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Risso V, Lafont E, Le Gallo M. Therapeutic approaches targeting CD95L/CD95 signaling in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:248. [PMID: 35301281 PMCID: PMC8931059 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04688-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell death plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Key players in the controlled induction of cell death are the Death Receptors (DR). CD95 is a prototypic DR activated by its cognate ligand CD95L triggering programmed cell death. As a consequence, alterations in the CD95/CD95L pathway have been involved in several disease conditions ranging from autoimmune diseases to inflammation and cancer. CD95L-induced cell death has multiple roles in the immune response since it constitutes one of the mechanisms by which cytotoxic lymphocytes kill their targets, but it is also involved in the process of turning off the immune response. Furthermore, beyond the canonical pro-death signals, CD95L, which can be membrane-bound or soluble, also induces non-apoptotic signaling that contributes to its tumor-promoting and pro-inflammatory roles. The intent of this review is to describe the role of CD95/CD95L in the pathophysiology of cancers, autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation and to discuss recently patented and emerging therapeutic strategies that exploit/block the CD95/CD95L system in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Risso
- INSERM U1242, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
- Centre de lutte contre le cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Elodie Lafont
- INSERM U1242, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
- Centre de lutte contre le cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Matthieu Le Gallo
- INSERM U1242, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.
- Centre de lutte contre le cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France.
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2
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Engineering of CD19 Antibodies: A CD19-TRAIL Fusion Construct Specifically Induces Apoptosis in B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) Cells In Vivo. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122634. [PMID: 34203833 PMCID: PMC8232684 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is the most frequent malignancy in children and also occurs in adulthood. Despite high cure rates, BCP-ALL chemotherapy can be highly toxic. This type of toxicity can most likely be reduced by antibody-based immunotherapy targeting the CD19 antigen which is commonly expressed on BCP-ALL cells. In this study, we generated a novel Fc-engineered CD19-targeting IgG1 antibody fused to a single chain tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) domain (CD19-TRAIL). As TRAIL induces apoptosis in tumor cells but not in healthy cells, we hypothesized that CD19-TRAIL would show efficient killing of BCP-ALL cells. CD19-TRAIL showed selective binding capacity and pronounced apoptosis induction in CD19-positive (CD19+) BCP-ALL cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, CD19-TRAIL significantly prolonged survival of mice transplanted with BCP-ALL patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells of different cytogenetic backgrounds. Moreover, simultaneous treatment with CD19-TRAIL and Venetoclax (VTX), an inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, promoted synergistic apoptosis induction in CD19+ BCP-ALL cells in vitro and prolonged survival of NSG-mice bearing the BCP-ALL cell line REH. Therefore, IgG1-based CD19-TRAIL fusion proteins represent a new potential immunotherapeutic agent against BCP-ALL.
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3
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Deng L, Zhai X, Liang P, Cui H. Overcoming TRAIL Resistance for Glioblastoma Treatment. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040572. [PMID: 33919846 PMCID: PMC8070820 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) shows a promising therapeutic potential in cancer treatment as it exclusively causes apoptosis in a broad spectrum of cancer cells through triggering the extrinsic apoptosis pathway via binding to cognate death receptors, with negligible toxicity in normal cells. However, most cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), display TRAIL resistance, hindering its application in clinical practice. Recent studies have unraveled novel mechanisms in regulating TRAIL-induced apoptosis in GBM and sought effective combinatorial modalities to sensitize GBM to TRAIL treatment, establishing pre-clinical foundations and the reasonable expectation that the TRAIL/TRAIL death receptor axis could be harnessed to treat GBM. In this review, we will revisit the status quo of the mechanisms of TRAIL resistance and emerging strategies for sensitizing GBM to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and also discuss opportunities of TRAIL-based combinatorial therapies in future clinical use for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Deng
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
| | - Xuan Zhai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China;
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China;
- Correspondence: (P.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Correspondence: (P.L.); (H.C.)
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4
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Apoptosis-Inducing TNF Superfamily Ligands for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071543. [PMID: 33801589 PMCID: PMC8036978 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease with apoptosis evasion as one of its hallmarks; therefore, apoptosis induction in transformed cells seems a promising approach as a cancer treatment. TNF apoptosis-inducing ligands, which are naturally present in the body and possess tumoricidal activity, are attractive candidates. The most studied proteins are TNF-α, FasL, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Over the years, different recombinant TNF family-derived apoptosis-inducing ligands and agonists have been designed. Their stability, specificity, and half-life have been improved because most of the TNF ligands have the disadvantages of having a short half-life and affinity to more than one receptor. Here, we review the outlook on apoptosis-inducing ligands as cancer treatments in diverse preclinical and clinical stages and summarize strategies of overcoming their natural limitations to improve their effectiveness.
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Molecular Mode of Action of TRAIL Receptor Agonists-Common Principles and Their Translational Exploitation. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070954. [PMID: 31284696 PMCID: PMC6678900 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its death receptors TRAILR1/death receptor 4 (DR4) and TRAILR2/DR5 trigger cell death in many cancer cells but rarely exert cytotoxic activity on non-transformed cells. Against this background, a variety of recombinant TRAIL variants and anti-TRAIL death receptor antibodies have been developed and tested in preclinical and clinical studies. Despite promising results from mice tumor models, TRAIL death receptor targeting has failed so far in clinical studies to show satisfying anti-tumor efficacy. These disappointing results can largely be explained by two issues: First, tumor cells can acquire TRAIL resistance by several mechanisms defining a need for combination therapies with appropriate sensitizing drugs. Second, there is now growing preclinical evidence that soluble TRAIL variants but also bivalent anti-TRAIL death receptor antibodies typically require oligomerization or plasma membrane anchoring to achieve maximum activity. This review discusses the need for oligomerization and plasma membrane attachment for the activity of TRAIL death receptor agonists in view of what is known about the molecular mechanisms of how TRAIL death receptors trigger intracellular cell death signaling. In particular, it will be highlighted which consequences this has for the development of next generation TRAIL death receptor agonists and their potential clinical application.
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A versatile pretargeting approach for tumour-selective delivery and activation of TNF superfamily members. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13301. [PMID: 29038485 PMCID: PMC5643434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13530-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
TNFR superfamily (TNFRSF) members have important immunoregulatory functions and are of clear interest for cancer immunotherapy. Various TNFRSF agonists have been clinically evaluated, but have met with limited efficacy and/or toxicity. Recent insights indicate that 'first-generation' TNFRSF agonists lack efficacy as they do not effectively cross-link their corresponding receptor. Reversely, ubiquitous TNFRSF receptor(s) cross-linking by CD40 and Fas agonistic antibodies resulted in dose-limiting liver toxicity. To overcome these issues, we developed a novel pretargeting strategy exploiting recombinant fusion proteins in which a soluble form of TRAIL, FasL or CD40L is genetically fused to a high-affinity anti-fluorescein scFv antibody fragment (scFvFITC). Fusion proteins scFvFITC:sTRAIL and scFvFITC:sFasL induced potent target antigen-restricted apoptosis in a panel of cancer lines and in primary patient-derived cancer cells, but only when pretargeted with a relevant FITC-labelled antitumour antibody. In a similar pretargeting setting, fusion protein scFvFITC:sCD40L promoted tumour-directed maturation of immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (iDCs). This novel tumour-selective pretargeting approach may be used to improve efficacy and/or reduce possible off-target toxicity of TNFSF ligands for cancer immunotherapy.
