Verheul
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands; (A.v.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Jurriaan Tuynman
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Tanja D. de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
| | - Hans J. van der Vliet
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
- Lava Therapeutics, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Pekar L, Klewinghaus D, Arras P, Carrara SC, Harwardt J, Krah S, Yanakieva D, Toleikis L, Smider VV, Kolmar H, Zielonka S. Milking the Cow: Cattle-Derived Chimeric Ultralong CDR-H3 Antibodies and Their Engineered CDR-H3-Only Knobbody Counterparts Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Elicit Potent NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:742418. [PMID: 34759924 PMCID: PMC8573386 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.742418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we have generated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific cattle-derived ultralong CDR-H3 antibodies by combining cattle immunization with yeast surface display. After immunization, ultralong CDR-H3 regions were specifically amplified and grafted onto an IGHV1-7 scaffold by homologous recombination to facilitate Fab display. Antigen-specific clones were readily obtained by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and reformatted as chimeric antibodies. Binning experiments revealed epitope targeting of domains I, II, and IV of EGFR with none of the generated binders competing with Cetuximab, Matuzumab, or EGF for binding to EGFR. Cattle-derived chimeric antibodies were potent in inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells with potencies (EC50 killing) in the picomolar range. Moreover, most of the antibodies were able to significantly inhibit EGFR-mediated downstream signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a minor fraction of CDR-H3 knobs derived from generated antibodies was capable of independently functioning as a paratope facilitating EGFR binding when grafted onto the Fc part of human IgG1. Besides slightly to moderately diminished capacities, these engineered Knobbodies largely retained main properties of their parental antibodies such as cellular binding and triggering of ADCC. Hence, Knobbodies might emerge as promising tools for biotechnological applications upon further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Pekar
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Daniel Klewinghaus
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Paul Arras
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefania C. Carrara
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julia Harwardt
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Desislava Yanakieva
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lars Toleikis
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Vaughn V. Smider
- The Applied Biomedical Science Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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Raana GE, Shah SQ. Synthesis of 111In-p-SCN-Bn-DTPA-nimotuzumab and its preclinical evaluation in EGFR positive NSCLC animal model. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/ract-2021-1054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate labeling of nimotuzumab (h-R3) with 111In using p-SCN-Bn-DTPA as bifunctional chelate, evaluate its targeting potential against SK-LU-1, H226, H650, H661, and HCC4006 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines and correlate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression level with internalization kinetics, biodistribution and imaging accuracy using Balb/c mice and New Zealand White rabbit (NZWR) animal model. The amount of p-SCN-Bn-DTPA attached to h-R3 was assessed by measuring relative absorbance at 652 nm with ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine percent radiochemical purity (%RCP) and in vitro stability using excess amount of diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA). The in vitro stability in rat serum was estimated using iTLC-SG. EGFR expression level in each tumor was assessed by chemiluminescence. In vivo uptake in different organs of Balb/c mice and non-invasive imaging potential using NZWR bearing HCC4006 tumor, was evaluated with gamma camera. UV spectroscopy has confirmed the attachment of five p-SCN-Bn-DTPA (chelate) with one antibody. The HPLC indicated 98.85 ± 0.14% (n = 3) %RCP with high yield (>96%), specific activity 3.5 ± 0.0.25 mCi per mg and 94.25 ± 0.34% in vitro stability at 37 °C in mice serum. In excess DTPA no considerable transchelation was experiential from the 111In labeled p-SCN-Bn-DTPA-h-R3 to the challenger. The EGFR expression in HCC4006 was higher amongst all with band density of 23.53 relative to 1.00 of H226. Initially internalization was lower which went up 1.05 × 104 molecules per HCC4006 cell in 48 h. The optimal concentration of h-R3 for maximum uptake was 15 μg per animal. Higher uptake in target organ was observed in animal infected with HCC4006 cells. However, in excess pure h-R3 the uptake was significantly reduced indicating tumor specificity. HCC4006 target site was undistinguishable relative to background activity in the initial phase of imaging due to poor uptake. However, within 60 h the HCC4006 tumor was quite apparent. This experiment suggests that at optimal dosage of 111In labeled h-R3 can be used for localization and identification of EGFR positive NSCLC using gamma camera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gul-e Raana
- Biochemistry & Nuclear Medicine Research Laboratory , Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar , Peshawar , 25120 K.P.K , Pakistan
| | - Syed Qaiser Shah
- Biochemistry & Nuclear Medicine Research Laboratory , Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar , Peshawar , 25120 K.P.K , Pakistan
