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Rotta G, Puca E, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Dakhel Plaza S. Cytokine Biopharmaceuticals with "Activity-on-Demand" for Cancer Therapy. Bioconjug Chem 2024. [PMID: 38885090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are small proteins that modulate the activity of the immune system. Because of their potent immunomodulatory properties, some recombinant cytokines have undergone clinical development and have gained marketing authorization for the therapy of certain forms of cancer. Recombinant cytokines are typically administered at ultralow doses, as many of them can cause substantial toxicity even at submilligram quantities. In an attempt to increase the therapeutic index, fusion proteins based on tumor-homing antibodies (also called "immunocytokines") have been considered, and some products in this class have reached late-stage clinical trials. While antibody-cytokine fusions, which preferentially localize in the neoplastic mass, can activate tumor-resident leukocytes and may be more efficacious than their nontargeted counterparts, such products typically conserve an intact cytokine activity, which may prevent escalation to curative doses. To further improve tolerability, several strategies have been conceived for the development of antibody-cytokine fusions with "activity-on-demand", acting on tumors but helping spare normal tissues from undesired toxicity. In this article, we have reviewed some of the most promising strategies, outlining their potential as well as possible limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rotta
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Philogen S.p.A, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Shaw TI, Wagner J, Tian L, Wickman E, Poudel S, Wang J, Paul R, Koo SC, Lu M, Sheppard H, Fan Y, O'Neill FH, Lau CC, Zhou X, Zhang J, Gottschalk S. Discovery of immunotherapy targets for pediatric solid and brain tumors by exon-level expression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3732. [PMID: 38702309 PMCID: PMC11068777 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor T cells for pediatric solid and brain tumors is constrained by available targetable antigens. Cancer-specific exons present a promising reservoir of targets; however, these have not been explored and validated systematically in a pan-cancer fashion. To identify cancer specific exon targets, here we analyze 1532 RNA-seq datasets from 16 types of pediatric solid and brain tumors for comparison with normal tissues using a newly developed workflow. We find 2933 exons in 157 genes encoding proteins of the surfaceome or matrisome with high cancer specificity either at the gene (n = 148) or the alternatively spliced isoform (n = 9) level. Expression of selected alternatively spliced targets, including the EDB domain of fibronectin 1, and gene targets, such as COL11A1, are validated in pediatric patient derived xenograft tumors. We generate T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors specific for the EDB domain or COL11A1 and demonstrate that these have antitumor activity. The full target list, explorable via an interactive web portal ( https://cseminer.stjude.org/ ), provides a rich resource for developing immunotherapy of pediatric solid and brain tumors using gene or AS targets with high expression specificity in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy I Shaw
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jessica Wagner
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Liqing Tian
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wickman
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Suresh Poudel
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Robin Paul
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Selene C Koo
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Meifen Lu
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Heather Sheppard
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Yiping Fan
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Francis H O'Neill
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Ching C Lau
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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3
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Rotta G, Gilardoni E, Ravazza D, Mock J, Seehusen F, Elsayed A, Puca E, De Luca R, Pellegrino C, Look T, Weiss T, Manz MG, Halin C, Neri D, Dakhel Plaza S. A novel strategy to generate immunocytokines with activity-on-demand using small molecule inhibitors. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:904-926. [PMID: 38448543 PMCID: PMC11018789 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokine-based therapeutics have been shown to mediate objective responses in certain tumor entities but suffer from insufficient selectivity, causing limiting toxicity which prevents dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. The antibody-based delivery of cytokines significantly increases the therapeutic index of the corresponding payload but still suffers from side effects associated with peak concentrations of the product in blood upon intravenous administration. Here we devise a general strategy (named "Intra-Cork") to mask systemic cytokine activity without impacting anti-cancer efficacy. Our technology features the use of antibody-cytokine fusions, capable of selective localization at the neoplastic site, in combination with pathway-selective inhibitors of the cytokine signaling, which rapidly clear from the body. This strategy, exemplified with a tumor-targeted IL12 in combination with a JAK2 inhibitor, allowed to abrogate cytokine-driven toxicity without affecting therapeutic activity in a preclinical model of cancer. This approach is readily applicable in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rotta
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Frauke Seehusen
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Abdullah Elsayed
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Philogen S.p.A, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Christian Pellegrino
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Look
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus G Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Halin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Philogen S.p.A, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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4
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Tomala J, Cao SD, Spangler JB. Engineering Anticytokine Antibodies for Immune Modulation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:225-234. [PMID: 38166248 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The delicate balance of immune homeostasis is regulated by the interactions between cytokines and their cognate cell surface signaling receptors. There is intensive interest in harnessing cytokines as drugs for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. However, the multifarious and often contradictory activities of cytokines, coupled with their short serum half-lives, limit clinical performance and result in dangerous toxicities. There is thus growing emphasis on manipulating natural cytokines to enhance their selectivity, safety, and durability through various strategies. One strategy that has gained traction in recent years is the development of anticytokine Abs that not only extend the circulation half-life of cytokines but also specifically bias their immune activities through multilayered molecular mechanisms. Although Abs are notorious for their antagonistic activities, this review focuses on anticytokine Abs that selectively agonize the activity of the target protein. This approach has potential to help realize the clinical promise of cytokine-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Tomala
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shanelle D Cao
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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5
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Peissert F, Pedotti M, Corbellari R, Simonelli L, De Gasparo R, Tamagnini E, Plüss L, Elsayed A, Matasci M, De Luca R, Cassaniti I, Sammartino JC, Piralla A, Baldanti F, Neri D, Varani L. Adapting Neutralizing Antibodies to Viral Variants by Structure-Guided Affinity Maturation Using Phage Display Technology. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2300088. [PMID: 37829677 PMCID: PMC10566804 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies have achieved great efficacy and safety for the treatment of numerous infectious diseases. However, their neutralization potency is often rapidly lost when the target antigen mutates. Instead of isolating new antibodies each time a pathogen variant arises, it can be attractive to adapt existing antibodies, making them active against the new variant. Potential benefits of this approach include reduced development time, cost, and regulatory burden. Here a methodology is described to rapidly evolve neutralizing antibodies of proven activity, improving their function against new pathogen variants without losing efficacy against previous ones. The reported procedure is based on structure-guided affinity maturation using combinatorial mutagenesis and phage display technology. Its use against the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is demonstrated, but it is suitable for any other pathogen. As proof of concept, the method is applied to CoV-X2, a human bispecific antibody that binds with high affinity to the early SARS-CoV-2 variants but lost neutralization potency against Delta. Antibodies emerging from the affinity maturation selection exhibit significantly improved neutralization potency against Delta and no loss of efficacy against the other viral sequences tested. These results illustrate the potential application of structure-guided affinity maturation in facilitating the rapid adaptation of neutralizing antibodies to pathogen variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mattia Pedotti
- Institute for Research in BiomedicineUniversità della Svizzera italiana (USI)Bellinzona6500Switzerland
| | | | - Luca Simonelli
- Institute for Research in BiomedicineUniversità della Svizzera italiana (USI)Bellinzona6500Switzerland
| | - Raoul De Gasparo
- Institute for Research in BiomedicineUniversità della Svizzera italiana (USI)Bellinzona6500Switzerland
| | - Elia Tamagnini
- Institute for Research in BiomedicineUniversità della Svizzera italiana (USI)Bellinzona6500Switzerland
| | - Louis Plüss
- Philochem AGLibernstrasse 3Otelfingen8112Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Irene Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentFondazione IRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPavia27100Italy
| | - Jose’ Camilla Sammartino
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentFondazione IRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPavia27100Italy
| | - Antonio Piralla
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentFondazione IRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPavia27100Italy
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentFondazione IRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPavia27100Italy
- Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Pediatric SciencesUniversità degli Studi di PaviaPavia27100Italy
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AGLibernstrasse 3Otelfingen8112Switzerland
- Philogen SpALocalità Bellaria 35Sovicille (SI)53018Italy
| | - Luca Varani
- Institute for Research in BiomedicineUniversità della Svizzera italiana (USI)Bellinzona6500Switzerland
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6
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Han N, Liu Z. Targeting alternative splicing in cancer immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1232146. [PMID: 37635865 PMCID: PMC10450511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1232146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy has made great progress in cancer treatment but still faces several challenges, such as a limited number of targetable antigens and varying responses among patients. Alternative splicing (AS) is an essential process for the maturation of nearly all mammalian mRNAs. Recent studies show that AS contributes to expanding cancer-specific antigens and modulating immunogenicity, making it a promising solution to the above challenges. The organoid technology preserves the individual immune microenvironment and reduces the time/economic costs of the experiment model, facilitating the development of splicing-based immunotherapy. Here, we summarize three critical roles of AS in immunotherapy: resources for generating neoantigens, targets for immune-therapeutic modulation, and biomarkers to guide immunotherapy options. Subsequently, we highlight the benefits of adopting organoids to develop AS-based immunotherapies. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in studying AS-based immunotherapy in terms of existing bioinformatics algorithms and biological technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Han
