1
|
Ricardo MG, Llanes D, Rennert R, Jänicke P, Rivera DG, Wessjohann LA. Improved Access to Potent Anticancer Tubulysins and Linker-Functionalized Payloads Via an All-On-Resin Strategy. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401943. [PMID: 38771268 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401943] [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: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Tubulysins are among the most recent antimitotic compounds to enter into antibody/peptide-drug conjugate (ADC/PDC) development. Thus far, the design of the most promising tubulysin payloads relied on simplifying their structures, e. g., by using small tertiary amide N-substituents (Me, Et, Pr) on the tubuvaline residue. Cumbersome solution-phase approaches are typically used for both syntheses and functionalization with cleavable linkers. p-Aminobenzyl quaternary ammonium (PABQ) linkers were a remarkable advancement for targeted delivery, but the procedures to incorporate them into tubulysins are only of moderate efficiency. Here we describe a novel all-on-resin strategy permitting a loss-free resin linkage and an improved access to super potent tubulysin analogs showing close resemblance to the natural compounds. For the first time, a protocol enables the integration of on-resin tubulysin derivatization with, e. g., a maleimido-Val-Cit-PABQ linker, which is a notable progress for the payload-PABQ-linker technology. The strategy also allows tubulysin diversification of the internal amide N-substituent, thus enabling to screen a tubulysin library for the discovery of new potent analogs. This work provides ADC/PDC developers with new tools for both rapid access to new derivatives and easier linker-attachment and functionalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel G Ricardo
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata & G, Havana, 10400, Cuba
- Present address: Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dayma Llanes
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Robert Rennert
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Paul Jänicke
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel G Rivera
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata & G, Havana, 10400, Cuba
| | - Ludger A Wessjohann
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Paulus J, Sewald N. Small molecule- and peptide-drug conjugates addressing integrins: A story of targeted cancer treatment. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3561. [PMID: 38382900 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3561] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Targeted cancer treatment should avoid side effects and damage to healthy cells commonly encountered during traditional chemotherapy. By combining small molecule or peptidic ligands as homing devices with cytotoxic drugs connected by a cleavable or non-cleavable linker in peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) or small molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs), cancer cells and tumours can be selectively targeted. The development of highly affine, selective peptides and small molecules in recent years has allowed PDCs and SMDCs to increasingly compete with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Integrins represent an excellent target for conjugates because they are overexpressed by most cancer cells and because of the broad knowledge about native binding partners as well as the multitude of small-molecule and peptidic ligands that have been developed over the last 30 years. In particular, integrin αVβ3 has been addressed using a variety of different PDCs and SMDCs over the last two decades, following various strategies. This review summarises and describes integrin-addressing PDCs and SMDCs while highlighting points of great interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Paulus
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Norbert Sewald
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang J, Guo L, Huang X, Yu X, Lin L, Jiang X, Bai Z, Li Z. Multimodal Imaging-Guided Synergistic Photodynamic Therapy Using Carbonized Zn/Co Metal-Organic Framework Loaded with Cytotoxin Against Liver Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4163-4180. [PMID: 38751660 PMCID: PMC11095517 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The study aimed to address the non-specific toxicity of cytotoxins (CTX) in liver cancer treatment and explore their combined application with the photosensitizer Ce6, co-loaded into carbonized Zn/Co bimetallic organic frameworks. The goal was to achieve controlled CTX release and synergistic photodynamic therapy, with a focus on evaluating anti-tumor activity against human liver cancer cell lines (Hep G2). Methods Purified cobra cytotoxin (CTX) and photosensitizer Ce6 were co-loaded into carbonized Zn/Co bimetallic organic frameworks, resulting in RGD-PDA@C-ZIF@(CTX+Ce6). The formulation was designed with surface-functionalization using polydopamine and tumor-penetrating peptide RGD. This approach aimed to facilitate controlled CTX release and enhance the synergistic effect of photodynamic therapy. The accumulation of RGD-PDA@C-ZIF@(CTX+Ce6) at tumor sites was achieved through RGD's active targeting and the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. In the acidic tumor microenvironment, the porous structure of the metal-organic framework disintegrated, releasing CTX and Ce6 into tumor cells. Results Experiments demonstrated that RGD-PDA@C-ZIF@(CTX+Ce6) nanoparticles, combined with near-infrared laser irradiation, exhibited optimal anti-tumor effects against human liver cancer cells. The formulation showcased heightened anti-tumor activity without discernible systemic toxicity. Conclusion The study underscores the potential of utilizing metal-organic frameworks as an efficient nanoplatform for co-loading cytotoxins and photodynamic therapy in liver cancer treatment. The developed formulation, RGD-PDA@C-ZIF@(CTX+Ce6), offers a promising avenue for advancing the clinical application of cytotoxins in oncology, providing a solid theoretical foundation for future research and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingmei Huang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lianshan Guo