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Wang MY, Zhou Y, Lai GS, Huang Q, Cai WQ, Han ZW, Wang Y, Ma Z, Wang XW, Xiang Y, Fang SX, Peng XC, Xin HW. DNA barcode to trace the development and differentiation of cord blood stem cells (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:849. [PMID: 34643250 PMCID: PMC8524429 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood transplantation was first reported in 1980. Since then, additional research has indicated that umbilical cord blood stem cells (UCBSCs) have various advantages, such as multi-lineage differentiation potential and potent renewal activity, which may be induced to promote their differentiation into a variety of seed cells for tissue engineering and the treatment of clinical and metabolic diseases. Recent studies suggested that UCBSCs are able to differentiate into nerve cells, chondrocytes, hepatocyte-like cells, fat cells and osteoblasts. The culture of UCBSCs has developed from feeder-layer to feeder-free culture systems. The classical techniques of cell labeling and tracing by gene transfection and fluorescent dye and nucleic acid analogs have evolved to DNA barcode technology mediated by transposon/retrovirus, cyclization recombination-recombinase and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 strategies. DNA barcoding for cell development tracing has advanced to include single cells and single nucleic acid mutations. In the present study, the latest research findings on the development and differentiation, culture techniques and labeling and tracing of UCBSCs are reviewed. The present study may increase the current understanding of UCBSC biology and its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Shun Lai
- Department of Digestive Medicine, People's Hospital of Lianjiang, Lianjiang, Guangdong 524400, P.R. China
| | - Qi Huang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Qi Cai
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Wen Han
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Xian-Wang Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xiang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Xian Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
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84
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Lin PH, Tseng CL, Cheng YC, Ho CH, Chen SC, Wang Y, Liu E, Issafras H, Jiang W. Distinguishing features of a novel humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody based on cetuximab with superior antitumor efficacy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1491-1507. [PMID: 34632911 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1988072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cetuximab, the first approved EGFR targeting therapeutic antibody, is currently used to treat colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. While effective, cetuximab is associated with a higher rate of skin rash, infusion reactions, and gastrointestinal toxicity, which was suggested to be linked to the presence of heterogeneous glycan contents on the Fab of the SP2/0-produced cetuximab. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS To improve efficacy and minimize toxicity of EGFR inhibition treatment, we re-engineered cetuximab by humanizing its Fab regions and minimizing its glycan contents to generate HLX07. RESULTS HLX07 binds to EGFR with similar affinity as cetuximab and shows better bioactivity compared to cetuximab in vitro. In vivo studies demonstrated that HLX07 significantly inhibited the growth of A431, FaDu, NCI-H292, and WiDr tumor cells and synergized them with chemotherapeutics and immune simulator agents such as anti-PD-1. In cynomolgus monkeys, 13-week repeat-dose GLP toxicokinetic studies showed minimal-to-mild toxicities in the dose range of up to 60 mg/kg/wk. In the preliminary phase 1 dose-escalation study, HLX07 had showed lower incidence of skin rashes with grade >2 severities. CONCLUSION HLX07 is currently under phase 1/2 clinical development. We believe HLX07 would potentially be an alternative for patients who have been suffering from cetuximab-mediated toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hua Lin
- Department of Lead Discovery, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Chi-Ling Tseng
- Department of Research and Development, Henlix Biotech, Co., Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan. Current Company: HanchorBio Co., Ltd, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chih Cheng
- Department of Research and Development, Henlix Biotech, Co., Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan. Current Company: HanchorBio Co., Ltd, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Hsin Ho
- Department of Research and Development, Henlix Biotech, Co., Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan. Current Company: HanchorBio Co., Ltd, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih Chieh Chen
- Department of Protein Purification & Analytical, Henlix, Inc. Fremont, CA, USA. Currently Company: Anwita Biosciences, Inc, San Carlos, CA, USA
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Protein Expression, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Eugene Liu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hassan Issafras
- Department of Lead Discovery, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
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85
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Zhu J, Yang Q, Xu W. Iterative Upgrading of Small Molecular Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for EGFR Mutation in NSCLC: Necessity and Perspective. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1500. [PMID: 34575576 PMCID: PMC8468657 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy has been reported to have fewer adverse effects, and offer a more convenient route of administration, compared with conventional chemotherapy. With the development of sequencing technology, and research on the molecular biology of lung cancer, especially whole-genome information on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), various therapeutic targets have been unveiled. Among the NSCLC-driving gene mutations, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are the most common, and approximately 10% of Caucasian, and more than 50% of Asian, NSCLC patients have been found to have sensitive EGFR mutations. A variety of targeted therapeutic agents for EGFR mutations have been approved for clinical applications, or are undergoing clinical trials around the world. This review focuses on: the indications of approved small molecular kinase inhibitors for EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC; the mechanisms of drug resistance and the corresponding therapeutic strategies; the principles of reasonable and precision molecular structure; and the drug development discoveries of next-generation inhibitors for EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhu
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang 621000, China;
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621000, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory of Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, No. 783, Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Weiguo Xu
