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KUROKAWA T, IMAI K. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4: An attractive target for antibody-based immunotherapy. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2024; 100:293-308. [PMID: 38735753 PMCID: PMC11260911 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.100.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Multifunctional molecules involved in tumor progression and metastasis have been identified as valuable targets for immunotherapy. Among these, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), a significant tumor cell membrane-bound proteoglycan, has emerged as a promising target, especially in light of advances in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. The profound bioactivity of CSPG4 and its role in pivotal processes such as tumor proliferation, migration, and neoangiogenesis underline its therapeutic potential. We reviewed the molecular intricacies of CSPG4, its functional attributes within tumor cells, and the latest clinical-translational advances targeting it. Strategies such as blocking monoclonal antibodies, conjugate therapies, bispecific antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapies, trispecific killer engagers, and ribonucleic acid vaccines against CSPG4 were assessed. CSPG4 overexpression in diverse tumors and its correlation with adverse prognostic outcomes emphasize its significance in cancer biology. These findings suggest that targeting CSPG4 offers a promising avenue for future cancer therapy, with potential synergistic effects when combined with existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro KUROKAWA
- Department of Medical Epigenomics Research, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kohzoh IMAI
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Uranowska K, Samadaei M, Kalic T, Pinter M, Breiteneder H, Hafner C. A chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4‑specific monoclonal antibody inhibits melanoma cell invasion in a spheroid model. Int J Oncol 2021; 59:70. [PMID: 34318902 PMCID: PMC8357264 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is associated with several tumor types, including malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, triple-negative breast carcinoma, oligodendrocytomas or gliomas. Due to its restricted distribution in normal tissues, CSPG4 has been considered a potential target for several antitumor approaches, including monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies. The aim of the present study was to characterize the impact of the CSPG4-specific mAb clone 9.2.27 on its own or in combination with the commonly used BRAF-selective inhibitor, PLX4032, on different functions of melanoma cells to assess the potential synergistic effects. The BRAF V600-mutant human melanoma cell lines, M14 (CSPG4-negative) and WM164 (CSPG4-positive), were exposed to the CSPG4-specific 9.2.27 mAb and/or PLX4032. Cell viability and colony formation capacity were evaluated. A 3D-cell culture spheroid model was used to assess the invasive properties of the treated cells. In addition, flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis and cell cycle analyses were performed. Incubation of the WM164 cell line with CSPG4-specific 9.2.27 mAb decreased viability, colony formation ability and the invasive capacity of CSPG4-positive tumor cells, which was not the case for the CSPG4-negative M14 cell line. Combined treatment of the WM164 cells with 9.2.27 mAb plus PLX4032 did not exert any significant additional effect in comparison to treatment with PLX4032 alone in the clonogenic and invasion assays. M14 cell cycle distribution was not influenced by the CSPG4-specific 9.2.27 mAb. By contrast, the exposure of WM164 cells to the mAb resulted in an arrest of the cells in the S phase. Moreover, combined treatment of the WM164 cells led to a significantly increased accumulation of cells in the subG1 phase, combined with a decrease of cells in the G2/M phase. On the whole, findings of the present study indicate that the CSPG4-specific 9.2.27 mAb exerts an anti-invasive effect on CSPG4-positive melanoma spheroids, which is not enhanced by BRAF inhibition. These findings provide the basis for further investigations on the effects of anti-CSPG4-based treatments of CSPG4-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Uranowska
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital St. Poelten, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, A-3100 St. Poelten, Austria
| | - Mahzeiar Samadaei
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Kalic
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital St. Poelten, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, A-3100 St. Poelten, Austria
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Heimo Breiteneder
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Hafner
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital St. Poelten, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, A-3100 St. Poelten, Austria
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Andersson Y, Inderberg EM, Kvalheim G, Herud TM, Engebraaten O, Flatmark K, Dueland S, Fodstad Ø. Immune stimulatory effect of anti-EpCAM immunotoxin - improved overall survival of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Acta Oncol 2020; 59:404-409. [PMID: 31876430 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2019.1704864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: In a recent phase I trial in a heterogeneous group of carcinoma patients with advanced disease, we did not observe objective responses by CT at 8 weeks in patients treated with either the anti-EpCAM immunotoxin MOC31PE alone or administered in combination with the immunosuppressor cyclosporin (CsA). We have now assessed overall survival (OS) data for the two groups to reveal potential differences, and to elucidate putative underlying mechanisms.Material and methods: The OS time of MOC31PE monotherapy (34 patients) and MOC31PE in combination with CsA (23 patients), was assessed. Pre- and post-treatment patient sera were analyzed in a multiplex immunoassay, and the immunogenic effects of MOC31PE were studied in vitro and in a dendritic cell maturation assay.Results: When the data were analyzed for all treated patients regardless of cancer type, the MOC31PE alone group had a median OS of 12.7 months (95% CI = 5.6-19.8 months) compared to 6.2 months (95% CI = 5.6-6.8 months) (p=.066) for the patients treated with MOC31PE + CsA group. For the subgroup of patients with colorectal cancer, the median OS survival was 16.3 months (95% CI = 5.6-27.0) for the MOC31PE only cohort (n = 15), compared to 6.0 months (CI = 5.8-6.2) (p < .001) for the combination group. The cytokine profile in patient sera and the in vitro immunological studies indicate that MOC31PE induced an immunogenic response leading to T-cell activation; a response that was suppressed in patients treated with MOC31PE + CsA.Conclusions: The results reveal a promising clinical benefit of anti-EpCAM immunotoxin treatment in patients with advanced disease, an effect apparently explained by a previously unknown immunogenic effect of MOC31PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Andersson
