1
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Hesen N, Anany M, Freidel A, Baker M, Siegmund D, Zaitseva O, Wajant H, Lang I. Genetically engineered IgG1 and nanobody oligomers acquire strong intrinsic CD40 agonism. Bioengineered 2024; 15:2302246. [PMID: 38214443 PMCID: PMC10793706 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2024.2302246] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Most anti-CD40 antibodies show robust agonism only upon binding to FcγR+ cells, such as B cells, macrophages, or DCs, but a few anti-CD40 antibodies display also strong intrinsic agonism dependent on the recognized epitope and/or isotype. It is worth mentioning, however, that also the anti-CD40 antibodies with intrinsic agonism can show a further increase in agonistic activity when bound by FcγR-expressing cells. Thus, conventional antibodies appear not to be sufficient to trigger the maximum possible CD40 activation independent from FcγR-binding. We proved here the hypothesis that oligomeric and oligovalent anti-CD40 antibody variants generated by genetic engineering display high intrinsic, thus FcγR-independent, agonistic activity. We generated tetra-, hexa- and dodecavalent variants of six anti-CD40 antibodies and a CD40-specific nanobody. All these oligovalent variants, even when derived of bivalent antagonistic anti-CD40 antibodies, showed strongly enhanced CD40 agonism compared to their conventional counterparts. In most cases, the CD40 agonism reached the maximum response induced by FcγR-bound anti-CD40 antibodies or membrane CD40L, the natural engager of CD40. In sum, our data show that increasing the valency of anti-CD40 antibody constructs by genetic engineering regularly results in molecules with high intrinsic agonism and level out the specific limitations of the parental antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Hesen
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, WürzburgGermany
| | - Mohamed Anany
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, WürzburgGermany
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Andre Freidel
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, WürzburgGermany
| | - Mediya Baker
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, WürzburgGermany
| | - Daniela Siegmund
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, WürzburgGermany
| | - Olena Zaitseva
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, WürzburgGermany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, WürzburgGermany
| | - Isabell Lang
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, WürzburgGermany
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2
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Rannikko JH, Hollmén M. Clinical landscape of macrophage-reprogramming cancer immunotherapies. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:627-640. [PMID: 38831013 PMCID: PMC11333586 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02715-6] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) sustain a tumour-supporting and immunosuppressive milieu and therefore aggravate cancer prognosis. To modify TAM behaviour and unlock their anti-tumoural potential, novel TAM-reprogramming immunotherapies are being developed at an accelerating rate. At the same time, scientific discoveries have highlighted more sophisticated TAM phenotypes with complex biological functions and contradictory prognostic associations. To understand the evolving clinical landscape, we reviewed current and past clinically evaluated TAM-reprogramming cancer therapeutics and summarised almost 200 TAM-reprogramming agents investigated in more than 700 clinical trials. Observable overall trends include a high frequency of overlapping strategies against the same therapeutic targets, development of more complex strategies to improve previously ineffective approaches and reliance on combinatory strategies for efficacy. However, strong anti-tumour efficacy is uncommon, which encourages re-directing efforts on identifying biomarkers for eligible patient populations and comparing similar treatments earlier. Future endeavours will benefit from considering the shortcomings of past treatment strategies and accommodating the emerging complexity of TAM biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna H Rannikko
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Doctoral Program of Molecular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maija Hollmén
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
- Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Turku, Finland.
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3
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Asano R, Nakakido M, Pérez JF, Ise T, Caaveiro JMM, Nagata S, Tsumoto K. Crystal structures of human CD40 in complex with monoclonal antibodies dacetuzumab and bleselumab. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 714:149969. [PMID: 38657446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149969] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, and it is widely expressed on immune and non-immune cell types. The interaction between CD40 and the CD40 ligand (CD40L) plays an essential function in signaling, and the CD40/CD40L complex works as an immune checkpoint molecule. CD40 has become a therapeutic target, and a variety of agonistic/antagonistic anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been developed. To better understand the mode of action of anti-CD40 mAbs, we determined the X-ray crystal structures of dacetuzumab (agonist) and bleselumab (antagonist) in complex with the extracellular domain of human CD40, respectively. The structure reveals that dacetuzumab binds to CD40 on the top of cysteine-rich domain 1 (CRD1), which is the domain most distant from the cell surface, and it does not compete with CD40L binding. The binding interface of bleselumab spread between CRD2 and CRD1, overlapping with the binding surface of the ligand. Our results offer important insights for future structural and functional studies of CD40 and provide clues to understanding the mechanism of biological response. These data can be applied to developing new strategies for designing antibodies with more therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Asano
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakakido
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Jorge Fernández Pérez
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ise
- Laboratory of Antibody Design, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jose M M Caaveiro
- Department of Protein Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagata
- Laboratory of Antibody Design, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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4
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Moquist PN, Zhang X, Leiske CI, Eng-Duncan NML, Zeng W, Bindman NA, Wo SW, Wong A, Henderson CM, Crowder K, Lyon R, Doronina SO, Senter PD, Neff-LaFord HD, Sussman D, Gardai SJ, Levengood MR. Reversible Chemical Modification of Antibody Effector Function Mitigates Unwanted Systemic Immune Activation. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:855-866. [PMID: 38789102 PMCID: PMC11191404 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Antibody effector functions including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis (ADCP) are mediated through the interaction of the antibody Fc region with Fcγ receptors present on immune cells. Several approaches have been used to modulate antibody Fc-Fcγ interactions with the goal of driving an effective antitumor immune response, including Fc point mutations and glycan modifications. However, robust antibody-Fcγ engagement and immune cell binding of Fc-enhanced antibodies in the periphery can lead to the unwanted induction of systemic cytokine release and other dose-limiting infusion-related reactions. Creating a balance between effective engagement of Fcγ receptors that can induce antitumor activity without incurring systemic immune activation is an ongoing challenge in the field of antibody and immuno-oncology therapeutics. Herein, we describe a method for the reversible chemical modulation of antibody-Fcγ interactions using simple poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linkers conjugated to antibody interchain disulfides with maleimide attachments. This method enables dosing of a therapeutic with muted Fcγ engagement that is restored in vivo in a time-dependent manner. The technology was applied to an effector function enhanced agonist CD40 antibody, SEA-CD40, and experiments demonstrate significant reductions in Fc-induced immune activation in vitro and in mice and nonhuman primates despite showing retained efficacy and improved pharmacokinetics compared to the parent antibody. We foresee that this simple, modular system can be rapidly applied to antibodies that suffer from systemic immune activation due to peripheral FcγR binding immediately upon infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip N. Moquist
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Xinqun Zhang
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Chris I. Leiske
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | | | - Weiping Zeng
- ADC
In Vivo Pharmacology, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Noah A. Bindman
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Serena W. Wo
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Abbie Wong
- ADC
Translational Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Clark M. Henderson
- ADC
Translational Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Karalyne Crowder
- Non-Clinical
Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Robert Lyon
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Svetlana O. Doronina
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Peter D. Senter
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Haley D. Neff-LaFord
- Non-Clinical
Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Django Sussman
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Shyra J. Gardai
- Immunology, Pfizer,
Inc., 21823 30th Dr.
SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Matthew R. Levengood
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
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5
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Osorio JC, Knorr DA, Weitzenfeld P, Yao N, Baez M, DiLillo M, Rahman J, Bromberg J, Postow MA, Ariyan C, Robson ME, Ravetch JV. Intratumoral Fc-optimized agonistic CD40 antibody induces tumor rejection and systemic antitumor immunity in patients with metastatic cancer. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4244833. [PMID: 38883779 PMCID: PMC11177954 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4244833/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
While CD40 agonism is an attractive approach for activating antigen-presenting cells and initiating antitumor responses, previous attempts have encountered limited clinical efficacy coupled with toxicity. We previously demonstrated that interactions between the antibody Fc domain and the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIB are critical for enhanced antitumor activity. Here, we present the results of a phase 1 study on intratumoral administration of an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody (2141-V11) Fc-engineered to enhance FcγRIIB binding. Primary endpoints included safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and recommended phase 2 dose. Secondary objectives included preliminary clinical activity and correlative studies from biospecimens. 2141-V11 was well-tolerated without dose-limiting toxicities and MTD was not reached. In ten evaluable patients with metastatic cancer, the overall response rate was 20%, with complete responses in two patients (melanoma and breast carcinoma) and stable disease in six patients. 2141-V11 induced tumor regression in injected and non-injected lesions, with increased leukocyte infiltration and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) formation in post-treatment biopsies. In a humanized mouse model for CD40 and FcγRs, 2141-V11 induced TLS formation in mice bearing orthotopic breast carcinoma, correlating with local and abscopal antitumor effects, systemic immune activation, and immune memory. These findings support the safety and efficacy of 2141-V11, warranting phase 2 studies and suggesting a unique mechanism of action for this Fc-enhanced immunotherapy (NCT04059588).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Osorio
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - David A. Knorr
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Current address: Regeneron, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Polina Weitzenfeld
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Ning Yao
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Maria Baez
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Meghan DiLillo
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Jahan Rahman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jacqueline Bromberg
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Michael A. Postow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Charlotte Ariyan
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Mark E. Robson
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Jeffrey V. Ravetch
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
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6
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Caudell DL, Dugan GO, Babitzki G, Schubert C, Braendli-Baiocco A, Wasserman K, Acona G, Stern M, Passioukov A, Cline JM, Charo J. Systemic immune response to a CD40 agonist antibody in nonhuman primates. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:1084-1093. [PMID: 38372596 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae031] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The cell surface molecule CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is broadly expressed by immune cells including B cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes, as well as other normal cells and some malignant cells. CD40 is constitutively expressed on antigen-presenting cells, and ligation promotes functional maturation, leading to an increase in antigen presentation and cytokine production, and a subsequent increase in the activation of antigen-specific T cells. It is postulated that CD40 agonists can mediate both T cell-dependent and T cell-independent immune mechanisms of tumor regression in mice and patients. In addition, it is believed that CD40 activation also promotes apoptotic death of tumor cells and that the presence of the molecule on the surface of cancer cells is an important factor in the generation of tumor-specific T cell responses that contribute to tumor cell elimination. Notably, CD40 agonistic therapies were evaluated in patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies with reported success as a single agent. Preclinical studies have shown that subcutaneous administration of CD40 agonistic antibodies reduces systemic toxicity and elicits a stronger and localized pharmacodynamic response. Two independent studies in cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) were performed to further evaluate potentially immunotoxicological effects associated with drug-induced adverse events seen in human subjects. Studies conducted in monkeys showed that when selicrelumab is administered at doses currently used in clinical trial patients, via subcutaneous injection, it is safe and effective at stimulating a systemic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Caudell
- Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States
| | - Gregory O Dugan
- Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States
| | - Galina Babitzki
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Staffelseestrasse 2-8, 81477 Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Schubert
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Science, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annamaria Braendli-Baiocco
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Science, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ken Wasserman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd NW #337, Washington, DC 20007, United States
| | - Gonzalo Acona
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Wagistrasse 10, 8952 Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Stern
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Passioukov
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Wagistrasse 10, 8952 Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Mark Cline
- Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States
| | - Jehad Charo
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Wagistrasse 10, 8952 Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
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7
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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8
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Lim SH, Beers SA, Al-Shamkhani A, Cragg MS. Agonist Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy: History, Hopes, and Challenges. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1712-1723. [PMID: 38153346 PMCID: PMC7615925 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is among the most promising new treatment modalities to arise over the last two decades; antibody drugs are delivering immunotherapy to millions of patients with many different types of cancer. Initial success with antibody therapeutics came in the form of direct targeting or cytotoxic antibodies, such as rituximab and trastuzumab, which bind directly to tumor cells to elicit their destruction. These were followed by immunomodulatory antibodies that elicit antitumor responses by either stimulating immune cells or relieving tumor-mediated suppression. By far the most successful approach in the clinic to date has been relieving immune suppression, with immune checkpoint blockade now a standard approach in the treatment of many cancer types. Despite equivalent and sometimes even more impressive effects in preclinical models, agonist antibodies designed to stimulate the immune system have lagged behind in their clinical translation. In this review, we document the main receptors that have been targeted by agonist antibodies, consider the various approaches that have been evaluated to date, detail what we have learned, and consider how their anticancer potential can be unlocked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean H. Lim
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Stephen A. Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mark S. Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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9
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Beckmann K, Reitinger C, Yan X, Carle A, Blümle E, Jurkschat N, Paulmann C, Prassl S, Kazandjian LV, Loré K, Nimmerjahn F, Fischer S. Fcγ-Receptor-Independent Controlled Activation of CD40 Canonical Signaling by Novel Therapeutic Antibodies for Cancer Therapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:31. [PMID: 38651411 PMCID: PMC11036229 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020031] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation of CD40-mediated signaling in antigen-presenting cells is a promising therapeutic strategy to promote immune responses against tumors. Most agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies currently in development require the Fcγ-receptor (FcγR)-mediated crosslinking of CD40 molecules for a meaningful activation of CD40 signaling but have limitations due to dose-limiting toxicities. Here we describe the identification of CD40 antibodies which strongly stimulate antigen-presenting cells in an entirely FcγR-independent manner. These Fc-silenced anti-CD40 antibodies induce an efficient upregulation of costimulatory receptors and cytokine release by dendritic cells. Finally, the most active identified anti-CD40 antibody shows activity in humanized mice. More importantly, there are no signs of obvious toxicities. These studies thus demonstrate the potent activation of antigen-presenting cells with anti-CD40 antibodies lacking FcγR-binding activity and open the possibility for an efficacious and safe combination therapy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Reitinger
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xianglei Yan
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Carle
- Biontech SE, Forstenrieder Str. 8-14, 82061 Neuried, Germany
| | - Eva Blümle
- Biontech SE, Forstenrieder Str. 8-14, 82061 Neuried, Germany
| | | | | | - Sandra Prassl
- Biontech SE, Forstenrieder Str. 8-14, 82061 Neuried, Germany
| | | | - Karin Loré
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Falk Nimmerjahn
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- FAU Profile Centre Immunomedicine, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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10
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Knorr DA, Blanchard L, Leidner RS, Jensen SM, Meng R, Jones A, Ballesteros-Merino C, Bell RB, Baez M, Marino A, Sprott D, Bifulco CB, Piening B, Dahan R, Osorio JC, Fox BA, Ravetch JV. FcγRIIB Is an Immune Checkpoint Limiting the Activity of Treg-Targeting Antibodies in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:322-333. [PMID: 38147316 PMCID: PMC10911703 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical murine data indicate that fragment crystallizable (Fc)-dependent depletion of intratumoral regulatory T cells (Treg) is a major mechanism of action of anti-CTLA-4. However, the two main antibodies administered to patients (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) do not recapitulate these effects. Here, we investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the limited Treg depletion observed with these therapies. Using an immunocompetent murine model humanized for CTLA-4 and Fcγ receptors (FcγR), we show that ipilimumab and tremelimumab exhibit limited Treg depletion in tumors. Immune profiling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in both humanized mice and humans revealed high expression of the inhibitory Fc receptor, FcγRIIB, which limits antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity/phagocytosis. Blocking FcγRIIB in humanized mice rescued the Treg-depleting capacity and antitumor activity of ipilimumab. Furthermore, Fc engineering of antibodies targeting Treg-associated targets (CTLA-4 or CCR8) to minimize FcγRIIB binding significantly enhanced Treg depletion, resulting in increased antitumor activity across various tumor models. Our results define the inhibitory FcγRIIB as an immune checkpoint limiting antibody-mediated Treg depletion in the TME, and demonstrate Fc engineering as an effective strategy to overcome this limitation and improve the efficacy of Treg-targeting antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Knorr
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lucas Blanchard
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Rom S. Leidner
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (a division of Providence Cancer Institute), Portland, Oregon
| | - Shawn M. Jensen
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (a division of Providence Cancer Institute), Portland, Oregon
| | - Ryan Meng
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (a division of Providence Cancer Institute), Portland, Oregon
| | - Andrew Jones
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | | | - Richard B. Bell
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (a division of Providence Cancer Institute), Portland, Oregon
| | - Maria Baez
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Alessandra Marino
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - David Sprott
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (a division of Providence Cancer Institute), Portland, Oregon
| | - Carlo B. Bifulco
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (a division of Providence Cancer Institute), Portland, Oregon
| | - Brian Piening
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (a division of Providence Cancer Institute), Portland, Oregon
| | - Rony Dahan
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Juan C. Osorio
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Bernard A. Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (a division of Providence Cancer Institute), Portland, Oregon
| | - Jeffrey V. Ravetch
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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11
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Xu C, Zhou X, Webb L, Yalavarthi S, Zheng W, Saha S, Schweickhardt R, Soloviev M, Jenkins MH, Brandstetter S, Belousova N, Alimzhanov M, Rabinovich B, Deshpande AM, Brewis N, Helming L. M9657 Is a Bispecific Tumor-Targeted Anti-CD137 Agonist That Induces MSLN-Dependent Antitumor Immunity without Liver Inflammation. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:195-213. [PMID: 38091375 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The costimulatory receptor CD137 (also known as TNFRSF9 or 4-1BB) sustains effective cytotoxic T-cell responses. Agonistic anti-CD137 cancer immunotherapies are being investigated in clinical trials. Development of the first-generation CD137-agonist monotherapies utomilumab and urelumab was unsuccessful due to low antitumor efficacy mediated by the epitope recognized on CD137 or hepatotoxicity mediated by Fcγ receptors (FcγR) ligand-dependent CD137 activation, respectively. M9657 was engineered as a tetravalent bispecific antibody (mAb2) in a human IgG1 backbone with LALA mutations to reduce binding to FCγRs. Here, we report that M9657 selectively binds to mesothelin (MSLN) and CD137 with similar affinity in humans and cynomolgus monkeys. In a cellular functional assay, M9657 enhanced CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine release in the presence of tumor cells, which was dependent on both MSLN expression and T-cell receptor/CD3 activation. Both FS122m, a murine surrogate with the same protein structure as M9657, and chimeric M9657, a modified M9657 antibody with the Fab portion replaced with an anti-murine MSLN motif, demonstrated in vivo antitumor efficacy against various tumors in wild-type and human CD137 knock-in mice, and this was accompanied by activated CD8+ T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. The antitumor immunity of M9657 and FS122m depended on MSLN expression density and the mAb2 structure. Compared with 3H3, a murine surrogate of urelumab, FS122m and chimeric M9657 displayed significantly lower on-target/off-tumor toxicity. Taken together, M9657 exhibits a promising profile for development as a tumor-targeting immune agonist with potent anticancer activity without systemic immune activation and associated hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Xu
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Xueyuan Zhou
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Lindsay Webb
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | | | - Wenxin Zheng
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Somdutta Saha
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Rene Schweickhardt
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Maria Soloviev
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Molly H Jenkins
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Neil Brewis
- F-star Therapeutics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Helming
- Research Unit Oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts
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12