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Bauer A, Klassa S, Herbst A, Maccioni C, Abhamon W, Segueni N, Kaluzhny Y, Hunter MC, Halin C. Optimization and Characterization of Novel ALCAM-Targeting Antibody Fragments for Transepithelial Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1841. [PMID: 37514028 PMCID: PMC10385607 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) is a cell adhesion molecule that supports T cell activation, leukocyte migration, and (lymph)angiogenesis and has been shown to contribute to the pathology of various immune-mediated disorders, including asthma and corneal graft rejection. In contrast to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting ALCAM's T cell expressed binding partner CD6, no ALCAM-targeting mAbs have thus far entered clinical development. This is likely linked with the broad expression of ALCAM on many different cell types, which increases the risk of eliciting unwanted treatment-induced side effects upon systemic mAb application. Targeting ALCAM in surface-exposed tissues, such as the lungs or the cornea, by a topical application could circumvent this issue. Here, we report the development of various stability- and affinity-improved anti-ALCAM mAb fragments with cross-species reactivity towards mouse, rat, monkey, and human ALCAM. Fragments generated in either mono- or bivalent formats potently blocked ALCAM-CD6 interactions in a competition ELISA, but only bivalent fragments efficiently inhibited ALCAM-ALCAM interactions in a leukocyte transmigration assay. The different fragments displayed a clear size-dependence in their ability to penetrate the human corneal epithelium. Furthermore, intranasal delivery of anti-ALCAM fragments reduced leukocyte infiltration in a mouse model of asthma, confirming ALCAM as a target for topical application in the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Bauer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1-5/10 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sven Klassa
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1-5/10 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Herbst
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1-5/10 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Maccioni
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1-5/10 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - William Abhamon
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1-5/10 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Noria Segueni
- Artimmune SAS, 13 Avenue Buffon, 45100 Orleans, France
| | - Yulia Kaluzhny
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA 01721, USA
| | - Morgan Campbell Hunter
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1-5/10 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Halin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1-5/10 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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8
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Prodi E, Comacchio C, Gilardoni E, Di Nitto C, Puca E, Neri D, De Luca R. An Antibody Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein Simultaneously Fused to Interleukin-2 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Selectively Localizes to Neoplastic Lesions. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12020029. [PMID: 37092450 PMCID: PMC10123652 DOI: 10.3390/antib12020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The delivery of specific cytokine payloads to a neoplastic environment employing antibodies able to selectively accumulate at the tumor site represents an attractive strategy to stimulate an immune response to cancer. Whilst conventional antibody-cytokine fusions based on a single payload have shown potent anticancer activity, the concomitant delivery of two cytokine payloads may further improve the therapeutic outcome as the immune system typically adopts multiple signals to reinforce an antitumor strategy. We here describe a potency-matched dual-cytokine antibody fusion protein containing a tumor-targeting antibody fragment specific to human fibroblast activation protein (FAP), simultaneously linked to both interleukin-2 (IL2) and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mutant. The resulting fusion protein, termed IL2-7NP2-TNFmut, formed stable non-covalent trimers driven by the interaction of the tumor necrosis factor subunits. Both cytokine payloads retained their biological activity within the fusion protein, as shown by in vitro cellular assays. The tumor-targeting properties and the anticancer activity of IL2-7NP2-TNFmut were investigated in vivo in immunocompromised mice bearing SKRC52 cells transduced with human FAP. The fusion protein preferentially localized to the cancer site and induced partial tumor retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Prodi
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
- CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
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9
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Zhang L, Wang Y, Homan KT, Gaudette SM, McCluskey AJ, Chan Y, Murphy J, Abdalla M, Nelson CM, Sun VZ, Erickson JE, Knight HL, Clabbers A, Sterman AJS, Mitra S. Imaging the Alternatively Spliced D Domain of Tenascin C in a Preclinical Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:314-323. [PMID: 35906512 PMCID: PMC10006278 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-022-01758-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To image colon-expressed alternatively spliced D domain of tenascin C in preclinical colitis models using near infrared (NIR)-labeled targeted molecular imaging agents. PROCEDURES A human IgG1 with nanomolar binding affinity specific to the alternatively spliced D domain of tenascin C was generated. Immunohistochemistry identified disease-specific expression of this extracellular matrix protein in the colon of mice given dextran sulfate sodium in the drinking water. The antibody reagent was labeled with the NIR fluorophore IRDye 800CW via amine chemistry and intravenously dosed to evaluate in vivo targeting specificity. Increasing doses of imaging agent were given to estimate the saturating dose. RESULTS The NIR-labeled proteins successfully targeted colonic lesions in a murine model of colitis. Co-administration of a molar excess competing unlabeled dose reduced normalized uptake in diseased colon by > 70%. Near infrared ex vivo images of colon resected from diseased animals showed saturation at doses exceeding 1 nmol and was confirmed with additional quantitative ex vivo biodistribution. Cellular-level specificity and protein stability were assessed via microscopy. CONCLUSIONS Our imaging data suggest the alternatively spliced D domain of tenascin C is a promising target for delivery-based applications in inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | | - Stephanie M Gaudette
- Worcester Technical High School, 1 Officer Manny Familia Wy, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | | - Ying Chan
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Joanne Murphy
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Mary Abdalla
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | | - Victor Z Sun
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jamie E Erickson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Heather L Knight
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Anca Clabbers
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | | - Soumya Mitra
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 100 Research Dr, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
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10
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The p300/CBP Inhibitor A485 Normalizes Psoriatic Fibroblast Gene Expression In Vitro and Reduces Psoriasis-Like Skin Inflammation In Vivo. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:431-443.e19. [PMID: 36174717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often recurs at the same locations, indicating potential epigenetic changes in lesional skin cells. In this study, we discovered that fibroblasts isolated from psoriatic skin lesions retain an abnormal phenotype even after several passages in culture. Transcriptomic profiling revealed the upregulation of several genes, including the extra domain A splice variant of fibronectin and ITGA4 in psoriatic fibroblasts. A phenotypic library screening of small-molecule epigenetic modifier drugs revealed that selective CBP/p300 inhibitors were able to rescue the psoriatic fibroblast phenotype, reducing the expression levels of extra domain A splice variant of fibronectin and ITGA4. In the imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis-like skin inflammation, systemic treatment with A485, a potent CBP/p300 blocker, significantly reduced skin inflammation, immune cell recruitment, and inflammatory cytokine production. Our findings indicate that epigenetic reprogramming might represent a new approach for the treatment and/or prevention of relapses of psoriasis.
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11
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Heiss J, Grün K, Tempel L, Matasci M, Schrepper A, Schwarzer M, Bauer R, Förster M, Berndt A, Jung C, Schulze PC, Neri D, Franz M. Targeted Interleukin-9 delivery in pulmonary hypertension: Comparison of immunocytokine formats and effector cell study. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e13907. [PMID: 36377348 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is accompanied by pulmonary vascular remodelling. By targeted delivery of Interleukin-9 (IL9) via the immunocytokine F8IL9, beneficial effects could be demonstrated in a mouse model of PH. This study aimed to compare two immunocytokine formats (single-chain Fv and full IgG) and to identify potential target cells of IL9. METHODS The Monocrotaline mouse model of PH (PH, n = 12) was chosen to evaluate the treatment effects of F8IL9F8 (n = 12) and F8IgGIL9 (n = 6) compared with sham-induced animals (control, n = 10), the dual endothelin receptor antagonist Macitentan (MAC, n = 12) or IL9-based immunocytokines with irrelevant antigen specificity (KSFIL9KSF, n = 12; KSFIgGIL9 n = 6). Besides comparative validation of treatment effects, the study was focused on the detection and quantification of mast cells (MCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). RESULTS There was a significantly elevated systolic right ventricular pressure (104 ± 36 vs. 45 ± 17 mmHg) and an impairment of right ventricular echocardiographic parameters (RVbasal: 2.52 ± 0.25 vs. 1.94 ± 0.13 mm) in untreated PH compared with controls (p < 0.05). Only the groups treated with F8IL9, irrespective of the format, showed consistent beneficial effects (p < 0.05). Moreover, F8IL9F8 but not F8IgGIL9 treatment significantly reduced lung tissue damage compared with untreated PH mice (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in Tregs in F8IL9-treated compared with control animals, the untreated PH and the MAC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Beneficial treatment effects of targeted IL9 delivery in a preclinical model of PH could be convincingly validated. IL9-mediated recruitment of Tregs into lung tissue might play a crucial role in the induction of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative mechanisms potentially contributing to a novel disease-modifying concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Heiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Else Kröner Graduate School for Medical Students "JSAM", Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Katja Grün
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Tempel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Schrepper
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Schwarzer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Förster
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Berndt
- Section Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Marcus Franz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
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12
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Promotion of Lymphangiogenesis by Targeted Delivery of VEGF-C Improves Diabetic Wound Healing. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030472. [PMID: 36766814 PMCID: PMC9913977 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds represent a major therapeutic challenge. Lymphatic vessel function is impaired in chronic ulcers but the role of lymphangiogenesis in wound healing has remained unclear. We found that lymphatic vessels are largely absent from chronic human wounds as evaluated in patient biopsies. Excisional wound healing studies were conducted using transgenic mice with or without an increased number of cutaneous lymphatic vessels, as well as antibody-mediated inhibition of lymphangiogenesis. We found that a lack of lymphatic vessels mediated a proinflammatory wound microenvironment and delayed wound closure, and that the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling axis is required for wound lymphangiogenesis. Treatment of diabetic mice (db/db mice) with the F8-VEGF-C fusion protein that targets the alternatively spliced extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin, expressed in remodeling tissue, promoted wound healing, and potently induced wound lymphangiogenesis. The treatment also reduced tissue inflammation and exerted beneficial effects on the wound microenvironment, including myofibroblast density and collagen deposition. These findings indicate that activating the lymphatic vasculature might represent a new therapeutic strategy for treating chronic non-healing wounds.