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Hendriks D, Choi G, de Bruyn M, Wiersma VR, Bremer E. Antibody-Based Cancer Therapy: Successful Agents and Novel Approaches. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 331:289-383. [PMID: 28325214 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since their discovery, antibodies have been viewed as ideal candidates or "magic bullets" for use in targeted therapy in the fields of cancer, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammatory disorders. A wave of antibody-dedicated research followed, which resulted in the clinical approval of a first generation of monoclonal antibodies for cancer therapy such as rituximab (1997) and cetuximab (2004), and infliximab (2002) for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. More recently, the development of antibodies that prevent checkpoint-mediated inhibition of T cell responses invigorated the field of cancer immunotherapy. Such antibodies induced unprecedented long-term remissions in patients with advanced stage malignancies, most notably melanoma and lung cancer, that do not respond to conventional therapies. In this review, we will recapitulate the development of antibody-based therapy, and detail recent advances and new functions, particularly in the field of cancer immunotherapy. With the advent of recombinant DNA engineering, a number of rationally designed molecular formats of antibodies and antibody-derived agents have become available, and we will discuss various molecular formats including antibodies with improved effector functions, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, and T cells genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors. With these exciting advances, new antibody-based treatment options will likely enter clinical practice and pave the way toward more successful control of malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hendriks
- Department of Surgery, Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - G Choi
- Department of Hematology, Section Immunohematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M de Bruyn
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - V R Wiersma
- Department of Hematology, Section Immunohematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - E Bremer
- Department of Hematology, Section Immunohematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
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Hendriks D, He Y, Koopmans I, Wiersma VR, van Ginkel RJ, Samplonius DF, Helfrich W, Bremer E. Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1)-targeted TRAIL combines PD-L1-mediated checkpoint inhibition with TRAIL-mediated apoptosis induction. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1202390. [PMID: 27622071 PMCID: PMC5007955 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1202390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies that block PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoints restore the activity of functionally-impaired antitumor T cells. These antibodies show unprecedented clinical benefit in various advanced cancers, particularly in melanoma. However, only a subset of cancer patients responds to current PD-L1/PD-1-blocking strategies, highlighting the need for further advancements in PD-L1/PD-1-based immunotherapy. Here, we report on a novel approach designed to combine PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition with the tumor-selective induction of apoptosis by TNF-related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL). In brief, a new bi-functional fusion protein, designated anti-PD-L1:TRAIL, was constructed comprising a PD-L1-blocking antibody fragment genetically fused to the extracellular domain of the pro-apoptotic tumoricidal protein TRAIL. Treatment of PD-L1-expressing cancer cells with anti-PD-L1:TRAIL induced PD-L1-directed TRAIL-mediated cancer cell death. Treatment of T cells with anti-PD-L1:TRAIL augmented T cell activation, as evidenced by increased proliferation, secretion of IFNγ and enhanced killing of cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived cancer cells in mixed T cell/cancer cell culture experiments. Of note, elevated levels of IFNγ further upregulated PD-L1 on cancer cells and simultaneously sensitized cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis by anti-PD-L1:TRAIL. Additionally, anti-PD-L1:TRAIL converted immunosuppressive PD-L1-expressing myeloid cells into pro-apoptotic effector cells that triggered TRAIL-mediated cancer cell death. In conclusion, combining PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition with TRAIL-mediated induction of apoptosis using anti-PD-L1:TRAIL yields promising multi-fold and mutually reinforcing anticancer activity that may be exploited to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djoke Hendriks
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yuan He
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris Koopmans
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Valerie R Wiersma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J van Ginkel
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Douwe F Samplonius
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wijnand Helfrich
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Edwin Bremer
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, Devon, UK; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Experimental Hematology, Section Immunohematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen (CRCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
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Engineered adenovirus fiber shaft fusion homotrimer of soluble TRAIL with enhanced stability and antitumor activity. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2274. [PMID: 27336718 PMCID: PMC5143403 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Successful cancer therapies aim to induce selective apoptosis in neoplastic cells. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is considered an attractive anticancer agent due to its tumor cell-specific cytotoxicity. However, earlier studies with recombinant TRAIL revealed many shortcomings, including a short half-life, off-target toxicity and existence of TRAIL-resistant tumor cells. In this study, we developed a novel engineering strategy for recombinant soluble TRAIL by redesigning its structure with the adenovirus knobless fiber motif to form a stable homotrimer with improved antitumor activity. The result is a highly stable fiber-TRAIL fusion protein that could form homotrimers similar to natural TRAIL. The recombinant fusion TRAIL developed here displayed high specific activity in both cell-based assays in vitro and animal tests in vivo. This construct will serve as a foundation for a new generation of recombinant proteins suitable for use in preclinical and clinical studies and for effective combination therapies to overcome tumor resistance to TRAIL.
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10
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Sang M, Zhang J, Li B, Chen Y. TRAIL-CM4 fusion protein shows in vitro antibacterial activity and a stronger antitumor activity than solo TRAIL protein. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 122:82-9. [PMID: 26926590 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2016.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A TRAIL-CM4 fusion protein in soluble form with tumor selective apoptosis and antibacterial functions was expressed in the Escherichia coli expression system and isolated through dialysis refolding and histidine-tag Nickel-affinity purification. Fresh Jurkat cells were treated with the TRAIL-CM4 fusion protein. Trypan blue staining and MTT analyses showed that, similar to a TRAIL positive control, Jurkat cell proliferation was significantly inhibited. Flow cytometry analyses using Annexin V-fluorescein revealed that Jurkat cells treated with the TRAIL-CM4 fusion protein exhibited increased apoptosis. Laser confocal microscopy showed that APB-CM4 and the fusion protein TRAIL-CM4 can bind to Jurkat cell membranes and initiate their destruction. ABP-CM4 enhances the antitumor activity of TRAIL by targeting and damaging the tumor cell membrane. In antibacterial experiments, agar well diffusion and bacterial growth inhibition curve assays revealed concentration-dependent TRAIL-CM4 antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli K12D31. The expressed TRAIL-CM4 fusion protein exhibited enhanced antitumor and antibacterial activities. Fusion protein expression allowed the two different proteins to function in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Sang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Science College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Science College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Wiersma VR, de Bruyn M, Shi C, Gooden MJM, Wouters MCA, Samplonius DF, Hendriks D, Nijman HW, Wei Y, Zhou J, Helfrich W, Bremer E. C-type lectin-like molecule-1 (CLL1)-targeted TRAIL augments the tumoricidal activity of granulocytes and potentiates therapeutic antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. MAbs 2015; 7:321-30. [PMID: 25760768 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2015.1007811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic effect of anti-cancer monoclonal antibodies stems from their capacity to opsonize targeted cancer cells with subsequent phagocytic removal, induction of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) or induction of complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CDC). The major immune effector cells involved in these processes are natural killer (NK) cells and granulocytes. The latter and most prevalent blood cell population contributes to phagocytosis, but is not effective in inducing ADCC. Here, we report that targeted delivery of the tumoricidal protein tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to granulocyte marker C-type lectin-like molecule-1 (CLL1), using fusion protein CLL1:TRAIL, equips granulocytes with high levels of TRAIL. Upon CLL1-selective binding of this fusion protein, granulocytes acquire additional TRAIL-mediated cytotoxic activity that, importantly, potentiates antibody-mediated cytotoxicity of clinically used therapeutic antibodies (e.g., rituximab, cetuximab). Thus, CLL1:TRAIL could be used as an adjuvant to optimize the clinical potential of anticancer antibody therapy by augmenting tumoricidal activity of granulocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie R Wiersma
- a University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) ; Department of Surgery; Translational Surgical Oncology ; Groningen , The Netherlands