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Galvez-Cancino F, Simpson AP, Costoya C, Matos I, Qian D, Peggs KS, Litchfield K, Quezada SA. Fcγ receptors and immunomodulatory antibodies in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:51-71. [PMID: 38062252 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of both cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) as negative regulators of antitumour immunity led to the development of numerous immunomodulatory antibodies as cancer treatments. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the efficacy of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-based therapies depends not only on their ability to block or engage their targets but also on the antibody's constant region (Fc) and its interactions with Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). Fc-FcγR interactions are essential for the activity of tumour-targeting antibodies, such as rituximab, trastuzumab and cetuximab, where the killing of tumour cells occurs at least in part due to these mechanisms. However, our understanding of these interactions in the context of immunomodulatory antibodies designed to boost antitumour immunity remains less explored. In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of the contribution of FcγRs to the in vivo activity of immunomodulatory antibodies and the challenges of translating results from preclinical models into the clinic. In addition, we review the impact of genetic variability of human FcγRs on the activity of therapeutic antibodies and how antibody engineering is being utilized to develop the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Galvez-Cancino
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Alexander P Simpson
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Cristobal Costoya
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Ignacio Matos
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Danwen Qian
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Karl S Peggs
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
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13
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Morse JW, Gui X, Deng M, Huang R, Ye X, Zhao P, Fan X, Xiong W, Zhang C, Zhang N, An Z. Fc gamma receptors promote antibody-induced LILRB4 internalization and immune regulation of monocytic AML. Antib Ther 2024; 7:13-27. [PMID: 38235377 PMCID: PMC10791040 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) is found specifically on the cell surface of acute monocytic leukemia (monocytic AML), an aggressive and common subtype of AML. We have developed a humanized monoclonal IgG1 LILRB4-blocking antibody (h128-3), which improved immune regulation but reduced cell surface expression of LILRB4 in monocytic AML models by 40-60%. Interestingly, most of this effect was neutralized by mutation of the Fc region of the antibody (h128-3/N297A), which prevents interaction with Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs). This suggested that there is FcγR-dependent antigenic modulation underlying h128-3's effects, a mechanism known to alter the function of antibodies targeting B-cell malignancies. We disrupted the Fc-FcγR interaction pharmacologically and with stable CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genetic knockout of FcγRs in monocytic AML cell lines to investigate the role of FcγR-dependent antigenic modulation in the regulation of LILRB4 by h128-3. When FcγRI is inhibited or removed from the surface of monocytic AML cells, h128-3 cannot optimally perform its blocking function, resulting in activation of the LILRB4 inhibitory receptor and leading to a 15-25% decrease in T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. In the absence of FcγRI, scaffolding by FcγRIIa allows h128-3 to maintain LILRB4-blocking function. Here we define a FcγR-dependent antigenic modulation mechanism underlying the function of an immunoreceptor blocking antibody for the first time in myeloid malignancy. This research will facilitate the development of safe, precision-targeted antibody therapeutics in myeloid malignancies with greater potency and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W Morse
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xun Gui
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mi Deng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ryan Huang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaohua Ye
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peng Zhao
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xuejun Fan
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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14
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Osorio JC, Smith P, Knorr DA, Ravetch JV. The antitumor activities of anti-CD47 antibodies require Fc-FcγR interactions. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:2051-2065.e6. [PMID: 37977147 PMCID: PMC10842210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
While anti-CD47 antibodies hold promise for cancer immunotherapy, early-phase clinical trials have shown limited clinical benefit, suggesting that CD47 blockade alone might be insufficient for effective tumor control. Here, we investigate the contributions of the Fc domain of anti-CD47 antibodies required for optimal in vivo antitumor activity across multiple species-matched models, providing insights into the mechanisms behind the efficacy of this emerging class of therapeutic antibodies. Using a mouse model humanized for CD47, SIRPα, and FcγRs, we demonstrate that local administration of Fc-engineered anti-CD47 antibodies with enhanced binding to activating FcγRs promotes tumor infiltration of macrophages and antigen-specific T cells, while depleting regulatory T cells. These effects result in improved long-term systemic antitumor immunity and minimal on-target off-tumor toxicity. Our results highlight the importance of Fc optimization in the development of effective anti-CD47 therapies and provide an attractive strategy to enhance the activity of this promising immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Osorio
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Patrick Smith
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - David A Knorr
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Regeneron, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Ravetch
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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15
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Bauer-Smith H, Sudol ASL, Beers SA, Crispin M. Serum immunoglobulin and the threshold of Fc receptor-mediated immune activation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130448. [PMID: 37652365 PMCID: PMC11032748 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130448] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies can mediate immune recruitment or clearance of immune complexes through the interaction of their Fc domain with cellular Fc receptors. Clustering of antibodies is a key step in generating sufficient avidity for efficacious receptor recognition. However, Fc receptors may be saturated with prevailing, endogenous serum immunoglobulin and this raises the threshold by which cellular receptors can be productively engaged. Here, we review the factors controlling serum IgG levels in both healthy and disease states, and discuss how the presence of endogenous IgG is encoded into the functional activation thresholds for low- and high-affinity Fc receptors. We discuss the circumstances where antibody engineering can help overcome these physiological limitations of therapeutic antibodies. Finally, we discuss how the pharmacological control of Fc receptor saturation by endogenous IgG is emerging as a feasible mechanism for the enhancement of antibody therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Bauer-Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Abigail S L Sudol
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Stephen A Beers
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
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16
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Pittet MJ, Di Pilato M, Garris C, Mempel TR. Dendritic cells as shepherds of T cell immunity in cancer. Immunity 2023; 56:2218-2230. [PMID: 37708889 PMCID: PMC10591862 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In cancer patients, dendritic cells (DCs) in tumor-draining lymph nodes can present antigens to naive T cells in ways that break immunological tolerance. The clonally expanded progeny of primed T cells are further regulated by DCs at tumor sites. Intratumoral DCs can both provide survival signals to and drive effector differentiation of incoming T cells, thereby locally enhancing antitumor immunity; however, the paucity of intratumoral DCs or their expression of immunoregulatory molecules often limits antitumor T cell responses. Here, we review the current understanding of DC-T cell interactions at both priming and effector sites of immune responses. We place emerging insights into DC functions in tumor immunity in the context of DC development, ontogeny, and functions in other settings and propose that DCs control at least two T cell-associated checkpoints of the cancer immunity cycle. Our understanding of both checkpoints has implications for the development of new approaches to cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael J Pittet
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland; AGORA Cancer Center, Swiss Cancer Center Leman, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Mauro Di Pilato
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Christopher Garris
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thorsten R Mempel
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
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17
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Wong JL, Smith P, Angulo-Lozano J, Ranti D, Bochner BH, Sfakianos JP, Horowitz A, Ravetch JV, Knorr DA. IL-15 synergizes with CD40 agonist antibodies to induce durable immunity against bladder cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306782120. [PMID: 37607227 PMCID: PMC10467355 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306782120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
CD40 is a central costimulatory receptor implicated in productive antitumor immune responses across multiple cancers, including bladder cancer. Despite strong preclinical rationale, systemic administration of therapeutic agonistic antibodies targeting the CD40 pathway has demonstrated dose-limiting toxicities with minimal clinical activity, emphasizing an important need for optimized CD40-targeted approaches, including rational combination therapy strategies. Here, we describe a role for the endogenous IL-15 pathway in contributing to the therapeutic activity of CD40 agonism in orthotopic bladder tumors, with upregulation of transpresented IL-15/IL-15Rα surface complexes, particularly by cross-presenting conventional type 1 DCs (Dendritic Cells), and associated enrichment of activated CD8 T cells. In bladder cancer patient samples, we identify DCs as the primary source of IL-15, although they lack high levels of IL-15Rα at baseline. Using humanized immunocompetent orthotopic bladder tumor models, we demonstrate the ability to therapeutically augment this interaction through combined treatment with anti-CD40 agonist antibodies and exogenous IL-15, including the fully-human Fc-optimized antibody 2141-V11 currently in clinical development for the treatment of bladder cancer. Collectively, these data reveal an important role for IL-15 in mediating antitumor CD40 agonist responses in bladder cancer and provide key proof-of-concept for combined use of Fc-optimized anti-CD40 agonist antibodies and agents targeting the IL-15 pathway. These data support expansion of ongoing clinical studies evaluating anti-CD40 agonist antibodies and IL-15-based approaches to develop combinations of these promising therapeutics for the treatment of patients with bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L. Wong
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
| | - Patrick Smith
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Juan Angulo-Lozano
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - Daniel Ranti
- The Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - Bernard H. Bochner
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
| | - John P. Sfakianos
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - Amir Horowitz
- The Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - Jeffrey V. Ravetch
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
| | - David A. Knorr
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY10065
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
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18
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Nimmerjahn F, Vidarsson G, Cragg MS. Effect of posttranslational modifications and subclass on IgG activity: from immunity to immunotherapy. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1244-1255. [PMID: 37414906 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01544-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Humoral immune responses are characterized by complex mixtures of polyclonal antibody species varying in their isotype, target epitope specificity and affinity. Posttranslational modifications occurring during antibody production in both the antibody variable and constant domain create further complexity and can modulate antigen specificity and antibody Fc-dependent effector functions, respectively. Finally, modifications of the antibody backbone after secretion may further impact antibody activity. An in-depth understanding of how these posttranslational modifications impact antibody function, especially in the context of individual antibody isotypes and subclasses, is only starting to emerge. Indeed, only a minute proportion of this natural variability in the humoral immune response is currently reflected in therapeutic antibody preparations. In this Review, we summarize recent insights into how IgG subclass and posttranslational modifications impact IgG activity and discuss how these insights may be used to optimize therapeutic antibody development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Nimmerjahn
- Division of Genetics, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Immunoglobulin Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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19
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Osorio JC, Smith P, Knorr DA, Ravetch JV. The Antitumor Activities of Anti-CD47 Antibodies Require Fc-FcγR interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.29.547082. [PMID: 37455857 PMCID: PMC10347539 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.29.547082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
While anti-CD47 antibodies hold promise for cancer immunotherapy, early phase clinical trials have shown limited signs of clinical benefit, suggesting that blockade of CD47 alone may not be sufficient for effective tumor control. Here, we investigate the contributions of the Fc domain of anti-CD47 antibodies required for optimal in vivo antitumor activity across multiple species-matched models, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this emerging class of therapeutic antibodies. Using a novel mouse model humanized for CD47, SIRPα and FcγRs, we demonstrate that local administration of an Fc-engineered anti-CD47 antibody with enhanced binding to activating FcγRs modulates myeloid and T-cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in improved long-term systemic antitumor immunity and minimal on-target off-tumor toxicity. Our results highlight the importance of Fc optimization in the development of effective anti-CD47 therapies and provide a novel approach for enhancing the antitumor activity of this promising immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Osorio
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Patrick Smith
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - David A Knorr
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Ravetch
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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20
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Yan X, Ols S, Arcoverde Cerveira R, Lenart K, Hellgren F, Ye K, Cagigi A, Buggert M, Nimmerjahn F, Falkesgaard Højen J, Parera D, Pessara U, Fischer S, Loré K. Cell targeting and immunostimulatory properties of a novel Fcγ-receptor-independent agonistic anti-CD40 antibody in rhesus macaques. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:189. [PMID: 37353664 PMCID: PMC10289945 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04828-2] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Targeting CD40 by agonistic antibodies used as vaccine adjuvants or for cancer immunotherapy is a strategy to stimulate immune responses. The majority of studied agonistic anti-human CD40 antibodies require crosslinking of their Fc region to inhibitory FcγRIIb to induce immune stimulation although this has been associated with toxicity in previous studies. Here we introduce an agonistic anti-human CD40 monoclonal IgG1 antibody (MAB273) unique in its specificity to the CD40L binding site of CD40 but devoid of Fcγ-receptor binding. We demonstrate rapid binding of MAB273 to B cells and dendritic cells resulting in activation in vitro on human cells and in vivo in rhesus macaques. Dissemination of fluorescently labeled MAB273 after subcutaneous administration was found predominantly at the site of injection and specific draining lymph nodes. Phenotypic cell differentiation and upregulation of genes associated with immune activation were found in the targeted tissues. Antigen-specific T cell responses were enhanced by MAB273 when given in a prime-boost regimen and for boosting low preexisting responses. MAB273 may therefore be a promising immunostimulatory adjuvant that warrants future testing for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglei Yan
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Ols
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rodrigo Arcoverde Cerveira
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Lenart
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrika Hellgren
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kewei Ye
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alberto Cagigi
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Buggert
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Falk Nimmerjahn
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jesper Falkesgaard Højen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Karin Loré
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, BioClinicum J7:30, 171 64, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden.