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Huang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liqiao Lin
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinlin Jiang
- Department of General Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530007, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihao Bai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengzhao Li
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530007, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rebstock AS, Wiedmann M, Stelte-Ludwig B, Wong H, Johnson AJ, Izumi R, Hamdy A, Lerchen HG. Neutrophil elastase as a versatile cleavage enzyme for activation of αvβ3 integrin-targeted small molecule drug conjugates with different payload classes in the tumor microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1358393. [PMID: 38495100 PMCID: PMC10943695 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1358393] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The development of bioconjugates for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents is gaining momentum after recent success of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) in the clinic. Smaller format conjugates may have several advantages including better tumor penetration; however, cellular uptake and trafficking may be substantially different from ADCs. To fully leverage the potential of small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) with potent binding molecules mediating tumor homing, novel linker chemistries susceptible for efficient extracellular activation and payload release in the tumor microenvironment (TME) need to be explored. Methods: We designed a novel class of SMDCs, which target αvβ3 integrins for tumor homing and are cleaved by neutrophil elastase (NE), a serine protease active in the TME. A peptidomimetic αvβ3 ligand was attached via optimized linkers composed of substrate peptide sequences of NE connected to different functional groups of various payload classes, such as camptothecins, monomethyl auristatin E, kinesin spindle protein inhibitors (KSPi) and cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibitors (CDK-9i). Results: NE-mediated cleavage was found compatible with the diverse linker attachments via hindered ester bonds, amide bonds and sulfoximide bonds. Efficient and traceless release of the respective payloads was demonstrated in biochemical assays. The newly designed SMDCs were highly stable in buffer as well as in rat and human plasma. Cytotoxicity of the SMDCs in cancer cell lines was clearly dependent on NE. IC50 values were in the nanomolar or sub-nanomolar range across several cancer cell lines reaching similar potencies as compared to the respective payloads only in the presence of NE. In vivo pharmacokinetics evaluating SMDC and free payload exposures in rat and particularly the robust efficacy with good tolerability in triple negative breast and small cell lung cancer murine models demonstrate the utility of this approach for selective delivery of payloads to the tumor. Discussion: These results highlight the broad scope of potential payloads and suitable conjugation chemistries paving the way for future SMDCs harnessing the safety features of targeted delivery approaches in combination with NE cleavage in the TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Harvey Wong
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - Raquel Izumi
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Ahmed Hamdy
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Szabó I, Biri-Kovács B, Vári B, Ranđelović I, Vári-Mező D, Juhász É, Halmos G, Bősze S, Tóvári J, Mező G. Targeting the Melanocortin 1 Receptor in Melanoma: Biological Activity of α-MSH-Peptide Conjugates. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1095. [PMID: 38256168 PMCID: PMC10816934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021095] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive and resistant tumor types, with high metastatic properties. Because of the lack of suitable chemotherapeutic agents for treatment, the 5-year survival rate of melanoma patients with regional and distant metastases is lower than 10%. Targeted tumor therapy that provides several promising results might be a good option for the treatment of malignant melanomas. Our goal was to develop novel melanoma-specific peptide-drug conjugates for targeted tumor therapy. Melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R) is a cell surface receptor responsible for melanogenesis and it is overexpressed on the surface of melanoma cells, providing a good target. Its native ligand, α-MSH (α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) peptide, or its derivatives, might be potential homing devices for this purpose. Therefore, we prepared three α-MSH derivative-daunomycin (Dau) conjugates and their in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities were compared. Dau has an autofluorescence property; therefore, it is suitable for preparing conjugates for in vitro (e.g., cellular uptake) and in vivo experiments. Dau was attached to the peptides via a non-cleavable oxime linkage that was applied efficiently in our previous experiments, resulting in conjugates with high tumor growth inhibition activity. The results indicated that the most promising conjugate was the compound in which Dau was connected to the side chain of Lys (Ac-SYSNleEHFRWGK(Dau=Aoa)PV-NH2). The highest cellular uptake by melanoma cells was demonstrated using the compound, with the highest tumor growth inhibition detected both on mouse (38.6% on B16) and human uveal melanoma (55% on OMC-1) cells. The effect of the compound was more pronounced than that of the free drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Szabó
- HUN-REN–ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.S.); (B.B.-K.); (D.V.-M.); (S.B.)
