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Daneels W, Van Parys A, Huyghe L, Rogge E, De Rouck S, Christiaen R, Zabeau L, Taveirne S, Van Dorpe J, Kley N, Cauwels A, Depla E, Tavernier J, Offner F. High efficacy of huCD20-targeted AcTaferon in humanized patient derived xenograft models of aggressive B cell lymphoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:59. [PMID: 38831452 PMCID: PMC11145843 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00524-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferon (IFN) is a potent antitumoral drug, with an important history in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, its pleiotropic nature leads to severe dose-limiting toxicities that blunt its therapeutic potential. To achieve selective targeting of specific immune or tumor cells, AcTakines (Activity-on-Target Cytokines), i.e., immunocytokines utilizing attenuated cytokines, and clinically optimized A-Kines™ were developed. In syngeneic murine models, the CD20-targeted murine IFNα2-based AcTaferons (AFNs) have demonstrated clear antitumoral effects, with excellent tolerability. The current study explores the antitumoral potential of the humanized huCD20-Fc-AFN in 5 different humanized patient derived xenograft (PDX) models of huCD20+ aggressive B non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs). The huCD20-Fc-AFN consists of a huCD20-specific single-domain antibody (VHH) linked through a heterodimeric 'knob-in-hole' human IgG1 Fc molecule to an attenuated huIFNα2 sequence. An in vitro targeting efficacy of up to 1.000-fold could be obtained, without detectable in vivo toxicities, except for selective (on-target) and reversible B cell depletion. Treatment with huCD20-Fc-AFN significantly increased the median overall survival (mOS) in both non-humanized (mOS 31 to 45 days; HR = 0.26; p = 0.001), and humanized NSG/NOG mice (mOS 34 to 80 days; HR = 0.37; p < 0.0001). In humanized mice, there was a trend for increased survival when compared to equimolar rituximab (mOS 49 to 80 days; HR = 0.73; p = 0.09). The antitumoral effects of huCD20-Fc-AFN were partly due to direct effects of type I IFN on the tumor cells, but additional effects via the human immune system are essential to obtain long-term remissions. To conclude, huCD20-Fc-AFN could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for huCD20-expressing aggressive B-NHLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem Daneels
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Alexander Van Parys
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Orionis Biosciences BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leander Huyghe
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Orionis Biosciences BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elke Rogge
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Orionis Biosciences BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steffi De Rouck
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Orionis Biosciences BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niko Kley
- Orionis Biosciences BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anje Cauwels
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Orionis Biosciences BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Tavernier
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Orionis Biosciences BV, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fritz Offner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Dehghan R, Parikhani AB, Cohan RA, Shokrgozar MA, Mirabzadeh E, Ajdary S, Zeinali S, Ghaderi H, Talebkhan Y, Behdani M. Specific Targeting of Zinc Transporter LIV-1 with Immunocytokine Containing Anti-LIV-1 VHH and Human IL-2 and Evaluation of its In vitro Antitumor Activity. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:868-876. [PMID: 38482625 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128295195240305060103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a vital cytokine in the induction of T and NK cell responses, the proliferation of CD8+ T cells, and the effective treatment of human cancers such as melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. However, widespread use of this cytokine is limited due to its short half-life, severe toxicity, lack of specific tumor targeting, and activation of Treg cells mediated by high-affinity interleukin-2 receptors. OBJECTIVE In this study, a tumor-targeting LIV-1 VHH-mutIL2 immunocytokine with reduced CD25 (α chain of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor) binding activity was developed to improve IL-2 half-life by decreasing its renal infiltration in comparison with wild and mutant IL-2 molecules. METHODS The recombinant immunocytokine was designed and expressed. The biological activity of the purified fusion protein was investigated in in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS The fusion protein represented specific binding to MCF7 (the breast cancer cell line) and more efficient cytotoxicity than wild-type IL-2 and mutant IL-2. The PK parameters of the recombinant immunocytokine were also improved in comparison to the IL-2 molecules. CONCLUSION The observed results showed that LIV1-mIL2 immunocytokine could be considered as an effective agent in the LIV-1-targeted treatment of cancers due to its longer half-life and stronger cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rada Dehghan
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Beig Parikhani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Esmat Mirabzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Zeinali
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hajarossadat Ghaderi
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Talebkhan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Hsia Y, Sivasubramanian M, Chu CH, Chuang YC, Lai YK, Lo LW. A Dual Concentration-Tailored Cytokine-Chemo Nanosystem to Alleviate Multidrug Resistance and Redirect Balance of Cancer Proliferation and Apoptosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:4253-4274. [PMID: 37534057 PMCID: PMC10392912 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s412932] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) is an important factor that severely affects the chemotherapeutic efficacy. Among various methods to bypass MDR, usage of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is attractive, which exerts antitumor effects of immunotherapeutic response and apoptotic/proinflammatory pathways. Nevertheless, the challenges remain how to implement targeted delivery of TNFα to reduce toxicity and manifest the involved signaling mechanism that subdues MDR. Methods We synthesized a multifunctional nanosytem, in which TNFα covalently bound to doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) through bi-functional polyethylene glycol (TNFα-PEG-MSN-Hydrazone-Dox) as a robust design to overcome MDR. Results The salient features of this nanoplatform are: 1) by judicious tailoring of TNFα concentration conjugated on MSN, we observed it could lead to a contrary effect of either proliferation or suppression of tumor growth; 2) the MSN-TNFα at higher concentration serves multiple functions, besides tumor targeting and inducer of apoptosis through extrinsic pathway, it inhibits the expression level of p-glycoprotein (P-gp), a cell membrane protein that functions as a drug efflux pump; 3) the enormous surface area of MSN provides for TNFα functionalization, and the nanochannels accommodate chemotherapeutics, Dox; 4) targeted intracellular release of Dox through the pH-dependent cleavage of hydrazone bonds induces apoptosis by the specific intrinsic pathway; and 5) TNFα-PEG-MSN-Hydrazone-Dox (MSN-Dox-TNFα) could infiltrate deep into the 3D spheroid tumor model through disintegration of tight junction proteins. When administered intratumorally in a Dox-resistant mouse tumor model, MSN-Dox-TNFα exhibited a synergistic therapeutic effect through the collective performances of TNFα and Dox. Conclusion We hereby develop and demonstrate a multifunctional MSN-Dox-TNFα system with concentration-tailored TNFα that can abrogate the drug resistance mechanism, and significantly inhibit the tumor growth through both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways, thus making it a highly potential nanomedicine translated in the treatment of MDR tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hsia
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Maharajan Sivasubramanian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hui Chu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chen Chuang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yiu-Kay Lai
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Leu-Wei Lo
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
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Look T, Puca E, Bühler M, Kirschenbaum D, De Luca R, Stucchi R, Ravazza D, Di Nitto C, Roth P, Katzenelenbogen Y, Weiner A, Rindlisbacher L, Becher B, Amit I, Weller M, Neri D, Hemmerle T, Weiss T. Targeted delivery of tumor necrosis factor in combination with CCNU induces a T cell-dependent regression of glioblastoma. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadf2281. [PMID: 37224228 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adf2281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor with an unmet need for more effective therapies. Here, we investigated combination therapies based on L19TNF, an antibody-cytokine fusion protein based on tumor necrosis factor that selectively localizes to cancer neovasculature. Using immunocompetent orthotopic glioma mouse models, we identified strong anti-glioma activity of L19TNF in combination with the alkylating agent CCNU, which cured the majority of tumor-bearing mice, whereas monotherapies only had limited efficacy. In situ and ex vivo immunophenotypic and molecular profiling in the mouse models revealed that L19TNF and CCNU induced tumor DNA damage and treatment-associated tumor necrosis. In addition, this combination also up-regulated tumor endothelial cell adhesion molecules, promoted the infiltration of immune cells into the tumor, induced immunostimulatory pathways, and decreased immunosuppression pathways. MHC immunopeptidomics demonstrated that L19TNF and CCNU increased antigen presentation on MHC class I molecules. The antitumor activity was T cell dependent and completely abrogated in immunodeficient mouse models. On the basis of these encouraging results, we translated this treatment combination to patients with glioblastoma. The clinical translation is ongoing but already shows objective responses in three of five patients in the first recurrent glioblastoma patient cohort treated with L19TNF in combination with CCNU (NCT04573192).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Look
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | | | - Marcel Bühler