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum, Norway
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Theodor Malmer Herud
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Engebraaten
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Flatmark
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein Dueland
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øystein Fodstad
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Sokolova E, Guryev E, Yudintsev A, Vodeneev V, Deyev S, Balalaeva I. HER2-specific recombinant immunotoxin 4D5scFv-PE40 passes through retrograde trafficking route and forces cells to enter apoptosis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:22048-22058. [PMID: 28423549 PMCID: PMC5400645 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxin 4D5scFv-PE40 is a recombinant protein that comprises 4D5scFv antibody as a targeting module and fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A as an effector (toxic) one. The immunotoxin has shown pronounced antitumor effect on cancer cells overexpressing HER2 receptor in vitro and on HER2-positive experimental tumors in vivo. We clarified the mechanism of 4D5scFv-PE40 activity that is of particular importance in the case of targeted therapeutic agent aimed at personalizing treatment of disease in relation to molecular genetic characteristics of each patient. After specific binding to HER2 on the cell surface and clathrin-mediated endocytosis the immunotoxin passes through retrograde trafficking route. During this route the immunotoxin molecule is supposed to undergo enzymatic processing that ends in separation of C-terminal and N-terminal fragments of the immunotoxin. Finally, C-terminal functionally active fragment of 4D5scFv-PE40 arrests protein synthesis in cytoplasm followed by cell death via apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniya Sokolova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Evgeniy Guryev
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Andrey Yudintsev
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Vladimir Vodeneev
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Sergey Deyev
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Irina Balalaeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
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Choi BBR, Choi JH, Hong JW, Song KW, Lee HJ, Kim UK, Kim GC. Selective Killing of Melanoma Cells With Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma and p-FAK Antibody Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:1101-1109. [PMID: 29104464 PMCID: PMC5666541 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.20104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanomas are fast growing high-mortality tumors, and specific treatments for melanomas are needed. Melanoma cells overexpress focal adhesion kinase (FAK) compared to normal keratinocytes, and we sought to exploit this difference to create a selectively lethal therapy. We combined gold nanoparticles (GNP) with antibodies targeting phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK). These conjugates (p-FAK-GNP) entered G361 melanoma cells and bound p-FAK. Treatment with p-FAK-GNP decreased the viability of G361 cells in a time dependent manner by inducing apoptosis. To maximize the preferential killing of G361 cells, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma was used to stimulate the GNP within p-FAK-GNP. Combined treatment with plasma and p-FAK-GNP showed much higher lethality against G361 cells than HaCaT keratinocyte cells. The p-FAK-GNP induced apoptosis over 48 hours in G361 cells, whereas plasma and p-FAK-GNP killed G361 cells immediately. This study demonstrates that combining plasma with p-FAK-GNP results in selective lethality against human melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byul Bo Ra Choi
- Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hae Choi
- Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Hong
- Department of Korean Internal Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Won Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae June Lee
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Uk Kyu Kim
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyoo Cheon Kim
- Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
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Borowiec M, Gorzkiewicz M, Grzesik J, Walczak-Drzewiecka A, Salkowska A, Rodakowska E, Steczkiewicz K, Rychlewski L, Dastych J, Ginalski K. Towards Engineering Novel PE-Based Immunotoxins by Targeting Them to the Nucleus. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E321. [PMID: 27834892 PMCID: PMC5127118 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8110321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Exotoxin A (PE) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase, which can permanently inhibit translation in the attacked cells. Consequently, this toxin is frequently used in immunotoxins for targeted cancer therapies. In this study, we propose a novel modification to PE by incorporating the NLS sequence at its C-terminus, to make it a selective agent against fast-proliferating cancer cells, as a nucleus-accumulated toxin should be separated from its natural substrate (eEF2) in slowly dividing cells. Here, we report the cytotoxic activity and selected biochemical properties of newly designed PE mutein using two cellular models: A549 and HepG2. We also present a newly developed protocol for efficient purification of recombinant PE and its muteins with very high purity and activity. We found that furin cleavage is not critical for the activity of PE in the analyzed cell lines. Surprisingly, we observed increased toxicity of the toxin accumulated in the nucleus. This might be explained by unexpected nuclease activity of PE and its potential ability to cleave chromosomal DNA, which seems to be a putative alternative intoxication mechanism. Further experimental investigations should address this newly detected activity to identify catalytic residues and elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for this action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Borowiec
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, Warsaw 02-089, Poland.
