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Schlaak L, Weise C, Kuropka B, Weng A. Mutational Analysis of RIP Type I Dianthin-30 Suggests a Role for Arg24 in Endocytosis. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:219. [PMID: 38787071 PMCID: PMC11125672 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Saponin-mediated endosomal escape is a mechanism that increases the cytotoxicity of type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (type I RIPs). In order to actualize their cytotoxicity, type I RIPs must be released into the cytosol after endocytosis. Without release from the endosomes, type I RIPs are largely degraded and cannot exert their cytotoxic effects. Certain triterpene saponins are able to induce the endosomal escape of these type I RIPs, thus increasing their cytotoxicity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the endosomal escape enhancement of type I RIPs by triterpene saponins has not been fully elucidated. In this report, we investigate the involvement of the basic amino acid residues of dianthin-30, a type I RIP isolated from the plant Dianthus caryophyllus L., in endosomal escape enhancement using alanine scanning. Therefore, we designed 19 alanine mutants of dianthin-30. Each mutant was combined with SO1861, a triterpene saponin isolated from the roots of Saponaria officinalis L., and subjected to a cytotoxicity screening in Neuro-2A cells. Cytotoxic screening revealed that dianthin-30 mutants with lysine substitutions did not impair the endosomal escape enhancement. There was one particular mutant dianthin, Arg24Ala, that exhibited significantly reduced synergistic cytotoxicity in three mammalian cell lines. However, this reduction was not based on an altered interaction with SO1861. It was, rather, due to the impaired endocytosis of dianthin Arg24Ala into the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Schlaak
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Christoph Weise
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.W.); (B.K.)
| | - Benno Kuropka
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.W.); (B.K.)
| | - Alexander Weng
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
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2
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Schulze FJ, Asadian-Birjand M, Pradela M, Niesler N, Nagel G, Fuchs H. A cleavable peptide adapter augments the activity of targeted toxins in combination with the glycosidic endosomal escape enhancer SO1861. BMC Biotechnol 2024; 24:24. [PMID: 38685061 PMCID: PMC11057116 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-024-00854-5] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with tumor-targeted toxins attempts to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cancer therapies by directing a drug's cytotoxic effect specifically towards cancer cells. However, success with targeted toxins has been hampered as the constructs commonly remain bound to the outside of the cell or, after receptor-mediated endocytosis, are either transported back to the cell surface or undergo degradation in lysosomes. Hence, solutions to ensure endosomal escape are an urgent need in treatment with targeted toxins. In this work, a molecular adapter that consists of a cell penetrating peptide and two cleavable peptides was inserted into a targeted toxin between the ribosome-inactivating protein dianthin and the epidermal growth factor. Applying cell viability assays, this study examined whether the addition of the adapter further augments the endosomal escape enhancement of the glycosylated triterpenoid SO1861, which has shown up to more than 1000-fold enhancement in the past. RESULTS Introducing the peptide adapter into the targeted toxin led to an about 12-fold enhancement in the cytotoxicity on target cells while SO1861 caused a 430-fold increase. However, the combination of adapter and glycosylated triterpenoid resulted in a more than 4300-fold enhancement and in addition to a 51-fold gain in specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that the cleavable peptide augments the endosomal escape mediated by glycosylated triterpenoids while maintaining specificity. Thus, the adapter is a promising addition to glycosylated triterpenoids to further increase the efficacy and therapeutic window of targeted toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn J Schulze
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mazdak Asadian-Birjand
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Pradela
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 34, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Niesler
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gregor Nagel
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Fuchs
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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3
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Fischer A, Masilamani AP, Schultze-Seemann S, Wolf I, Gratzke C, Fuchs H, Wolf P. Synergistic Cytotoxicity of a Toxin Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and the Glycosylated Triterpenoid SO1861 in Prostate Cancer. J Cancer 2023; 14:3039-3049. [PMID: 37859824 PMCID: PMC10583583 DOI: 10.7150/jca.85691] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of advanced prostate cancer lacks specificity and curative intent. Therefore, the need for new targeted therapeutic approaches is high. In the present study, we generated the new targeted toxin EGF-PE24mutΔREDLK binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the surface of prostate cancer cells. It consists of the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) as binding domain and a de-immunized variant of Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE), called PE24mutΔREDLK, as toxin domain. The toxin domain contains a deletion of the C-terminal KDEL-like motif REDLK to prevent its transport from sorting endosomes via the KDEL receptor mediated pathway into the cytosol, where it can inhibit cellular protein biosynthesis and induce apoptosis. Indeed, REDLK deletion resulted in a strong decrease in cytotoxicity of the targeted toxin in prostate cancer cells compared to the parental targeted toxin EGF-PE24mut. However, addition of the plant glycosylated triterpenoid SO1861, which is known to mediate the release of biomolecules from endolysosomal compartments into the cytosol, resulted in an up to almost 7,000-fold enhanced synergistic cytotoxicity. Moreover, combination of PE24mutΔREDLK with SO1861 led to a cytotoxicity that was even 16- to 300-fold enhanced compared to that of EGF-PE24mut. Endolysosomal entrapment of the non-toxic targeted toxin EGF-PE24mutΔREDLK followed by activation through enhanced endosomal escape therefore represents a new promising approach for the future treatment of advanced prostate cancer with high efficacy and diminished side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Fischer