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Arabpour M, Poelstra K, Helfrich W, Bremer E, Haisma HJ. Targeted elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells by an anti-epidermal growth factor-receptor single chain fragment variable antibody-tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (scFv425-sTRAIL). J Gene Med 2015; 16:281-90. [PMID: 25088657 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive liver fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury and is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix that may result in liver failure. Activated hepatic stellate cells are known to play a central role in this process and their elimination is a crucial step towards the resolution and reversion of liver fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the potential application of an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor single chain fragment variable antibody-tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (scFv425-sTRAIL) fusion protein in the targeted elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells. METHODS Activated hepatic stellate cells (LX2 cells) were treated by adenovirus-derived scFv425-sTRAIL to evaluate its effect on the viability and extracellular matrix production of this type of cells. RESULTS In vitro treatment of activated hepatic stellate cells with scFv425-sTRAIL induced a significant reduction in viability (up to 100% reduction) and extracellular matrix production (60% reduction), yet no significant effect was observed on hepatic parenchymal cells. Blockage of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by a monoclonal antibody significantly reduced the effectiveness of scFv425-sTRAIL in activated hepatic stellate cells, whereas a reduced effectivity was also observed after inhibition of the caspase pathway. CONCLUSIONS Evidence is presented for the successful application of the scFv425-sTRAIL fusion protein in the targeted elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells via EGFR and simultaneous activation of the caspase pathway. scFv425-sTRAIL may thus represent a new therapeutic compound against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Arabpour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Gene Modulation, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Helfrich W, Bremer E. Bifunctional antibody fragment-based fusion proteins for the targeted elimination of pathogenic T-cell subsets. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1134:79-93. [PMID: 24497356 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0326-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic effector T cells are key contributors to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). General inhibition of T cells using, e.g., methotrexate, prednisolone, or TNF blockers, has prominent therapeutic effects frequently at the cost of severe long-term side effects and toxicity. Therefore, targeted strategies that can selectively inhibit or eliminate pathogenic T cells are sought after as a new approach to safely block perpetual inflammatory T-cell responses and inhibit concomitant progressive tissue destruction. Of particular interest in this respect is the use of the so-called single-chain fragments of variable region (scFv) antibody fragments for the targeted reactivation of Fas-dependent activation-induced cell death (AICD). Recently, we demonstrated that a recombinant fusion protein comprising a T-cell-targeted anti-CD7 scFv antibody fragment genetically fused to soluble FasL (sFasL) can eliminate synovial fluid T cells in the absence of activity toward resting peripheral blood cells. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for construction and preclinical evaluation of such scFv:FasL fusion proteins that may be used to selectively eliminate pathogenic immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wijnand Helfrich
- Department of Surgery, Translational Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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CD70-restricted specific activation of TRAILR1 or TRAILR2 using scFv-targeted TRAIL mutants. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1035. [PMID: 24481449 PMCID: PMC4040681 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To combine the CD27 stimulation inhibitory effect of blocking CD70 antibodies with an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-independent, cell death-inducing activity for targeting of CD70-expressing tumors, we evaluated here fusion proteins of the apoptosis-inducing TNF family member TRAIL and a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) derived from a high-affinity llama-derived anti-human CD70 antibody (lαhCD70). A fusion protein of scFv:lαhCD70 with TNC-TRAIL, a stabilized form of TRAIL, showed strongly enhanced apoptosis induction upon CD70 binding and furthermore efficiently interfered with CD70-CD27 interaction. Noteworthy, introduction of recently identified mutations that discriminate between TRAILR1 and TRAILR2 binding into the TRAIL part of scFv:lαhCD70-TNC-TRAIL resulted in TRAIL death receptor-specific fusion proteins with CD70-restricted activity.
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15
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Garg G, Gibbs J, Belt B, Powell MA, Mutch DG, Goedegebuure P, Collins L, Piwnica-Worms D, Hawkins WG, Spitzer D. Novel treatment option for MUC16-positive malignancies with the targeted TRAIL-based fusion protein Meso-TR3. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:35. [PMID: 24447304 PMCID: PMC3903436 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics represents an ongoing challenge in the field of drug development. TRAIL is a promising cancer drug but its activity profile could benefit from a cancer-selective delivery mechanism, which would reduce potential side effects and increase treatment efficiencies. We recently developed the novel TRAIL-based drug platform TR3, a genetically fused trimer with the capacity for further molecular modifications such as the addition of tumor-directed targeting moieties. MUC16 (CA125) is a well characterized biomarker in several human malignancies including ovarian, pancreatic and breast cancer. Mesothelin is known to interact with MUC16 with high affinity. In order to deliver TR3 selectively to MUC16-expressing cancers, we investigated the possibility of targeted TR3 delivery employing the high affinity mesothelin/MUC16 ligand/receptor interaction. Methods Using genetic engineering, we designed the novel cancer drug Meso-TR3, a fusion protein between native mesothelin and TR3. The recombinant proteins were produced with mammalian HEK293T cells. Meso-TR3 was characterized for binding selectivity and killing efficacy against MUC16-positive cancer cells and controls that lack MUC16 expression. Drug efficacy experiments were performed in vitro and in vivo employing an intraperitoneal xenograft mouse model of ovarian cancer. Results Similar to soluble mesothelin itself, the strong MUC16 binding property was retained in the Meso-TR3 fusion protein. The high affinity ligand/receptor interaction was associated with a selective accumulation of the cancer drug on MUC16-expressing cancer targets and directly correlated with increased killing activity in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model of ovarian cancer. The relevance of the mesothelin/MUC16 interaction for attaching Meso-TR3 to the cancer cells was verified by competitive blocking experiments using soluble mesothelin. Mechanistic studies using soluble DR5-Fc and caspase blocking assays confirmed engagement of the extrinsic death receptor pathway. Compared to non-targeted TR3, Meso-TR3 displayed a much reduced killing potency on cells that lack MUC16. Conclusions Soluble Meso-TR3 targets the cancer biomarker MUC16 in vitro and in vivo. Following attachment to the tumor via surface bound MUC16, Meso-TR3 acquires full activation with superior killing profiles compared to non-targeted TR3, while its bioactivity is substantially reduced on cells that lack the tumor marker. This prodrug phenomenon represents a highly desirable property because it has the potential to enhance cancer killing with fewer side-effects than non-targeted TRAIL-based therapeutics. Thus, further exploration of this novel fusion protein is warranted as a possible therapeutic for patients with MUC16-positive malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dirk Spitzer
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St, Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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16
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Wang LH, Ni CW, Lin YZ, Yin L, Jiang CB, Lv CT, Le Y, Lang Y, Zhao CY, Yang K, Jiao BH, Yin J. Targeted induction of apoptosis in glioblastoma multiforme cells by an MRP3-specific TRAIL fusion protein in vitro. Tumour Biol 2013; 35:1157-68. [PMID: 24272336 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-chain Fv fragments (scFvs) consist of the variable heavy-chain (VH) and variable light-chain (VL) domains, which are the smallest immunoglobulin fragments containing the whole antigen-binding site. Human soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) proves to acquire a potent pro-apoptotic activity only after selective binding to a predefined tumor cell surface antigen and has no off-target effects towards normal cells. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive type of brain tumor and overexpresses human multidrug resistance protein 3 (MRP3). In this study, we designed a novel fusion protein, termed scFvM58-sTRAIL, in which the MRP3-specific scFv antibody M58 was genetically fused to the N-terminus of human soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL). The recombinant scFvM58-sTRAIL fusion protein, expressed in Escherichia coli, was purified by chromatography and tested for cytotoxicity. scFvM58-sTRAIL showed a significant apoptosis-inducing activity towards MRP3-positive GBM cells in vitro. The pro-apoptotic activity of scFvM58-sTRAIL towards GBM cells was strongly inhibited in the presence of the parental scFvM58 antibody, suggesting that cytotoxic activity is MRP3-restricted. In a control experiment with MRP3-negative Jurkat cells, scFvM58-sTRAIL did not induce apparent apoptosis. In addition, through target antigen-restricted binding, scFvM58-sTRAIL was capable of activating not only TRAIL-R1 but also TRAIL-R2. In conclusion, our results suggest that fusion protein scFvM58-sTRAIL with specificity for MRP3 is a highly selective therapeutic agent and may provide an alternative therapy for human GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Hua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Second Military Medical University, Xiangyin Road No. 800, Shanghai, 200433, China
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CD40-directed scFv-TRAIL fusion proteins induce CD40-restricted tumor cell death and activate dendritic cells. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e916. [PMID: 24232092 PMCID: PMC3847307 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapy concepts often aim at the induction of adjuvant antitumor immunity or stimulation of tumor cell apoptosis. There is further evidence that combined application of immune stimulating and tumor apoptosis-inducing compounds elicits a synergistic antitumor effect. Here, we describe the development and characterization of bifunctional fusion proteins consisting of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) domain derived from the CD40-specific monoclonal antibody G28-5 that is fused to the N-terminus of stabilized trimeric soluble variants of the death ligand TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). As shown before by us and others for other cell surface antigen-targeted scFv-TRAIL fusion proteins, scFv:G28-TRAIL displayed an enhanced capacity to induce apoptosis upon CD40 binding. Studies with scFv:G28 fusion proteins of TRAIL mutants that discriminate between the two TRAIL death receptors, TRAILR1 and TRAILR2, further revealed that the CD40 binding-dependent mode of apoptosis induction of scFv:G28-TRAIL is operable with each of the two TRAIL death receptors. Binding of scFv:G28-TRAIL fusion proteins to CD40 not only result in enhanced TRAIL death receptor signaling but also in activation of the targeted CD40 molecule. In accordance with the latter, the scFv:G28-TRAIL fusion proteins triggered strong CD40-mediated maturation of dendritic cells. The CD40-targeted TRAIL fusion proteins described in this study therefore represent a novel type of bifunctional fusion proteins that couple stimulation of antigen presenting cells and apoptosis induction.