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21
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Cheng H, Chen W, Lin Y, Zhang J, Song X, Zhang D. Signaling pathways involved in the biological functions of dendritic cells and their implications for disease treatment. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:15. [PMID: 37183207 PMCID: PMC10183318 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00125-3] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to initiate and regulate adaptive immune responses is fundamental for maintaining immune homeostasis upon exposure to self or foreign antigens. The immune regulatory function of DCs is strictly controlled by their distribution as well as by cytokines, chemokines, and transcriptional programming. These factors work in conjunction to determine whether DCs exert an immunosuppressive or immune-activating function. Therefore, understanding the molecular signals involved in DC-dependent immunoregulation is crucial in providing insight into the generation of organismal immunity and revealing potential clinical applications of DCs. Considering the many breakthroughs in DC research in recent years, in this review we focused on three basic lines of research directly related to the biological functions of DCs and summarized new immunotherapeutic strategies involving DCs. First, we reviewed recent findings on DC subsets and identified lineage-restricted transcription factors that guide the development of different DC subsets. Second, we discussed the recognition and processing of antigens by DCs through pattern recognition receptors, endogenous/exogenous pathways, and the presentation of antigens through peptide/major histocompatibility complexes. Third, we reviewed how interactions between DCs and T cells coordinate immune homeostasis in vivo via multiple pathways. Finally, we summarized the application of DC-based immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases and tumors and highlighted potential research prospects for immunotherapy that targets DCs. This review provides a useful resource to better understand the immunomodulatory signals involved in different subsets of DCs and the manipulation of these immune signals can facilitate DC-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Cheng
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjing Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yubin Lin
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Song
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dunfang Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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22
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Manso T, Kushwaha A, Abdollahi N, Duroux P, Giudicelli V, Kossida S. Mechanisms of action of monoclonal antibodies in oncology integrated in IMGT/mAb-DB. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129323. [PMID: 37215135 PMCID: PMC10196129 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129323] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cells activate different immune checkpoint (IC) pathways in order to evade immunosurveillance. Immunotherapies involving ICs either block or stimulate these pathways and enhance the efficiency of the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. In this way, the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting ICs has significant success in cancer treatment. Recently, a systematic description of the mechanisms of action (MOA) of the mAbs has been introduced in IMGT/mAb-DB, the IMGT® database dedicated to mAbs for therapeutic applications. The characterization of these antibodies provides a comprehensive understanding of how mAbs work in cancer. Methods In depth biocuration taking advantage of the abundant literature data as well as amino acid sequence analyses from mAbs managed in IMGT/2Dstructure-DB, the IMGT® protein database, allowed to define a standardized and consistent description of the MOA of mAbs targeting immune checkpoints in cancer therapy. Results A fine description and a standardized graphical representation of the MOA of selected mAbs are integrated within IMGT/mAb-DB highlighting two main mechanisms in cancer immunotherapy, either Blocking or Agonist. In both cases, the mAbs enhance cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated anti-tumor immune response (Immunostimulant effect) against tumor cells. On the one hand, mAbs targeting co-inhibitory receptors may have a functional Fc region to increase anti-tumor activity by effector properties that deplete Treg cells (Fc-effector function effect) or may have limited FcγR binding to prevent Teff cells depletion and reduce adverse events. On the other hand, agonist mAbs targeting co-stimulatory receptors may bind to FcγRs, resulting in antibody crosslinking (FcγR crosslinking effect) and substantial agonism. Conclusion In IMGT/mAb-DB, mAbs for cancer therapy are characterized by their chains, domains and sequence and by several therapeutic metadata, including their MOA. MOAs were recently included as a search criterion to query the database. IMGT® is continuing standardized work to describe the MOA of mAbs targeting additional immune checkpoints and novel molecules in cancer therapy, as well as expanding this study to other clinical domains.
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23
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Dadas O, Ertay A, Cragg MS. Delivering co-stimulatory tumor necrosis factor receptor agonism for cancer immunotherapy: past, current and future perspectives. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1147467. [PMID: 37180119 PMCID: PMC10167284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) and their receptors (TNFRSF) are important regulators of the immune system, mediating proliferation, survival, differentiation, and function of immune cells. As a result, their targeting for immunotherapy is attractive, although to date, under-exploited. In this review we discuss the importance of co-stimulatory members of the TNFRSF in optimal immune response generation, the rationale behind targeting these receptors for immunotherapy, the success of targeting them in pre-clinical studies and the challenges in translating this success into the clinic. The efficacy and limitations of the currently available agents are discussed alongside the development of next generation immunostimulatory agents designed to overcome current issues, and capitalize on this receptor class to deliver potent, durable and safe drugs for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Dadas
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ayse Ertay
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S. Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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24
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Cohen Saban N, Yalin A, Landsberger T, Salomon R, Alva A, Feferman T, Amit I, Dahan R. Fc glycoengineering of a PD-L1 antibody harnesses Fcγ receptors for increased antitumor efficacy. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadd8005. [PMID: 36867679 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.add8005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
FDA-approved anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) bear the IgG1 isotype, whose scaffolds are either wild-type (e.g., avelumab) or Fc-mutated and lacking Fcγ receptor (FcγR) engagement (e.g., atezolizumab). It is unknown whether variation in the ability of the IgG1 Fc region to engage FcγRs renders mAbs with superior therapeutic activity. In this study, we used humanized FcγR mice to study the contribution of FcγR signaling to the antitumor activity of human anti-PD-L1 mAbs and to identify an optimal human IgG scaffold for PD-L1 mAbs. We observed similar antitumor efficacy and comparable tumor immune responses in mice treated with anti-PD-L1 mAbs with wild-type and Fc-mutated IgG scaffolds. However, in vivo antitumor activity of the wild-type anti-PD-L1 mAb avelumab was enhanced by combination treatment with an FcγRIIB-blocking antibody, which was co-administered to overcome the suppressor function of FcγRIIB in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We performed Fc glycoengineering to remove the fucose subunit from the Fc-attached glycan of avelumab to enhance its binding to the activating FcγRIIIA. Treatment with the Fc-afucosylated version of avelumab also enhanced antitumor activity and induced stronger antitumor immune responses compared with the parental IgG. The enhanced effect by afucosylated PD-L1 antibody was dependent on neutrophils and associated with decreased frequencies of PD-L1+ myeloid cells and increased infiltration of T cells in the TME. Our data reveal that the current design of FDA-approved anti-PD-L1 mAbs does not optimally harness FcγR pathways and suggest two strategies to enhance FcγR engagement to optimize anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noy Cohen Saban
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Adam Yalin
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tomer Landsberger
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ran Salomon
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ajjai Alva
- University of Michigan Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tali Feferman
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ido Amit
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rony Dahan
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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25
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Wong JL, Smith P, Angulo-Lozano J, Ranti D, Bochner BH, Sfakianos JP, Horowitz A, Ravetch JV, Knorr DA. IL-15 synergizes with CD40 agonist antibodies to induce durable immunity against bladder cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.30.526266. [PMID: 36778311 PMCID: PMC9915460 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.526266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CD40 is a central co-stimulatory receptor implicated in the development of productive anti-tumor immune responses across multiple cancers, including bladder cancer. Despite strong preclinical rationale, systemic administration of therapeutic agonistic antibodies targeting the CD40 pathway have demonstrated dose limiting toxicities with minimal clinical activity to date, emphasizing an important need for optimized CD40-targeted approaches, including rational combination therapy strategies. Here, we describe an important role for the endogenous IL-15 pathway in contributing to the therapeutic activity of CD40 agonism in orthotopic bladder tumors, with upregulation of trans-presented IL-15/IL-15Rα surface complexes, particularly by cross-presenting cDC1s, and associated enrichment of activated CD8 T cells within the bladder tumor microenvironment. In bladder cancer patient samples, we identify DCs as the primary source of IL-15, however, they lack high levels of IL-15Rα at baseline. Using humanized immunocompetent orthotopic bladder tumor models, we demonstrate the ability to therapeutically augment this interaction through combined treatment with anti-CD40 agonist antibodies and exogenous IL-15, including the fully-human Fc-optimized antibody 2141-V11 currently in clinical development for the treatment of bladder cancer. Combination therapy enhances the crosstalk between Batf3-dependent cDC1s and CD8 T cells, driving robust primary anti-tumor activity and further stimulating long-term systemic anti-tumor memory responses associated with circulating memory-phenotype T and NK cell populations. Collectively, these data reveal an important role for IL-15 in mediating anti-tumor CD40 agonist responses in bladder cancer and provide key proof-of-concept for combined use of Fc-optimized anti-CD40 agonist antibodies and agents targeting the IL-15 pathway. These data support expansion of ongoing clinical studies evaluating anti-CD40 agonist antibodies and IL-15-based approaches to evaluate combinations of these promising therapeutics for the treatment of patients with bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L. Wong
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Current address: Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Smith
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Juan Angulo-Lozano
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Daniel Ranti
- The Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Bernard H. Bochner
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - John P. Sfakianos
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Amir Horowitz
- The Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jeffrey V. Ravetch
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - David A. Knorr
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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26
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Yu X, Orr CM, Chan HTC, James S, Penfold CA, Kim J, Inzhelevskaya T, Mockridge CI, Cox KL, Essex JW, Tews I, Glennie MJ, Cragg MS. Reducing affinity as a strategy to boost immunomodulatory antibody agonism. Nature 2023; 614:539-547. [PMID: 36725933 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Antibody responses during infection and vaccination typically undergo affinity maturation to achieve high-affinity binding for efficient neutralization of pathogens1,2. Similarly, high affinity is routinely the goal for therapeutic antibody generation. However, in contrast to naturally occurring or direct-targeting therapeutic antibodies, immunomodulatory antibodies, which are designed to modulate receptor signalling, have not been widely examined for their affinity-function relationship. Here we examine three separate immunologically important receptors spanning two receptor superfamilies: CD40, 4-1BB and PD-1. We show that low rather than high affinity delivers greater activity through increased clustering. This approach delivered higher immune cell activation, in vivo T cell expansion and antitumour activity in the case of CD40. Moreover, an inert anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibody was transformed into an agonist. Low-affinity variants of the clinically important antagonistic anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody nivolumab also mediated more potent signalling and affected T cell activation. These findings reveal a new paradigm for augmenting agonism across diverse receptor families and shed light on the mechanism of antibody-mediated receptor signalling. Such affinity engineering offers a rational, efficient and highly tuneable solution to deliver antibody-mediated receptor activity across a range of potencies suitable for translation to the treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Yu
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Christian M Orr
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - H T Claude Chan
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Sonya James
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Christine A Penfold
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Jinny Kim
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Tatyana Inzhelevskaya
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - C Ian Mockridge
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Kerry L Cox
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan W Essex
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ivo Tews
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Martin J Glennie
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK.
