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Heremans J, Maximilian Awad R, Bridoux J, Ertveldt T, Caveliers V, Madder A, Hoogenboom R, Devoogdt N, Ballet S, Hernot S, Breckpot K, Martin C. Sustained release of a human PD-L1 single-domain antibody using peptide-based hydrogels. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 196:114183. [PMID: 38246566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the immune checkpoint axis, which contains the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, revolutionized the field of oncology. Unfortunately, the large size of mAbs and the presence of an Fc fraction limit their tumor penetrative capacities and support off-target effects, potentially resulting in unresponsive patients and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) respectively. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) are ten times smaller than conventional mAbs and represent an emerging antibody subclass that has been proposed as next generation immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapeutics. They demonstrate favorable characteristics, such as an excellent stability, high antigen-binding affinity and an enhanced tumor penetration. Because sdAbs have a short half-life, methods to prolong their presence in the circulation and at the target site might be necessary in some cases to unfold their full therapeutic potential. In this study, we investigated a peptide-based hydrogel as an injectable biomaterial depot formulation for the sustained release of the human PD-L1 sdAb K2. We showed that a hydrogel composed of the amphipathic hexapeptide hydrogelator H-FQFQFK-NH2 prolonged the in vivo release of K2 after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, up to at least 72 h, as monitored by SPECT/CT and fluorescence imaging. Additionally, after encapsulation in the hydrogel and s.c. administration, a significantly extended systemic presence and tumor uptake of K2 was observed in mice bearing a melanoma tumor expressing human PD-L1. Altogether, this study describes how peptide hydrogels can be exploited to provide the sustained release of sdAbs, thereby potentially enhancing its clinical and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Heremans
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jessica Bridoux
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vicky Caveliers
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Hernot
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Dekempeneer Y, Massa S, Santens F, Navarro L, Berdal M, Lucero MM, Pombo Antunes AR, Lahoutte T, Van Ginderachter JA, Devoogdt N, D'Huyvetter M. Preclinical Evaluation of a Radiotheranostic Single-Domain Antibody Against Fibroblast Activation Protein α. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:1941-1948. [PMID: 38040444 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.266381] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein α (FAP) is highly expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts of epithelial-derived cancers. Breast, colon, and pancreatic tumors often show strong desmoplastic reactions, which result in a dominant presence of stromal cells. FAP has gained interest as a target for molecular imaging and targeted therapies. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) are the smallest antibody-derived fragments with beneficial pharmacokinetic properties for molecular imaging and targeted therapy. Methods: We describe the generation, selection, and characterization of a sdAb against FAP. In mice, we assessed its imaging and therapeutic potential after radiolabeling with tracer-dose 131I and 68Ga for SPECT and PET imaging, respectively, and with 131I and 225Ac for targeted radionuclide therapy. Results: The lead sdAb, 4AH29, exhibiting picomolar affinity for a distinct FAP epitope, recognized both purified and membrane-bound FAP protein. Radiolabeled versions, including [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-4AH29, [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-4AH29, and [131I]I-guanidinomethyl iodobenzoate (GMIB)-4AH29, displayed radiochemical purities exceeding 95% and effectively bound to recombinant human FAP protein and FAP-positive GM05389 human fibroblasts. These radiolabeled compounds exhibited rapid and specific accumulation in human FAP-positive U87-MG glioblastoma tumors, with low but specific uptake in lymph nodes, uterus, bone, and skin (∼2-3 percentage injected activity per gram of tissue [%IA/g]). Kidney clearance of unbound [131I]I-GMIB-4AH29 was fast (<1 %IA/g after 24 h), whereas [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-4AH29 exhibited slower clearance (8.07 ± 1.39 %IA/g after 24 h and 2.47 ± 0.18 %IA/g after 96 h). Mice treated with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-4AH29 and [131I]I-GMIB-4AH29 demonstrated prolonged survival compared with those receiving vehicle solution. Conclusion: [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-4AH29 and [131I]I-GMIB-4AH29 enable precise FAP-positive tumor detection in mice. Therapeutic [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-4AH29 and [131I]I-GMIB-4AH29 exhibit strong and sustained tumor targeting, resulting in dose-dependent therapeutic effects in FAP-positive tumor-bearing mice, albeit with kidney toxicity observed later for [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-4AH29. This study confirms the potential of radiolabeled sdAb 4AH29 as a radiotheranostic agent for FAP-positive cancers, warranting clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tony Lahoutte