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18
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Wiersma VR, He Y, Samplonius DF, van Ginkel RJ, Gerssen J, Eggleton P, Zhou J, Bremer E, Helfrich W. A CD47-blocking TRAIL fusion protein with dual pro-phagocytic and pro-apoptotic anticancer activity. Br J Haematol 2013; 164:304-7. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie R. Wiersma
- Department of Surgery; Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Yuan He
- Department of Surgery; Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Douwe F. Samplonius
- Department of Surgery; Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Robert J. van Ginkel
- Department of Surgery; Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Gerssen
- Department of Surgery; Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Paul Eggleton
- Peninsula Medical School; University of Exeter; Exeter UK
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Alberta; Alberta Canada
| | - Jin Zhou
- Health Ministry Key Lab of Cell Transplantation; Heilongjiang Institute of Hematology and Oncology; Department of Haematology; First Affiliated Hospital; Harbin Medical University; Harbin China
| | - Edwin Bremer
- Department of Surgery; Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
- Health Ministry Key Lab of Cell Transplantation; Heilongjiang Institute of Hematology and Oncology; Department of Haematology; First Affiliated Hospital; Harbin Medical University; Harbin China
| | - Wijnand Helfrich
- Department of Surgery; Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology; University Medical Center Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
- Health Ministry Key Lab of Cell Transplantation; Heilongjiang Institute of Hematology and Oncology; Department of Haematology; First Affiliated Hospital; Harbin Medical University; Harbin China
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Targeting of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily for cancer immunotherapy. ISRN ONCOLOGY 2013; 2013:371854. [PMID: 23840967 PMCID: PMC3693168 DOI: 10.1155/2013/371854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand and cognate TNF receptor superfamilies constitute an important regulatory axis that is pivotal for immune homeostasis and correct execution of immune responses. TNF ligands and receptors are involved in diverse biological processes ranging from the selective induction of cell death in potentially dangerous and superfluous cells to providing costimulatory signals that help mount an effective immune response. This diverse and important regulatory role in immunity has sparked great interest in the development of TNFL/TNFR-targeted cancer immunotherapeutics. In this review, I will discuss the biology of the most prominent proapoptotic and co-stimulatory TNF ligands and review their current status in cancer immunotherapy.
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20
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Schnell U, Cirulli V, Giepmans BNG. EpCAM: structure and function in health and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1828:1989-2001. [PMID: 23618806 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Injection of tumor cells in mice more than 30 years ago resulted in the discovery of an epithelial antigen, later defined as a cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Although EpCAM has since evoked significant interest as a target in cancer therapy, mechanistic insights on the functions of this glycoprotein have been emerging only very recently. This may have been caused by the multitude of functions attributed to the glycoprotein, its localization at different subcellular sites and complex posttranslational modifications. Here, we review how EpCAM modifies cell-cell contact adhesion strength and tissue plasticity, and how it regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Major knowledge derived from human diseases will be highlighted: Mutant EpCAM that is absent from the cell surface leads to fatal intestinal abnormalities (congenital tufting enteropathy). EpCAM-mediated cell proliferation in cancer may result from signaling (i) via regulated intramembrane proteolysis and/or (ii) the localization and association with binding partners in specialized membrane microdomains. New insight in EpCAM signaling will help to develop optimized cancer therapies and open new avenues in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schnell
- Dept. of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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21
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Simon M, Stefan N, Plückthun A, Zangemeister-Wittke U. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule-targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2013; 10:451-68. [PMID: 23316711 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2013.759938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is abundantly expressed in epithelial tumors, on cancer stem cells and circulating tumor cells. Together with its role in oncogenic signaling, this has sparked interest in its potential for tumor targeting with antibodies and drug conjugates for safe and effective cancer therapy. Recent advances in protein engineering, linker design and drug formulations have provided a multitude of EpCAM-targeting anticancer agents, several of them with good perspectives for clinical development. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the biological, therapeutic and technical aspects of EpCAM-targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy. The authors discuss seminal findings, which distinguish EpCAM as a target with oncogenic function and abundant expression in epithelial tumors. Moreover, recent trends in engineering improved anti-EpCAM antibodies, binding proteins that are not derived from immunoglobulins and drug conjugates derived from them are highlighted and their therapeutic potential based on reported preclinical and clinical data, originality of design and perspectives are critically assessed. EXPERT OPINION EpCAM has shown promise for safe and efficient targeting of solid tumors using antibodies, alternative binding molecules and novel drug conjugates. Among the myriad of EpCAM-targeting drug delivery systems investigated so far, several could demonstrate therapeutic benefit, other formulations engineered to become tailor-made missiles are on the brink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Simon
- University of Bern, Institute of Pharmacology, Friedbühlstrasse 49, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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22
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Yan C, Li S, Li Z, Peng H, Yuan X, Jiang L, Zhang Y, Fan D, Hu X, Yang M, Xiong D. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Vehicles of CD20-Specific TRAIL Fusion Protein Delivery: A Double-Target Therapy against Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Mol Pharm 2012; 10:142-51. [PMID: 23121392 DOI: 10.1021/mp300261e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cihui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
- Department of Biotherapy Center,
Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin
300060, P. R. China
| | - Shuangjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Hongwei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Xiangfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Dongmei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Hematology & Hospital of Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, P. R. China
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23
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Antibody–cytokine fusion proteins. Arch Biochem Biophys 2012; 526:194-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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24
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Furusho Y, Miyata M, Matsuyama T, Nagai T, Li H, Akasaki Y, Hamada N, Miyauchi T, Ikeda Y, Shirasawa T, Ide K, Tei C. Novel Therapy for Atherosclerosis Using Recombinant Immunotoxin Against Folate Receptor β-Expressing Macrophages. J Am Heart Assoc 2012; 1:e003079. [PMID: 23130174 PMCID: PMC3487340 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.112.003079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Folate receptor β (FRβ) is induced during macrophage activation. A recombinant immunotoxin consisting of the truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38) conjugated to an anti-FRβ antibody (anti–FRβ-PE38) has been reported to kill activated macrophages in inflammatory diseases. To elucidate the effect of an immunotoxin targeting FRβ on atherosclerosis, we determined the presence of FRβ-expressing macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions and administered the FRβ immunotoxin in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. Methods and Results The FRβ-expressing macrophages were observed in atherosclerotic lesions of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. At 15 or 35 weeks of age, the apolipoprotein E–deficient mice were divided into 3 groups and were intravenously administered 0.1 mg/kg of anti–FRβ-PE38 (immunotoxin group), 0.1 mg/kg of PE38 (toxin group), or 0.1 mL of saline (control group) every 3 days, for a total of 5 times for each age group. The mice were analyzed at 21 or 41 weeks of age. Treatment with the immunotoxin resulted in 31% and 22% reductions in atherosclerotic lesions of the 21- and 41-week-old mice, respectively (P<0.05). Administration of immunotoxin reduced the numbers of FRβ- and tumor necrosis factor-α–expressing macrophages, reduced cell proliferation, and increased the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05). Real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the expression of FRβ and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA was significantly decreased in the immunotoxin group (P<0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that FRβ-expressing macrophages exist in the atherosclerotic lesions of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice and that FRβ immunotoxin administration reduces the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in younger and older individuals. The recombinant FRβ immunotoxin targeting activated macrophages could provide a novel therapeutic tool for atherosclerosis. (J Am Heart Assoc. 2012;1:e003079 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.112.003079.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Furusho
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Metabolic Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan (Y.F., M.M., Y.A., N.H., T. Miyauchi, Y.I., T.S., K.I., C.T.)