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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27
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Suzuki K, Tajima M, Tokumaru Y, Oshiro Y, Nagata S, Kamada H, Kihara M, Nakano K, Honjo T, Ohta A. Anti-PD-1 antibodies recognizing the membrane-proximal region are PD-1 agonists that can down-regulate inflammatory diseases. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadd4947. [PMID: 36638191 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.add4947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The PD-1 receptor triggers a negative immunoregulatory mechanism that prevents overactivation of immune cells and subsequent inflammatory diseases. Because of its biological significance, PD-1 has been a drug target for modulating immune responses. Immunoenhancing anti-PD-1 blocking antibodies have become a widely used cancer treatment; however, little is known about the required characteristics for anti-PD-1 antibodies to be capable of stimulating immunosuppressive activity. Here, we show that PD-1 agonists exist in the group of anti-PD-1 antibodies recognizing the membrane-proximal extracellular region in sharp contrast to the binding of the membrane-distal region by blocking antibodies. This trend was consistent in an analysis of 81 anti-human PD-1 monoclonal antibodies. Because PD-1 agonist antibodies trigger immunosuppressive signaling by cross-linking PD-1 molecules, Fc engineering to enhance FcγRIIB binding of PD-1 agonist antibodies notably improved human T cell inhibition. A PD-1 agonist antibody suppressed inflammation in murine disease models, indicating its clinical potential for treatment of various inflammatory disorders, including autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Suzuki
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Pharmaceutical R&D Division, Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd., Tokyo 104-8002, Japan
| | - Masaki Tajima
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Division of Integrated High-Order Regulatory Systems, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yosuke Tokumaru
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Pharmaceutical R&D Division, Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd., Tokyo 104-8002, Japan
| | - Yuya Oshiro
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Pharmaceutical R&D Division, Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd., Tokyo 104-8002, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagata
- Laboratory of Antibody Design, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Ibaraki 567-0085, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Kamada
- Laboratory of Antibody Design, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Ibaraki 567-0085, Japan
| | - Miho Kihara
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakano
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Tasuku Honjo
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akio Ohta
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
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28
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Jhajj HS, Lwo TS, Yao EL, Tessier PM. Unlocking the potential of agonist antibodies for treating cancer using antibody engineering. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:48-60. [PMID: 36344331 PMCID: PMC9742327 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Agonist antibodies that target immune checkpoints, such as those in the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, are an important class of emerging therapeutics due to their ability to regulate immune cell activity, especially for treating cancer. Despite their potential, to date, they have shown limited clinical utility and further antibody optimization is urgently needed to improve their therapeutic potential. Here, we discuss key antibody engineering approaches for improving the activity of antibody agonists by optimizing their valency, specificity for different receptors (e.g., bispecific antibodies) and epitopes (e.g., biepitopic or biparatopic antibodies), and Fc affinity for Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). These powerful approaches are being used to develop the next generation of cancer immunotherapeutics with improved efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkamal S Jhajj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timon S Lwo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily L Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter M Tessier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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29
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Liu X, Lu Y, Huang J, Xing Y, Dai H, Zhu L, Li S, Feng J, Zhou B, Li J, Xia Q, Li J, Huang M, Gu Y, Su S. CD16 + fibroblasts foster a trastuzumab-refractory microenvironment that is reversed by VAV2 inhibition. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1341-1357.e13. [PMID: 36379207 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The leukocyte Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-mediated response is important for the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies; however, little is known about the role of FcγRs in other cell types. Here we identify a subset of fibroblasts in human breast cancer that express CD16 (FcγRIII). An abundance of these cells in HER2+ breast cancer patients is associated with poor prognosis and response to trastuzumab. Functionally, upon trastuzumab stimulation, CD16+ fibroblasts reduce drug delivery by enhancing extracellular matrix stiffness. Interaction between trastuzumab and CD16 activates the intracellular SYK-VAV2-RhoA-ROCK-MLC2-MRTF-A pathway, leading to elevated contractile force and matrix production. Targeting of a Rho family guanine nucleotide exchange factor, VAV2, which is indispensable for the function of CD16 in fibroblasts rather than leukocytes, reverses desmoplasia provoked by CD16+ fibroblasts. Collectively, our study reveals a role for the fibroblast FcγR in drug resistance, and suggests that VAV2 is an attractive target to augment the effects of antibody treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yiwen Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jingying Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yue Xing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Huiqi Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Liling Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shunrong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jingwei Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Boxuan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jiaqian Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Qidong Xia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Min Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yuanting Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shicheng Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Biotherapy Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Lang I, Zaitseva O, Wajant H. FcγRs and Their Relevance for the Activity of Anti-CD40 Antibodies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12869. [PMID: 36361658 PMCID: PMC9655775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory targeting of the CD40L-CD40 system is a promising therapeutic option in the field of organ transplantation and is also attractive in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. After early complex results with neutralizing CD40L antibodies, it turned out that lack of Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-binding is the crucial factor for the development of safe inhibitory antibodies targeting CD40L or CD40. Indeed, in recent years, blocking CD40 antibodies not interacting with FcγRs, has proven to be well tolerated in clinical studies and has shown initial clinical efficacy. Stimulation of CD40 is also of considerable therapeutic interest, especially in cancer immunotherapy. CD40 can be robustly activated by genetically engineered variants of soluble CD40L but also by anti-CD40 antibodies. However, the development of CD40L-based agonists is biotechnologically and pharmacokinetically challenging, and anti-CD40 antibodies typically display only strong agonism in complex with FcγRs or upon secondary crosslinking. The latter, however, typically results in poorly developable mixtures of molecule species of varying stoichiometry and FcγR-binding by anti-CD40 antibodies can elicit unwanted side effects such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) of CD40 expressing immune cells. Here, we summarize and compare strategies to overcome the unwanted target cell-destroying activity of anti-CD40-FcγR complexes, especially the use of FcγR type-specific mutants and the FcγR-independent cell surface anchoring of bispecific anti-CD40 fusion proteins. Especially, we discuss the therapeutic potential of these strategies in view of the emerging evidence for the dose-limiting activities of systemic CD40 engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Harald Wajant
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Auvera Haus, Grombühlstrasse 12, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Rogel A, Ibrahim FM, Thirdborough SM, Renart-Depontieu F, Birts CN, Buchan SL, Preville X, King EV, Al-Shamkhani A. Fcγ receptor-mediated cross-linking codefines the immunostimulatory activity of anti-human CD96 antibodies. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e158444. [PMID: 35998045 PMCID: PMC9675451 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158444] [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: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
New strategies that augment T cell responses are required to broaden the therapeutic arsenal against cancer. CD96, TIGIT, and CD226 are receptors that bind to a communal ligand, CD155, and transduce either inhibitory or activating signals. The function of TIGIT and CD226 is established, whereas the role of CD96 remains ambiguous. Using a panel of engineered antibodies, we discovered that the T cell stimulatory activity of anti-CD96 antibodies requires antibody cross-linking and is potentiated by Fcγ receptors. Thus, soluble "Fc silent" anti-CD96 antibodies failed to stimulate human T cells, whereas the same antibodies were stimulatory after coating onto plastic surfaces. Remarkably, the activity of soluble anti-CD96 antibodies was reinstated by engineering the Fc domain to a human IgG1 isotype, and it was dependent on antibody trans-cross-linking by FcγRI. In contrast, neither human IgG2 nor variants with increased Fcγ receptor IIB binding possessed stimulatory activity. Anti-CD96 antibodies acted directly on T cells and augmented gene expression networks associated with T cell activation, leading to proliferation, cytokine secretion, and resistance to Treg suppression. Furthermore, CD96 expression correlated with survival in HPV+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and its cross-linking activated tumor-infiltrating T cells, thus highlighting the potential of anti-CD96 antibodies in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Rogel
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Fathima M. Ibrahim
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen M. Thirdborough
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charles N. Birts
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah L. Buchan
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Emma V. King
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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32
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Boulard P, Gouilleux-Gruart V, Watier H. Finding the Right Heavy Chains for Immunostimulatory Antibodies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810367. [PMID: 36142278 PMCID: PMC9499592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For twelve years, the oncology field has been revolutionized by antibodies targeting immune checkpoints. They must be considered as a heterogenous family of immunostimulatory antibodies displaying very different mechanisms of action, not only depending on the target or on the cells expressing it, but also on the IgG subclass or IgG variant that has been chosen. To dissect this complex landscape, the clinical experience has been confronted with a precise analysis of the heavy chain isotypes, referred as new Ge nomenclature. For antibodies targeting inhibitory receptors, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies (whose main effect is to kill regulatory T cells) will be distinguished from anti-PD-1 antibodies and other true antagonistic antibodies. Antibodies targeting ligands of inhibitory receptors (PD-L1, CD47) represent another different category, due to the antigen expression on tumors and a possible beneficial killing effect. The case of agonistic antibodies targeting lymphocyte activatory receptors, such as CD40 or 4-1BB, is still another “under construction” category because these products are less advanced in their clinical development. Altogether, it appears that choosing the right heavy chain is crucial to obtain the desired pharmacological effect in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Boulard