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13
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Di Nitto C, Gilardoni E, Mock J, Nadal L, Weiss T, Weller M, Seehusen F, Libbra C, Puca E, Neri D, De Luca R. An Engineered IFNγ-Antibody Fusion Protein with Improved Tumor-Homing Properties. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020377. [PMID: 36839699 PMCID: PMC9964878 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is one of the central cytokines produced by the innate and adaptive immune systems. IFNγ directly favors tumor growth control by enhancing the immunogenicity of tumor cells, induces IP-10 secretion facilitating (CXCR3+) immune cell infiltration, and can prime macrophages to an M1-like phenotype inducing proinflammatory cytokine release. We had previously reported that the targeted delivery of IFNγ to neoplastic lesions may be limited by the trapping of IFNγ-based products by cognate receptors found in different organs. Here we describe a novel fusion protein consisting of the L19 antibody, specific to the alternatively spliced extra-domain B of fibronectin (EDB), fused to a variant of IFNγ with reduced affinity to its cognate receptor. The product (named L19-IFNγ KRG) selectively localized to tumors in mice, showed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in monkeys and regained biological activity upon antigen binding. The fusion protein was investigated in two murine models of cancer, both as monotherapy and in combination with therapeutic modalities which are frequently used for cancer therapy. L19-IFNγ KRG induced tumor growth retardation and increased the intratumoral concentration of T cells and NK cells in combination with anti-PD-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa Nadal
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Seehusen
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Libbra
- Philogen S.p.A., Piazza La Lizza 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philogen S.p.A., Piazza La Lizza 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Roberto De Luca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (R.D.L.)
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14
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Plüss L, Peissert F, Elsayed A, Rotta G, Römer J, Dakhel Plaza S, Villa A, Puca E, De Luca R, Oxenius A, Neri D. Generation and in vivo characterization of a novel high-affinity human antibody targeting carcinoembryonic antigen. MAbs 2023; 15:2217964. [PMID: 37243574 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2217964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no effective treatment options for most patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). mCRC remains a leading cause of tumor-related death, with a five-year survival rate of only 15%, highlighting the urgent need for novel pharmacological products. Current standard drugs are based on cytotoxic chemotherapy, VEGF inhibitors, EGFR antibodies, and multikinase inhibitors. The antibody-based delivery of pro-inflammatory cytokines provides a promising and differentiated strategy to improve the treatment outcome for mCRC patients. Here, we describe the generation of a novel fully human monoclonal antibody (termed F4) targeting the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in colorectal cancer and other malignancies. The F4 antibody was selected by antibody phage display technology after two rounds of affinity maturation. F4 in single-chain variable fragment format bound to CEA in surface plasmon resonance with an affinity of 7.7 nM. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence on human cancer specimens confirmed binding to CEA-expressing cells. F4 selectively accumulated in CEA-positive tumors, as evidenced by two orthogonal in vivo biodistribution studies. Encouraged by these results, we genetically fused murine interleukin (IL) 12 to F4 in the single-chain diabody format. F4-IL12 exhibited potent antitumor activity in two murine models of colon cancer. Treatment with F4-IL12 led to an increased density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and an upregulation of interferon γ expression by tumor-homing lymphocytes. These data suggest that the F4 antibody is an attractive delivery vehicle for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Plüss
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Abdullah Elsayed
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Rotta
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Römer
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | - Annette Oxenius
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
- Philogen SpA, Località Bellaria, Sovicille, Italy
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15
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Antibody-Mediated Delivery of VEGF-C Promotes Long-Lasting Lymphatic Expansion That Reduces Recurrent Inflammation. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010172. [PMID: 36611965 PMCID: PMC9818868 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vascular system plays a fundamental role in inflammation by draining interstitial fluid, immune cells, antigens, and inflammatory mediators from peripheral tissues. Site-specific delivery of the lymphangiogenic growth factor VEGF-C alleviates acute inflammation in mouse models of psoriasis and chronic colitis by enhancing local drainage. However, it is unclear whether therapeutically induced lymphangiogenesis is transient or long-lasting and whether it might prevent relapses of inflammation. Here, we investigated the long-term effects of targeted VEGF-C delivery in a chronic dermatitis model in mice. Congruent with our previous results, intravenous injection with a VEGF-C fusion protein targeted to the EDA domain of fibronectin initially resulted in reduced inflammation. Importantly, we found that targeted VEGF-C-mediated expansion of lymphatic vessels in the skin persisted for more than 170 days, long after primary inflammation had resolved. Furthermore, the treatment markedly decreased tissue swelling upon inflammatory re-challenge at the same site. Simultaneously, infiltration of leukocytes, including CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, was significantly reduced in the previously treated group. In conclusion, our data show that targeted delivery of VEGF-C leads to long-lasting lymphatic expansion and long-term protection against repeated inflammatory challenge, suggesting that it is a promising new approach for the treatment of chronic, recurrent inflammatory diseases.
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16
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Peissert F, Plüss L, Giudice AM, Ongaro T, Villa A, Elsayed A, Nadal L, Dakhel Plaza S, Scietti L, Puca E, De Luca R, Forneris F, Neri D. Selection of a PD-1 blocking antibody from a novel fully human phage display library. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4486. [PMID: 36317676 PMCID: PMC9667898 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is an immunoregulatory target which is recognized by different monoclonal antibodies, approved for the therapy of multiple types of cancer. Different anti-PD-1 antibodies display different therapeutic properties and there is a pharmaceutical interest to generate and characterize novel anti-PD-1 antibodies. We screened multiple human antibody phage display libraries to target novel epitopes on the PD-1 surface and we discovered a unique and previously undescribed binding specificity (termed D12) from a new antibody library (termed AMG). The library featured antibody fragments in single-chain fragment variable (scFv) format, based on the IGHV3-23*03 (VH ) and IGKV1-39*01 (Vκ) genes. The D12 antibody was characterized by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), cross-reacted with the Cynomolgus monkey antigen and bound to primary human T cells, as shown by flow cytometry. The antibody blocked the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in vitro with an EC50 value which was comparable to the one of nivolumab, a clinically approved antibody. The fine details of the interaction between D12 and PD-1 were elucidated by x-ray crystallography of the complex at a 3.5 Å resolution, revealing an unprecedented conformational change at the N-terminus of PD-1 following D12 binding, as well as partial overlap with the binding site for the cognate PD-L1 and PD-L2 ligands which prevents their binding. The results of the study suggest that the expansion of antibody library repertoires may facilitate the discovery of novel binding specificities with unique properties that hold promises for the modulation of PD-1 activity in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Peissert
- Philochem AGOtelfingenSwitzerland
- Biomolecular Sciences and BiotechnologyUniversity School for Advanced Studies IUSS PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Louis Plüss
- Philochem AGOtelfingenSwitzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich)ZürichSwitzerland
| | | | - Tiziano Ongaro
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | | | - Abdullah Elsayed
- Philochem AGOtelfingenSwitzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich)ZürichSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Luigi Scietti
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | | | | | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and BiotechnologyUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AGOtelfingenSwitzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich)ZürichSwitzerland
- Philogen SpASovicille (SI)Italy
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17
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Yélamos J. Current innovative engineered antibodies. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 369:1-43. [PMID: 35777861 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antibody engineering has developed very intensively since the invention of the hybridoma technology in 1975, and it now can generate therapeutic agents with high specificity and reduced adverse effects. Indeed, antibodies have become one of the most innovative therapeutic agents in recent years, with some landing in the top 10 bestselling pharmaceutical drugs. New antibodies are being approved every year, in different formats and for treating various illnesses, including cancer, autoimmune inflammatory diseases, metabolic diseases and infectious diseases. In this review, I summarize current progress in innovative engineered antibodies. Overall, this progress has led to the approval by regulatory authorities of more than 100 antibody-based molecules, with many others at various stages of clinical development, indicating the high growth potential of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Yélamos
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Di Nitto C, Neri D, Weiss T, Weller M, De Luca R. Design and Characterization of Novel Antibody-Cytokine Fusion Proteins Based on Interleukin-21. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11010019. [PMID: 35323193 PMCID: PMC8944420 DOI: 10.3390/antib11010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL21) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the modulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. IL21 is mainly secreted by natural killer (NK) and activated CD4+ T-cells. The biology of this cytokine can be associated to proinflammatory responses reflecting its potent stimulatory activity of NK and CD8+ T-cells. Here we describe four formats of novel IL21-based antibody–cytokine fusion proteins, targeting the extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin and explore their potential for cancer treatment. The fusion proteins were designed, expressed, and characterized. F8 in single-chain diabody (scDb) format fused to IL21 at its C-terminus exhibited a promising profile in size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and SDS-PAGE. The lead candidate was further characterized in vitro. A cell-based activity assay on murine cytotoxic T-cells showed that human IL21, compared to murine IL21 partially cross-reacted with the murine receptor. The prototype was able to recognize EDA as demonstrated by immunofluorescence analysis on tumor sections. In an in vivo quantitative biodistribution experiment, F8(scDb)-murine IL21 did not preferentially accumulate at the site of disease after intravenous injection, suggesting that additional protein engineering would be required to improve the tumor-homing properties of IL21-based product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Di Nitto
- Philochem AG, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (C.D.N.); (D.N.)
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (C.D.N.); (D.N.)
- Philogen SpA, Piazza la Lizza 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.W.); (M.W.)
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.W.); (M.W.)