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Kirschenbaum
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Roth
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | | | - Assaf Weiner
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Lukas Rindlisbacher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Ido Amit
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
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Chen P, Yang W, Nagaoka K, Huang GL, Miyazaki T, Hong T, Li S, Igarashi K, Takeda K, Kakimi K, Kataoka K, Cabral H. An IL-12-Based Nanocytokine Safely Potentiates Anticancer Immunity through Spatiotemporal Control of Inflammation to Eradicate Advanced Cold Tumors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205139. [PMID: 36739605 PMCID: PMC10074049 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of immunologically cold tumors is a major challenge for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Interleukin 12 (IL-12) can invigorate ICIs against cold tumors by establishing a robust antitumor immunity. However, its toxicity and systemic induction of counteracting immunosuppressive signals have hindered translation. Here, IL-12 activity is spatiotemporally controlled for safely boosting efficacy without the stimulation of interfering immune responses by generating a nanocytokine that remains inactive at physiological pH, but unleashes its full activity at acidic tumor pH. The IL-12-based nanocytokine (Nano-IL-12) accumulate and release IL-12 in tumor tissues, eliciting localized antitumoral inflammation, while preventing systemic immune response, counteractive immune reactions, and adverse toxicities even after repeated intravenous administration. The Nano-IL-12-mediated spatiotemporal control of inflammation prompt superior anticancer efficacy, and synergize with ICIs to profoundly inflame the tumor microenvironment and completely eradicate ICI-resistant primary and metastatic tumors. The strategy could be a promising approach toward safer and more effective immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwen Chen
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Wenqian Yang
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Koji Nagaoka
- Department of ImmunotherapeuticsThe University of Tokyo Hospital7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8655Japan
| | - George Lo Huang
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Red Arrow Therapeutics, Inc.7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐0003Japan
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology705‐1ShimoimaizumiEbina CityKanagawa243‐0435Japan
| | - Taehun Hong
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Shangwei Li
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Kazunori Igarashi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine and Faculty of MedicineThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐0033Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Takeda
- Department of Biofunctional MicrobiotaGraduate School of MedicineJuntendo University2‐1‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8421Japan
- Laboratory of Cell BiologyResearch Support CenterGraduate School of MedicineJuntendo University2‐1‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8421Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kakimi
- Department of ImmunotherapeuticsThe University of Tokyo Hospital7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8655Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM)Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐kuKawasaki210‐0821Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
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Naba A. 10 years of extracellular matrix proteomics: Accomplishments, challenges, and future perspectives. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100528. [PMID: 36918099 PMCID: PMC10152135 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of hundreds of proteins forming the architectural scaffold of multicellular organisms. In addition to its structural role, the ECM conveys signals orchestrating cellular phenotypes. Alterations of ECM composition, abundance, structure, or mechanics, have been linked to diseases and disorders affecting all physiological systems, including fibrosis and cancer. Deciphering the protein composition of the ECM and how it changes in pathophysiological contexts is thus the first step toward understanding the roles of the ECM in health and disease and toward the development of therapeutic strategies to correct disease-causing ECM alterations. Potentially, the ECM also represents a vast, yet untapped reservoir of disease biomarkers. ECM proteins are characterized by unique biochemical properties that have hindered their study: they are large, heavily and uniquely post-translationally modified, and highly insoluble. Overcoming these challenges, we and others have devised mass-spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to define the ECM composition, or "matrisome", of tissues. This review provides a historical overview of ECM proteomics research and presents the latest advances that now allow the profiling of the ECM of healthy and diseased tissues. The second part highlights recent examples illustrating how ECM proteomics has emerged as a powerful discovery pipeline to identify prognostic cancer biomarkers. The third part discusses remaining challenges limiting our ability to translate findings to clinical application and proposes approaches to overcome them. Last, the review introduces readers to resources available to facilitate the interpretation of ECM proteomics datasets. The ECM was once thought to be impenetrable. MS-based proteomics has proven to be a powerful tool to decode the ECM. In light of the progress made over the past decade, there are reasons to believe that the in-depth exploration of the matrisome is within reach and that we may soon witness the first translational application of ECM proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Naba
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Chen J, Shen Z, Jiang X, Huang Z, Wu C, Jiang D, Yin L. Preclinical evaluation of IAP0971, a novel immunocytokine that binds specifically to PD1 and fuses IL15/IL15R α complex. Antib Ther 2022; 6:38-48. [PMID: 36683766 PMCID: PMC9847340 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbac031] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, cytokine therapy for cancer has demonstrated efficacy in certain diseases but is generally accompanied by severe toxicity. The field of antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines) arose to target these effector molecules to the tumor microenvironment to expand the therapeutic window of cytokine therapy. Therefore, we have developed a novel immunocytokine that binds specifically to programmed death 1 (PD1) and fuses IL15/IL15Rα complex (referred to as IAP0971) for cancer immunotherapy. Methods We report here the making of IAP0971, a novel immunocytokine that binds specifically to PD1 and fuses IL15/IL15Rα complex, and preclinical characterization including pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicology, and discuss its potential as a novel agent for treating patients with advanced malignant tumors. Results IAP0971 bound to human IL2/15Rβ proteins specifically and blocked PD1/PDL1 signaling transduction pathway. IAP0971 promoted the proliferation of CD8 + T cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, and further activated NK cells to kill tumor cells validated by in vitro assays. In an hPD1 knock-in mouse model, IAP0971 showed potent anti-tumor activity. Preclinical studies in non-human primates following single or repeated dosing of IAP0971 showed favorable pharmacokinetics and well-tolerated toxicology profile. Conclusion IAP0971 has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and potent anti-tumor activities in vivo. A Phase I/IIa clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of IAP0971 in patients with advanced malignant tumors is on-going (NCT05396391).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoling Jiang
- SunHo (China) BioPharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.5 Xingjian Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhenzhen Huang
- SunHo (China) BioPharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.5 Xingjian Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chongbing Wu
- SunHo (China) BioPharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.5 Xingjian Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dongcheng Jiang
- SunHo (China) BioPharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.5 Xingjian Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liusong Yin
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Liusong Yin, No.5 Xingjian Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China. Tel: (+86) 18651612904; Fax: +86-25-85666030;
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Correa S, Meany EL, Gale EC, Klich JH, Saouaf OM, Mayer AT, Xiao Z, Liong CS, Brown RA, Maikawa CL, Grosskopf AK, Mann JL, Idoyaga J, Appel EA. Injectable Nanoparticle-Based Hydrogels Enable the Safe and Effective Deployment of Immunostimulatory CD40 Agonist Antibodies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103677. [PMID: 35975424 PMCID: PMC9534946 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
When properly deployed, the immune system can eliminate deadly pathogens, eradicate metastatic cancers, and provide long-lasting protection from diverse diseases. Unfortunately, realizing these remarkable capabilities is inherently risky as disruption to immune homeostasis can elicit dangerous complications or autoimmune disorders. While current research is continuously expanding the arsenal of potent immunotherapeutics, there is a technological gap when it comes to controlling when, where, and how long these drugs act on the body. Here, this study explored the ability of a slow-releasing injectable hydrogel depot to reduce dose-limiting toxicities of immunostimulatory CD40 agonist (CD40a) while maintaining its potent anticancer efficacy. A previously described polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogel system is leveraged that exhibits shear-thinning and yield-stress properties that are hypothesized to improve locoregional delivery of CD40a immunotherapy. Using positron emission tomography, it is demonstrated that prolonged hydrogel-based delivery redistributes CD40a exposure to the tumor and the tumor draining lymph node (TdLN), thereby reducing weight loss, hepatotoxicity, and cytokine storm associated with standard treatment. Moreover, CD40a-loaded hydrogels mediate improved local cytokine induction in the TdLN and improve treatment efficacy in the B16F10 melanoma model. PNP hydrogels, therefore, represent a facile, drug-agnostic method to ameliorate immune-related adverse effects and explore locoregional delivery of immunostimulatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Correa