- EA7501, GICC, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Tours, F-37032 Tours, France
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, CHU de Tours, F-37032 Tours, France
| | - Valérie Gouilleux-Gruart
- EA7501, GICC, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Tours, F-37032 Tours, France
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, CHU de Tours, F-37032 Tours, France
| | - Hervé Watier
- EA7501, GICC, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Tours, F-37032 Tours, France
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, CHU de Tours, F-37032 Tours, France
- Correspondence:
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Blair T, Baird J, Bambina S, Kramer G, Gostissa M, Harvey CJ, Gough MJ, Crittenden MR. ICOS is upregulated on T cells following radiation and agonism combined with radiation results in enhanced tumor control. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14954. [PMID: 36056093 PMCID: PMC9440216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple preclinical studies have shown improved outcomes when radiation therapy is combined with immune modulating antibodies. However, to date, many of these promising results have failed to translate to successful clinical studies. This led us to explore additional checkpoint and co-stimulatory pathways that may be regulated by radiation therapy. Here, we demonstrate that radiation increases the expression of inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) on both CD4 and CD8 T cells in the blood following treatment. Moreover, when we combined a novel ICOS agonist antibody with radiation we observed durable cures across multiple tumor models and mouse strains. Depletion studies revealed that CD8 T cells were ultimately required for treatment efficacy, but CD4 T cells and NK cells also partially contributed to tumor control. Phenotypic analysis showed that the combination therapy diminished the increased infiltration of regulatory T cells into the tumor that typically occurs following radiation alone. Finally, we demonstrate in a poorly immunogenic pancreatic tumor model which is resistant to combined radiation and anti-PD1 checkpoint blockade that the addition of this novel ICOS agonist antibody to the treatment regimen results in tumor control. These findings identify ICOS as part of a T cell pathway that is modulated by radiation and targeting this pathway with a novel ICOS antibody results in durable tumor control in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Blair
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Jason Baird
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Shelly Bambina
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Gwen Kramer
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Monica Gostissa
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Christopher J Harvey
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Phenomic AI, 661 University Ave Suite 1300, Toronto, ON, M5G 0B7, Canada
| | - Michael J Gough
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Marka R Crittenden
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA.
- The Oregon Clinic, Portland, OR, 97213, USA.
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34
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Zhang J, Jiang X, Gao H, Zhang F, Zhang X, Zhou A, Xu T, Cai H. Structural Basis of a Novel Agonistic Anti-OX40 Antibody. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091209. [PMID: 36139048 PMCID: PMC9496217 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Agonistic antibodies targeting co-stimulating receptor OX40 on T cells are considered as important as (or complementary to) the immune checkpoint blockers in cancer treatment. However, none of these agonistic antibodies have reached the late stage of clinical development partially due to the lack of intrinsic potency with the correlation between binding epitope and activity of the antibody not well understood. Here, we identified a novel anti-OX40 agonistic antibody DF004, which stimulated the proliferation of human CD4+ T cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in a mouse model. Our crystallography structural studies showed that DF004 binds to the CRD2 region of OX40 while RG7888, an OX40 agonist antibody developed by Roche, binds to CRD3 of OX40 to the diametrically opposite position of DF004. This suggests that the agonistic activities of the antibodies are not necessarily epitope dependent. As their agonistic activities critically depend on clustering or cross-linking, our structural modeling indicates that the agonistic activity requires the optimal positioning of three Fc receptor/antibody/OX40 complexes on the cell membrane to facilitate the formation of one intracellular hexameric TRAF complex for downstream signal transduction, which is relatively inefficient. This may explain the lack of sufficient potency of these OX40 antibodies in a therapeutic setting and sheds light on the development of cross-linking-independent agonistic antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaoyong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Han Gao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Dingfu Biotarget Co., Ltd., Suzhou 215126, China
| | - Aiwu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence: (A.Z.); (T.X.); (H.C.)
| | - Ting Xu
- Dingfu Biotarget Co., Ltd., Suzhou 215126, China
- Correspondence: (A.Z.); (T.X.); (H.C.)
| | - Haiyan Cai
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence: (A.Z.); (T.X.); (H.C.)
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35
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Regulatory T Cell Depletion Using a CRISPR Fc-Optimized CD25 Antibody. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158707. [PMID: 35955841 PMCID: PMC9369266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are major drivers behind immunosuppressive mechanisms and present a major hurdle for cancer therapy. Tregs are characterized by a high expression of CD25, which is a potentially valuable target for Treg depletion to alleviate immune suppression. The preclinical anti-CD25 (αCD25) antibody, clone PC-61, has met with modest anti-tumor activity due to its capacity to clear Tregs from the circulation and lymph nodes, but not those that reside in the tumor. The optimization of the Fc domain of this antibody clone has been shown to enhance the intratumoral Treg depletion capacity. Here, we generated a stable cell line that produced optimized recombinant Treg-depleting antibodies. A genome engineering strategy in which CRISPR-Cas9 was combined with homology-directed repair (CRISPR-HDR) was utilized to optimize the Fc domain of the hybridoma PC-61 for effector functions by switching it from its original rat IgG1 to a mouse IgG2a isotype. In a syngeneic tumor mouse model, the resulting αCD25-m2a (mouse IgG2a isotype) antibody mediated the effective depletion of tumor-resident Tregs, leading to a high effector T cell (Teff) to Treg ratio. Moreover, a combination of αCD25-m2a and an αPD-L1 treatment augmented tumor eradication in mice, demonstrating the potential for αCD25 as a cancer immunotherapy.
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36
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Salomon R, Dahan R. Next Generation CD40 Agonistic Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940674. [PMID: 35911742 PMCID: PMC9326085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical use of anti-CD40 agonist monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is aimed at recruiting the immune system to fight the tumor cells. This approach has been demonstrated to be effective in various preclinical models. However, human CD40 Abs displayed only modest antitumor activity in cancer patients, characterized by low efficacy and dose-limiting toxicity. While recent studies highlight the importance of engineering the Fc region of human CD40 mAbs to optimize their agonistic potency, toxicity remains the main limiting factor, restricting clinical application to suboptimal doses. Here, we discuss the current challenges in realizing the full potential of CD40 mAbs in clinical practice, and describe novel approaches designed to circumvent the systemic toxicity associated with CD40 agonism.
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Liu L, Wu Y, Ye K, Cai M, Zhuang G, Wang J. Antibody-Targeted TNFRSF Activation for Cancer Immunotherapy: The Role of FcγRIIB Cross-Linking. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:924197. [PMID: 35865955 PMCID: PMC9295861 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.924197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-stimulation signaling in various types of immune cells modulates immune responses in physiology and disease. Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members such as CD40, OX40 and CD137/4-1BB are expressed on myeloid cells and/or lymphocytes, and they regulate antigen presentation and adaptive immune activities. TNFRSF agonistic antibodies have been evaluated extensively in preclinical models, and the robust antitumor immune responses and efficacy have encouraged continued clinical investigations for the last two decades. However, balancing the toxicities and efficacy of TNFRSF agonistic antibodies remains a major challenge in the clinical development. Insights into the co-stimulation signaling biology, antibody structural roles and their functionality in immuno-oncology are guiding new advancement of this field. Leveraging the interactions between antibodies and the inhibitory Fc receptor FcγRIIB to optimize co-stimulation agonistic activities dependent on FcγRIIB cross-linking selectively in tumor microenvironment represents the current frontier, which also includes cross-linking through tumor antigen binding with bispecific antibodies. In this review, we will summarize the immunological roles of TNFRSF members and current clinical studies of TNFRSF agonistic antibodies. We will also cover the contribution of different IgG structure domains to these agonistic activities, with a focus on the role of FcγRIIB in TNFRSF cross-linking and clustering bridged by agonistic antibodies. We will review and discuss several Fc-engineering approaches to optimize Fc binding ability to FcγRIIB in the context of proper Fab and the epitope, including a cross-linking antibody (xLinkAb) model and its application in developing TNFRSF agonistic antibodies with improved efficacy and safety for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi Wu
- Lyvgen Biopharma, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiyan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meichun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanglei Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Peng Y, Fu S, Zhao Q. 2022 update on the scientific premise and clinical trials for IL-15 agonists as cancer immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:823-834. [PMID: 35616357 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0422-506r] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse cytokines and their receptors on immune cells constitute a highly complex network in the immune system. Some therapeutic cytokines and their derivatives have been approved for cancer treatment. IL-15 is an immune-regulating cytokine with multiple functions, among which the function of activating the immunity of cancer patients has great potential in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we introduce the functions of IL-15 and discuss its role in regulating the immune system in different immune cells. Meanwhile, we will address the applications of IL-15 agonists in cancer immunotherapy and provide prospects for the next generation of therapeutic designs. Although many challenges remain, IL-15 agonists offer a new therapeutic option in the future direction of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Peng
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Shengyu Fu
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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Abstract
In the past decade, substantial advances have been made in understanding the biology of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), and their clinical relevance is emerging. A particular aspect that is becoming increasingly clear is that the interaction of TAMs with cancer cells and stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment enables and sustains most of the hallmarks of cancer. Therefore, manipulation of TAMs could enable improved disease control in a substantial fraction of patients across a large number of cancer types. In this Review, we examine the diversity of TAMs in various cancer indications and how this heterogeneity is being revisited with the advent of single-cell technologies, and then explore the current knowledge on the functional roles of different TAM states and the prognostic and predictive value of TAM-related signatures. We also review agents targeting TAMs that are currently being or will soon be tested in clinical trials, and how manipulations of TAMs can improve existing anticancer treatments. Finally, we discuss how TAM-targeting approaches could be further integrated into routine clinical practice, considering a precision oncology approach and viewing TAMs as a dynamic population that can evolve under treatment pressure.