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto De Luca
- Philochem AG, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (C.D.N.); (D.N.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Engineered antibody fusion proteins for targeted disease therapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:1064-1081. [PMID: 34706833 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Since the FDA approval of the first therapeutic antibody 35 years ago, antibody-based products have gained prominence in the pharmaceutical market. Building on the early successes of monoclonal antibodies, more recent efforts have capitalized on the exquisite specificity and/or favorable pharmacokinetic properties of antibodies by developing fusion proteins that enable targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads which are otherwise ineffective when administered systemically. This review focuses on recent engineering and translational advances for therapeutics that genetically fuse antibodies to disease-relevant payloads, including cytokines, toxins, enzymes, neuroprotective agents, and soluble factor traps. With numerous antibody fusion proteins in the clinic and other innovative molecules poised to follow suit, these potent, multifunctional drug candidates promise to be a major player in the therapeutic development landscape for years to come.
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20
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Uricoli B, Birnbaum LA, Do P, Kelvin JM, Jain J, Costanza E, Chyong A, Porter CC, Rafiq S, Dreaden EC. Engineered Cytokines for Cancer and Autoimmune Disease Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002214. [PMID: 33690997 PMCID: PMC8651077 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine signaling is critical to a range of biological processes including cell development, tissue repair, aging, and immunity. In addition to acting as key signal mediators of the immune system, cytokines can also serve as potent immunotherapies with more than 20 recombinant products currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat conditions including hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and various cancers. Yet despite their biological importance and clinical utility, cytokine immunotherapies suffer from intrinsic challenges that limit their therapeutic potential including poor circulation, systemic toxicity, and low tissue- or cell-specificity. In the past decade in particular, methods have been devised to engineer cytokines in order to overcome such challenges and here, the myriad strategies are reviewed that may be employed in order to improve the therapeutic potential of cytokine and chemokine immunotherapies with applications in cancer and autoimmune disease therapy, as well as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. For clarity, these strategies are collected and presented as they vary across size scales, ranging from single amino acid substitutions, to larger protein-polymer conjugates, nano/micrometer-scale particles, and macroscale implants. Together, this work aims to provide readers with a timely view of the field of cytokine engineering with an emphasis on early-stage therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biaggio Uricoli
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lacey A. Birnbaum
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Priscilla Do
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - James M. Kelvin
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Juhi Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Emma Costanza
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Andrew Chyong
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christopher C. Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sarwish Rafiq
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Erik C. Dreaden
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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21
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Myofibroblasts: Function, Formation, and Scope of Molecular Therapies for Skin Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081095. [PMID: 34439762 PMCID: PMC8391320 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are contractile, α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells with multiple roles in pathophysiological processes. Myofibroblasts mediate wound contractions, but their persistent presence in tissues is central to driving fibrosis, making them attractive cell targets for the development of therapeutic treatments. However, due to shared cellular markers with several other phenotypes, the specific targeting of myofibroblasts has long presented a scientific and clinical challenge. In recent years, myofibroblasts have drawn much attention among scientific research communities from multiple disciplines and specialisations. As further research uncovers the characterisations of myofibroblast formation, function, and regulation, the realisation of novel interventional routes for myofibroblasts within pathologies has emerged. The research community is approaching the means to finally target these cells, to prevent fibrosis, accelerate scarless wound healing, and attenuate associated disease-processes in clinical settings. This comprehensive review article describes the myofibroblast cell phenotype, their origins, and their diverse physiological and pathological functionality. Special attention has been given to mechanisms and molecular pathways governing myofibroblast differentiation, and updates in molecular interventions.
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22
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Rosini E, Volpi NA, Ziffels B, Grimaldi A, Sacchi S, Neri D, Pollegioni L. An antibody-based enzymatic therapy for cancer treatment: The selective localization of D-amino acid oxidase to EDA fibronectin. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 36:102424. [PMID: 34174417 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In order to generate an antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy, here we designed a chimeric protein by fusing the F8 antibody that recognizes the EDA of fibronectin (expressed on the tumor neovasculature) and an evolved variant of the ROS-generating enzyme D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO). The F8(scFv)-DAAO-Q144R recombinant protein is expressed by both CHO-S and E. coli cells. The F8(scFv)-DAAO-Q144R from E. coli cells is fully soluble, shows a high specific activity, is more thermostable in blood than the native DAAO, possesses a binding affinity for EDA well suited for efficient tumor accumulation, and localizes in tumor tissues. Notably, the F8(scFv)-DAAO-Q144R conjugate generates a stronger cytotoxicity to tumor cells than the native enzyme, especially when an inhibitor of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is used, making it a promising candidate for a selective antitumor oxidative therapy controlled by the substrate addition, in the so called "activity on demand", thus sparing normal tissue from damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rosini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Noemi Antonella Volpi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Barbara Ziffels
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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23
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Gouyou B, Grün K, Kerschenmeyer A, Villa A, Matasci M, Schrepper A, Pfeil A, Bäz L, Jung C, Schulze PC, Neri D, Franz M. Therapeutic Evaluation of Antibody-Based Targeted Delivery of Interleukin 9 in Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073460. [PMID: 33801620 PMCID: PMC8037792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous disorder associated with poor prognosis. For the majority of patients, only limited therapeutic options are available. Thus, there is great interest to develop novel treatment strategies focusing on pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodeling. Interleukin 9 (IL9) is a pleiotropic cytokine with pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic activity of F8IL9F8 consisting of IL9 fused to the F8 antibody, specific to the alternatively-spliced EDA domain of fibronectin, which is abundantly expressed in pulmonary vasculature and right ventricular myocardium in PH. Methods: The efficacy of F8IL9F8 in attenuating PH progression in the monocrotaline mouse model was evaluated in comparison to an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) or an IL9 based immunocytokine with irrelevant antibody specificity (KSFIL9KSF). Treatment effects were assessed by right heart catheterization, echocardiography as well as histological and immunohistochemical tissue analyses. Results: Compared to controls, systolic right ventricular pressure (RVPsys) was significantly elevated and a variety of right ventricular echocardiographic parameters were significantly impaired in all MCT-induced PH groups except for the F8IL9F8 group. Both, F8IL9F8 and ERA treatments lead to a significant reduction in RVPsys and an improvement of echocardiographic parameters when compared to the MCT group not observable for the KSFIL9KSF group. Only F8IL9F8 significantly reduced lung tissue damage and displayed a significant decrease of leukocyte and macrophage accumulation in the lungs and right ventricles. Conclusions: Our study provides first pre-clinical evidence for the use of F8IL9F8 as a new therapeutic agent for PH in terms of a disease-modifying concept addressing cardiovascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Gouyou
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Katja Grün
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany; (K.G.); (L.B.); (P.C.S.)
| | - Anne Kerschenmeyer
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Andrea Schrepper
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Alexander Pfeil
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Laura Bäz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany; (K.G.); (L.B.); (P.C.S.)
| | - Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - P. Christian Schulze
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany; (K.G.); (L.B.); (P.C.S.)
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (B.G.); (A.K.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcus Franz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Univerisity Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany; (K.G.); (L.B.); (P.C.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-9324127
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24
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Corbellari R, Stringhini M, Mock J, Ongaro T, Villa A, Neri D, De Luca R. A Novel Antibody-IL15 Fusion Protein Selectively Localizes to Tumors, Synergizes with TNF-based Immunocytokine, and Inhibits Metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:859-871. [PMID: 33632875 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
IL15 is an immunostimulatory cytokine that holds promises for cancer therapy, but its performance (alone or as partner for fusion proteins) has often been limited by suboptimal accumulation in the tumor and very rapid clearance from circulation. Most recently, the Sushi Domain (SD, the shortest region of IL15 receptor α, capable of binding to IL15) has been fused to IL15-based anticancer products to increase its biological activity. Here, we describe two novel antibody fusion proteins (termed F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15), specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin (a marker of tumor neoangiogenisis, expressed in the majority of solid and hematologic tumors, but absent in normal healthy tissues) and featuring the F8 antibody in single-chain diabody format (with a short linker between VH and VL, thus allowing the domains to pair with the complementary ones of another chain). Unlike previously described fusions of the F8 antibody with human IL15, F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15 exhibited a preferential uptake in solid tumors, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution analysis with radioiodinated protein preparations. Both products were potently active in vivo against mouse metastatic colon carcinomas and in sarcoma lesion in combination with targeted TNF. The results may be of clinical significance, as F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15 are fully human proteins, which recognize the cognate tumor-associated antigen with identical affinity in mouse and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Corbellari
- CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology), University of Trento, Povo, Trento, Italy.,Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jaqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Zhang L, Yan H, Tai Y, Xue Y, Wei Y, Wang K, Zhao Q, Wang S, Kong D, Midgley AC. Design and Evaluation of a Polypeptide that Mimics the Integrin Binding Site for EDA Fibronectin to Block Profibrotic Cell Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041575. [PMID: 33557232 PMCID: PMC7913925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by excessive production of disorganized collagen- and fibronectin-rich extracellular matrices (ECMs) and is driven by the persistence of myofibroblasts within tissues. A key protein contributing to myofibroblast differentiation is extra domain A fibronectin (EDA-FN). We sought to target and interfere with interactions between EDA-FN and its integrin receptors to effectively inhibit profibrotic activity and myofibroblast formation. Molecular docking was used to assist in the design of a blocking polypeptide (antifibrotic 38-amino-acid polypeptide, AF38Pep) for specific inhibition of EDA-FN associations with the fibroblast-expressed integrins α4β1 and α4β7. Blocking peptides were designed and evaluated in silico before synthesis, confirmation of binding specificity, and evaluation in vitro. We identified the high-affinity EDA-FN C-C′ loop binding cleft within integrins α4β1 and α4β7. The polypeptide with the highest predicted binding affinity, AF38Pep, was synthesized and could achieve specific binding to myofibroblast fibronectin-rich ECM and EDA-FN C-C′ loop peptides. AF38Pep demonstrated potent myofibroblast inhibitory activity at 10 µg/mL and was not cytotoxic. Treatment with AF38Pep prevented integrin α4β1-mediated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation and early signaling through extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), attenuated the expression of pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and pro-MMP2, and inhibited collagen synthesis and deposition. Immunocytochemistry staining revealed an inhibition of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) incorporation into actin stress fibers and attenuated cell contraction. Increases in the expression of mRNA associated with fibrosis and downstream from integrin signaling were inhibited by treatment with AF38Pep. Our study suggested that AF38Pep could successfully interfere with EDA-FN C-C′ loop-specific integrin interactions and could act as an effective inhibitor of fibroblast of myofibroblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Hongyu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Yifan Tai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Yueming Xue
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Yongzhen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Shufang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (A.C.M.); Tel.: +86-1562-004-7851 (A.C.M.)