- Precirix NV/SA, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; and
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Precirix NV/SA, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- Precirix NV/SA, Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Mustafa MI, Mohammed A. Nanobodies: A Game-Changer in Cell-Mediated Immunotherapy for Cancer. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:358-364. [PMID: 37634615 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.08.008] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanobodies are small, single-domain antibodies that have emerged as a promising tool in cancer immunotherapy. These molecules can target specific antigens on cancer cells and trigger an immune response against them. In this mini-review article, we highlight the potential of nanobodies in cell-mediated immunotherapy for cancer treatment. We discuss the advantages of nanobodies over conventional antibodies, their ability to penetrate solid tumors, and their potential to enhance the efficacy of other immunotherapeutic agents. We also provide an overview of recent preclinical and clinical studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of nanobody-based immunotherapy in various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujahed I Mustafa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Applied and Industrial Sciences, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - Ahmed Mohammed
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan
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Liu X, Sui J, Li C, Wang Q, Peng X, Meng F, Xu Q, Jiang N, Zhao G, Lin J. The preparation and therapeutic effects of β-glucan-specific nanobodies and nanobody-natamycin conjugates in fungal keratitis. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:398-409. [PMID: 37579912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a severe infectious corneal disease. Since traditional eye drops exhibit poor dissolution and high corneal toxicity, the efficacy of current treatments for FK remains limited. It is needed to develop new approaches to control the cornea damage from FK. In this study, a nanobody (Nb) specific to β-glucan in the fungal cell wall was prepared. The conjugate of the Nb with natamycin (NAT), a traditional antifungal drug, was synthesized. Firstly, we found the Nb specific to β-glucan inhibited fungal growth by disrupting cell wall and biofilm formation.. In addition, the content of β-glucan in the fungal cell wall decreased after Nb treatment. The Nb also reduced the adhesion ability of fungal conidia to human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Further, we examined the difference between NAT and Nb-NAT in antifungal growth. Nb-NAT showed better antifungal effects than NAT which was caused by the interaction between Nb and β-glucan. Moreover, Nb concentration below 0.5 mg/mL did not affect the viability of HCECs. Nb-NAT had less cytotoxicity and ocular surface irritation than NAT. Nb specific to β-glucan attenuated Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) virulence and relieved inflammatory responses in FK. Nb-NAT treatment of the cornea improved therapeutic effects compared with NAT. It decreased clinical scores and expression level of inflammatory factors. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report a Nb specific to β-glucan and Nb-NAT for the treatment of FK. These unique functions of the Nb specific to β-glucan and Nb-NAT would render it as an alternative molecule to control fungal infections including FK. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fungal keratitis is a corneal disease with a high rate of blindness. Due to the poor dissolution and high corneal toxicity exhibited by traditional eye drops, the efficacy of current therapeutic treatments for fungal keratitis (FK) remains limited. To enhance the therapeutic effect of natamycin in treating fungal keratitis, this study developed an innovative approach by preparing a β-glucan-specific nanobody and loading it with the antifungal drug natamycin. The β-glucan-specific nanobody has the ability to control both fungal pathogen invasion and inflammation, which can cause damage to the cornea in FK. The conjugation with the β-glucan-specific nanobody significantly increased the antifungal capacity of natamycin and reduced its toxicity. The further application of natamycin conjugated with the β-glucan-specific nanobody could be expanded to other diseases caused by fungal pathogen infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianxin Sui
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xudong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanyue Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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5
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Jumapili NA, Zivalj M, Barthelmess RM, Raes G, De Groof TWM, Devoogdt N, Stijlemans B, Vincke C, Van Ginderachter JA. A few good reasons to use nanobodies for cancer treatment. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250024. [PMID: 37366246 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