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40
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Wang S, Wang J, Yu X, Jiang W, Chen S, Wang R, Wang M, Jiao S, Yang Y, Wang W, Chen H, Chen B, Gu C, Liu C, Wang A, Wang M, Li G, Guo C, Liu D, Zhang J, Zhang M, Wang L, Gui X. Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral infection requires FcγRIIB and virus-antibody complex with bivalent interaction. Commun Biol 2022; 5:262. [PMID: 35332252 PMCID: PMC8948278 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03207-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms behind ADE of SARS-CoV-2 is critical for development of safe and effective therapies. Here, we report that two neutralizing mAbs, MW01 and MW05, could enhance the infection of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus on FcγRIIB-expressing B cells. X-ray crystal structure determination and S trimer-binding modeling showed that MW01 and MW05 could bind to RBDs in S trimer with both "up" and "down" states. While, the neutralizing mAb MW07, which has no ADE activity only binds to RBD in S trimer with "up" state. Monovalent MW01 and MW05 completely diminished the ADE activity compared with their bivalent counterparts. Moreover, both macropinocytosis and endocytosis are confirmed involving in ADE of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral infection. Blocking endosome transportation and lysosome acidification could inhibit the ADE activity mediated by MW05. Together, our results identified a novel ADE mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in vitro, FcγRIIB-mediated uptake of SARS-CoV-2/mAb complex with bivalent interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Beijing Kohnoor Science & Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Junchao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Ludwig Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Rongjuan Wang
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Beijing Kohnoor Science & Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Mingzhu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Shasha Jiao
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Beijing Kohnoor Science & Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Beijing Kohnoor Science & Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Huilin Chen
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ben Chen
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chunying Gu
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chuang Liu
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - An Wang
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Min Wang
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Gang Li
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Cuicui Guo
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Datao Liu
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xun Gui
- Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Sum E, Rapp M, Dürr H, Mazumdar A, Romero PJ, Trumpfheller C, Umaña P. The tumor-targeted CD40 agonist CEA-CD40 promotes T cell priming via a dual mode of action by increasing antigen delivery to dendritic cells and enhancing their activation. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003264. [PMID: 35292514 PMCID: PMC8928381 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-targeted CD40 agonism represents an attractive strategy for cancer immunotherapy (CIT) as it promotes dendritic cell (DC) activation and concomitant tumor-specific T cell priming without causing systemic side effects. We developed the bispecific CD40 agonistic antibody CEA-CD40, which triggers CD40 stimulation exclusively in the presence of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a glycoprotein specifically expressed on tumor cells. In this study, we demonstrate that CEA-CD40 can enable potent in vitro DC activation and consecutive T cell cross-priming in a CEA-specific manner. Furthermore, we provide evidence that CEA-CD40 increases colocalization of CEA+ tumor material and DCs. Using CEA+ tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are known to be an excellent tumor antigen source, we show that CEA-CD40 mediates delivery of CEA+ EVs to DCs. Importantly, our data indicates that this fosters acquisition of tumor EV major histocompatibility complex I/peptide complexes by DCs, consequently improving CD8+ T cell priming against EV-associated antigen in vitro. Thus, we provide mechanistic evidence for a dual mode of action of CEA-CD40 for CIT: we suggest that CEA-CD40 has the potential to activate DCs and in addition can promote their loading with tumor antigen derived from EVs to trigger tumor-specific T cell cross-priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sum
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Rapp
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Harald Dürr
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | | | - Pedro J Romero
- Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Christine Trumpfheller
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Umaña
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
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42
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Heckel F, Turaj AH, Fisher H, Chan HTC, Marshall MJE, Dadas O, Penfold CA, Inzhelevskaya T, Mockridge CI, Alvarado D, Tews I, Keler T, Beers SA, Cragg MS, Lim SH. Agonistic CD27 antibody potency is determined by epitope-dependent receptor clustering augmented through Fc-engineering. Commun Biol 2022; 5:229. [PMID: 35288635 PMCID: PMC8921514 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Agonistic CD27 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have demonstrated impressive anti-tumour efficacy in multiple preclinical models but modest clinical responses. This might reflect current reagents delivering suboptimal CD27 agonism. Here, using a novel panel of CD27 mAb including a clinical candidate, we investigate the determinants of CD27 mAb agonism. Epitope mapping and in silico docking analysis show that mAb binding to membrane-distal and external-facing residues are stronger agonists. However, poor epitope-dependent agonism could partially be overcome by Fc-engineering, using mAb isotypes that promote receptor clustering, such as human immunoglobulin G1 (hIgG1, h1) with enhanced affinity to Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) IIb, or hIgG2 (h2). This study provides the critical knowledge required for the development of agonistic CD27 mAb that are potentially more clinically efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Heckel
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anna H Turaj
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Hayden Fisher
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - H T Claude Chan
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Michael J E Marshall
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Osman Dadas
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Christine A Penfold
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Tatyana Inzhelevskaya
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - C Ian Mockridge
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | | | - Ivo Tews
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Tibor Keler
- Celldex Therapeutics, Inc., Hampton, NJ, 08827, USA
| | - Stephen A Beers
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sean H Lim
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
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43
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Hübner J, Nimmerjahn F. Zooming in on dendritic cells for CD40 agonists. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:268-269. [PMID: 35352058 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00340-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Hübner
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Falk Nimmerjahn
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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44
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Bispecific antibodies increase the therapeutic window of CD40 agonists through selective dendritic cell targeting. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:287-302. [PMID: 35190724 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00329-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic use of agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies is a potentially powerful approach for activation of the immune response to eradicate tumors. However, the translation of this approach to clinical practice has been substantially restricted due to the severe dose-limiting toxicities observed in multiple clinical trials. Here, we demonstrate that conventional type 1 dendritic cells are essential for triggering antitumor immunity but not the toxicity of CD40 agonists, while macrophages, platelets and monocytes lead to toxic events. Therefore, we designed bispecific antibodies that target CD40 activation preferentially to dendritic cells, by coupling the CD40 agonist arm with CD11c-, DEC-205- or CLEC9A-targeting arms. These bispecific reagents demonstrate a superior safety profile compared to their parental CD40 monospecific antibody while triggering potent antitumor activity. We suggest such cell-selective bispecific agonistic antibodies as a drug platform to bypass the dose-limiting toxicities of anti-CD40, and of additional types of agonistic antibodies used for cancer immunotherapy.
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45
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Ceglia V, Zurawski S, Montes M, Kroll M, Bouteau A, Wang Z, Ellis J, Igyártó BZ, Lévy Y, Zurawski G. Anti-CD40 Antibody Fused to CD40 Ligand Is a Superagonist Platform for Adjuvant Intrinsic DC-Targeting Vaccines. Front Immunol 2022; 12:786144. [PMID: 35095862 PMCID: PMC8792972 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.786144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD40 is a potent activating receptor expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of the immune system. CD40 regulates many aspects of B and T cell immunity via interaction with CD40L expressed on activated T cells. Targeting antigens to CD40 via agonistic anti-CD40 antibody fusions promotes both humoral and cellular immunity, but current anti-CD40 antibody-antigen vaccine prototypes require co-adjuvant administration for significant in vivo efficacy. This may be a consequence of dulling of anti-CD40 agonist activity via antigen fusion. We previously demonstrated that direct fusion of CD40L to anti-CD40 antibodies confers superagonist properties. Here we show that anti-CD40-CD40L-antigen fusion constructs retain strong agonist activity, particularly for activation of dendritic cells (DCs). Therefore, we tested anti-CD40-CD40L antibody fused to antigens for eliciting immune responses in vitro and in vivo. In PBMC cultures from HIV-1-infected donors, anti-CD40-CD40L fused to HIV-1 antigens preferentially expanded HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells versus CD4+ T cells compared to analogous anti-CD40-antigen constructs. In normal donors, anti-CD40-CD40L-mediated delivery of Influenza M1 protein elicited M1-specific T cell expansion at lower doses compared to anti-CD40-mediated delivery. Also, on human myeloid-derived dendritic cells, anti-CD40-CD40L-melanoma gp100 peptide induced more sustained Class I antigen presentation compared to anti-CD40-gp100 peptide. In human CD40 transgenic mice, anti-CD40-CD40L-HIV-1 gp140 administered without adjuvant elicited superior antibody responses compared to anti-CD40-gp140 antigen without fused CD40L. In human CD40 mice, compared to the anti-CD40 vehicle, anti-CD40-CD40L delivery of Eα 52-68 peptide elicited proliferating of TCR I-Eα 52-68 CD4+ T cells producing cytokine IFNγ. Also, compared to controls, only anti-CD40-CD40L-Cyclin D1 vaccination of human CD40 mice reduced implanted EO771.LMB breast tumor cell growth. These data demonstrate that human CD40-CD40L antibody fused to antigens maintains highly agonistic activity and generates immune responses distinct from existing low agonist anti-CD40 targeting formats. These advantages were in vitro skewing responses towards CD8+ T cells, increased efficacy at low doses, and longevity of MHC Class I peptide display; and in mouse models, a more robust humoral response, more activated CD4+ T cells, and control of tumor growth. Thus, the anti-CD40-CD40L format offers an alternate DC-targeting platform with unique properties, including intrinsic adjuvant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Ceglia
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Créteil, France
- Vaccine Research Institute, The Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Sandra Zurawski
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
- Vaccine Research Institute, The Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Monica Montes
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
- Vaccine Research Institute, The Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Mitchell Kroll
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Aurélie Bouteau
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zhiqing Wang
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
- Vaccine Research Institute, The Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Jerome Ellis
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