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25
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Siegemund M, Pollak N, Seifert O, Wahl K, Hanak K, Vogel A, Nussler AK, Göttsch D, Münkel S, Bantel H, Kontermann RE, Pfizenmaier K. Superior antitumoral activity of dimerized targeted single-chain TRAIL fusion proteins under retention of tumor selectivity. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e295. [PMID: 22495350 PMCID: PMC3358007 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although targeting of the death receptors (DRs) DR4 and DR5 still appears a suitable antitumoral strategy, the limited clinical responses to recombinant soluble TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) necessitate novel reagents with improved apoptotic activity/tumor selectivity. Apoptosis induction by a single-chain TRAIL (scTRAIL) molecule could be enhanced >10-fold by generation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific scFv-scTRAIL fusion proteins. By forcing dimerization of scFv-scTRAIL based on scFv linker modification, we obtained a targeted scTRAIL composed predominantly of dimers (Db-scTRAIL), exceeding the activity of nontargeted scTRAIL ∼100-fold on Huh-7 hepatocellular and Colo205 colon carcinoma cells. Increased activity of Db-scTRAIL was also demonstrated on target-negative cells, suggesting that, in addition to targeting, oligomerization equivalent to an at least dimeric assembly of standard TRAIL per se enhances apoptosis signaling. In the presence of apoptosis sensitizers, such as the proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib, Db-scTRAIL was effective at picomolar concentrations in vitro (EC(50) ∼2 × 10(-12) M). Importantly, in vivo, Db-scTRAIL was well tolerated and displayed superior antitumoral activity in mouse xenograft (Colo205) tumor models. Our results show that both targeting and controlled dimerization of scTRAIL fusion proteins provides a strategy to enforce apoptosis induction, together with retained tumor selectivity and good in vivo tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Siegemund
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - N Pollak
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - O Seifert
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - K Wahl
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - K Hanak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - A Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - A K Nussler
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - D Göttsch
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - S Münkel
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - H Bantel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - R E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - K Pfizenmaier
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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Abstract
Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) specific for tumor-associated cell surface antigens are the most broadly used reagents to direct therapeutic or diagnostic effector molecules, such as toxins, radioisotopes, and CD3-stimulating scFvs, to tumors. One novel class of effector molecules that can be targeted to tumors by scFvs are ligands of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. Typically, these molecules have apoptosis inducing and/or immune stimulating properties and are therefore highly attractive for cancer treatment. N-terminal fusion of scFvs does not interfere with the receptor binding capabilities of TNF ligands and thus allows the straightforward generation of scFv TNF ligand fusion proteins. We report here a protocol for the purification of eukaryotically produced scFv TNF ligand fusion proteins based on affinity chromatography on anti-Flag agarose and further describe assays for the determination of the targeting index of this type of scFv-targeted proteins.
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27
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Tumor cell-selective apoptosis induction through targeting of K(V)10.1 via bifunctional TRAIL antibody. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:109. [PMID: 21899742 PMCID: PMC3179451 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The search for strategies to target ion channels for therapeutic applications has become of increasing interest. Especially, the potassium channel KV10.1 (Ether-á-go-go) is attractive as target since this surface protein is virtually not detected in normal tissue outside the central nervous system, but is expressed in approximately 70% of tumors from different origins. Methods We designed a single-chain antibody against an extracellular region of KV10.1 (scFv62) and fused it to the human soluble TRAIL. The KV10.1-specific scFv62 antibody -TRAIL fusion protein was expressed in CHO-K1 cells, purified by chromatography and tested for biological activity. Results Prostate cancer cells, either positive or negative for KV10.1 were treated with the purified construct. After sensitization with cytotoxic drugs, scFv62-TRAIL induced apoptosis only in KV10.1-positive cancer cells, but not in non-tumor cells, nor in tumor cells lacking KV10.1 expression. In co-cultures with KV10.1-positive cancer cells the fusion protein also induced apoptosis in bystander KV10.1-negative cancer cells, while normal prostate epithelial cells were not affected when present as bystander. Conclusions KV10.1 represents a novel therapeutic target for cancer. We could design a strategy that selectively kills tumor cells based on a KV10.1-specific antibody.
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de Bruyn M, Wei Y, Wiersma VR, Samplonius DF, Klip HG, van der Zee AGJ, Yang B, Helfrich W, Bremer E. Cell surface delivery of TRAIL strongly augments the tumoricidal activity of T cells. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:5626-37. [PMID: 21753155 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adoptive T-cell therapy generally fails to induce meaningful anticancer responses in patients with solid tumors. Here, we present a novel strategy designed to selectively enhance the tumoricidal activity of T cells by targeted delivery of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to the T-cell surface. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We constructed two recombinant fusion proteins, anti-CD3:TRAIL and K12:TRAIL. Tumoricidal activity of T cells in the presence of these fusion proteins was assessed in solid tumor cell lines, primary patient-derived malignant cells, and in a murine xenograft model. RESULTS When added to T cells, K12:TRAIL and anti-CD3:TRAIL selectively bind to the T-cell surface antigens CD3 and CD7, respectively, leading to cell surface accretion of TRAIL. Subsequently, anti-CD3:TRAIL and K12:TRAIL increased the tumoricidal activity of T cells toward cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived malignant cells by more than 500-fold. Furthermore, T-cell surface delivery of TRAIL strongly inhibited tumor growth and increased survival time of xenografted mice more than 6-fold. CONCLUSIONS Targeted delivery of TRAIL to cell surface antigens of T cells potently enhances the tumoricidal activity of T cells. This approach may be generally applicable to enhance the efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco de Bruyn
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Research Laboratories, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Lorberboum-Galski H. Human toxin-based recombinant immunotoxins/chimeric proteins as a drug delivery system for targeted treatment of human diseases. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2011; 8:605-21. [PMID: 21453191 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2011.566269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of specific immunosuppressive reagents remains the major goal in the treatment of human diseases. One such approach is the use of recombinant immunotoxins/chimeric proteins, composed of targeting and killing moieties, fused at the cDNA level. Most of these 'magic bullets' use bacterial or plant toxins to induce cell death. These toxins are extremely potent, but they also cause severe toxicity and systemic side effects that limit the maximal doses given to patients. Moreover, being of non-human origin, they are highly immunogenic, and the resulting neutralizing antibody production impairs their efficacy. AREAS COVERED This review describes recombinant immunotoxins/chimeric proteins composed of the classical delivering, cell-targeting molecules, fused to highly cytotoxic human proteins capable of generating an intense apoptotic response within the target cell. This review focuses on the new 'Human Killing Moieties' of these targeted proteins and describes recent progress in the development of these promising molecules. EXPERT OPINION Human toxin-based immunotoxins/chimeric proteins for the targeted delivery of drugs are still in their early stages of development. However, they are certain to advance in the very near future to become an extra weapon in the everlasting war against human diseases, mainly cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haya Lorberboum-Galski
- The Hebrew University, Institute for Medical Research - Israel-Canada, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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Wajant H, Gerspach J, Pfizenmaier K. Engineering death receptor ligands for cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2011; 332:163-74. [PMID: 21236560 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2010.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
CD95, TNFR1, TRAILR1 and TRAILR2 belong to a subgroup of TNF receptors which is characterized by a conserved cell death-inducing protein domain that connects these receptors to the apoptotic machinery of the cell. Activation of death receptors in malignant cells attracts increasing attention as a principle to fight cancer. Besides agonistic antibodies the major way to stimulate death receptors is the use of their naturally occurring "death ligands" CD95L, TNF and TRAIL. However, dependent from the concept followed to develop a death ligand-based therapy various limiting aspects have to be taken into consideration on the way to a "bedside" usable drug. Problems arise in particular from the cell associated transmembrane nature of the death ligands, the poor serum half life of the soluble fragments derived from the transmembrane ligands, the ubiquitous expression of the death receptors and the existence of additional non-death receptors of the death ligands. Here, we summarize strategies how these limitations can be overcome by genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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de Bruyn M, Bremer E, Helfrich W. Antibody-based fusion proteins to target death receptors in cancer. Cancer Lett 2011; 332:175-83. [PMID: 21215513 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2010.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ideally, an immunotoxin should be inactive 'en route', acquire activity only after tumor cell surface binding and have no off-target effects towards normal cells. In this respect, antibody-based fusion proteins that exploit the tumor-selective pro-apoptotic death ligands sFasL and sTRAIL appear promising. Soluble FasL largely lacks receptor-activating potential, whereas sTRAIL is inactive towards normal cells. Fusion proteins in which an anti-tumor antibody fragment (scFv) is fused to sFasL or sTRAIL prove to be essentially inactive when soluble, while gaining potent anti-tumor activity after selective binding to a predefined tumor-associated cell surface antigen. Importantly, off-target binding by scFv:sTRAIL to normal cells showed no signs of toxicity. In this review, we highlight the rationale and perspectives of scFv:TRAIL/scFv:sFasL based fusion proteins for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco de Bruyn