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anie Priscilla Masilamani
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Schultze-Seemann
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isis Wolf
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty for Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Gratzke
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Fuchs
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry; Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Wolf
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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4
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Masilamani AP, Huber N, Nagl C, Dettmer-Monaco V, Monaco G, Wolf I, Schultze-Seemann S, Taromi S, Gratzke C, Fuchs H, Wolf P. Enhanced cytotoxicity of a Pseudomonas Exotoxin A based immunotoxin against prostate cancer by addition of the endosomal escape enhancer SO1861. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1211824. [PMID: 37484018 PMCID: PMC10358361 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1211824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins consist of an antibody or antibody fragment that binds to a specific cell surface structure and a cytotoxic domain that kills the cell after cytosolic uptake. Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) based immunotoxins directed against a variety of tumor entities have successfully entered the clinic. PE possesses a KDEL-like motif (REDLK) that enables the toxin to travel from sorting endosomes via the KDEL-receptor pathway to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), from where it is transported into the cytosol. There, it ADP-ribosylates the eukaryotic elongation factor 2, resulting in ribosome inhibition and finally apoptosis. One major problem of immunotoxins is their lysosomal degradation causing the need for much more immunotoxin molecules than finally required for induction of cell death. The resulting dose limitations and substantially increased side effects require new strategies to achieve improved cytosolic uptake. Here we generated an immunotoxin consisting of a humanized single chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and the de-immunized PE variant PE24mut. This immunotoxin, hD7-1(VL-VH)-PE24mut, showed high and specific cytotoxicity in PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells. We deleted the REDLK sequence to prevent transport to the ER and achieve endosomal entrapment. The cytotoxicity of this immunotoxin, hD7-1(VL-VH)-PE24mutΔREDLK, was greatly reduced. To restore activity, we added the endosomal escape enhancer SO1861 and observed an up to 190,000-fold enhanced cytotoxicity corresponding to a 57-fold enhancement compared to the initial immunotoxin with the REDLK sequence. A biodistribution study with different routes of administration clearly showed that the subcutaneous injection of hD7-1(VL-VH)-PE24mutΔREDLK in mice resulted in the highest tumor uptake. Treatment of mice bearing prostate tumors with a combination of hD7-1(VL-VH)-PE24mutΔREDLK plus SO1861 resulted in inhibition of tumor growth and enhanced overall survival compared to the monotherapies. The endosomal entrapment of non-toxic anti-PSMA immunotoxins followed by enhanced endosomal escape by SO1861 provides new therapeutic options in the future management of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anie P. Masilamani
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Huber
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Constanze Nagl
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Viviane Dettmer-Monaco
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gianni Monaco
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isis Wolf
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty for Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Schultze-Seemann
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sanaz Taromi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, University Furtwangen, VS-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Christian Gratzke
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Fuchs
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Wolf
- Department of Urology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Koczurkiewicz-Adamczyk P, Grabowska K, Karnas E, Piska K, Wnuk D, Klaś K, Galanty A, Wójcik-Pszczoła K, Michalik M, Pękala E, Fuchs H, Podolak I. Saponin Fraction CIL1 from Lysimachia ciliata L. Enhances the Effect of a Targeted Toxin on Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051350. [PMID: 37242592 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Saponins are plant metabolites that possess multidirectional biological activities, among these is antitumor potential. The mechanisms of anticancer activity of saponins are very complex and depend on various factors, including the chemical structure of saponins and the type of cell they target. The ability of saponins to enhance the efficacy of various chemotherapeutics has opened new perspectives for using them in combined anticancer chemotherapy. Co-administration of saponins with targeted toxins makes it possible to reduce the dose of the toxin and thus limit the side effects of overall therapy by mediating endosomal escape. Our study indicates that the saponin fraction CIL1 of Lysimachia ciliata L. can improve the efficacy of the EGFR-targeted toxin dianthin (DE). We investigated the effect of cotreatment with CIL1 + DE on cell viability in a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, on proliferation in a crystal violet assay (CV) and on pro-apoptotic activity using Annexin V/7 Actinomycin D (7-AAD) staining and luminescence detection of caspase levels. Cotreatment with CIL1 + DE enhanced the target cell-specific cytotoxicity, as well as the antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties. We found a 2200-fold increase in both the cytotoxic and antiproliferative efficacy of CIL1 + DE against HER14-targeted cells, while the effect on control NIH3T3 off-target cells was less profound (6.9- or 5.4-fold, respectively). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the CIL1 saponin fraction has a satisfactory in vitro safety profile with a lack of cytotoxic and mutagenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Koczurkiewicz-Adamczyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karolina Grabowska