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Emily L. Meany
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Emily C. Gale
- Department of BiochemistryStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
| | - John H. Klich
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Olivia M. Saouaf
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Aaron T. Mayer
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Zunyu Xiao
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Celine S. Liong
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Ryanne A. Brown
- Department of PathologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
| | | | | | - Joseph L. Mann
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Juliana Idoyaga
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
- Stanford ChEM‐H InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
- Stanford Cancer InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Eric A. Appel
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
- Stanford ChEM‐H InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
- Stanford Cancer InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
- Department of Pediatrics – EndocrinologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
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Gout DY, Groen LS, van Egmond M. The present and future of immunocytokines for cancer treatment. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:509. [PMID: 36066630 PMCID: PMC9448690 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has successfully been introduced as treatment of several lymphomas and leukemias. However, solid tumors reduce the efficacy of mAb therapy because of an immune-suppressive tumor micro-environment (TME), which hampers activation of effector immune cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokine therapy may counteract immune suppression in the TME and increase mAb efficacy, but untargeted pro-inflammatory cytokine therapy is limited by severe off-target toxicity and a short half-life of cytokines. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, also referred to as immunocytokines, provide a solution to either issue, as the antibody both acts as local delivery platform and increases half-life. The antibody can furthermore bridge local cytotoxic immune cells, like macrophages and natural killer cells with tumor cells, which can be eliminated after effector cells are activated via the cytokine. Currently, a variety of different antibody formats as well as a handful of cytokine payloads are used to generate immunocytokines. However, many potential formats and payloads are still left unexplored. In this review, we describe current antibody formats and cytokine moieties that are used for the development of immunocytokines, and highlight several immunocytokines in (pre-)clinical studies. Furthermore, potential future routes of development are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Y Gout
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology Program, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte S Groen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,LUMICKS, Paalbergweg 3, 1105 AG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein van Egmond
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Cancer Immunology Program, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Sun VZ, Melim TL, Mitra S, Erickson JE, Bryant SH, Farnham A, Westmoreland S, Knight H, Zhang L, Ritacco W, Homan K, Benatuil L, Sterman AJS, Goodearl AD. Fibronectin extra domain A as a drug delivery targeting epitope for rheumatoid arthritis. Adv Rheumatol 2022; 62:17. [PMID: 35624488 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-022-00247-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the ability of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for fibronectin extra-domain A (FnEDA) to target diseased tissues of mouse collagen induced arthritis (mCIA) models. To explore the parameters of the targeting exhibited by anti-FnEDA mAbs including timing and location. METHODS Targeting capabilities of anti-FnEDA mAbs were demonstrated by biodistribution study where i.v. injected antibodies were detected by conjugated near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore, 125I label and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the injected antibody. Location of FnEDA expression in both mCIA and human RA tissue were mapped by IHC. Quantification of anti-FnEDA mAbs targeted to disease tissue was measured by whole-body autoradiography (WBA). Timing of the targeting was interrogated with fluorescent and confocal microscopy using anti-FnEDA mAbs labeled with different fluorophores and injected at different times. RESULTS Anti-FnEDA mAbs show specific targeting to diseased paws of mCIA animal. The targeting was focused on inflamed synovium which is consistent with FnEDA expression profile in both mCIA and human RA tissues. Anti-FnEDA mAbs accumulated in diseased tissue at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, the targeting was sustained for up to 14 days and FnEDA was able to support targeting of multiple doses of anti-FnEDA mAbs given 5 days apart. CONCLUSION FnEDA is specifically upregulated in the inflamed tissues of mCIA. Antibodies specific for FnEDA can be useful as molecular delivery vehicles for disease specific targeting of payloads to inflamed joint tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Z Sun
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Terry L Melim
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Soumya Mitra
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jamie E Erickson
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shaughn H Bryant
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Susan Westmoreland
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Heather Knight
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Wendy Ritacco
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andrew D Goodearl
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, USA
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11
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Interleukin 2-Based Fusion Proteins for the Treatment of Cancer. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:7855808. [PMID: 34790830 PMCID: PMC8592747 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7855808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) plays a fundamental role in both immune activation and tolerance and has revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy since its discovery. The ability of IL-2 to mediate tumor regression in preclinical and clinical settings led to FDA approval for its use in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma in the 1990s. Although modest success is observed in the clinic, cancer patients receiving IL-2 therapy experience a wide array of side effects ranging from flu-like symptoms to life-threatening conditions such as vascular leak syndrome. Over the past three decades, efforts have focused on circumventing IL-2-related toxicities by engineering methods to localize IL-2 to the tumor or secondary lymphoid tissue, preferentially activate CD8+ T cells and NK cells, and alter pharmacokinetic properties to increase bioavailability. This review summarizes the various IL-2-based strategies that have emerged, with a focus on chimeric fusion methods.
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12
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Pires IS, Hammond PT, Irvine DJ. Engineering Strategies for Immunomodulatory Cytokine Therapies - Challenges and Clinical Progress. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2021; 4:2100035. [PMID: 34734110 PMCID: PMC8562465 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines are immunoregulatory proteins involved in many pathological states with promising potential as therapeutic agents. A diverse array of cytokines have been studied in preclinical disease models since the 1950s, some of which became successful biopharmaceutical products with the advancement of recombinant protein technology in the 1980s. However, following these early approvals, clinical translation of these natural immune signaling molecules has been limited due to their pleiotropic action in many cell types, and the fact that they have evolved to act primarily locally in tissues. These characteristics, combined with poor pharmacokinetics, have hindered the delivery of cytokines via systemic administration routes due to dose-limiting toxicities. However, given their clinical potential and recent clinical successes in cancer immunotherapy, cytokines continue to be extensively pursued in preclinical and clinical studies, and a range of molecular and formulation engineering strategies are being applied to reduce treatment toxicity while maintaining or enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a brief background on the characteristics of cytokines and their history as clinical therapeutics, followed by a deeper discussion on the engineering strategies developed for cytokine therapies with a focus on the translational relevance of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan S Pires
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Paula T Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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13
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The immunocytokine L19-TNF eradicates sarcomas in combination with chemotherapy agents or with immune check-point inhibitors. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 31:799-805. [PMID: 32304410 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (also called 'immunocytokines') represent an emerging class of biopharmaceutical products, which are being considered for cancer immunotherapy. When used as single agents, pro-inflammatory immunocytokines are rarely capable of inducing complete and durable cancer regression in mouse models and in patients. However, the combination treatment with conventional chemotherapy or with other immune-stimulatory agents typically increases the therapeutic efficacy of immunocytokines. In this article, we describe combination treatments of a tumor-targeting antibody-cytokine fusion protein based on the L19 antibody (specific to a splice isoform of fibronectin) fused to murine tumor necrosis factor with standard chemotherapy (dacarbazine, trabectedin or melphalan) or with an immune check-point inhibitor (anti-PD-1) in a BALB/c derived immunocompetent murine model of sarcoma (WEHI-164). All combination treatments led to improved tumor remission compared to single-agent treatments, suggesting that these combination partners may be suitable for further clinical development in sarcoma patients.