| | - Michal Gorzkiewicz
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, Lodz 93-232, Poland.
| | - Joanna Grzesik
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, Warsaw 02-089, Poland.
| | - Aurelia Walczak-Drzewiecka
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, Lodz 93-232, Poland.
| | - Anna Salkowska
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, Lodz 93-232, Poland.
| | | | - Kamil Steczkiewicz
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, Warsaw 02-089, Poland.
| | - Leszek Rychlewski
- BioInfoBank Institute, Sw. Marcin 80/82 r.355, Poznan 61-809, Poland.
| | - Jaroslaw Dastych
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, Lodz 93-232, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Ginalski
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, Warsaw 02-089, Poland.
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7
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Brehm H, Niesen J, Mladenov R, Stein C, Pardo A, Fey G, Helfrich W, Fischer R, Gattenlöhner S, Barth S. A CSPG4-specific immunotoxin kills rhabdomyosarcoma cells and binds to primary tumor tissues. Cancer Lett 2014; 352:228-35. [PMID: 25016058 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) remains challenging, with metastatic and alveolar RMS offering a particularly poor prognosis. Therefore, the identification and evaluation of novel antigens, which are suitable targets for immunotherapy, is one attractive possibility to improve the treatment of this disease. Here we show that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is expressed on RMS cell lines and RMS patient material. We evaluated the immunotoxin (IT) αMCSP-ETA', which specifically recognizes CSPG4 on the RMS cell lines RD, FL-OH1, TE-671 and Rh30. It is internalized rapidly, induces apoptosis and thus kills RMS cells selectively. We also demonstrate the specific binding of this IT to RMS primary tumor material from three different patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Brehm
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapy, Institute for Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Judith Niesen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Product Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Radoslav Mladenov
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapy, Institute for Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Product Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christoph Stein
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapy, Institute for Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Product Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alessa Pardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapy, Institute for Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Georg Fey
- Department of Biology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Wijnand Helfrich
- Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rainer Fischer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Product Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (Biology VII), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Barth
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapy, Institute for Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Product Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany.
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Korsnes MS, Røed SS, Tranulis MA, Espenes A, Christophersen B. Yessotoxin triggers ribotoxic stress. Toxicol In Vitro 2014; 28:975-81. [PMID: 24780217 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This work tests the hypothesis that the marine algal toxin yessotoxin (YTX) can trigger ribotoxic stress response in L6 and BC3H1 myoblast cells. YTX exposure at a concentration of 100 nM displays the characteristics of a ribotoxic stress response in such cells. The exposure leads to activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, the stress-activated protein kinase c-jun, and the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR). YTX treatment also causes ribosomal RNA cleavage and inhibits protein synthesis. These observations support the idea that YTX can act as a ribotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Suárez Korsnes
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Campus Ås, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 ÅS, Norway.