| | - Deling Kong
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
- Rongxiang Xu Center for Regenerative Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Adam C. Midgley
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
- Rongxiang Xu Center for Regenerative Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (A.C.M.); Tel.: +86-1562-004-7851 (A.C.M.)
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26
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Gouyou B, Ongaro T, Cazzamalli S, De Luca R, Kerschenmeyer A, Valet P, Villa A, Neri D, Matasci M. Antibody-based delivery of interleukin-9 to neovascular structures: Therapeutic evaluation in cancer and arthritis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:940-951. [PMID: 33475433 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220981578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-9 is a cytokine with multiple functions, including the ability to activate group 2 innate lymphoid cells, which has been postulated to be therapeutically active in mouse models of arthritis. Similarly, interleukin-9 has been suggested to play an important role in tumor immunity. Here, we describe the cloning, expression, and characterization of three fusion proteins based on murine interleukin-9 and the F8 antibody, specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin. EDA is strongly expressed in cancer and in various arthritic conditions, while being undetectable in the majority of healthy organs. Interleukin-9-based fusion proteins with an irrelevant antibody specific to hen egg lysozyme served as negative control in our study. The fusion proteins were characterized by quantitative biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice using radioiodinated protein preparations. The highest tumor uptake and best tumor:organ ratios were observed for a format, in which the interleukin-9 moiety was flanked by two units of the F8 antibody in single-chain Fv format. Biological activity of interleukin-9 was retained when the payload was fused to antibodies. However, the targeted delivery of interleukin-9 to the disease site resulted in a modest anti-tumor activity in three different murine models of cancer (K1735M2, CT26, and F9), while no therapeutic benefit was observed in a collagen induced model of arthritis. Collectively, these results confirm the possibility to deliver interleukin-9 to the site of disease but cast doubts about the alleged therapeutic activity of this cytokine in cancer and arthritis, which has been postulated in previous publications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiziano Ongaro
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen 8112, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Valet
- Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, INSERM U1048, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Cedex 4, Toulouse 31432, France
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen 8112, Switzerland
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Stringhini M, Mock J, Fontana V, Murer P, Neri D. Antibody-mediated delivery of LIGHT to the tumor boosts natural killer cells and delays tumor progression. MAbs 2021; 13:1868066. [PMID: 33404287 PMCID: PMC7808322 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1868066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
LIGHT is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, which has been claimed to mediate anti-tumor activity on the basis of cancer cures observed in immunocompetent mice bearing transgenic LIGHT-expressing tumors. The preclinical development of a LIGHT-based therapeutic has been hindered by the lack of functional stability exhibited by this protein. Here, we describe the cloning, expression, and characterization of five antibody-LIGHT fusion proteins, directed against the alternatively spliced extra domain A of fibronectin, a conserved tumor-associated antigen. Among the five tested formats, only the sequential fusion of the F8 antibody in single-chain diabody format, followed by the LIGHT homotrimer expressed as a single polypeptide, yielded a protein (termed "F8-LIGHT") that was not prone to aggregation. A quantitative biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice, using radio-iodinated protein preparations, confirmed that F8-LIGHT was able to preferentially accumulate at the tumor site, with a tumor-to-blood ratio of ca. five to one 24 hours after intravenous administration. Tumor therapy experiments, performed in two murine tumor models (CT26 and WEHI-164), featuring different levels of lymphocyte infiltration into the neoplastic mass, revealed that F8-LIGHT could significantly reduce tumor-cell growth and was more potent than a similar fusion protein (KSF-LIGHT), directed against hen egg lysozyme and serving as negative control of irrelevant specificity in the mouse. At a mechanistic level, the activity of F8-LIGHT was mainly due to an intratumoral expansion of natural killer cells, whereas there was no evidence of expansion of CD8 + T cells, neither in the tumor, nor in draining lymph nodes. Abbreviations: CTLA-4: Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes-associated protein 4; EGFR: Epidermal growth factor receptor; HVEM: Herpesvirus entry mediator; IFNγ: Interferon-gamma; LIGHT: Lymphotoxin, exhibits inducible expression and competes with HSV glycoprotein D for binding to herpesvirus entry mediator, a receptor expressed on T lymphocytes; LTβR: Lymphotoxin beta receptor; NF-κB: Nuclear factor "kappa-light-chain-enhancer" of activated B cells; NK: Natural killer cells; PD-1: Programmed cell death protein 1; PD-L1: Programmed death-ligand 1; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/metabolism
- CHO Cells
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Disease Progression
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacokinetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Tissue Distribution
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Tumor Burden/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 14/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 14/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 14/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Fontana
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
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28
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Mock J, Stringhini M, Villa A, Weller M, Weiss T, Neri D. An engineered 4-1BBL fusion protein with "activity on demand". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:31780-31788. [PMID: 33239441 PMCID: PMC7749310 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2013615117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered cytokines are gaining importance in cancer therapy, but these products are often limited by toxicity, especially at early time points after intravenous administration. 4-1BB is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, which has been considered as a target for therapeutic strategies with agonistic antibodies or using its cognate cytokine ligand, 4-1BBL. Here we describe the engineering of an antibody fusion protein, termed F8-4-1BBL, that does not exhibit cytokine activity in solution but regains biological activity on antigen binding. F8-4-1BBL bound specifically to its cognate antigen, the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin, and selectively localized to tumors in vivo, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution experiments. The product promoted a potent antitumor activity in various mouse models of cancer without apparent toxicity at the doses used. F8-4-1BBL represents a prototype for antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, which conditionally display "activity on demand" properties at the site of disease on antigen binding and reduce toxicity to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Antibody Research, Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland;
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29
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Nadal L, Corbellari R, Villa A, Weiss T, Weller M, Neri D, De Luca R. Novel human monoclonal antibodies specific to the alternatively spliced domain D of Tenascin C efficiently target tumors in vivo. MAbs 2020; 12:1836713. [PMID: 33136526 PMCID: PMC7646483 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1836713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based delivery of bioactive molecules represents a promising strategy for the improvement of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of R6N, a novel fully human antibody specific to the alternatively spliced domain D of Tenascin C, which is highly expressed in the stroma of primary tumors and metastasis. The R6N antibody recognized its cognate tumor-associated antigen with identical specificity in mouse and human specimens. Moreover, the antibody was able to selectively localize to solid tumors in vivo as evidenced by immunofluorescence-based biodistribution analysis. Encouraged by these results, we developed a novel fusion protein (termed mIL12-R6N) consisting of the murine interleukin 12 fused to the R6N antibody in homodimeric tandem single-chain variable fragment arrangement. mIL12-R6N exhibited potent antitumor activity in immunodeficient mice bearing SKRC52 renal cell carcinoma, as well as in immunocompetent mice bearing SMA-497 glioma. The experiments presented in this work provide a rationale for possible future applications for the R6N antibody for the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nadal
- Biology department, Philochem AG , Otelfingen, Switzerland.,CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy , Trento, Italy
| | - Riccardo Corbellari
- Biology department, Philochem AG , Otelfingen, Switzerland.,CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy , Trento, Italy
| | | | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) , Zurich, Switzerland
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30
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Balza E, Carnemolla B, Orecchia P, Rubartelli A, Poggi A, Mortara L. Tumor Vasculature Targeted TNFα Therapy: Reversion of Microenvironment Anergy and Enhancement of the Anti-tumor Efficiency. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4233-4248. [PMID: 30182839 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180904121118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells and tumor-associated stromal cells such as immune, endothelial and mesenchimal cells create a Tumor Microenvironment (TME) which allows tumor cell promotion, growth and dissemination while dampening the anti-tumor immune response. Efficient anti-tumor interventions have to keep into consideration the complexity of the TME and take advantage of immunotherapy and chemotherapy combined approaches. Thus, the aim of tumor therapy is to directly hit tumor cells and reverse endothelial and immune cell anergy. Selective targeting of tumor vasculature using TNFα-associated peptides or antibody fragments in association with chemotherapeutic agents, has been shown to exert a potent stimulatory effect on endothelial cells as well as on innate and adaptive immune responses. These drug combinations reducing the dose of single agents employed have led to minimize the associated side effects. In this review, we will analyze different TNFα-mediated tumor vesseltargeted therapies in both humans and tumor mouse models, with emphasis on the role played by the cross-talk between natural killer and dendritic cells and on the ability of TNFα to trigger tumor vessel activation and normalization. The improvement of the TNFα-based therapy with anti-angiogenic immunomodulatory drugs that may convert the TME from immunosuppressive to immunostimulant, will be discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Balza