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Karnas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamil Piska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Klaś
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Galanty
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wójcik-Pszczoła
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Michalik
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Pękala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Hendrik Fuchs
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Irma Podolak
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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6
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Zarinwall A, Maurer V, Pierick J, Oldhues VM, Porsiel JC, Finke JH, Garnweitner G. Amorphization and modified release of ibuprofen by post-synthetic and solvent-free loading into tailored silica aerogels. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:2086-2099. [PMID: 35838584 PMCID: PMC9291651 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2092237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Promising active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) often exhibit poor aqueous solubility and thus a low bioavailability that substantially limits their pharmaceutical application. Hence, efficient formulations are required for an effective translation into highly efficient drug products. One strategy is the preservation of an amorphous state of the API within a carrier matrix, which leads to enhanced dissolution. In this work, mesoporous silica aerogels (SA) were utilized as a carrier matrix for the amorphization of the poorly water-soluble model drug ibuprofen. Loading of tailored SA was performed post-synthetically and solvent-free, either by co-milling or via the melting method. Thorough analyses of these processes demonstrated the influence of macrostructural changes during the drying and grinding process on the microstructural properties of the SA. Furthermore, interfacial SA-drug interaction properties were selectively tuned by attaching terminal hydrophilic amino- or hydrophobic methyl groups to the surface of the gel. We demonstrate that not only the chemical surface properties of the SA, but also formulation-related parameters, such as the carrier-to-drug ratio, as well as process-related parameters, such as the drug loading method, decisively influence the ibuprofen adsorption efficiency. In addition, the drug-loaded SA formulations exhibited a remarkable physical stability over a period of 6 months. Furthermore, the release behavior is shown to change considerably with different surface properties of the SA matrix. Hence, the reported results demonstrate that utilizing specifically processed and modified SA offers a compelling technique for enhancement of the bioavailability of poorly-water soluble APIs and a versatile adjustment of their release profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal Zarinwall
- Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Viktor Maurer
- Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jennifer Pierick
- Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Victor Marcus Oldhues
- Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Julian Cedric Porsiel
- Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jan Henrik Finke
- Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Georg Garnweitner
- Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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7
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Zheng L, Yang Q, Li F, Zhu M, Yang H, Tan T, Wu B, Liu M, Xu C, Yin J, Cao C. The Glycosylation of Immune Checkpoints and Their Applications in Oncology. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121451. [PMID: 36558902 PMCID: PMC9783268 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121451] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor therapies have entered the immunotherapy era. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved tremendous success, with some patients achieving long-term tumor control. Tumors, on the other hand, can still accomplish immune evasion, which is aided by immune checkpoints. The majority of immune checkpoints are membrane glycoproteins, and abnormal tumor glycosylation may alter how the immune system perceives tumors, affecting the body's anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, RNA can also be glycosylated, and GlycoRNA is important to the immune system. Glycosylation has emerged as a new hallmark of tumors, with glycosylation being considered a potential therapeutic approach. The glycosylation modification of immune checkpoints and the most recent advances in glycosylation-targeted immunotherapy are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zheng
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Biotherapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Haochi Yang
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tian Tan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Binghuo Wu
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Mingxin Liu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: (J.Y.); (C.C.)
| | - Chenhui Cao
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: (J.Y.); (C.C.)