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14
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Corti A, Sacchi A, Gasparri AM, Monieri M, Anderluzzi G, Colombo B, Gori A, Mondino A, Curnis F. Enhancement of doxorubicin anti-cancer activity by vascular targeting using IsoDGR/cytokine-coated nanogold. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:128. [PMID: 33952242 PMCID: PMC8097910 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00871-y] [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] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gold nanospheres tagged with peptides containing isoDGR (isoAsp-Gly-Arg), an αvβ3 integrin binding motif, represent efficient carriers for delivering pro-inflammatory cytokines to the tumor vasculature. We prepared bi- or trifunctional nanoparticles bearing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and/or interleukin-12 (IL12) plus a peptide containing isoDGR, and we tested their anti-cancer effects, alone or in combination with doxorubicin, in tumor-bearing mice. Results In vitro biochemical studies showed that both nanodrugs were monodispersed and functional in terms of binding to TNF and IL12 receptors and to αvβ3. In vivo studies performed in a murine model of fibrosarcoma showed that low doses of bifunctional nanoparticles bearing isoDGR and TNF (corresponding to few nanoparticles per cell) delayed tumor growth and increased the efficacy of doxorubicin without worsening its toxicity. Similar effects were obtained using trifunctional nanoparticles loaded with isoDGR, TNF and IL12. Mechanistic studies showed that nanoparticles bearing isoDGR and TNF could increase doxorubicin penetration in tumors a few hours after injection and caused vascular damage at later time points. Conclusion IsoDGR-coated gold nanospheres can be exploited as a versatile platform for single- or multi-cytokine delivery to cells of the tumor vasculature. Extremely low doses of isoDGR-coated nanodrugs functionalized with TNF or TNF plus IL12 can enhance doxorubicin anti-tumor activity. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00871-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy. .,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gasparri
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Barbara Colombo
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, C.N.R., Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Mondino
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Corbellari R, Stringhini M, Mock J, Ongaro T, Villa A, Neri D, De Luca R. A Novel Antibody-IL15 Fusion Protein Selectively Localizes to Tumors, Synergizes with TNF-based Immunocytokine, and Inhibits Metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:859-871. [PMID: 33632875 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
IL15 is an immunostimulatory cytokine that holds promises for cancer therapy, but its performance (alone or as partner for fusion proteins) has often been limited by suboptimal accumulation in the tumor and very rapid clearance from circulation. Most recently, the Sushi Domain (SD, the shortest region of IL15 receptor α, capable of binding to IL15) has been fused to IL15-based anticancer products to increase its biological activity. Here, we describe two novel antibody fusion proteins (termed F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15), specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin (a marker of tumor neoangiogenisis, expressed in the majority of solid and hematologic tumors, but absent in normal healthy tissues) and featuring the F8 antibody in single-chain diabody format (with a short linker between VH and VL, thus allowing the domains to pair with the complementary ones of another chain). Unlike previously described fusions of the F8 antibody with human IL15, F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15 exhibited a preferential uptake in solid tumors, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution analysis with radioiodinated protein preparations. Both products were potently active in vivo against mouse metastatic colon carcinomas and in sarcoma lesion in combination with targeted TNF. The results may be of clinical significance, as F8-F8-IL15 and F8-F8-SD-IL15 are fully human proteins, which recognize the cognate tumor-associated antigen with identical affinity in mouse and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Corbellari
- CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology), University of Trento, Povo, Trento, Italy.,Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jaqueline Mock
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Targeting IL-21 to tumor-reactive T cells enhances memory T cell responses and anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. Nat Commun 2021; 12:951. [PMID: 33574265 PMCID: PMC7878483 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell rejuvenation by PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, despite emerging as a highly promising therapy for advanced cancers, is only beneficial for a minority of treated patients. There is evidence that a lack of efficient T cell activation may be responsible for the failure. Here, we demonstrate that IL-21 can be targeted to tumor-reactive T cells by fusion of IL-21 to anti-PD-1 antibody. To our surprise, the fusion protein PD-1Ab21 promotes the generation of memory stem T cells (TSCM) with enhanced cell proliferation. PD-1Ab21 treatment show potent antitumor effects in established tumor-bearing mice accompanied with an increased frequency of TSCM and robust expansion of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells with a memory phenotype, and is superior to a combination of PD-1 blockade and IL-21 infusion. Therefore, we have developed a potential strategy to improve the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint blockade by simultaneously targeting cytokines to tumor-reactive T cells.
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17
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Linares J, Marín-Jiménez JA, Badia-Ramentol J, Calon A. Determinants and Functions of CAFs Secretome During Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:621070. [PMID: 33553157 PMCID: PMC7862334 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.621070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence are indicating that cancer development and malignant progression are not exclusively epithelial cancer cell-autonomous processes but may also depend on crosstalk with the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundantly represented in the TME and are continuously interacting with cancer cells. CAFs are regulating key mechanisms during progression to metastasis and response to treatment by enhancing cancer cells survival and aggressiveness. The latest advances in CAFs biology are pointing to CAFs-secreted factors as druggable targets and companion tools for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Especially, extensive research conducted in the recent years has underscored the potential of several cytokines as actionable biomarkers that are currently evaluated in the clinical setting. In this review, we explore the current understanding of CAFs secretome determinants and functions to discuss their clinical implication in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenniffer Linares
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan A. Marín-Jiménez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) - L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Badia-Ramentol
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Calon
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Gouyou B, Ongaro T, Cazzamalli S, De Luca R, Kerschenmeyer A, Valet P, Villa A, Neri D, Matasci M. Antibody-based delivery of interleukin-9 to neovascular structures: Therapeutic evaluation in cancer and arthritis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:940-951. [PMID: 33475433 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220981578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-9 is a cytokine with multiple functions, including the ability to activate group 2 innate lymphoid cells, which has been postulated to be therapeutically active in mouse models of arthritis. Similarly, interleukin-9 has been suggested to play an important role in tumor immunity. Here, we describe the cloning, expression, and characterization of three fusion proteins based on murine interleukin-9 and the F8 antibody, specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin. EDA is strongly expressed in cancer and in various arthritic conditions, while being undetectable in the majority of healthy organs. Interleukin-9-based fusion proteins with an irrelevant antibody specific to hen egg lysozyme served as negative control in our study. The fusion proteins were characterized by quantitative biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice using radioiodinated protein preparations. The highest tumor uptake and best tumor:organ ratios were observed for a format, in which the interleukin-9 moiety was flanked by two units of the F8 antibody in single-chain Fv format. Biological activity of interleukin-9 was retained when the payload was fused to antibodies. However, the targeted delivery of interleukin-9 to the disease site resulted in a modest anti-tumor activity in three different murine models of cancer (K1735M2, CT26, and F9), while no therapeutic benefit was observed in a collagen induced model of arthritis. Collectively, these results confirm the possibility to deliver interleukin-9 to the site of disease but cast doubts about the alleged therapeutic activity of this cytokine in cancer and arthritis, which has been postulated in previous publications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiziano Ongaro
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen 8112, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Valet
- Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, INSERM U1048, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Cedex 4, Toulouse 31432, France
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen 8112, Switzerland
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19