- Cell Biology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Paola Orecchia
- Immunology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Rubartelli
- Cell Biology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Via Monte Generoso, n. 71, 21100 Varese, Italy
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31
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Alfaleh MA, Alsaab HO, Mahmoud AB, Alkayyal AA, Jones ML, Mahler SM, Hashem AM. Phage Display Derived Monoclonal Antibodies: From Bench to Bedside. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1986. [PMID: 32983137 PMCID: PMC7485114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become one of the most important classes of biopharmaceutical products, and they continue to dominate the universe of biopharmaceutical markets in terms of approval and sales. They are the most profitable single product class, where they represent six of the top ten selling drugs. At the beginning of the 1990s, an in vitro antibody selection technology known as antibody phage display was developed by John McCafferty and Sir. Gregory Winter that enabled the discovery of human antibodies for diverse applications, particularly antibody-based drugs. They created combinatorial antibody libraries on filamentous phage to be utilized for generating antigen specific antibodies in a matter of weeks. Since then, more than 70 phage–derived antibodies entered clinical studies and 14 of them have been approved. These antibodies are indicated for cancer, and non-cancer medical conditions, such as inflammatory, optical, infectious, or immunological diseases. This review will illustrate the utility of phage display as a powerful platform for therapeutic antibodies discovery and describe in detail all the approved mAbs derived from phage display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Alfaleh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hashem O Alsaab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Almohanad A Alkayyal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Martina L Jones
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen M Mahler
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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32
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Stringhini M, Probst P, Neri D. Immunotherapy of CT26 murine tumors is characterized by an oligoclonal response of tissue-resident memory T cells against the AH1 rejection antigen. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1591-1597. [PMID: 32470143 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mice bearing CT26 tumors can be cured by administration of L19-mIL12 or F8-mTNF, two antibody fusion proteins which selectively deliver their cytokine payload to the tumor. In both settings, cancer cures crucially depended on CD8+ T cells and the AH1 peptide (derived from the gp70 protein of the murine leukemia virus) acted as the main tumor-rejection antigen, with ∼50% of CD8+ T cells in the neoplastic mass being AH1-specific after therapy. In order to characterize the clonality of the T cell response, its phenotype, and activation status, we isolated CD8+ T cells from tumors and secondary lymphoid organs and submitted them to T cell receptor (TCR) and total mRNA sequencing. We found an extremely diverse repertoire of more than 40 000 unique TCR sequences, but the ten most abundant TCRs accounted for >60% of CD8+ T-cell clones in the tumor. AH1-specific TCRs were consistently found among the most abundant sequences. AH1-specific T cells in the tumor had a tissue-resident memory phenotype. Treatment with L19-mIL12 led to overexpression of IL-12 receptor and of markers of cell activation and proliferation. These data suggest that the antitumor response driven by antibody-cytokine fusions proceeds through an oligoclonal expansion and activation of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Probst
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
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33
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Neri D. Antibody-Cytokine Fusions: Versatile Products for the Modulation of Anticancer Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 7:348-354. [PMID: 30824549 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical success of immune-checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of a growing number of cancer types has sparked interest in the discovery of novel forms of immunotherapy, which may be used alone or in combination. In this context, cytokine-based therapeutics are well poised to play a role in modern cancer therapy. This article focuses on antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (also called "immunocytokines") as one class of biopharmaceuticals that can substantially improve the therapeutic index and, thus, the applicability of cytokine products. In many preclinical settings, antibodies can be used to preferentially deliver many (but not all) types of cytokines to primary and metastatic tumor lesions. The antibody-based delivery of certain proinflammatory payloads (such as IL2, IL12, and TNF) to the tumor microenvironment can lead to a dramatic potentiation of their anticancer activity. However, although some fusion proteins have advanced to late-stage clinical trials, much work remains to be done in order to fully characterize the mechanism of action and the pharmaceutical potential of immunocytokines in the clinical setting. Various factors contribute to in vivo performance, including the target antigen, the antibody properties, the nature of the payload, the format of the fusion protein, the dose, and schedule, as well as their use in combination with other therapeutic modalities. Protein engineering opportunities and insights in cancer immunology are contributing to the development of next-generation immunocytokine products and of novel therapeutic concepts, with the goal to increase antitumor activity and reduce systemic toxicity (a common problem for cytokine-based biopharmaceuticals).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Mock J, Pellegrino C, Neri D. A universal reporter cell line for bioactivity evaluation of engineered cytokine products. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3234. [PMID: 32094407 PMCID: PMC7040017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60182-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered cytokine products represent a growing class of therapeutic proteins which need to be tested for biological activity at various stages of pharmaceutical development. In most cases, dedicated biological assays are established for different products, in a process that can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Here we describe the development and implementation of a universal cell-based reporter system for various classes of immunomodulatory proteins. The novel system capitalizes on the fact that the signaling of various types of pro-inflammatory agents (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, Toll-like receptor agonists) may involve transcriptional activation by NF-κB. Using viral transduction, we generated stably-transformed cell lines of B or T lymphocyte origin and compared the new reporter cell lines with conventional bioassays. The experimental findings with various interleukins and with members of the TNF superfamily revealed that the newly-developed “universal” bioassay method yielded bioactivity data which were comparable to the ones obtained with dedicated conventional methods. The engineered cell lines with reporters for NF-κB were tested with several antibody-cytokine fusions and may be generally useful for the characterization of novel immunomodulatory products. The newly developed methodology also revealed a mechanism for cytokine potentiation, based on the antibody-mediated clustering of TNF superfamily members on tumor-associated extracellular matrix components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Pellegrino
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Alfaleh MA, Alsaab HO, Mahmoud AB, Alkayyal AA, Jones ML, Mahler SM, Hashem AM. Phage Display Derived Monoclonal Antibodies: From Bench to Bedside. Front Immunol 2020. [PMID: 32983137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01986/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become one of the most important classes of biopharmaceutical products, and they continue to dominate the universe of biopharmaceutical markets in terms of approval and sales. They are the most profitable single product class, where they represent six of the top ten selling drugs. At the beginning of the 1990s, an in vitro antibody selection technology known as antibody phage display was developed by John McCafferty and Sir. Gregory Winter that enabled the discovery of human antibodies for diverse applications, particularly antibody-based drugs. They created combinatorial antibody libraries on filamentous phage to be utilized for generating antigen specific antibodies in a matter of weeks. Since then, more than 70 phage-derived antibodies entered clinical studies and 14 of them have been approved. These antibodies are indicated for cancer, and non-cancer medical conditions, such as inflammatory, optical, infectious, or immunological diseases. This review will illustrate the utility of phage display as a powerful platform for therapeutic antibodies discovery and describe in detail all the approved mAbs derived from phage display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Alfaleh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hashem O Alsaab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Almohanad A Alkayyal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Martina L Jones
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen M Mahler
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Fibronectin (FN) is a large glycoprotein that plays a diverse set of biological roles. This chapter discusses the structural biology, the normal biological functions, and the molecular role of FN and its splice variants in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. The potential role of FN in cancer imaging is discussed in detail. The chapter also discusses the future directions of basic and translational research of fibronectin in the context of the tumor microenvironment and its role in tumor biology.
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Fibronectin in Cancer: Friend or Foe. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010027. [PMID: 31861892 PMCID: PMC7016990 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of fibronectin (FN) in tumorigenesis and malignant progression has been highly controversial. Cancerous FN plays a tumor-suppressive role, whereas it is pro-metastatic and associated with poor prognosis. Interestingly, FN matrix deposited in the tumor microenvironments (TMEs) promotes tumor progression but is paradoxically related to a better prognosis. Here, we justify how FN impacts tumor transformation and subsequently metastatic progression. Next, we try to reconcile and rationalize the seemingly conflicting roles of FN in cancer and TMEs. Finally, we propose future perspectives for potential FN-based therapeutic strategies.