| | - Susan Skogtvedt Røed
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146, NO-0033 OSLO, Norway
| | - Michael A Tranulis
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146, NO-0033 OSLO, Norway
| | - Arild Espenes
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146, NO-0033 OSLO, Norway
| | - Berit Christophersen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146, NO-0033 OSLO, Norway
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Flatmark K, Guldvik IJ, Svensson H, Fleten KG, Flørenes VA, Reed W, Giercksky KE, Fodstad Ø, Andersson Y. Immunotoxin targeting EpCAM effectively inhibits peritoneal tumor growth in experimental models of mucinous peritoneal surface malignancies. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:1497-506. [PMID: 23494569 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal (i.p.) chemotherapy constitute a curative treatment option in mucinous peritoneal surface malignancies of intestinal origin, but treatment outcome is highly variable and the search for novel therapies is warranted. Immunotoxins are attractive candidates for targeted therapy in the peritoneal cavity because of direct cytotoxicity, distinct mechanisms of action and tumor cell selectivity. The MOC31PE immunotoxin targets the tumor-associated adhesion protein EpCAM (Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule), and has been administered safely in early clinical trials. In our work, the efficacy of i.p. administration of MOC31PE alone and together with mitomycin C (MMC) was investigated in unique animal models of human mucinous peritoneal surface malignancies. In initial model validation experiments, clear differences in efficacy were demonstrated between MMC and oxaliplatin, favoring MMC in five investigated tumor models. Subsequently, MOC31PE and MMC were given as single i.p. injections alone and in combination. In the PMCA-2 model, moderate growth inhibition was obtained with both drugs, while the combination resulted in at least additive effects; whereas the PMP-2 model was highly sensitive to both drugs separately and in combination and intermediate sensitivity was found for the PMCA-3 model. Furthermore, results from ex vivo experiments on freshly obtained mucinous tumor tissue from animals and patients suggested that classic mechanisms of immunotoxin activity were involved, i.e., inhibition of protein synthesis and induction of apoptosis. The present results suggest that adding MOC31PE to MMC-based i.p. chemotherapy should be further explored for EpCAM-expressing peritoneal surface malignancies, and a phase I trial is in preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti Flatmark
- Department of Tumor Biology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo, Norway.
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10
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Liu Z, Feng Z, Zhu X, Xu W, Zhu J, Zhang X, Fan Z, Ji G. Construction, expression, and characterization of an anti-tumor immunotoxin containing the human anti-c-Met single-chain antibody and PE38KDEL. Immunol Lett 2013; 149:30-40. [PMID: 23026237 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins consisting of small antibody fragments fused to cytotoxic moieties are being evaluated for use in prospective antibody-targeted cancer therapies. A receptor tyrosine kinase known as c-Met is overexpressed in a vast range of human malignancies, making it an ideal target for antibody-mediated delivery of numerous cytotoxic agents. A single Fab molecule capable of binding to human c-Met with high affinity and specificity was previously identified using antibody phage-display technology. In order to develop a molecule to increase both the cytotoxicity and anti-tumor activity of the anti-c-Met molecule, a recombinant immunotoxin anti-c-Met/PE38KDEL was constructed and expressed by fusing the human anti-c-Met single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) with a modified Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38KDEL). Purified anti-c-Met/PE38KDEL was demonstrated to specifically bind to cells of c-Met-positive human hepatoma cell lines, causing a proliferation defect by inducing caspase-3/8-mediated apoptosis, as observed by in vitro assays. Furthermore, anti-c-Met/PE38KDEL administration was shown to inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts in vivo through suppression of Ki-67 expression and enhancement of tumor cell apoptosis rates. Cumulatively, the current findings demonstrate the successful construction of a recombinant immunotoxin capable of accurately targeting c-Met-positive human hepatoma cell lines both in vitro and in vivo, providing a novel compound with potential for applications as an alternative therapy for c-Met-positive cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
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11
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Magnussen GI, Ree Rosnes AK, Shahzidi S, Dong HP, Emilsen E, Engesæter B, Flørenes VA. Synthetic retinoid CD437 induces apoptosis and acts synergistically with TRAIL receptor-2 agonist in malignant melanoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 420:516-22. [PMID: 22446330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The novel synthetic retinoid, CD437, shows potent anti-tumor activity in a range of different cancer cell lines and now serves as a prototype for development of new retinoid related molecules (RRMs). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect and cellular targets of CD437 in the human metastatic melanoma cell lines FEMX-1 and WM239. We showed that treatment with CD437 led to cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis through both the extrinsic- and intrinsic pathways (caspase 8, -9 and PARP cleavage) in both cell lines. Interestingly, apoptosis was induced independently of DNA-fragmentation in FEMX-1 cells, and appeared partially caspase-independent in the WM239 cells. Additionally, up-regulation of CHOP mRNA and cathepsin D protein expression, following retinoid treatment, suggests involvement of the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) and lysosomes, respectively. Combination of suboptimal concentrations of CD437 and lexatumumab, a TRAIL death receptor-2 agonist, resulted in synergistic reduction of viable cells, along with increased PARP cleavage. These results indicate that CD437 has a strong anti-neoplastic effect alone and in combination with lexatumumab in melanoma cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry Irene Magnussen