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Sahin D, Arenas-Ramirez N, Rath M, Karakus U, Hümbelin M, van Gogh M, Borsig L, Boyman O. An IL-2-grafted antibody immunotherapy with potent efficacy against metastatic cancer. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6440. [PMID: 33353953 PMCID: PMC7755894 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20220-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified interleukin-2 (IL-2) formulations are being tested in cancer patients. However, IL-2 immunotherapy damages IL-2 receptor (IL-2R)-positive endothelial cells and stimulates IL-2Rα (CD25)-expressing lymphocytes that curtail anti-tumor responses. A first generation of IL-2Rβ (CD122)-biased IL-2s addressed some of these drawbacks. Here, we present a second-generation CD122-biased IL-2, developed by splitting and permanently grafting unmutated human IL-2 (hIL-2) to its antigen-binding groove on the anti-hIL-2 monoclonal antibody NARA1, thereby generating NARA1leukin. In comparison to hIL-2/NARA1 complexes, NARA1leukin shows a longer in vivo half-life, completely avoids association with CD25, and more potently stimulates CD8+ T and natural killer cells. These effects result in strong anti-tumor responses in various pre-clinical cancer models, whereby NARA1leukin consistently surpasses the efficacy of hIL-2/NARA1 complexes in controlling metastatic disease. Collectively, NARA1leukin is a CD122-biased single-molecule construct based on unmutated hIL-2 with potent efficacy against advanced malignancies. IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes have been proposed to curtail the severe adverse effects associated with IL-2 immunotherapy. Here, the authors, by integrating unmutated human IL-2 in the antigen binding groove of an anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody, generate a CD122-biased fusion protein that prevents binding of IL-2 to CD25 and promotes anti-tumor immune response in several preclinical metastatic cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Sahin
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias Rath
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ufuk Karakus
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monika Hümbelin
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Merel van Gogh
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lubor Borsig
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, CH-8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
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20
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Nadal L, Corbellari R, Villa A, Weiss T, Weller M, Neri D, De Luca R. Novel human monoclonal antibodies specific to the alternatively spliced domain D of Tenascin C efficiently target tumors in vivo. MAbs 2020; 12:1836713. [PMID: 33136526 PMCID: PMC7646483 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1836713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based delivery of bioactive molecules represents a promising strategy for the improvement of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of R6N, a novel fully human antibody specific to the alternatively spliced domain D of Tenascin C, which is highly expressed in the stroma of primary tumors and metastasis. The R6N antibody recognized its cognate tumor-associated antigen with identical specificity in mouse and human specimens. Moreover, the antibody was able to selectively localize to solid tumors in vivo as evidenced by immunofluorescence-based biodistribution analysis. Encouraged by these results, we developed a novel fusion protein (termed mIL12-R6N) consisting of the murine interleukin 12 fused to the R6N antibody in homodimeric tandem single-chain variable fragment arrangement. mIL12-R6N exhibited potent antitumor activity in immunodeficient mice bearing SKRC52 renal cell carcinoma, as well as in immunocompetent mice bearing SMA-497 glioma. The experiments presented in this work provide a rationale for possible future applications for the R6N antibody for the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nadal
- Biology department, Philochem AG , Otelfingen, Switzerland.,CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy , Trento, Italy
| | - Riccardo Corbellari
- Biology department, Philochem AG , Otelfingen, Switzerland.,CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy , Trento, Italy
| | | | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) , Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Mohammadi M, Rezaie E, Sakhteman A, Zarei N. A highly potential cleavable linker for tumor targeting antibody-chemokines. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:2546-2556. [PMID: 33118476 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1841025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines are the large family of chemotactic cytokines that play an important role in leukocyte movement and migration stimulation. Until now, several antibody-cytokine (chemokine) fusion proteins have been investigated in clinical trials because of their ability to evoke the circulating leukocytes far from the tumor site. In this case, creating the concentration gradient regarding the chemokine is very important to recruit the circulating leukocytes with maximum performance to the tumor environment. To achieve a proper gradient, the chemokine separation from the tumor antigen-bounded antibody can be very crucial. Thus, we designed a novel linker that can be cleaved by enzymes presented around the tumor site including cathepsin B, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Also, it can inhibit tumor progression by competing with the native substrate of key proteases in the tumor microenvironment. The proposed linker was evaluated using some bioinformatics approaches. In silico results showed that the linker is structurally stable and could be detected and cleaved using the mentioned enzymes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozafar Mohammadi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Rezaie
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Neda Zarei
- Department of Biology, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Hager S, Fittler FJ, Wagner E, Bros M. Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches for Tumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E2061. [PMID: 32917034 PMCID: PMC7564019 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the last decade, the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors proposed to boost the patients' anti-tumor immune response has proven the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches for tumor therapy. Furthermore, especially in the context of the development of biocompatible, cell type targeting nano-carriers, nucleic acid-based drugs aimed to initiate and to enhance anti-tumor responses have come of age. This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the therapeutic use of nucleic acids for cancer treatment on various levels, comprising (i) mRNA and DNA-based vaccines to be expressed by antigen presenting cells evoking sustained anti-tumor T cell responses, (ii) molecular adjuvants, (iii) strategies to inhibit/reprogram tumor-induced regulatory immune cells e.g., by RNA interference (RNAi), (iv) genetically tailored T cells and natural killer cells to directly recognize tumor antigens, and (v) killing of tumor cells, and reprograming of constituents of the tumor microenvironment by gene transfer and RNAi. Aside from further improvements of individual nucleic acid-based drugs, the major perspective for successful cancer therapy will be combination treatments employing conventional regimens as well as immunotherapeutics like checkpoint inhibitors and nucleic acid-based drugs, each acting on several levels to adequately counter-act tumor immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hager
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
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23
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Bruins WSC, Zweegman S, Mutis T, van de Donk NWCJ. Targeted Therapy With Immunoconjugates for Multiple Myeloma. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1155. [PMID: 32636838 PMCID: PMC7316960 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of proteasome inhibitors (PI) and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiD) has markedly increased the survival of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Also, the unconjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAb) daratumumab (anti-CD38) and elotuzumab (anti-SLAMF7) have revolutionized MM treatment given their clinical efficacy and safety, illustrating the potential of targeted immunotherapy as a powerful treatment strategy for MM. Nonetheless, most patients eventually develop PI-, IMiD-, and mAb-refractory disease because of the selection of resistant MM clones, which associates with a poor prognosis. Accordingly, these patients remain in urgent need of new therapies with novel mechanisms of action. In this respect, mAbs or mAb fragments can also be utilized as carriers of potent effector moieties to specifically target surface antigens on cells of interest. Such immunoconjugates have the potential to exert anti-MM activity in heavily pretreated patients due to their distinct and pleiotropic mechanisms of action. In addition, the fusion of highly cytotoxic compounds to mAbs decreases the off-target toxicity, thereby improving the therapeutic window. According to the effector moiety, immunoconjugates are classified into antibody-drug conjugates, immunotoxins, immunocytokines, or radioimmunoconjugates. This review will focus on the mechanisms of action, safety and efficacy of several promising immunoconjugates that are under investigation in preclinical and/or clinical MM studies. We will also include a discussion on combination therapy with immunoconjugates, resistance mechanisms, and future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassilis S C Bruins
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sonja Zweegman
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tuna Mutis
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Niels W C J van de Donk
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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24
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Stringhini M, Probst P, Neri D. Immunotherapy of CT26 murine tumors is characterized by an oligoclonal response of tissue-resident memory T cells against the AH1 rejection antigen. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1591-1597. [PMID: 32470143 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mice bearing CT26 tumors can be cured by administration of L19-mIL12 or F8-mTNF, two antibody fusion proteins which selectively deliver their cytokine payload to the tumor. In both settings, cancer cures crucially depended on CD8+ T cells and the AH1 peptide (derived from the gp70 protein of the murine leukemia virus) acted as the main tumor-rejection antigen, with ∼50% of CD8+ T cells in the neoplastic mass being AH1-specific after therapy. In order to characterize the clonality of the T cell response, its phenotype, and activation status, we isolated CD8+ T cells from tumors and secondary lymphoid organs and submitted them to T cell receptor (TCR) and total mRNA sequencing. We found an extremely diverse repertoire of more than 40 000 unique TCR sequences, but the ten most abundant TCRs accounted for >60% of CD8+ T-cell clones in the tumor. AH1-specific TCRs were consistently found among the most abundant sequences. AH1-specific T cells in the tumor had a tissue-resident memory phenotype. Treatment with L19-mIL12 led to overexpression of IL-12 receptor and of markers of cell activation and proliferation. These data suggest that the antitumor response driven by antibody-cytokine fusions proceeds through an oligoclonal expansion and activation of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Probst