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Mashayekhi V, Hoog CO‘, Oliveira S. Vascular targeted photodynamic therapy: A review of the efforts towards molecular targeting of tumor vasculature. J PORPHYR PHTHALOCYA 2019; 23:1229-1240. [PMID: 33568892 PMCID: PMC7116708 DOI: 10.1142/s1088424619300180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic value of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) for cancer has already been recognized in the clinic: TOOKAD® has been clinically approved in Europe and Israel for treatment of men with low-risk prostate cancer. When light is applied shortly after intravenous administration of the photosensitizer, the damage is primarily done to the vasculature. This results in vessel constriction, blood flow stasis, and thrombus formation. Subsequently, the tumor is killed due to oxygen and nutrient deprivation. To further increase treatment specificity and to reduce undesired side effects such as damaging to the surrounding healthy tissues, efforts have been made to selectively target the PS to the tumor vasculature, an approach named molecular targeted VTP (molVTP). Several receptors have already been explored for this approach, namely CD13, CD276, Extra domains of fibronectin (A, B), Integrin αvβ3, Neuropilin-1, Nucleolin, PDGFRβ, tissue factor, and VEGFR-2, which are overexpressed on tumor vasculature. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, further encouraging the investigation and future application of molVTP, to improve selectivity and efficacy of cancer treatment. This strategy will hopefully lead to even more selective treatments for many cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Mashayekhi
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Op ‘t Hoog
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Oliveira
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Tacconi C, Schwager S, Cousin N, Bajic D, Sesartic M, Sundberg JP, Neri D, Detmar M. Antibody-Mediated Delivery of VEGFC Ameliorates Experimental Chronic Colitis. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 2:342-352. [PMID: 32259068 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two distinct forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by an expanded lymphatic network with impaired functionality both in mouse models and in human patients. In this study, we investigated whether targeted delivery of the pro-lymphangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) to the site of inflammation may represent a new, clinically feasible strategy for treating IBD. To achieve targeting of inflamed tissue, we developed a fusion protein consisting of human VEGFC fused to the F8 antibody (F8-VEGFC), which specifically binds to the extradomain A (EDA) of fibronectin, a spliced isoform almost exclusively expressed in inflamed tissues. The therapeutic activity of intravenously administered F8-VEGFC, compared to a targeted construct lacking VEGFC (F8-SIP), was investigated in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. The presence of EDA fibronectin was detected in both human and mouse inflamed colon tissue. Biodistribution studies of radiolabeled F8-VEGFC revealed a specific accumulation of the antibody in the colon of DSS-administered mice, as compared to an untargeted VEGFC fusion protein (KSF-VEGFC) (binding the irrelevant hen egg lysozyme antigen). Systemic treatment with F8-VEGFC significantly reduced the clinical and histological signs of inflammation, expanded the lymphatic vascular network, reduced the density of immune cells, and also decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the inflamed colon. Overall, these results reveal that administration of F8-VEGFC represents a novel and promising approach for the treatment of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Tacconi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Schwager
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Cousin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Davor Bajic
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marko Sesartic
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John P Sundberg
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, United States
| | - Dario Neri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Puca E, Probst P, Stringhini M, Murer P, Pellegrini G, Cazzamalli S, Hutmacher C, Gouyou B, Wulhfard S, Matasci M, Villa A, Neri D. The antibody-based delivery of interleukin-12 to solid tumors boosts NK and CD8 + T cell activity and synergizes with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:2518-2530. [PMID: 31374124 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We describe the cloning and characterization of a novel fusion protein (termed L19-mIL12), consisting of murine interleukin-12 in single-chain format, sequentially fused to the L19 antibody in tandem diabody format. The fusion protein bound avidly to the cognate antigen (the alternatively spliced EDB domain of fibronectin), retained the activity of the parental cytokine and was able to selectively localize to murine tumors in vivo, as shown by quantitative biodistribution analysis. L19-mIL12 exhibited a potent antitumor activity in immunocompetent mice bearing CT26 carcinomas and WEHI-164 sarcomas, which could be boosted by combination with checkpoint blockade, leading to durable cancer eradication. L19-mIL12 also inhibited tumor growth in mice with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), but in this case, cancer cures could not be obtained, both in monotherapy and in combination. A microscopic analysis and a depletion experiment of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes illustrated the contribution of NK cells and CD8+ T cells for the anticancer activity observed in both tumor models. Upon L19-mIL12 treatment, the density of regulatory T cells (Tregs) was strongly increased in LLC, but not in CT26 tumors. A FACS analysis also revealed that the majority of CD8+ T cells in CT26 tumors were specific to the retroviral AH1 antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Puca
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Probst
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Pellegrini
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia Hutmacher
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
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Ziffels B, Pretto F, Neri D. Intratumoral administration of IL2- and TNF-based fusion proteins cures cancer without establishing protective immunity. Immunotherapy 2019; 10:177-188. [PMID: 29370721 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The combination of tumor-targeting IL2- and TNF-based antibody-cytokine fusions has exhibited encouraging results in mouse and men. Here, we studied their combination to assess efficacy and mechanism of action in four different immunocompetent mouse models of cancer. METHODS Mice receiving a single intratumoral injection of F8-IL2, F8-TNF or the combination were investigated for tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and rechallenged when cured. RESULTS In three models, a proportion of treated animals could be cured, most probably by infiltrating NK and CD8+ T cells. Most of the cured mice did not acquire protective immunity when rechallenged with the same tumor cell line. CONCLUSION Immunocompetent mouse tumor models may not be adequate enough to predict the search for more efficacious therapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ziffels
- Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Design and characterisation of a novel interleukin-15 receptor alpha fusion protein and analysis of interleukin-15 complexation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219313. [PMID: 31348785 PMCID: PMC6660064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL15) is one of the most important cytokines currently being considered for cancer therapy applications. It is thought that by administering IL15 in complex with its cognate receptor alpha chain (IL15Rα) its biological activity could be increased manifold. We produced a fusion protein of mouse IL15Rα and the F8 antibody, that targets the alternatively-spliced extra-domain A (EDA) of fibronectin, which is overexpressed in many types of cancer. The fusion protein F8IL15Rα was cloned, expressed and characterized in vitro and its ability to bind to mouse IL15 was assessed with both size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments. Furthermore, mouse and human IL15 and their corresponding Fc fused IL15Rα subunits were purchased, characterized and used to compare the capacity of F8IL15Rα to generate complexes. Surprisingly, none of the IL15Rα fusion proteins showed IL15 complexation on SEC. However, on SPR, F8IL15Rα displayed the ability to bind IL15. In a cell-based activity assay none of the IL15Rα fusions were able to increase cellular proliferation in combination with IL15 compared to IL15 alone. A better understanding of the molecular requirements for effective IL15 signalling are likely to be important for the development of IL15-based biopharmaceuticals.
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Patel JM, Saleh KS, Burdick JA, Mauck RL. Bioactive factors for cartilage repair and regeneration: Improving delivery, retention, and activity. Acta Biomater 2019; 93:222-238. [PMID: 30711660 PMCID: PMC6616001 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Articular cartilage is a remarkable tissue whose sophisticated composition and architecture allow it to withstand complex stresses within the joint. Once injured, cartilage lacks the capacity to self-repair, and injuries often progress to joint wide osteoarthritis (OA) resulting in debilitating pain and loss of mobility. Current palliative and surgical management provides short-term symptom relief, but almost always progresses to further deterioration in the long term. A number of bioactive factors, including drugs, corticosteroids, and growth factors, have been utilized in the clinic, in clinical trials, or in emerging research studies to alleviate the inflamed joint environment or to promote new cartilage tissue formation. However, these therapies remain limited in their duration and effectiveness. For this reason, current efforts are focused on improving the localization, retention, and activity of these bioactive factors. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in drug delivery for the treatment of damaged or degenerated cartilage. First, we summarize material and modification techniques to improve the delivery of these factors to damaged tissue and enhance their retention and action within the joint environment. Second, we discuss recent studies using novel methods to promote new cartilage formation via biofactor delivery, that have potential for improving future long-term clinical outcomes. Lastly, we review the emerging field of orthobiologics, using delivered and endogenous cells as drug-delivering "factories" to preserve and restore joint health. Enhancing drug delivery systems can improve both restorative and regenerative treatments for damaged cartilage. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Articular cartilage is a remarkable and sophisticated tissue that tolerates complex stresses within the joint. When injured, cartilage cannot self-repair, and these injuries often progress to joint-wide osteoarthritis, causing patients debilitating pain and loss of mobility. Current palliative and surgical treatments only provide short-term symptomatic relief and are limited with regards to efficiency and efficacy. Bioactive factors, such as drugs and growth factors, can improve outcomes to either stabilize the degenerated environment or regenerate replacement tissue. This review highlights recent advances and novel techniques to enhance the delivery, localization, retention, and activity of these factors, providing an overview of the cartilage drug delivery field that can guide future research in restorative and regenerative treatments for damaged cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay M Patel
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Kamiel S Saleh
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Jason A Burdick
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Robert L Mauck
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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Hutmacher C, Volta L, Rinaldi F, Murer P, Myburgh R, Manz MG, Neri D. Development of a novel fully-human anti-CD123 antibody to target acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res 2019; 84:106178. [PMID: 31326578 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2019.106178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are being considered as biopharmaceuticals for the in vivo targeting of acute myeloid leukemia. Here we describe the generation and characterization of a fully-human monoclonal antibody specific to CD123, a surface marker which is overexpressed in a variety of hematological disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. The cloning and expression of the extracellular portion of CD123 as recombinant Fc fusion allowed the selection and affinity maturation of a human antibody, called H9, which specifically recognized the cognate antigen in biochemical assays and on leukemic cells. The H9 antibody and a previously-described anti-CD123 antibody (CSL362) were reformatted into full immunoglobulin human IgG1 formats, including a variant bearing S293D and I332E mutations to enhance antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The two antibodies recognized different epitopes on the surface of the N-terminal domain of CD123, as revealed by crystallography and SPOT analysis. Both H9 and CSL362 in full immunoglobulin format were able to selectively kill leukemic cells in in vitro ADCC assays, performed both with cell lines and with patient-derived AML blasts. Further, the two antibodies, when reformatted as bispecific BiTE™ reagents by fusion with the anti-CD3 scFv(OKT3) antibody fragment, induced selective killing of AML blasts by patient-derived, autologous T-cells in an in vitro setting, but BiTE(CSL362/OKT3) exhibited a 10-fold higher potency compared to BiTE(H9/OKT3). The availability of two classes of CD123-specific biopharmaceuticals, capable of redirecting the cytolytic activity of NK cells and T cells against AML blasts, may enable novel interventional strategies and combination opportunities for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Hutmacher