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Research Laboratories, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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Gerspach J, Schneider B, Müller N, Otz T, Wajant H, Pfizenmaier K. Genetic engineering of death ligands for improvement of therapeutic activity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 691:507-19. [PMID: 21153356 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6612-4_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Gerspach
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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de Bruyn M, Rybczynska AA, Wei Y, Schwenkert M, Fey GH, Dierckx RAJO, van Waarde A, Helfrich W, Bremer E. Melanoma-associated Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (MCSP)-targeted delivery of soluble TRAIL potently inhibits melanoma outgrowth in vitro and in vivo. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:301. [PMID: 21092273 PMCID: PMC3000402 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced melanoma is characterized by a pronounced resistance to therapy leading to a limited patient survival of ~6 - 9 months. Here, we report on a novel bifunctional therapeutic fusion protein, designated anti-MCSP:TRAIL, that is comprised of a melanoma-associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (MCSP)-specific antibody fragment (scFv) fused to soluble human TRAIL. MCSP is a well-established target for melanoma immunotherapy and has recently been shown to provide important tumorigenic signals to melanoma cells. TRAIL is a highly promising tumoricidal cytokine with no or minimal toxicity towards normal cells. Anti-MCSP:TRAIL was designed to 1. selectively accrete at the cell surface of MCSP-positive melanoma cells and inhibit MCSP tumorigenic signaling and 2. activate apoptotic TRAIL-signaling. RESULTS Treatment of a panel of MCSP-positive melanoma cell lines with anti-MCSP:TRAIL induced TRAIL-mediated apoptotic cell death within 16 h. Of note, treatment with anti-MCSP:sTRAIL was also characterized by a rapid dephosphorylation of key proteins, such as FAK, implicated in MCSP-mediated malignant behavior. Importantly, anti-MCSP:TRAIL treatment already inhibited anchorage-independent growth by 50% at low picomolar concentrations, whereas > 100 fold higher concentrations of non-targeted TRAIL failed to reduce colony formation. Daily i.v. treatment with a low dose of anti-MCSP:TRAIL (0.14 mg/kg) resulted in a significant growth retardation of established A375 M xenografts. Anti-MCSP:TRAIL activity was further synergized by co-treatment with rimcazole, a σ-ligand currently in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers. CONCLUSIONS Anti-MCSP:TRAIL has promising pre-clinical anti-melanoma activity that appears to result from combined inhibition of tumorigenic MCSP-signaling and concordant activation of TRAIL-apoptotic signaling. Anti-MCSP:TRAIL alone, or in combination with rimcazole, may be of potential value for the treatment of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco de Bruyn
- Surgical Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen (Hanzeplein 1), University of Groningen, Groningen (9713 GZ), The Netherlands
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Bremer E, Helfrich W. A better TRAIL variant for tumor cell-specific targeting? - letter. Mol Cancer Ther 2010; 9:2853; author reply 2854-5. [PMID: 20924127 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Spitzer D, Goedegebuure P, Hawkins WG. A Better TRAIL Variant for Tumor Cell–Specific Targeting? – Response. Mol Cancer Ther 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-0766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Potent antitumoral activity of TRAIL through generation of tumor-targeted single-chain fusion proteins. Cell Death Dis 2010; 1:e68. [PMID: 21364672 PMCID: PMC3032523 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2010.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In an attempt to improve TRAIL's (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) tumor selective activity a variant was designed, in which the three TRAIL protomers are expressed as a single polypeptide chain (scTRAIL). By genetic fusion with a single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) recognizing the extracellular domain of ErbB2, we further equipped scTRAIL with tumor-targeting properties. We studied tumor targeting and apoptosis induction of scFv–scTRAIL in comparison with non-targeted scTRAIL. Importantly, the tumor antigen-targeted scTRAIL fusion protein showed higher apoptotic activity in vitro, with a predominant action by TRAIL-R2 signaling. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed increased plasma half-life of the targeted scTRAIL fusion protein compared with scTRAIL. In vivo studies in a mouse tumor model with xenotransplanted Colo205 cells confirmed greater response to the ErbB2-specific scTRAIL fusion protein compared with non-targeted scTRAIL both under local and systemic application regimen. Together, in vitro and in vivo data give proof of concept of higher therapeutic activity of tumor-targeted scFv–scTRAIL molecules. Further, we envisage that through targeting of scTRAIL, potential side effects should be minimized. We propose that scFv-mediated tumor targeting of single-chain TRAIL represents a promising strategy to improve TRAIL's antitumoral action and to minimize potential unwanted actions on normal tissues.
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Roos C, Wicovsky A, Müller N, Salzmann S, Rosenthal T, Kalthoff H, Trauzold A, Seher A, Henkler F, Kneitz C, Wajant H. Soluble and transmembrane TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis differentially activate the classical and noncanonical NF-kappa B pathway. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2010; 185:1593-605. [PMID: 20610643 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0903555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis, TWEAK, is a typical member of the TNF ligand family. Thus, it is initially expressed as a type II transmembrane protein from which a soluble variant can be released by proteolytic processing. In this study, we show that membrane TWEAK is superior to soluble variant of TWEAK (sTWEAK) with respect to the activation of the classical NF-kappaB pathway, whereas both TWEAK variants are potent inducers of TNFR-associated factor-2 depletion, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase accumulation and p100 processing, hallmarks of activation of the noncanonical NF-kappaB pathway. Like other soluble TNF ligands with a poor capability to activate their corresponding receptor, sTWEAK acquires an activity resembling those of the transmembrane ligand by oligomerization or cell surface-immobilization. Blockade of the Fn14 receptor inhibited NF-kappaB signaling irrespective of the TWEAK form used for stimulation, indicating that the differential activities of the two TWEAK variants on classical and noncanonical NF-kappaB signaling is not related to the use of different receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Roos
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Spitzer D, McDunn JE, Plambeck-Suess S, Goedegebuure PS, Hotchkiss RS, Hawkins WG. A genetically encoded multifunctional TRAIL trimer facilitates cell-specific targeting and tumor cell killing. Mol Cancer Ther 2010; 9:2142-51. [PMID: 20571073 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL, Apo2L) has been shown to exhibit potent and specific apoptotic activity against tumor cells. Several TRAIL constructs have been tried in patients, and the molecule remains under active clinical investigation. Native and recombinant TRAIL must form a homotrimer to become biologically active. However, noncovalently associated TRAIL displays a high degree of sensitivity to degradation, which limits its therapeutic potential. To enforce trimerization of the recombinant protein, we developed a covalently linked TRAIL trimer (TR3) by genetic fusion. This molecular drug design conferred improved stability without altering the native killing ability of TRAIL. Target specificity was shown by blocking TR3 activity with soluble death receptor 5 (DR5-Fc). In addition, we have shown that TR3 is amenable to further, genetic modifications. The incorporation of additional functional domains to TR3, such as antibody fragments (scFvs) that allow for a more cell-specific delivery of the agent, is stoichiometrically controlled and inconsequential with regard to the bioactivity of TRAIL. As proof of this concept, TR3 activity was targeted to the mouse RBC membrane. TR3-decorated RBCs were effectively capable of target cell killing in a model of pancreatic cancer. TR3 represents a generally applicable platform tool to study basic mechanisms along the death receptor pathway. More importantly, the ability to target TR3 to a cell surface presents the opportunity to create a cancer-selective drug with fewer off-target toxicities and enhanced killing capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Spitzer
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, and Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
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The role of FasL and Fas in health and disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 647:64-93. [PMID: 19760067 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-89520-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The FS7-associated cell surface antigen (Fas, also named CD95, APO-1 or TNFRSF6) attracted considerable interest in the field of apoptosis research since its discovery in 1989. The groups of Shin Yonehara and Peter Krammer were the first reporting extensive apoptotic cell death induction upon treating cells with Fas-specific monoclonal antibodies.1,2 Cloning of Fas3 and its ligand,4,5 FasL (also known as CD178, CD95L or TNFSF6), laid the cornerstone in establishing this receptor-ligand system as a central regulator of apoptosis in mammals. Therapeutic exploitation of FasL-Fas-mediated cytotoxicity was soon an ambitous goal and during the last decade numerous strategies have been developed for its realization. In this chapter, we will briefly introduce essential general aspects of the FasL-Fas system before reviewing its physiological and pathophysiological relevance. Finally, FasL-Fas-related therapeutic tools and concepts will be addressed.