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
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25
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Lui BG, Salomon N, Wüstehube-Lausch J, Daneschdar M, Schmoldt HU, Türeci Ö, Sahin U. Targeting the tumor vasculature with engineered cystine-knot miniproteins. Nat Commun 2020; 11:295. [PMID: 31941901 PMCID: PMC6962393 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13948-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The extra domain B splice variant (EDB) of human fibronectin selectively expressed in the tumor vasculature is an attractive target for cancer imaging and therapy. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of EDB-specific optical imaging probes. By screening combinatorial cystine-knot miniprotein libraries with phage display technology we discover exquisitely EDB-specific ligands that share a distinctive motif. Probes with a binding constant in the picomolar range are generated by chemical oligomerization of selected ligands and fluorophore conjugation. We show by fluorescence imaging that the probes stain EDB in tissue sections derived from human U-87 MG glioblastoma xenografts in mice. Moreover, we demonstrate selective accumulation and retention of intravenously administered probes in the tumor tissue of mice with U-87 MG glioblastoma xenografts by in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. These data warrants further pursuit of the selected cystine-knot miniproteins for in vivo imaging applications. Cystine-knot miniprotein are small, highly stable, disulfide-rich peptides with increasing potential as drugs and tumor imaging agents. Here the authors develop cystine-knot miniproteins targeting the vascular tumor marker EDB, and use them as probes for in vivo tumor vasculature imaging.
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26
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Comparative evaluation of bolus and fractionated administration modalities for two antibody-cytokine fusions in immunocompetent tumor-bearing mice. J Control Release 2020; 317:282-290. [PMID: 31790729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins are being considered as biopharmaceuticals for cancer immunotherapy. Tumor-homing cytokine fusions typically display an improved therapeutic activity compared to the corresponding unmodified cytokine products, but toxicity profiles at equivalent doses are similar, since side effects are mainly driven by the cytokine concentration in blood. In order to explore avenues to harness the therapeutic potential of antibody-cytokine fusions while decreasing potential toxicity, we compared bolus and fractionated administration modalities for two tumor-targeting antibody-cytokine fusion proteins based on human interleukin-2 (IL2) and murine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (i.e., L19-hIL2 and L19-mTNF) in two murine immunocompetent mouse models of cancer (F9 and C51). A comparative quantitative biodistribution analysis with radio-labeled protein preparations revealed that a fractionated administration of L19-hIL2 could deliver comparable product doses to the tumor with decreased product concentration in blood and normal organs, compared to bolus injection. By contrast, L19-mTNF (a product that causes a selective vascular shutdown in the tumor) accumulated most efficiently after bolus injection. Fractionated schedules allowed the safe administration of a cumulative dose of L19-mTNF, which was 2.5-times higher than the lethal dose for bolus injection. Dose fractionation led to a prolonged tumor growth inhibition for F9 teratocarcinomas, but not for C51 colorectal tumors, which responded best to bolus injection. Thus, dose fractionation may have different outcomes for the same antibody-cytokine product in different biological contexts.
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27
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De Luca R, Gouyou B, Ongaro T, Villa A, Ziffels B, Sannino A, Buttinoni G, Galeazzi S, Mazzacuva M, Neri D. A Novel Fully-Human Potency-Matched Dual Cytokine-Antibody Fusion Protein Targets Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Renal Cell Carcinomas. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1228. [PMID: 31799191 PMCID: PMC6863974 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain cytokines synergize in activating anti-cancer immunity at the site of disease and it may be desirable to generate biopharmaceutical agents, capable of simultaneous delivery of cytokine pairs to the tumor. In this article, we have described the cloning, expression and characterization of IL2-XE114-TNFmut, a dual-cytokine biopharmaceutical featuring the sequential fusion of interleukin-2 (IL2) with the XE114 antibody in scFv format and a tumor necrosis factor mutant (TNFmut). The fusion protein recognized the cognate antigen (carbonic anhydrase IX, a marker of hypoxia and of renal cell carcinoma) with high affinity and specificity. IL2-XE114-TNFmut formed a stable non-covalent homotrimeric structure, displayed cytokine activity in in vitro tests and preferentially localized to solid tumors in vivo. The product exhibited a partial growth inhibition of murine CT26 tumors transfected for carbonic anhydrase IX. When administered to Cynomolgus monkey as intravenous injection, IL2-XE114-TNFmut showed the expected plasma concentration of ~1,500 ng/ml at early time points, indicating the absence of any in vivo trapping events, and a half-life of ~2 h. IL2-XE114-TNFmut may thus be considered as a promising biopharmaceutical for the treatment of metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, since these tumors are known to be sensitive to IL2 and to TNF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gianluca Buttinoni
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Katsumata K, Ishihara J, Mansurov A, Ishihara A, Raczy MM, Yuba E, Hubbell JA. Targeting inflammatory sites through collagen affinity enhances the therapeutic efficacy of anti-inflammatory antibodies. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaay1971. [PMID: 31723606 PMCID: PMC6834392 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay1971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of drugs for inflammatory diseases is of high demand. One possible approach is targeting drugs to the extracellular matrix of the inflamed area. Here, we target collagens in the matrix, which are inaccessible in most tissues yet are exposed to the bloodstream in the inflamed area because of vascular hyperpermeability. We conferred collagen affinity to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (α-TNF) antibody by conjugating a collagen-binding peptide (CBP) derived from the sequence of decorin. CBP-α-TNF accumulated in the inflamed paw of the arthritis model, and arthritis development was significantly suppressed by treatment with CBP-α-TNF compared with the unmodified antibody. Similarly, CBP-anti-transforming growth factor-β (α-TGF-β) accumulated in the inflamed lung of pulmonary fibrosis model and significantly suppressed pulmonary fibrosis compared with the unmodified antibody. Together, collagen affinity enables the anticytokine antibodies to target arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis accompanied by inflammation, demonstrating a clinically translational approach to treat inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyomitsu Katsumata
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Aslan Mansurov
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ako Ishihara
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michal M. Raczy
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Eiji Yuba
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Jeffrey A. Hubbell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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29
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Chen Z, Yang Y, Liu LL, Lundqvist A. Strategies to Augment Natural Killer (NK) Cell Activity against Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071040. [PMID: 31340613 PMCID: PMC6678934 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role to prevent local growth and dissemination of cancer. Therapies based on activating the immune system can result in beneficial responses in patients with metastatic disease. Treatment with antibodies targeting the immunological checkpoint axis PD-1 / PD-L1 can result in the induction of anti-tumor T cell activation leading to meaningful long-lasting clinical responses. Still, many patients acquire resistance or develop dose-limiting toxicities to these therapies. Analysis of tumors from patients who progress on anti-PD-1 treatment reveal defective interferon-signaling and antigen presentation, resulting in immune escape from T cell-mediated attack. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that can kill tumor cells without prior sensitization to antigens and can be activated to kill tumor cells that have an impaired antigen processing and presentation machinery. Thus, NK cells may serve as useful effectors against tumor cells that have become resistant to classical immune checkpoint therapy. Various approaches to activate NK cells are being increasingly explored in clinical trials against cancer. While clinical benefit has been demonstrated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving haploidentical NK cells, responses in patients with solid tumors are so far less encouraging. Several hurdles need to be overcome to provide meaningful clinical responses in patients with solid tumors. Here we review the recent developments to augment NK cell responses against solid tumors with regards to cytokine therapy, adoptive infusion of NK cells, NK cell engagers, and NK cell immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa L Liu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden.