mAbs have been instrumental for targeted cancer therapies. However, their relatively large size and physicochemical properties result in a heterogenous distribution in the tumor microenvironment, usually restricted to the first cell layers surrounding blood vessels, and a limited ability to penetrate the brain. Nanobodies are tenfold smaller, resulting in a deeper tumor penetration and the ability to reach cells in poorly perfused tumor areas. Nanobodies are rapidly cleared from the circulation, which generates a fast target-to-background contrast that is ideally suited for molecular imaging purposes but may be less optimal for therapy. To circumvent this problem, nanobodies have been formatted to noncovalently bind albumin, increasing their serum half-life without majorly increasing their size. Finally, nanobodies have shown superior qualities to infiltrate brain tumors as compared to mAbs. In this review, we discuss why these features make nanobodies prime candidates for targeted therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Ahishakiye Jumapili
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maida Zivalj
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romina Mora Barthelmess
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoît Stijlemans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cécile Vincke
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
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6
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De Pauw T, De Mey L, Debacker JM, Raes G, Van Ginderachter JA, De Groof TWM, Devoogdt N. Current status and future expectations of nanobodies in oncology trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:705-721. [PMID: 37638538 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2249814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized personalized medicine for cancer in recent decades. Despite their broad application in oncology, their large size and complexity may interfere with successful tumor targeting for certain applications of cancer diagnosis and therapy. Nanobodies have unique structural and pharmacological features compared to monoclonal antibodies and have successfully been used as complementary anti-cancer diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools. AREAS COVERED Here, an overview is given of the nanobody-based diagnostics and therapeutics that have been or are currently being tested in oncological clinical trials. Furthermore, preclinical developments, which are likely to be translated into the clinic in the near future, are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Overall, the presented studies show the application potential of nanobodies in the field of oncology, making it likely that more nanobodies will be clinically approved in the upcoming future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa De Pauw
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lynn De Mey
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jens M Debacker
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Usama SM, Marker SC, Li DH, Caldwell DR, Stroet M, Patel NL, Tebo AG, Hernot S, Kalen JD, Schnermann M. Method To Diversify Cyanine Chromophore Functionality Enables Improved Biomolecule Tracking and Intracellular Imaging. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37367935 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Heptamethine indocyanines are invaluable probes for near-infrared (NIR) imaging. Despite broad use, there are only a few synthetic methods to assemble these molecules, and each has significant limitations. Here, we report the use of pyridinium benzoxazole (PyBox) salts as heptamethine indocyanine precursors. This method is high yielding, simple to implement, and provides access to previously unknown chromophore functionality. We applied this method to create molecules to address two outstanding objectives in NIR fluorescence imaging. First, we used an iterative approach to develop molecules for protein-targeted tumor imaging. When compared to common NIR fluorophores, the optimized probe increases the tumor specificity of monoclonal antibody (mAb) and nanobody conjugates. Second, we developed cyclizing heptamethine indocyanines with the goal of improving cellular uptake and fluorogenic properties. By modifying both the electrophilic and nucleophilic components, we demonstrate that the solvent sensitivity of the ring-open/ring-closed equilibrium can be modified over a wide range. We then show that a chloroalkane derivative of a compound with tuned cyclization properties undergoes particularly efficient no-wash live cell imaging using organelle-targeted HaloTag self-labeling proteins. Overall, the chemistry reported here broadens the scope of accessible chromophore functionality, and, in turn, enables the discovery of NIR probes with promising properties for advanced imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Muhammad Usama
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Sierra C Marker
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Dong-Hao Li
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Donald R Caldwell
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Marcus Stroet
- Laboratory for in Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, ICMI-BEFY/MIMA, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nimit L Patel
- Small Animal Imaging Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Alison G Tebo
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Sophie Hernot
- Laboratory for in Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, ICMI-BEFY/MIMA, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joseph D Kalen
- Small Animal Imaging Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Martin Schnermann
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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8