- MTA-TTK “Momentum” Peptide-Based Vaccines Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Biri-Kovács
- HUN-REN–ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.S.); (B.B.-K.); (D.V.-M.); (S.B.)
| | - Balázs Vári
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.V.); (I.R.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph.D. Studies, Doctoral School of Pathological Sciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ivan Ranđelović
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.V.); (I.R.); (J.T.)
| | - Diána Vári-Mező
- HUN-REN–ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.S.); (B.B.-K.); (D.V.-M.); (S.B.)
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.V.); (I.R.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph.D. Studies, Doctoral School of Pathological Sciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Juhász
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Gábor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Szilvia Bősze
- HUN-REN–ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.S.); (B.B.-K.); (D.V.-M.); (S.B.)
| | - József Tóvári
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.V.); (I.R.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph.D. Studies, Doctoral School of Pathological Sciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mező
- HUN-REN–ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.S.); (B.B.-K.); (D.V.-M.); (S.B.)
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lerchen HG, Stelte-Ludwig B, Heroult M, Zubov D, Gericke KM, Wong H, Frigault MM, Johnson AJ, Izumi R, Hamdy A. Discovery of VIP236, an αvβ3-Targeted Small-Molecule-Drug Conjugate with Neutrophil Elastase-Mediated Activation of 7-Ethyl Camptothecin Payload for Treatment of Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4381. [PMID: 37686656 PMCID: PMC10486604 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging field of small-molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs) using small-molecule biomarker-targeted compounds for tumor homing may provide new perspectives for targeted delivery. Here, for the first time, we disclose the structure and the synthesis of VIP236, an SMDC designed for the treatment of metastatic solid tumors by targeting αvβ3 integrins and extracellular cleavage of the 7-ethyl camptothecin payload by neutrophil elastase in the tumor microenvironment. Imaging studies in the Lewis lung mouse model using an elastase cleavable quenched substrate showed pronounced elastase activity in the tumor. Pharmacokinetics studies of VIP236 in tumor-bearing mice demonstrated high stability of the SMDC in plasma and high tumor accumulation of the cleaved payload. Studies in bile-duct-cannulated rats showed that biliary excretion of the unmodified conjugate is the primary route of elimination. Treatment- and time-dependent phosphorylation of H2AX, a marker of DNA damage downstream of topoisomerase 1 inhibition, verified the on-target activity of the payload cleaved from VIP236 in vivo. Treatment with VIP236 resulted in long-lasting tumor regression in subcutaneous patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from patients with non-small-cell lung, colon, and renal cancer as well as in two orthotopic metastatic triple-negative breast cancer PDX models. In these models, a significant reduction of brain and lung metastases also was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dmitry Zubov
- Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; (D.Z.); (K.M.G.)
| | | | - Harvey Wong
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| | - Melanie M. Frigault
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| | - Amy J. Johnson
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| | - Raquel Izumi
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| | - Ahmed Hamdy
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA; (H.W.); (M.M.F.); (A.J.J.); (R.I.); (A.H.)
| |
Collapse
|