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30
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Kholodenko RV, Kalinovsky DV, Doronin II, Ponomarev ED, Kholodenko IV. Antibody Fragments as Potential Biopharmaceuticals for Cancer Therapy: Success and Limitations. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:396-426. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170817152554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important class of therapeutic agents approved for the therapy of many types of malignancies. However, in certain cases applications of conventional mAbs have several limitations in anticancer immunotherapy. These limitations include insufficient efficacy and adverse effects. The antigen-binding fragments of antibodies have a considerable potential to overcome the disadvantages of conventional mAbs, such as poor penetration into solid tumors and Fc-mediated bystander activation of the immune system. Fragments of antibodies retain antigen specificity and part of functional properties of conventional mAbs and at the same time have much better penetration into the tumors and a greatly reduced level of adverse effects. Recent advantages in antibody engineering allowed to produce different types of antibody fragments with improved structure and properties for efficient elimination of tumor cells. These molecules opened up new perspectives for anticancer therapy. Here, we will overview the structural features of the various types of antibody fragments and their applications for anticancer therapy as separate molecules and as part of complex conjugates or structures. Mechanisms of antitumor action of antibody fragments as well as their advantages and disadvantages for clinical application will be discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman V. Kholodenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho- Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
| | - Daniel V. Kalinovsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho- Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
| | - Igor I. Doronin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho- Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
| | - Eugene D. Ponomarev
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Brain, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong
| | - Irina V. Kholodenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho- Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
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31
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Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: Biopharmaceuticals with immunomodulatory properties for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:67-91. [PMID: 30201522 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been used for therapeutic applications in cancer patients. Substantial side effects and unfavorable pharmacokinetics limit their application and may prevent dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (often referred to as immunocytokines) may help localize immunomodulatory cytokine payloads to the tumor, thereby activating anticancer immune responses. A variety of formats (e.g., intact IgGs or antibody fragments), molecular targets (e.g., extracellular matrix components and cell membrane antigens) and cytokine payloads have been considered for the development of this novel class of biopharmaceuticals. This review presents the basic concepts on the design and engineering of immunocytokines, reviews their potential limitations, points out emerging opportunities and summarizes key features of preclinical and clinical-stage products.
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32
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Ongaro T, Matasci M, Cazzamalli S, Gouyou B, De Luca R, Neri D, Villa A. A novel anti-cancer L19-interleukin-12 fusion protein with an optimized peptide linker efficiently localizes in vivo at the site of tumors. J Biotechnol 2019; 291:17-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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33
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Murer P, Kiefer JD, Plüss L, Matasci M, Blümich SL, Stringhini M, Neri D. Targeted Delivery of TNF Potentiates the Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity of an Anti-Melanoma Immunoglobulin. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 139:1339-1348. [PMID: 30543899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The recombinant murine IgG2a antibody TA99, directed against a melanoma antigen, was used to study combination modalities that potentiate antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity. As previously reported, IgG2a(TA99) was extremely efficacious in preventing the growth of B16 lung metastases. However, the same antibody mediated only minimal tumor growth retardation when used to treat established neoplastic masses. The therapeutic activity of IgG2a(TA99) could be substantially enhanced by co-administration with an antibody-cytokine fusion (TA99-murine tumor necrosis factor [mTNF]), consisting of the TA99 antibody in single-chain variable fragment format fused to murine TNF. This fusion protein efficiently killed endothelial cells in vitro and displayed only minimal activity against B16 melanoma cells. In vivo, TA99-mTNF boosted the influx of natural killer cells and macrophages into B16 melanoma lesions. Therapy studies with two different administration schedules showed that the combination of TA99-mTNF and IgG2a(TA99) was superior to the individual products used as single agents. The combination treatment converted most of the tumor mass into a necrotic lesion, but a vital tumor rim eventually regrew, even when dacarbazine was included in the therapeutic regimen. The treatment modality described in this article may be applicable to the treatment of melanoma patients, given the specificity of the gp75 antigen and its conservation across species.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/isolation & purification
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- CHO Cells
- Cell Line, Tumor/transplantation
- Cricetulus
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoconjugates/administration & dosage
- Immunoconjugates/genetics
- Immunoconjugates/isolation & purification
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Mice
- Oxidoreductases/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/administration & dosage
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/isolation & purification
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/administration & dosage
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/isolation & purification
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan D Kiefer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Louis Plüss
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Sandra L Blümich
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland.
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34
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Mutter NL, Soskine M, Huang G, Albuquerque IS, Bernardes GJL, Maglia G. Modular Pore-Forming Immunotoxins with Caged Cytotoxicity Tailored by Directed Evolution. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:3153-3160. [PMID: 30278129 PMCID: PMC6243392 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Immunotoxins are proteins containing
a cell-targeting element linked
to a toxin that are under investigation for next-generation cancer
treatment. However, these agents are difficult to synthesize, chemically
heterogeneous, expensive, and show toxicity toward healthy cells.