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Vladimir-Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Volta
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Vladimir-Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Rinaldi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Vladimir-Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Vladimir-Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Renier Myburgh
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus G Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Vladimir-Prelog Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Murer P, Neri D. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: A novel class of biopharmaceuticals for the therapy of cancer and of chronic inflammation. N Biotechnol 2019; 52:42-53. [PMID: 30991144 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins represent a novel class of biopharmaceuticals, with the potential to increase the therapeutic index of cytokine 'payloads' and to promote leukocyte infiltration at the site of disease. In this review, we present a survey of immunocytokines that have been used in preclinical models of cancer and in clinical trials. In particular, we highlight how antibody format, choice of target antigen and cytokine engineering, as well as combination strategies, may have a profound impact on therapeutic performance. Moreover, by using anti-inflammatory cytokines, antibody fusion strategies can conveniently be employed for the treatment of auto-immune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Willrodt AH, Salabarria AC, Schineis P, Ignatova D, Hunter MC, Vranova M, Golding-Ochsenbein AM, Sigmund E, Romagna A, Strassberger V, Fabbi M, Ferrini S, Cursiefen C, Neri D, Guenova E, Bock F, Halin C. ALCAM Mediates DC Migration Through Afferent Lymphatics and Promotes Allospecific Immune Reactions. Front Immunol 2019; 10:759. [PMID: 31031759 PMCID: PMC6473055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM, CD166) is a cell adhesion molecule of the immunoglobulin superfamily and has been implicated in diverse pathophysiological processes including T cell activation, leukocyte trafficking, and (lymph)angiogenesis. However, exploring the therapeutic potential of ALCAM blockade in immune-mediated inflammatory disorders has been difficult due to the lack of antibodies with blocking activity toward murine ALCAM. In this study, we identified and characterized a monoclonal antibody with high affinity and specificity for murine ALCAM. This antibody reduced in vitro T cell activation induced by antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) as well as (trans)migration of murine DCs across lymphatic endothelial monolayers. Moreover, it reduced emigration of DCs from in vitro-cultured human skin biopsies. Similarly, antibody-based blockade of ALCAM reduced (lymph)angiogenic processes in vitro and decreased developmental lymphangiogenesis in vivo to levels observed in ALCAM-deficient mice. Since corneal allograft rejection is an important medical condition that also involves (lymph)angiogenesis, DC migration and T cell activation, we investigated the therapeutic potential of ALCAM blockade in murine corneal disease. Blocking ALCAM lead to DC retention in corneas and effectively prevented corneal allograft rejection. Considering that we also detected ALCAM expression in human corneal DCs and lymphatics, our findings identify ALCAM as a potential novel therapeutic target in human corneal allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Philipp Schineis
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Desislava Ignatova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Martina Vranova
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Elena Sigmund
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annatina Romagna
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Fabbi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dario Neri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuella Guenova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelia Halin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: Biopharmaceuticals with immunomodulatory properties for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:67-91. [PMID: 30201522 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been used for therapeutic applications in cancer patients. Substantial side effects and unfavorable pharmacokinetics limit their application and may prevent dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (often referred to as immunocytokines) may help localize immunomodulatory cytokine payloads to the tumor, thereby activating anticancer immune responses. A variety of formats (e.g., intact IgGs or antibody fragments), molecular targets (e.g., extracellular matrix components and cell membrane antigens) and cytokine payloads have been considered for the development of this novel class of biopharmaceuticals. This review presents the basic concepts on the design and engineering of immunocytokines, reviews their potential limitations, points out emerging opportunities and summarizes key features of preclinical and clinical-stage products.
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48
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Bruijnen STG, Chandrupatla DMSH, Giovanonni L, Neri D, Vugts DJ, Huisman MC, Hoekstra OS, Musters RJP, Lammertsma AA, van Dongen GAMS, Jansen G, Molthoff CFM, van der Laken CJ. F8-IL10: A New Potential Antirheumatic Drug Evaluated by a PET-Guided Translational Approach. Mol Pharm 2018; 16:273-281. [PMID: 30550295 PMCID: PMC6878215 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
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Antibody fragment F8-mediated interleukin
10 (IL10) delivery is
a novel treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). F8 binds to the extra-domain-A
of fibronectin (ED-A). In this study, in vivo biodistribution and
arthritis targeting of radiolabeled F8-IL10 were investigated in RA
patients, followed by further animal studies. Therefore, three RA
patients (DAS28 > 3.2) received 0.4 mg of 30–74 megabecquerel
[124I]I–F8–IL10 for PET-CT and blood sampling.
In visually identified PET-positive joints, target-to-background was
calculated. Healthy mice, rats, and arthritic rats were injected with
iodinated F8-IL10 or KSF-IL10 control antibody. Various organs were
excised, weighed, and counted for radioactivity. Tissue sections were
stained for fibronectin ED-A. In RA patients, [124I]I–F8–IL10
was cleared rapidly from the circulation with less than 1% present
in blood after 5 min. PET-CT showed targeting in 38 joints (11–15
per patient) and high uptake in the liver and spleen. Mean target-to-background
ratios of PET-positive joints were 2.5 ± 1.2, 1.5 times higher
for clinically active than clinically silent joints. Biodistribution
of radioiodinated F8-IL10 in healthy mice showed no effect of the
radioiodination method. [124I]I–F8–IL10 joint
uptake was also demonstrated in arthritic rats, ∼14-fold higher
than that of the control antibody [124I]I-KSF-IL10 (p < 0.001). Interestingly, liver and spleen uptake were
twice as high in arthritic than in healthy rats and were related to
increased (∼7×) fibronectin ED-A expression in these tissues.
In conclusion, [124I]I–F8–IL10 uptake was
observed in arthritic joints in RA patients holding promise for visualization
of inflamed joints by PET-CT imaging and therapeutic targeting. Patient
observations and, subsequently, arthritic animal studies pointed to
awareness of increased [124I]I–F8–IL10 uptake
in the liver and spleen associated with moderate systemic inflammation.
This translational study demonstrated the value of in vivo biodistribution
and PET-CT-guided imaging in development of new and potential antirheumatic
drugs’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan T G Bruijnen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center , Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VU University Medical Center , 1007 MB Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Durga M S H Chandrupatla
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center , Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VU University Medical Center , 1007 MB Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , ETH Zürich , 8092 Zürich , Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center , Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VU University Medical Center , 1007 MB Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | | | - Conny J van der Laken
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center , Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VU University Medical Center , 1007 MB Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Ziffels B, Grötsch A, Al-Bayati L, Neri D. Targeted delivery of calreticulin to ED-A fibronectin leads to tumor-growth retardation. J Biotechnol 2018; 290:53-58. [PMID: 30579890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We report the design and characterization of novel fusion proteins, consisting of the F8 antibody and of murine calreticulin (Calr). The F8 antibody recognizes the alternatively-spliced ED-A domain of fibronectin, an extracellular matrix component found in most tumor types, while calreticulin has previously been described as an "eat-me" signal for dendritic cells and phagocytes. Four fusion proteins, differing in antibody formats and peptide linkers, were produced in mammalian cells, purified to homogeneity and tested in vitro and in vivo. A quantitative biodistribution in F9 tumor-bearing mice revealed that the homobivalent F8-F8-Calr format, featuring a tandem diabody structure, had the best tumor-homing properties and, for this reason, this protein was studied in therapy experiments in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Intravenous administration of F8-F8-Calr led to a tumor growth retardation, which could be further improved by combination with anti-PD1 antibody treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increased density of CD8+ T cells, CD11c+ dendritic cells and F4/80+ macrophages in tumor tissue. Even though F8-F8-Calr did not lead to cancer cures at the doses tested, the excellent tolerability profile and the ability to favor a leukocyte infiltration into the neoplastic mass suggests that the targeted delivery of calreticulin may be considered for combination therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ziffels
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Grötsch
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lubna Al-Bayati
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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50
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Schwager S, Renner S, Hemmerle T, Karaman S, Proulx ST, Fetz R, Golding-Ochsenbein AM, Probst P, Halin C, Neri D, Detmar M. Antibody-mediated delivery of VEGF-C potently reduces chronic skin inflammation. JCI Insight 2018; 3:124850. [PMID: 30518687 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.124850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
VEGF-C is an important mediator of lymphangiogenesis and has been shown to alleviate chronic inflammation in a variety of disease models. In this study, we investigated whether targeted delivery of VEGF-C to sites of inflammation and site-specific activation of lymphatic vessels would represent a clinically feasible strategy for treating chronic skin inflammation. To this end, we generated a fusion protein consisting of human VEGF-C fused to the F8 antibody (F8-VEGF-C), which is specific for the alternatively spliced, angiogenesis-marking extradomain A (EDA) of fibronectin. In two mouse models of psoriasis-like skin inflammation, mediated by transgenic VEGF-A overexpression or repeated application of imiquimod, intravenous treatment with F8-VEGF-C but not with untargeted VEGF-C significantly reduced ear skin edema and was as effective as the clinically used TNF-α receptor-Fc fusion protein (TNFR-Fc). Treatment with F8-VEGF-C led to a marked expansion of lymphatic vessels in the inflamed skin and significantly improved lymphatic drainage function. At the same time, treatment with F8-VEGF-C significantly reduced leukocyte numbers, including CD4+ and γδ T cells. In sum, our results reveal that targeted delivery of VEGF-C and site-specific induction of lymphatic vessels represent a potentially new and promising approach for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
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