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang 621000, China;
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621000, China
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86
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Sano M, Kaneko MK, Aasano T, Kato Y. Epitope Mapping of an Antihuman EGFR Monoclonal Antibody (EMab-134) Using the REMAP Method. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2021; 40:191-195. [PMID: 34283639 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2021.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that plays an important role in normal epidermal cell physiology. EGFR is overexpressed in cancer cells and has a number of mutations that implicate tumor malignancy, development, and poor patient prognosis; thus, EGFR is an attractive target for cancer therapy. At present, anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been approved and are used for treating patients with a variety of EGFR-expressing cancers. Epitope mapping is important in identifying the therapeutic mechanism of anti-EGFR mAbs; however, the development of epitope mapping techniques lags behind the development of antimolecular target mAbs, including anti-EGFR mAbs. Hence, in this study, a novel epitope mapping method, RIEDL insertion for epitope mapping (REMAP) method, was developed. The results of this study demonstrated that the critical epitope of anti-EGFR mAb EMab-134 is Gly378, Asp379, Ser380, Phe381, Thr382, His383, Thr384, Pro385, and Pro386 of EGFR. The REMAP method could be useful for determining the critical epitope of functional mAbs against many target molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Sano
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mika K Kaneko
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Teizo Aasano
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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87
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Huang SL, Wang YM, Wang QY, Feng GG, Wu FQ, Yang LM, Zhang XH, Xin HW. Mechanisms and Clinical Trials of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Front Genet 2021; 12:691391. [PMID: 34306031 PMCID: PMC8296838 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common and lethal tumors worldwide, is usually not diagnosed until the disease is advanced, which results in ineffective intervention and unfavorable prognosis. Small molecule targeted drugs of HCC, such as sorafenib, provided only about 2.8 months of survival benefit, partially due to cancer stem cell resistance. There is an urgent need for the development of new treatment strategies for HCC. Tumor immunotherapies, including immune check point inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) and bispecific antibodies (BsAb), have shown significant potential. It is known that the expression level of glypican-3 (GPC3) was significantly increased in HCC compared with normal liver tissues. A bispecific antibody (GPC3-S-Fabs) was reported to recruit NK cells to target GPC3 positive cancer cells. Besides, bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTE), including GPC3/CD3, an aptamer TLS11a/CD3 and EpCAM/CD3, were recently reported to efficiently eliminate HCC cells. It is known that immune checkpoint proteins programmed death-1 (PD-1) binding by programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) activates immune checkpoints of T cells. Anti-PD-1 antibody was reported to suppress HCC progression. Furthermore, GPC3-based HCC immunotherapy has been shown to be a curative approach to prolong the survival time of patients with HCC in clinically trials. Besides, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor may inhibit the migration, invasion and angiogenesis of HCC. Here we review the cutting-edge progresses on mechanisms and clinical trials of HCC immunotherapy, which may have significant implication in our understanding of HCC and its immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Li Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yu-Ming Wang
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China.,School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Guang-Gui Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Fu-Qing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Liu-Ming Yang
- Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xi-He Zhang
- Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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88
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Rudnik-Jansen I, Howard KA. FcRn expression in cancer: Mechanistic basis and therapeutic opportunities. J Control Release 2021; 337:248-257. [PMID: 34245786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify new cellular targets to expand the repertoire, potency and safety of cancer therapeutics. Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn)-driven cellular recycling plays a predominant role in the prolonged serum half-life of human serum albumin (HSA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) exploited in long-acting cancer drug designs. FcRn-mediated HSA and IgG uptake in epithelial cells and dendritic cell antigen presentation offers new therapeutic opportunities beyond half-life extension. Altered FcRn expression in solid tumours accounting for HSA catabolism or recycling supports a role for FcRn in tumour metabolism and growth. This review addresses the mechanistic basis for different FcRn expression profiles observed in cancer and exploitation for targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, the review highlights FcRn-mediated immunosurveillance and immune therapy. FcRn offers a potential attractive cancer target but in-depth understanding of role and expression profiles during cancer pathogenesis is required for tailoring targeted drug designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Rudnik-Jansen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kenneth A Howard
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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89