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Kuijlen JMA, Bremer E, Mooij JJA, den Dunnen WFA, Helfrich W. Review: on TRAIL for malignant glioma therapy? Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2010; 36:168-82. [PMID: 20102513 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2010.01069.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating cancer with a median survival of around 15 months. Significant advances in treatment have not been achieved yet, even with a host of new therapeutics under investigation. Therefore, the quest for a cure for GBM remains as intense as ever. Of particular interest for GBM therapy is the selective induction of apoptosis using the pro-apoptotic tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). TRAIL signals apoptosis via its two agonistic receptors TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2. TRAIL is normally present as homotrimeric transmembrane protein, but can also be processed into a soluble trimeric form (sTRAIL). Recombinant sTRAIL has strong tumouricidal activity towards GBM cells, with no or minimal toxicity towards normal human cells. Unfortunately, GBM is a very heterogeneous tumour, with multiple genetically aberrant clones within one tumour. Consequently, any single agent therapy is likely to be not effective enough. However, the anti-GBM activity of TRAIL can be synergistically enhanced by a variety of conventional and novel targeted therapies, making TRAIL an ideal candidate for combinatorial strategies. Here we will, after briefly detailing the biology of TRAIL/TRAIL receptor signalling, focus on the promises and pitfalls of recombinant TRAIL as a therapeutic agent alone and in combinatorial therapeutic approaches for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M A Kuijlen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Taylor ND, Way JC, Silver PA, Cironi P. Anti-glycophorin single-chain Fv fusion to low-affinity mutant erythropoietin improves red blood cell-lineage specificity. Protein Eng Des Sel 2010; 23:251-60. [PMID: 20083493 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzp085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of erythropoietin (Epo) receptors on cells besides red blood cell precursors, such as cancer cells or megakaryocyte precursors, can lead to side effects during Epo therapy including enhanced tumor growth and platelet production. It would be ideal if the action of Epo could be limited to erythroid precursors. To address this issue, we constructed single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-Epo fusion proteins that used the anti-glycophorin 10F7 scFv amino-terminal to Epo analogues that would have minimal activity alone. We introduced the Epo mutations N147A, R150A and R150E, which progressively weakened receptor affinity in the context of Epo alone, as defined by cell proliferation assays using TF-1 or UT-7 cells. Fusion of these mutant proteins to the 10F7 scFv significantly rescued the activity of the mutant proteins, but had a relatively small effect on wild-type Epo. For example, fusion to the 10F7 scFv enhanced the activity of Epo(R150A) by 10- to 27-fold, while a corresponding fusion to wild-type Epo enhanced its activity only up to 2.7-fold. When glycophorin was blocked by antibody competition or reduced by siRNA-mediated inhibition of expression, the activity of 10F7 scFv-Epo(R150A) was correspondingly reduced, while such inhibition had essentially no effect on the activity of 10F7 scFv-Epo(wild-type). In addition, potent stimulation of Epo receptors by 10F7 scFv-Epo(R150A) was observed in long-term proliferation and viability assays. Taken together, these results indicate that a combination of targeting and affinity modulation can be used to engineer forms of Epo with enhanced cell-type specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah D Taylor
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Berg D, Stühmer T, Siegmund D, Müller N, Giner T, Dittrich-Breiholz O, Kracht M, Bargou R, Wajant H. Oligomerized tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand strongly induces cell death in myeloma cells, but also activates proinflammatory signaling pathways. FEBS J 2009; 276:6912-27. [PMID: 19895579 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2009.07388.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The oligomerization status of soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) trimers has an overwhelming impact on cell death induction in a cell-type dependent fashion. Thus, we evaluated the ability of single and oligomerized TRAIL trimers to induce cell death in human myeloma cells. In all myeloma cell lines analyzed, oligomerized TRAIL trimers induced caspase activation and complete cell death, whereas non-oligomerized TRAIL trimers showed no or only a modest effect. Caspase activation induced by oligomerized TRAIL was blocked in all cell lines by the pan-caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (z-VAD-fmk). Cell death induction was largely blocked in two cell lines by z-VAD-fmk, but was only marginally attenuated in three other cell lines, indicating that TRAIL induces caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death in myeloma cells. Preceding cell death, TRAIL activated nuclear factor kappaB, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 and p42/44. Although TRAIL-induced stimulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 was caspase-dependent in a cell type-specific fashion, activation of nuclear factor kappaB and p42/44 was caspase-independent in all cases. In accordance with activation of the nuclear factor kappaB pathway, we observed transcriptional up-regulation of several well established nuclear factor kappaB target genes. Furthermore, we found that TRAIL activates proinflammatory pathways in approximately 50% of primary myeloma samples. Taken together, our data suggest (a) that oligomerized TRAIL variants are necessary to ensure maximal cell death induction in myeloma cells and (b) TRAIL should be used in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of myeloma to avoid and/or minimize any potential side-effects arising from the proinflammatory properties of the molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Berg
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
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Mathew M, Verma RS. Humanized immunotoxins: a new generation of immunotoxins for targeted cancer therapy. Cancer Sci 2009; 100:1359-65. [PMID: 19459847 PMCID: PMC11158948 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2009.01192.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are the conventional treatment modalities for cancer. The success achieved with these approaches has been limited due to several factors like chemoresistance to drugs, non-specificity leading to peripheral toxicity, and non-resectable tumors. To combat these problems, the concept of targeted therapy using immunotoxins was developed. Immunotoxins are chimeric proteins with a cell-selective ligand chemically linked or genetically fused to a toxin moiety and can target cancer cells overexpressing tumor-associated antigens, membrane receptors, or carbohydrate antigens. Ligands for these receptors or monoclonal antibodies or single chain variable fragments directed against these antigens are fused with bacterial or plant toxins and are made use of as immunotoxins. Pseudomonas exotoxin, anthrax toxin, and diphtheria toxin are the commonly used bacterial toxins. Ricin, saporin, gelonin, and poke weed antiviral protein are the plant toxins utilized in immunotoxin constructs. Several such fusion proteins are in clinical trials, and denileukin difitox is a FDA-approved fusion protein. In spite of the promise shown by bacterial- and plant toxin-based chimeric proteins, their clinical application is hampered by several factors like immunogenicity of the toxin moiety and non-specific toxicity leading to vascular leak syndrome. In order to overcome these problems, a novel generation of immunotoxins in which the cytotoxic moiety is an endogenous protein of human origin like proapoptotic protein or RNase has been developed. This review summarizes the advances in this new class of fusion protein and the future directions to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrudula Mathew
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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Abstract
Inducing apoptosis has become an important approach in the development of new anti-cancer treatments. Tumour necrosis factor apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) based therapies have emerged as one of the most promising examples of this as they selectively induce apoptosis in tumour cells. However, many primary tumours are inherently resistant to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and require additional sensitisation. Here we review apoptotic and non-apoptotic TRAIL-signalling, and the therapeutic effects of TRAIL-based treatments both as monotherapy and in combination with sensitising agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Newsom-Davis
- Department of Immunology, Tumour Immunology Unit, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
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A novel AML-selective TRAIL fusion protein that is superior to Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin in terms of in vitro selectivity, activity and stability. Leukemia 2009; 23:1389-97. [PMID: 19262596 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2009.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO, Mylotarg) is a targeted therapeutic agent in which an anti-CD33 antibody is chemically coupled to a highly cytotoxic calicheamicin derivative through a hydrolysable linker. GO has improved the treatment outcome for a subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, but its use is associated with severe myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity. Here, we report on a novel anti-leukemia agent, designated scFvCD33:sTRAIL, in which an anti-CD33 single chain fragment of variable regions (scFv) antibody fragment is genetically linked to soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL). Normal CD33-positive monocytes were fully resistant to prolonged treatment with scFvCD33:sTRAIL, whereas treatment with GO resulted in substantial cytotoxicity. The activity of scFvCD33:sTRAIL towards AML cells was up to 30-fold higher than GO. The CD33-restricted anti-leukemia activity of scFvCD33:sTRAIL remained stable during prolonged storage at 37 degrees C, whereas GO showed a rapid increase in CD33-independent cytotoxicity. Moreover, scFvCD33:sTRAIL showed potent anti-leukemia activity towards CD33+ CML cells when treatment was combined with the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Gleevec. Importantly, ex vivo treatment of patient-derived CD33+ AML tumor cells with scFvCD33:sTRAIL resulted in potent apoptosis induction that was enhanced by valproic acid, mitoxantrone and 17-(Allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG). Taken together, scFvCD33:sTRAIL is superior to GO in terms of tumor selectivity, activity and stability, warranting its further development for the treatment of CD33-positive leukemias.