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8
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Panjideh H, Niesler N, Weng A, Fuchs H. Improved Therapy of B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma by Obinutuzumab-Dianthin Conjugates in Combination with the Endosomal Escape Enhancer SO1861. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14070478. [PMID: 35878216 PMCID: PMC9318199 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14070478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins do not only bind to cancer-specific receptors to mediate the elimination of tumor cells through the innate immune system, but also increase target cytotoxicity by the intrinsic toxin activity. The plant glycoside SO1861 was previously reported to enhance the endolysosomal escape of antibody-toxin conjugates in non-hematopoietic cells, thus increasing their cytotoxicity manifold. Here we tested this technology for the first time in a lymphoma in vivo model. First, the therapeutic CD20 antibody obinutuzumab was chemically conjugated to the ribosome-inactivating protein dianthin. The cytotoxicity of obinutuzumab-dianthin (ObiDi) was evaluated on human B-lymphocyte Burkitt’s lymphoma Raji cells and compared to human T-cell leukemia off-target Jurkat cells. When tested in combination with SO1861, the cytotoxicity for target cells was 131-fold greater than for off-target cells. In vivo imaging in a xenograft model of B-cell lymphoma in mice revealed that ObiDi/SO1861 efficiently prevents tumor growth (51.4% response rate) compared to the monotherapy with ObiDi (25.9%) and non-conjugated obinutuzumab (20.7%). The reduction of tumor volume and overall survival was also improved. Taken together, our results substantially contribute to the development of a combination therapy with SO1861 as a platform technology to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic antibody-toxin conjugates in lymphoma and leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Panjideh
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany; (H.P.); (N.N.)
| | - Nicole Niesler
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany; (H.P.); (N.N.)
| | - Alexander Weng
- Institut für Pharmazie, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2+4, D-14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Hendrik Fuchs
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany; (H.P.); (N.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Dianthin Targeting for Controlled Drug Release Using the Endosomal Escape Enhancer SO1861. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11041057. [PMID: 33924180 PMCID: PMC8074366 DOI: 10.3390/nano11041057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Targeted tumor therapy can provide the basis for the inhibition of tumor growth. However, a number of toxin-based therapeutics lack efficacy because of insufficient endosomal escape after being internalized by endocytosis. To address this problem, the potential of glycosylated triterpenoids, such as SO1861, as endosomal escape enhancers (EEE) for superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-based toxin therapy was investigated. Herein, two different SPION-based particle systems were synthesized, each selectively functionalized with either the targeted toxin, dianthin-epidermal growth factor (DiaEGF), or the EEE, SO1861. After applying both particle systems in vitro, an almost 2000-fold enhancement in tumor cell cytotoxicity compared to the monotherapy with SPION-DiaEGF and a 6.7-fold gain in specificity was observed. Thus, the required dose of the formulation was appreciably reduced, and the therapeutic window widened.
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Niesler N, Arndt J, Silberreis K, Fuchs H. Generation of a soluble and stable apoptin-EGF fusion protein, a targeted viral protein applicable for tumor therapy. Protein Expr Purif 2020; 175:105687. [PMID: 32681952 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2020.105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A promising candidate for tumor targeted toxins is the chicken anemia-derived protein apoptin that induces tumor-specific apoptosis. It was aimed to design a novel apoptin-based targeted toxin by genetic fusion of apoptin with the tumor-directed ligand epidermal growth factor (EGF) using Escherichia coli as expression host. However, apoptin is highly hydrophobic and tends to form insoluble aggregates. Therefore, three different apoptin-EGF variants were generated. The fusion protein hexa-histidine (His)-apoptin-EGF (HAE) was expressed in E. coli and purified under denaturing conditions due to inclusion bodies. The protein solubility was improved by maltose-binding protein (MBP) or glutathione S-transferase. The protein MBP-apoptin-EGFHis (MAEH) was found favorable as a targeted toxin regarding final yield (4-6 mg/L) and stability. MBP was enzymatically removed using clotting factor Xa, which resulted in low yield and poor separation. MAEH was tested on target and non-target cell lines. The targeted tumor cell line A431 showed significant toxicity with an IC50 of 69.55 nM upon incubation with MAEH while fibroblasts and target receptor-free cells remained unaffected. Here we designed a novel EGF receptor targeting drug with high yield, purity and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Niesler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Arndt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kim Silberreis
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Fuchs
