Death ligands designed to kill: development and application of targeted cancer therapeutics based on proapoptotic TNF family ligands

Tumor-necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)

The concept to exploit death receptors for cancer therapy is very attractive, since these cell surface receptors have a direct connection to the intracellular cell death machinery. Among the death receptor superfamily, the tumor-necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor/ligand system is of special interest. TRAIL receptor agonists have recently entered the stage of clinical evaluation for the treatment of human cancers. Further insights into the regulatory mechanisms of TRAIL signaling will help to better understand the determinants of TRAIL sensitivity versus resistance of human cancers.

Superior antitumoral activity of dimerized targeted single-chain TRAIL fusion proteins under retention of tumor selectivity

Although targeting of the death receptors (DRs) DR4 and DR5 still appears a suitable antitumoral strategy, the limited clinical responses to recombinant soluble TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) necessitate novel reagents with improved apoptotic activity/tumor selectivity. Apoptosis induction by a single-chain TRAIL (scTRAIL) molecule could be enhanced >10-fold by generation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific scFv-scTRAIL fusion proteins. By forcing dimerization of scFv-scTRAIL based on scFv linker modification, we obtained a targeted scTRAIL composed predominantly of dimers (Db-scTRAIL), exceeding the activity of nontargeted scTRAIL ∼100-fold on Huh-7 hepatocellular and Colo205 colon carcinoma cells. Increased activity of Db-scTRAIL was also demonstrated on target-negative cells, suggesting that, in addition to targeting, oligomerization equivalent to an at least dimeric assembly of standard TRAIL per se enhances apoptosis signaling. In the presence of apoptosis sensitizers, such as the proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib, Db-scTRAIL was effective at picomolar concentrations in vitro (EC(50) ∼2 × 10(-12) M). Importantly, in vivo, Db-scTRAIL was well tolerated and displayed superior antitumoral activity in mouse xenograft (Colo205) tumor models. Our results show that both targeting and controlled dimerization of scTRAIL fusion proteins provides a strategy to enforce apoptosis induction, together with retained tumor selectivity and good in vivo tolerance.

Potent antitumoral activity of TRAIL through generation of tumor-targeted single-chain fusion proteins

In an attempt to improve TRAIL's (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) tumor selective activity a variant was designed, in which the three TRAIL protomers are expressed as a single polypeptide chain (scTRAIL). By genetic fusion with a single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) recognizing the extracellular domain of ErbB2, we further equipped scTRAIL with tumor-targeting properties. We studied tumor targeting and apoptosis induction of scFv–scTRAIL in comparison with non-targeted scTRAIL. Importantly, the tumor antigen-targeted scTRAIL fusion protein showed higher apoptotic activity in vitro, with a predominant action by TRAIL-R2 signaling. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed increased plasma half-life of the targeted scTRAIL fusion protein compared with scTRAIL. In vivo studies in a mouse tumor model with xenotransplanted Colo205 cells confirmed greater response to the ErbB2-specific scTRAIL fusion protein compared with non-targeted scTRAIL both under local and systemic application regimen. Together, in vitro and in vivo data give proof of concept of higher therapeutic activity of tumor-targeted scFv–scTRAIL molecules. Further, we envisage that through targeting of scTRAIL, potential side effects should be minimized. We propose that scFv-mediated tumor targeting of single-chain TRAIL represents a promising strategy to improve TRAIL's antitumoral action and to minimize potential unwanted actions on normal tissues.

Improving TNF as a cancer therapeutic: tailor-made TNF fusion proteins with conserved antitumor activity and reduced systemic side effects

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is highly pleiotropic cytokine regulating diverse cellular processes such as proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis, differentiation, apoptosis, necrosis, but also survival. Because of its name-giving tumor necrosis-inducing capabilities, TNF has attracted attention very early for antitumor therapy. Although TNF is in clinical use for treatment of soft tissue sarcoma in isolated limb perfusion, its broad use in tumor therapy is prevented so far by its strong systemic proinflammatory effects. Nevertheless, over the past decade, a variety of tailor-made TNF variants have been developed with the aim to reduce TNFs systemic activity without losing its antitumoral effects. Here, we review the progress made toward improving the efficacy of TNF by genetic engineering, tumor targeting, and introduction of prodrug concepts.

Targeted lipid-coated nanoparticles: delivery of tumor necrosis factor-functionalized particles to tumor cells

Polymeric nanoparticles displaying tumor necrosis factor on their surface (TNF nanocytes) are useful carrier systems capable of mimicking the bioactivity of membrane-bound TNF. Thus, TNF nanocytes are potent activators of TNF receptor 1 and 2 leading to a striking enhancement of apoptosis. However, in vivo applications are hampered by potential systemic toxicity. Here, using TNF nanocytes as a model system, we developed a procedure to generate targeted lipid-coated particles (TLP) in which TNF activity is shielded. The TLPs generated here are composed of an inner single-chain TNF (scTNF)-functionalized, polymeric nanoparticle core surrounded by a lipid coat endowed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for sterical stabilization and a single-chain Fv (scFv) fragment for targeting. Using a scFv directed against the tumor stroma marker fibroblast activation protein (FAP) we show that TLP and scTNF-TLP specifically bind to FAP-expressing, but not to FAP-negative cells. Lipid coating strongly reduced nonspecific binding of particles and scTNF-mediated cytotoxicity towards FAP-negative cells. In contrast, an increased cytotoxicity of TLP was observed for FAP-positive cells. Thus, through liposome encapsulation, nanoparticles carrying bioactive molecules, which are subject to nonselective uptake and activity towards various cells and tissues, can be converted into target cell-specific composite particles exhibiting a selective activity towards antigen-positive target cells. Besides safe and targeted delivery of death ligands such as TNF, TLP should be suitable for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications, which benefit from a targeted delivery of reagents embedded into the particle core or displayed on the core particle surface.