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Ertveldt T, Krasniqi A, Ceuppens H, Puttemans J, Dekempeneer Y, De Jonghe K, de Mey W, Lecocq Q, De Vlaeminck Y, Awad RM, Goyvaerts C, De Veirman K, Morgenstern A, Bruchertseifer F, Keyaerts M, Devoogdt N, D'Huyvetter M, Breckpot K. Targeted α-Therapy Using 225Ac Radiolabeled Single-Domain Antibodies Induces Antigen-Specific Immune Responses and Instills Immunomodulation Both Systemically and at the Tumor Microenvironment. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:751-758. [PMID: 37055223 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.264752] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) using targeting moieties labeled with α-particle-emitting radionuclides (α-TRT) is an intensely investigated treatment approach as the short range of α-particles allows effective treatment of local lesions and micrometastases. However, profound assessment of the immunomodulatory effect of α-TRT is lacking in literature. Methods: Using flow cytometry of tumors, splenocyte restimulation, and multiplex analysis of blood serum, we studied immunologic responses ensuing from TRT with an antihuman CD20 single-domain antibody radiolabeled with 225Ac in a human CD20 and ovalbumin expressing B16-melanoma model. Results: Tumor growth was delayed with α-TRT and increased blood levels of various cytokines such as interferon-γ, C-C motif chemokine ligand 5, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Peripheral antitumoral T-cell responses were detected on α-TRT. At the tumor site, α-TRT modulated the cold tumor microenvironment (TME) to a more hospitable and hot habitat for antitumoral immune cells, characterized by a decrease in protumoral alternatively activated macrophages and an increase in antitumoral macrophages and dendritic cells. We also showed that α-TRT increased the percentage of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive (PD-L1pos) immune cells in the TME. To circumvent this immunosuppressive countermeasure we applied immune checkpoint blockade of the programmed cell death protein 1-PD-L1 axis. Combination of α-TRT with PD-L1 blockade potentiated the therapeutic effect, however, the combination aggravated adverse events. A long-term toxicity study revealed severe kidney damage ensuing from α-TRT. Conclusion: These data suggest that α-TRT alters the TME and induces systemic antitumoral immune responses, which explains why immune checkpoint blockade enhances the therapeutic effect of α-TRT. However, further optimization is warranted to avoid adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ertveldt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ahmet Krasniqi
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Janik Puttemans
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yana Dekempeneer
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Jonghe
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout de Mey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alfred Morgenstern
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Karlsruhe Institut, Germany; and
| | - Frank Bruchertseifer
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Karlsruhe Institut, Germany; and
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
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Yang BC, Castells MC. Utilizing Biologics in Drug Desensitization. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2023; 23:1-11. [PMID: 36445652 PMCID: PMC9707161 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-022-01052-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this literature review was to review the latest advancements with biologics in rapid drug desensitization. Our methodology was to highlight both desensitization to biologics themselves and the use of biologics in desensitization to both biologic and nonbiologic drugs. RECENT FINDINGS Biologics are a vast category of drugs that include monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, modern vaccinations, and even hormones. Desensitization to biologics can be safely performed through standardized procedure. Biomarkers are used both in vitro and in vivo to help identify and classify hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions to the mRNA vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 present their own unique challenges to management. There are specific excipients in monoclonal antibodies that are thought to be responsible for many of their hypersensitivity reactions. Certain biologics can even be used to assist in desensitization to other drugs. Rapid drug desensitization is a standardized procedure that may be able to help many patients who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to biologics and would best be treated with them to continue to receive them. Biologic drugs have opened a new era in medicine for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Hypersensitivity reactions to biologics are quite common. This literature review presents the latest advancements in our understanding of hypersensitivity reactions to biologics, how rapid drug desensitization can be used to continue therapy despite history of hypersensitivity, and how biologics themselves can be used to aid in desensitization itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara C Yang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, 60 Fenwood Road, Room 5002-B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Ribon Therapeutics, 35 Cambridgepark Drive Suite 300, Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA.
| | - Mariana C Castells
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, 60 Fenwood Road, Room 5002-B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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