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Cao XW, Wang FJ, Liew OW, Lu YZ, Zhao J. Analysis of Triterpenoid Saponins Reveals Insights into Structural Features Associated with Potent Protein Drug Enhancement Effects. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:683-694. [PMID: 31913047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b01158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Plant-based saponins are amphipathic glycosides composed of a hydrophobic aglycone backbone covalently bound to one or more hydrophilic sugar moieties. Recently, the endosomal escape activity of triterpenoid saponins has been investigated as a potentially powerful tool for improved cytosolic penetration of protein drugs internalized by endocytic uptake, thereby greatly enhancing their pharmacological effects. However, only a few saponins have been studied, and the paucity in understanding the structure-activity relationship of saponins imposes significant limitations on their applications. To address this knowledge gap, 12 triterpenoid saponins with diverse structural side chains were screened for their utility as endosomolytic agents. These compounds were used in combination with a toxin (MAP30-HBP) comprising a type I ribosome-inactivating protein fused to a cell-penetrating peptide. Suitability of saponins as endosomolytic agents was assessed on the basis of cytotoxicity, endosomal escape promotion, and synergistic effects on toxins. Five saponins showed strong endosomal escape activity, enhancing MAP30-HBP cytotoxicity by more than 106 to 109 folds. These saponins also enhanced the apoptotic effect of MAP30-HBP in a pH-dependent manner. Additionally, growth inhibition of MAP30-HBP-treated SMMC-7721 cells was greater than that of similarly treated HeLa cells, suggesting that saponin-mediated endosomolytic effect is likely to be cell-specific. Furthermore, the structural features and hydrophobicity of the sugar side chains were analyzed to draw correlations with endosomal escape activity and derive predictive rules, thus providing new insights into structure-activity relationships of saponins. This study revealed new saponins that can potentially be exploited as efficient cytosolic delivery reagents for improved therapeutic drug effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Wei Cao
- Department of Applied Biology , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , China
| | - Fu-Jun Wang
- New Drug R&D Center , Zhejiang Fonow Medicine Company, Ltd. , 209 West Hulian Road , Dongyang 322100 , Zhejiang , China.,Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines , 1200 Cailun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China.,Institute of Chinese Materia , Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , 1200 Cailun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Oi-Wah Liew
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System , Centre for Translational Medicine , MD6#08-01, 14 Medical Drive , 117599 , Singapore
| | - Ye-Zhou Lu
- Department of Applied Biology , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Meilong Road , Shanghai 200237 , China
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Dianthin and Its Potential in Targeted Tumor Therapies. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100592. [PMID: 31614697 PMCID: PMC6832487 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dianthin enzymes belong to ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) of type 1, i.e., they only consist of a catalytic domain and do not have a cell binding moiety. Dianthin-30 is very similar to saporin-S3 and saporin-S6, two RIPs often used to design targeted toxins for tumor therapy and already tested in some clinical trials. Nevertheless, dianthin enzymes also exhibit differences to saporin with regard to structure, efficacy, toxicity, immunogenicity and production by heterologous expression. Some of the distinctions might make dianthin more suitable for targeted tumor therapies than other RIPs. The present review provides an overview of the history of dianthin discovery and illuminates its structure, function and role in targeted toxins. It further discusses the option to increase the efficacy of dianthin by endosomal escape enhancers.
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Glycosylated Triterpenoids as Endosomal Escape Enhancers in Targeted Tumor Therapies. Biomedicines 2017; 5:biomedicines5020014. [PMID: 28536357 PMCID: PMC5489800 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines5020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-based targeted toxins play an increasingly important role in targeted tumor therapies. In spite of their high intrinsic toxicity, their efficacy in animal models is low. A major reason for this is the limited entry of the toxin into the cytosol of the target cell, which is required to mediate the fatal effect. Target receptor bound and internalized toxins are mostly either recycled back to the cell surface or lysosomally degraded. This might explain why no antibody-targeted protein toxin has been approved for tumor therapeutic applications by the authorities to date although more than 500 targeted toxins have been developed within the last decades. To overcome the problem of insufficient endosomal escape, a number of strategies that make use of diverse chemicals, cell-penetrating or fusogenic peptides, and light-induced techniques were designed to weaken the membrane integrity of endosomes. This review focuses on glycosylated triterpenoids as endosomal escape enhancers and throws light on their structure, the mechanism of action, and on their efficacy in cell culture and animal models. Obstacles, challenges, opportunities, and future prospects are discussed.
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