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You KS, Yi YW, Cho J, Park JS, Seong YS. Potentiating Therapeutic Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:589. [PMID: 34207383 PMCID: PMC8233743 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subset of breast cancer with aggressive characteristics and few therapeutic options. The lack of an appropriate therapeutic target is a challenging issue in treating TNBC. Although a high level expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a poor prognosis among patients with TNBC, targeted anti-EGFR therapies have demonstrated limited efficacy for TNBC treatment in both clinical and preclinical settings. However, with the advantage of a number of clinically approved EGFR inhibitors (EGFRis), combination strategies have been explored as a promising approach to overcome the intrinsic resistance of TNBC to EGFRis. In this review, we analyzed the literature on the combination of EGFRis with other molecularly targeted therapeutics or conventional chemotherapeutics to understand the current knowledge and to provide potential therapeutic options for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sic You
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Yong Weon Yi
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeonghee Cho
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeong-Soo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
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90
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Huang Q, Cai WQ, Han ZW, Wang MY, Zhou Y, Cheng JT, Zhang Y, Wang YY, Xin Q, Wang XW, Peng XC, Xiang Y, Fang SX, Ma ZW, Xin HY, Cui SZ, Xin HW. Bispecific T cell engagers and their synergistic tumor immunotherapy with oncolytic viruses. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:2430-2455. [PMID: 34249409 PMCID: PMC8263669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy, especially T cell based therapy, is becoming the main force in clinical tumor therapies. Bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) uses the single chain variable fragments (scFv) of two antibodies to redirect T cells to kill target cells. BiTEs for hematologic tumors has been approved for clinical use, and BiTEs for solid tumors showed therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) of the adenovirus expressing p53 and herpes simplex virus expressing GM-CSF was approved for clinical use in 2003 and 2015, respectively, while other OVs showed therapeutic effects in clinical trials. However, BiTE and Oncolytic virus (OV) have their own limitations. We propose that OV-BiTE has a synergistic effect on tumor immunotherapy. Feng Yu et al. designed the first OV-BiTE in 2014, which remarkably eradicated tumors in mice. Here we review the latest development of the structure, function, preclinical studies and/or clinical trials of BiTE and OV-BiTE and provide perspective views for optimizing the design of OV-BiTE. There is no doubt that OV-BiTE is becoming an exciting new platform for tumor immunotherapy and will enter clinical trial soon. Exploring the therapeutic effects and safety of OV-BiTE for synergistic tumor immunotherapy will bring new hope to tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Qi Cai
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Zi-Wen Han
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Mo-Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chun’an County First People’s Hospital (Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital Chun’an Branch)Hangzhou 311700, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Gynaecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hannover Medical SchoolD30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Qiang Xin
- Clinical Medicine Research Center, The Key Laboratory of Biological Cells of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, The Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia
| | - Xian-Wang Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University1 Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Xiang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Shu-Xian Fang
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 510095, China
| | - Zhao-Wu Ma
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
| | - Hong-Yi Xin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Immunology Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Center for Life Sciences28 Medical Drive, #03-09, 117456, Singapore
| | - Shu-Zhong Cui
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 510095, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze UniversityJingzhou 434023, Hubei, China
- Lianjiang People’s HospitalGuangdong 524400, China
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91
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de Bessa Garcia SA, Araújo M, Pereira T, Freitas R. HOXB7 Overexpression Leads Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to a Less Aggressive Phenotype. Biomedicines 2021; 9:515. [PMID: 34063128 PMCID: PMC8148148 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HOX genes appear to play a role in breast cancer progression in a molecular subtype-dependent way. The altered expression of HOXB7, for example, was reported to promote breast cancer progression in specific subtypes. Here we induced HOXB7 overexpression in MDA-MB-231 cells, a cellular model of the Triple-Negative breast cancer molecular subtype, and evaluated the phenotypic changes in cell viability, morphogenesis, migration, invasion, and colony formation. During the phenotypic characterization of the HOXB7-overexpressing cells, we consistently found less aggressive behavior represented by lower cell viability, inhibition of cell migration, invasion, and attachment-independent colony formation capacities added to the more compact and organized spheroid growth in 3D cultures. We then evaluated the expression of putative downstream targets and their direct binding to HOXB7 comparing ChIP-qPCR data generated from HOXB7-overexpressing cells and controls. In the manipulated cells, we found enriched biding of HOXB7 to CTNNB1, EGFR, FGF2, CDH1, DNMT3B, TGFB2, and COMMD7. Taken together, these results highlight the plasticity of the HOXB7 function in breast cancer, according to the cellular genetic background and expression levels, and provide evidence that in Triple-Negative breast cancer cells, HOXB7 overexpression has the potential to promote less aggressive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mafalda Araújo
- I3S—Institute for Innovation & Health Research, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.A.d.B.G.); (M.A.); (T.P.)
| | - Tiago Pereira
- I3S—Institute for Innovation & Health Research, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.A.d.B.G.); (M.A.); (T.P.)
| | - Renata Freitas
- I3S—Institute for Innovation & Health Research, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.A.d.B.G.); (M.A.); (T.P.)
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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