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Cordier SM, Papenfuss K, Walczak H. From biochemical principles of apoptosis induction by TRAIL to application in tumour therapy. Results Probl Cell Differ 2009; 49:115-143. [PMID: 19142621 DOI: 10.1007/400_2008_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily which has been shown to selectively kill tumour cells, while sparing normal tissue. This attribute makes TRAIL an attractive drug candidate for cancer therapy. Although most primary tumour cells turned out to be primarily TRAIL-resistant, recent studies evidenced that a variety of cancers can be sensitised to TRAIL-induced apoptosis upon pre-treatment with chemotherapeutic agents or irradiation, while normal cells remain TRAIL-resistant. However, biomarkers that reliably predict which patients may benefit from such combinatorial therapies are required. Thus, it is essential to better understand the mechanisms underlying TRAIL resistance versus sensitivity. In this chapter, we introduce the signalling events which take place during TRAIL-induced apoptosis, describe the physiological function of TRAIL and summarise pre-clinical and clinical results obtained so far with TRAIL-receptor agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Cordier
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Division of Medicine, Imperial College, London, W12 0NN, UK
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Death ligands designed to kill: development and application of targeted cancer therapeutics based on proapoptotic TNF family ligands. Results Probl Cell Differ 2009; 49:241-73. [PMID: 19142623 DOI: 10.1007/400_2008_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The identification of molecular markers associated with cancer development or progression, opened a new era in the development of therapeutics. The successful introduction of a few low molecular weight chemicals and recombinant protein therapeutics with targeted actions into clinical practice have raised great expectations to broadly improve cancer therapy with respect to both overall clinical responses and tolerability. Targeting the apoptotic machinery of malignant cells is an attractive concept to combat cancer, which is currently exploited for the proapoptotic members of the TNF ligand family at various stages of preclinical and clinical development. This review summarizes recent progress in this rapidly progressing field of "biologic" therapies targeting the death receptors of TNF, CD95L, and TRAIL by means of its cognate protein ligands, receptor specific antibodies, and gene therapeutic approaches. Preclinical data on newly derived variants and fusion proteins based on these death ligands, designed to act in a tumor restricted manner, thereby preventing a systemic, potentially harmful action, will also be discussed.
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Bremer E, van Dam GM, de Bruyn M, van Riezen M, Dijkstra M, Kamps G, Helfrich W, Haisma H. Potent Systemic Anticancer Activity of Adenovirally Expressed EGFR-Selective TRAIL Fusion Protein. Mol Ther 2008; 16:1919-26. [DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Papenfuss K, Cordier SM, Walczak H. Death receptors as targets for anti-cancer therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2008; 12:2566-85. [PMID: 19210756 PMCID: PMC3828874 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2008] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human tumour cells are characterized by their ability to avoid the normal regulatory mechanisms of cell growth, division and death. The classical chemotherapy aims to kill tumour cells by causing DNA damage-induced apoptosis. However, as many tumour cells possess mutations in intracellular apoptosis-sensing molecules like p53, they are not capable of inducing apoptosis on their own and are therefore resistant to chemotherapy. With the discovery of the death receptors the opportunity arose to directly trigger apoptosis from the outside of tumour cells, thereby circumventing chemotherapeutic resistance. Death receptors belong to the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily, with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-1, CD95 and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-R1 and -R2 being the most prominent members. This review covers the current knowledge about these four death receptors, summarizes pre-clinical approaches engaging these death receptors in anti-cancer therapy and also gives an overview about their application in clinical trials conducted to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Henning Walczak
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Division of Medicine, Imperial College LondonUnited Kingdom
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Targeted delivery of a designed sTRAIL mutant results in superior apoptotic activity towards EGFR-positive tumor cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2008; 86:909-24. [PMID: 18504532 PMCID: PMC2491411 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-008-0348-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Revised: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-selective delivery of soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL), by genetic fusion to antibody fragment scFv425, enhances the tumor-selective pro-apoptotic activity of sTRAIL. Insight into the respective contribution of the agonistic receptors TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 to TRAIL-induced apoptosis may provide a rational approach to further optimize TRAIL-based therapy. Recently, this issue has been investigated using sTRAIL mutants designed to selectively bind to either receptor. However, the relative contribution of the respective TRAIL receptors, in particular TRAIL-R1, in TRAIL signaling is still unresolved. Here, we fused scFv425 to designed sTRAIL mutant sTRAILmR1–5, reported to selectively activate TRAIL-R1, and investigated the therapeutic apoptotic activity of this novel fusion protein. EGFR-specific binding of scFv425:sTRAILmR1–5 potently induced apoptosis, which was superior to the apoptotic activity of scFv425:sTRAIL-wt and a nontargeted MOCK-scFv:sTRAILmR1–5. During cotreatment with cisplatin or the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid, scFv425:sTRAILmR1–5 retained its superior pro-apoptotic activity compared to scFv425:sTRAIL-wt. However, in catching-type Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assays with TRAIL-R1:Fc and TRAIL-R2:Fc, scFv425:sTRAILmR1–5 was found to not only bind to TRAIL-R1 but also to TRAIL-R2. Binding to TRAIL-R2 also had functional consequences because the apoptotic activity of scFv425:sTRAILmR1–5 was strongly inhibited by a TRAIL-R2 blocking monoclonal antibody. Moreover, scFv425:sTRAILmR1–5 retained apoptotic activity upon selective knockdown of TRAIL-R1 using small inhibitory RNA. Collectively, these data indicate that both agonistic TRAIL receptors are functionally involved in TRAIL signaling by scFv425:sTRAILmR1–5 in solid tumor cells. Moreover, the superior target cell-restricted apoptotic activity of scFv425:sTRAILmR1–5 indicates its therapeutic potential for EGFR-positive solid tumors.
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