- Vaccine Research Institute, The Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Botond Z. Igyártó
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yves Lévy
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Créteil, France
- Vaccine Research Institute, The Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Gerard Zurawski
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
- Vaccine Research Institute, The Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
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46
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Schardt JS, Jhajj HS, O’Meara RL, Lwo TS, Smith MD, Tessier PM. Agonist antibody discovery: Experimental, computational, and rational engineering approaches. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:31-48. [PMID: 34571277 PMCID: PMC8714685 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Agonist antibodies that activate cellular signaling have emerged as promising therapeutics for treating myriad pathologies. Unfortunately, the discovery of rare antibodies with the desired agonist functions is a major bottleneck during drug development. Nevertheless, there has been important recent progress in discovering and optimizing agonist antibodies against a variety of therapeutic targets that are activated by diverse signaling mechanisms. Herein, we review emerging high-throughput experimental and computational methods for agonist antibody discovery as well as rational molecular engineering methods for optimizing their agonist activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S. Schardt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Harkamal S. Jhajj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ryen L. O’Meara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timon S. Lwo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Matthew D. Smith
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter M. Tessier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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47
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Ceglia V, Zurawski S, Montes M, Bouteau A, Wang Z, Ellis J, Igyártó BZ, Lévy Y, Zurawski G. Anti-CD40 Antibodies Fused to CD40 Ligand Have Superagonist Properties. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:2060-2076. [PMID: 34551965 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CD40 is a potent activating receptor within the TNFR family expressed on APCs of the immune system, and it regulates many aspects of B and T cell immunity via interaction with CD40 ligand (CD40L; CD154) expressed on the surface of activated T cells. Soluble CD40L and agonistic mAbs directed to CD40 are being explored as adjuvants in therapeutic or vaccination settings. Some anti-CD40 Abs can synergize with soluble monomeric CD40L. We show that direct fusion of CD40L to certain agonistic anti-CD40 Abs confers superagonist properties, reducing the dose required for efficacy, notably greatly increasing total cytokine secretion by human dendritic cells. The tetravalent configuration of anti-CD40-CD40L Abs promotes CD40 cell surface clustering and internalization and is the likely mechanism of increased receptor activation. CD40L fused to either the L or H chain C termini, with or without flexible linkers, were all superagonists with greater potency than CD40L trimer. The increased anti-CD40-CD40L Ab potency was independent of higher order aggregation. Moreover, the anti-CD40-CD40L Ab showed higher potency in vivo in human CD40 transgenic mice compared with the parental anti-CD40 Ab. To broaden the concept of fusing agonistic Ab to natural ligand, we fused OX40L to an agonistic OX40 Ab, and this resulted in dramatically increased efficacy for proliferation and cytokine production of activated human CD4+ T cells as well as releasing the Ab from dependency on cross-linking. This work shows that directly fusing antireceptor Abs to ligand is a useful strategy to dramatically increase agonist potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Ceglia
- Baylor Scott & White Immunology Research, Dallas, TX.,Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France.,Vaccine Research Institute, INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Sandra Zurawski
- Baylor Scott & White Immunology Research, Dallas, TX.,Vaccine Research Institute, INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Monica Montes
- Baylor Scott & White Immunology Research, Dallas, TX.,Vaccine Research Institute, INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Aurélie Bouteau
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX; and.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Zhiqing Wang
- Baylor Scott & White Immunology Research, Dallas, TX.,Vaccine Research Institute, INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Jerome Ellis
- Baylor Scott & White Immunology Research, Dallas, TX.,Vaccine Research Institute, INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Botond Z Igyártó
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Yves Lévy
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France.,Vaccine Research Institute, INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Gerard Zurawski
- Baylor Scott & White Immunology Research, Dallas, TX; .,Vaccine Research Institute, INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
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48
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Jacoberger-Foissac C, Blake SJ, Liu J, McDonald E, Triscott H, Nakamura K, Smyth MJ, Teng MW. Concomitant or delayed anti-TNF differentially impact on immune-related adverse events and antitumor efficacy after anti-CD40 therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-001687. [PMID: 33199513 PMCID: PMC7670957 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Concomitant tumor necrosis factor (TNF) neutralization in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) reduces clinical immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and appears to improve antitumor efficacy in preclinical tumor models. Agonistic antibodies targeting costimulatory receptors such as CD40 represent an additional strategy to boost antitumor immune response and potentiate the activity of ICIs. However, the dose-limiting toxicities observed in anti-CD40-treated cancer patients have hindered its clinical development. Methods We previously described a mouse model to assess both antitumor activity and irAEs induced by various effective combination immunotherapies. Using the BALB/c and C57BL/6 strains of FoxP3-GFP-DTR (FoxP3DTR) mice, transient depletion of T regulatory cells (Tregs) prior to immunotherapy with additional immunomodulatory antibodies, lowered immune self-tolerance, resulting in the development of a spectrum of physical and biochemical irAEs similar to that reported clinically. In MC38 and 4T1.2 tumor models, following transient Treg depletion, we evaluated the impact of anti-CD40 on antitumor efficacy and the development of irAEs and the impact of concomitant or delayed TNF blockade on both these parameters. Physical irAEs were scored and biochemical irAEs were measured in the serum (ALT and cytokine levels). Histopathological liver and colon tissue analysis were performed to assess immune cell infiltration and tissue damage. Results Similar to early clinical trials of CD40 agonists, in our tumor models we observed liver toxicities and rapid release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, interleukin 6, interferon-γ). In the BALB/c strain, anti-CD40 induced severe physical and biochemical irAEs. Concomitant anti-TNF treatment abrogated weight loss, liver damage and colitis, which consequently resulted in an improved clinical score. However, concomitant anti-TNF impaired antitumor response in a proportion of anti-CD40-treated C57BL/6 FoxP3DTR mice. Delaying TNF blockade in these mice reduced biochemical but not physical irAEs while preserving antitumor efficacy. Conclusions Our results suggest concomitant rather than delayed anti-TNF is most effective in reducing biochemical and physical irAEs induced by anti-CD40, although it had the potential to negatively impact antitumor efficacy. Furthermore, our findings highlight the utility of our mouse model to assess the severity of irAEs induced by novel immunotherapeutic agents and evaluate whether their toxicity and antitumor efficacy can be uncoupled.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen J Blake
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jing Liu
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth McDonald
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hannah Triscott
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kyohei Nakamura
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark J Smyth
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michele Wl Teng
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia .,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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49
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Nelke J, Medler J, Weisenberger D, Beilhack A, Wajant H. CD40- and CD95-specific antibody single chain-Baff fusion proteins display BaffR-, TACI- and BCMA-restricted agonism. MAbs 2021; 12:1807721. [PMID: 32840410 PMCID: PMC7531569 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1807721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies that target a clinically relevant group of receptors within the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), including CD40 and CD95 (Fas/Apo-1), also require binding to Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) to elicit a strong agonistic activity. This FcγR dependency largely relies on the mere cellular anchoring through the antibody’s Fc domain and does not involve the engagement of FcγR signaling. The aim of this study was to elicit agonistic activity from αCD40 and αCD95 antibodies in a myeloma cell anchoring-controlled FcγR-independent manner. For this purpose, various antibody variants (IgG1, IgG1N297A, Fab2) against the TNFRSF members CD40 and CD95 were genetically fused to a single-chain-encoded B-cell activating factor (scBaff) trimer as a C-terminal myeloma-specific anchoring domain substituting for Fc domain-mediated FcγR binding. The antibody-scBaff fusion proteins were evaluated in binding studies and functional assays using tumor cell lines expressing one or more of the three receptors of Baff: BaffR, transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). Cellular binding studies showed that the binding properties of the different domains within the fusion proteins remained fully intact in the antibody-scBaff fusion proteins. In co-culture assays of CD40- and CD95-responsive cells with BaffR, BCMA or TACI expressing anchoring cells, the antibody fusion proteins displayed strong agonism while only minor receptor stimulation was observed in co-cultures with cells without expression of Baff-interacting receptors. Thus, our CD40 and CD95 antibody fusion proteins display myeloma cell-dependent activity and promise reduced systemic side effects compared to conventional CD40 and CD95 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Nelke
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Medler
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Beilhack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
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50
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Filbert EL, Björck PK, Srivastava MK, Bahjat FR, Yang X. APX005M, a CD40 agonist antibody with unique epitope specificity and Fc receptor binding profile for optimal therapeutic application. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:1853-1865. [PMID: 33392713 PMCID: PMC8195934 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02814-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Targeting CD40 with agonist antibodies is a promising approach to cancer immunotherapy. CD40 acts as a master regulator of immunity by mobilizing multiple arms of the immune system to initiate highly effective CD8 + T-cell-mediated responses against foreign pathogens and tumors. The clinical development of CD40 agonist antibodies requires careful optimization of the antibody to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Both epitope specificity and isotype are critical for CD40 agonist antibody mechanism of action and potency. We developed a novel antibody, APX005M, which binds with high affinity to the CD40 ligand-binding site on CD40 and is optimized for selective interaction with Fcγ receptors to enhance agonistic potency while limiting less desirable Fc-effector functions like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of CD40-expressing immune cells. APX005M is a highly potent inducer of innate and adaptive immune effector responses and represents a promising CD40 agonist antibody for induction of an effective anti-tumor immune response with a favorable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Filbert
- Apexigen, Inc, 75 Shoreway Road, Suite C, San Carlos, CA, 94070, USA
| | - Pia K Björck
- Apexigen, Inc, 75 Shoreway Road, Suite C, San Carlos, CA, 94070, USA
| | - Minu K Srivastava
- Apexigen, Inc, 75 Shoreway Road, Suite C, San Carlos, CA, 94070, USA
| | - Frances R Bahjat
- Apexigen, Inc, 75 Shoreway Road, Suite C, San Carlos, CA, 94070, USA
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Apexigen, Inc, 75 Shoreway Road, Suite C, San Carlos, CA, 94070, USA.
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