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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Risberg K, Fodstad Ø, Andersson Y. Synergistic anticancer effects of the 9.2.27PE immunotoxin and ABT-737 in melanoma. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24012. [PMID: 21915275 PMCID: PMC3168478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In cancer, combinations of drugs targeting different cellular functions is well accepted to improve tumor control. We studied the effects of a Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE)-based immunotoxin, the 9.2.27PE, and the BH-3 mimetic compound ABT-737 in a panel of melanoma cell lines. The drug combination resulted in synergistic cytotoxicity, and the cell death observed was associated with apoptosis, as activation of caspase-3, inactivation of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and increased DNA fragmentation could be prevented by pre-treatment with caspase and cathepsin inhibitors. We further show that ABT-737 caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress with increased GRP78 and phosphorylated eIF2α protein levels. Moreover, treatment with ABT-737 increased the intracellular calcium levels, an effect which was enhanced by 9.2.27PE, which as a single entity drug had minimal effect on calcium release from the ER. In addition, silencing of Mcl-1 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) enhanced the intracellular calcium levels and cytotoxicity caused by ABT-737. Notably, the combination of 9.2.27PE and ABT-737 caused growth delay in a human melanoma xenograft mice model, supporting further investigations of this particular drug combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karianne Risberg
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Montebello, Oslo, Norway.
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Wei X, Juan ZX, Min FX, Nan C, Hua ZX, Qing FZ, Zheng L. Recombinant immunotoxin anti-c-Met/PE38KDEL inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2011; 30:67. [PMID: 21733192 PMCID: PMC3146887 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-30-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Our study aims to evaluate the anti-growth effects of recombinant immunotoxin (IT) anti-c-Met/PE38KDEL on gastric cancer cells, and its mechnisms. Methods Gastric cancer cells were treated with increasing doses of IT and c-Met protein was quantified by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (CCK). [3H]-leucine incorporation assay was used to evaluate IT inhibition of protein synthesis. Cell apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry. Caspase activities were measured using colorimetric protease assays. Results Cell growth and protein synthesis of the gastric cancer cell lines were suppressed by IT in a dose- and time-dependent manner. IT also induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptosis rates of gastric cancer cell lines MKN-45 and SGC7901 were 19.19% and 27.37%, respectively when treated with 50 ng/ml of IT. There were significant increase ofcaspase-3 activity at 24 hr of IT treatment (100 ng/ml) (P < 0.01) in these gastric cancer cell lines. Conclusions IT anti-c-Met/PE38KDEL has anti-growth effects on the gastric cancer cell lines in vitro, and it provides an experimental basis for c-Met-targeted therapy towards in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
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Abstract
We have earlier shown that the 9.2.27 Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) immunotoxin (IT) efficiently kills melanoma cells through inhibition of protein synthesis followed by some morphologic and biochemical features of apoptosis, a different cell killing mechanism than the one caused by Dacarbazine (DTIC), a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat malignant melanoma. To examine whether induced DTIC resistance also is a determining factor for the effectiveness of 9.2.27PE IT, we developed a DTIC resistant subline, FEMX-200DR, from the DTIC sensitive cell line FEMX. The cell variants were treated with 9.2.27PE, an IT binding to the high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA) expressed on most malignant melanoma cells. The IT was equally effective in killing the FEMX-200DR and the FEMX cells, and the cell death was primarily caused by inhibition of protein synthesis. The DNA repair enzyme and apoptotic marker PARP, a substrate of caspase-3, was inactivated, although we observed only a minor activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8, intracellular proteases involved in apoptosis. In addition to being DTIC resistant, the FEMX-200DR cells were also more resistant to apoptosis than the parent cells as a 3 times higher concentration of the apoptotic inducer Staurosporine was needed to obtain IC50. Furthermore, in early passage malignant melanoma cell lines established from lymph node metastases, the 9.2.27PE caused a time-dependent and dose-dependent decrease in cell viability independent of their DTIC sensitivity. These findings show that the 9.2.27PE IT efficiently can cause cell death in malignant melanoma cells independent of their level of resistance to apoptosis and DTIC.
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