In this work, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a
new type of immunotoxin that showed exquisite selectivity toward
targeted cells. In our construct, targeting molecules were covalently
attached or genetically fused to oligomeric pore-forming toxins. The
activity of the immunotoxin was then caged by fusing a soluble protein
to the transmembrane domain and activated via cleavage with furin,
which is a protease that is overexpressed in many cancer cells. During
the several coupling steps, directed evolution allowed the efficient
synthesis of the molecules in E. coli cells, as well
as selection for further specificity toward targeted cells. The final
construct showed no off-target activity, while acquiring an additional
degree of specificity toward the targeted cells upon activation. The
pore-forming toxins described here do not require internalization
to operate, while the many protomeric subunits can be individually
modified to refine target specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L. Mutter
- Groningen Biomolecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Misha Soskine
- Groningen Biomolecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gang Huang
- Groningen Biomolecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inês S. Albuquerque
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Maglia
- Groningen Biomolecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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35
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Spangler JB, Trotta E, Tomala J, Peck A, Young TA, Savvides CS, Silveria S, Votavova P, Salafsky J, Pande VS, Kovar M, Bluestone JA, Garcia KC. Engineering a Single-Agent Cytokine/Antibody Fusion That Selectively Expands Regulatory T Cells for Autoimmune Disease Therapy. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:2094-2106. [PMID: 30104245 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
IL-2 has been used to treat diseases ranging from cancer to autoimmune disorders, but its concurrent immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects hinder efficacy. IL-2 orchestrates immune cell function through activation of a high-affinity heterotrimeric receptor (composed of IL-2Rα, IL-2Rβ, and common γ [γc]). IL-2Rα, which is highly expressed on regulatory T (TReg) cells, regulates IL-2 sensitivity. Previous studies have shown that complexation of IL-2 with the JES6-1 Ab preferentially biases cytokine activity toward TReg cells through a unique mechanism whereby IL-2 is exchanged from the Ab to IL-2Rα. However, clinical adoption of a mixed Ab/cytokine complex regimen is limited by stoichiometry and stability concerns. In this study, through structure-guided design, we engineered a single agent fusion of the IL-2 cytokine and JES6-1 Ab that, despite being covalently linked, preserves IL-2 exchange, selectively stimulating TReg expansion and exhibiting superior disease control to the mixed IL-2/JES6-1 complex in a mouse colitis model. These studies provide an engineering blueprint for resolving a major barrier to the implementation of functionally similar IL-2/Ab complexes for treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie B Spangler
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Eleonora Trotta
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 14220 Prague 4-Krc, Czech Republic
| | - Ariana Peck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | | | - Stephanie Silveria
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Petra Votavova
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 14220 Prague 4-Krc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vijay S Pande
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; and
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 14220 Prague 4-Krc, Czech Republic
| | - Jeffrey A Bluestone
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Sean N. Parker Autoimmune Research Laboratory, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305; .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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De Luca R, Neri D. Potentiation of PD-L1 blockade with a potency-matched dual cytokine-antibody fusion protein leads to cancer eradication in BALB/c-derived tumors but not in other mouse strains. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1381-1391. [PMID: 29971465 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We have recently described a novel therapeutic antibody product (IL2-F8-TNFmut), featuring the simultaneous fusion of murine IL2 and of a TNF mutant with scFv(F8), an antibody specific to the alternatively-spliced extra domain A of fibronectin (EDA). Here, we report on the in vivo characterization of the anti-cancer activity of IL2-F8-TNFmut in four immunocompetent murine models of cancer, CT26, WEHI-164, F9 teratocarcinoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), using the product alone or in combination with a monoclonal antibody specific to murine PD-L1. All four models exhibited a strong expression of EDA-fibronectin, which was confined to vascular structures for F9 tumors, while the other three malignancies exhibited a more stromal pattern of staining. A complete and long-lasting tumor eradication of CT26 and WEHI-164 tumors was observed in BALB/c mice when IL2-F8-TNFmut was used in combination with PD-L1 blockade. The combination treatment led to improved tumor growth inhibition in 129/SvEv mice bearing murine teratocarcinoma or in C57BL/6 mice bearing murine LLC, but those cancer cures were difficult to achieve in those models. A microscopic analysis of tumor sections, obtained 24 h after pharmacological treatment, revealed that the PD-L1 antibody had homogenously reached tumor cells in vivo and that the combination of PD-L1 blockade with IL2-F8-TNFmut stimulated an influx of NK cells and of T cells into the neoplastic mass. These data indicate that potency-matched dual-cytokine fusion proteins may be ideally suited to potentiate the therapeutic activity of immune check-point inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Luca
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Schmid AS, Hemmerle T, Pretto F, Kipar A, Neri D. Antibody-based targeted delivery of interleukin-4 synergizes with dexamethasone for the reduction of inflammation in arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:748-755. [PMID: 29365185 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We have previously reported that F8-IL4, a fusion protein consisting of the F8 antibody specific to the alternatively-spliced extra domain A of fibronectin and of murine IL-4, cures mice with established arthritis, when used in combination with dexamethasone (DXM). The goal of this study was to assess whether other therapeutic agents, besides DXM, could induce cures in combination with F8-IL4 and to elucidate which leucocytes are most affected by the pharmacological treatment. Methods We performed therapy experiments in mice with CIA, using intravenous administrations of F8-IL4 in combination with DXM, MTX, murine cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 fused to the fragment crystallizable portion of murine IgG2a, as well as mAbs to murine IL17A or the p40 subunit of murine IL12/IL23. Histology and immunohistochemistry for the identification of the various leucocytes were performed on the paws of mice euthanized at different therapy time points. Results Only the use of F8-IL4 in combination with DXM induced complete remissions, while all other combinations did not lead to cures. The light microscopical evaluation of paws with arthritis revealed a predominant infiltration of neutrophils, which substantially decreased 24 h after treatment with F8-IL4 and DXM. Conclusion The combination of F8-IL4 with DXM promotes a rapid anti-arthritic action by potently inhibiting neutrophil activity. A fully human analogue of F8-IL4 may find clinical utility for the treatment of neutrophil-driven chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Sophie Schmid
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Teresa Hemmerle
- Philochem AG, Otelfingen, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Pretto
- Philochem AG, Otelfingen, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Kipar
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
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Novel antibody-cytokine fusion proteins featuring granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, interleukin-3 and interleukin-4 as payloads. J Biotechnol 2018; 271:29-36. [PMID: 29438784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophils can strongly influence disease activity in cancer and in chronic inflammation. Here, we report for the first time the construction and characterization of antibody-fusion proteins featuring granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and interleukin-3 as payloads capable of enhancing neutrophil activity and a novel antibody-interleukin-4 fusion protein with neutrophil inhibitory potential. We used the F8 antibody specific to the alternatively-spliced extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin as a targeting agent, since the cognate antigen is strongly upregulated in diseases characterized by angiogenesis. The fusion proteins GCSF-F8, F8-IL3 and F8-IL4-F8, were cloned, expressed, and their targeting ability assessed, exhibiting preferential tumor uptake with tumor:blood ratios at 24 h after injection of 3.3, 18.2 and 27.3, respectively. In F9 tumor bearing-mice GCSF-F8 and F8-IL3 did not provide a therapeutic benefit, while F8-IL4-F8 showed a potent tumor growth retardation. In the collagen-induced model of arthritis, GCSF-F8 and F8-IL3 induced a worsening of the disease, while F8-IL4-F8 slowed arthritis progression but, surprisingly, exhibited substantial toxicity when used in combination with dexamethasone. Collectively, the results indicate that the novel fusion proteins could be expressed and efficiently delivered to the site of disease. However, they were not superior to other antibody-cytokine fusions previously described by our laboratory.
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Targeted drug delivery for tumor therapy inside the bone marrow. Biomaterials 2018; 155:191-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Corraliza-Gorjón I, Somovilla-Crespo B, Santamaria S, Garcia-Sanz JA, Kremer L. New Strategies Using Antibody Combinations to Increase Cancer Treatment Effectiveness. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1804. [PMID: 29312320 PMCID: PMC5742572 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have proven their high value in antitumor therapy over the last two decades. They are currently being used as the first-choice to treat some of the most frequent metastatic cancers, like HER2+ breast cancers or colorectal cancers, currently treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin) and bevacizumab (Avastin), respectively. The impressive therapeutic success of antibodies inhibiting immune checkpoints has extended the use of therapeutic antibodies to previously unanticipated tumor types. These anti-immune checkpoint antibodies allowed the cure of patients devoid of other therapeutic options, through the recovery of the patient’s own immune response against the tumor. In this review, we describe how the antibody-based therapies will evolve, including the use of antibodies in combinations, their main characteristics, advantages, and how they could contribute to significantly increase the chances of success in cancer therapy. Indeed, novel combinations will consist of mixtures of antibodies against either different epitopes of the same molecule or different targets on the same tumor cell; bispecific or multispecific antibodies able of simultaneously binding tumor cells, immune cells or extracellular molecules; immunomodulatory antibodies; antibody-based molecules, including fusion proteins between a ligand or a receptor domain and the IgG Fab or Fc fragments; autologous or heterologous cells; and different formats of vaccines. Through complementary mechanisms of action, these combinations could contribute to elude the current limitations of a single antibody which recognizes only one particular epitope. These combinations may allow the simultaneous attack of the cancer cells by using the help of the own immune cells and exerting wider therapeutic effects, based on a more specific, fast, and robust response, trying to mimic the action of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Corraliza-Gorjón
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Somovilla-Crespo
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Santamaria
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A Garcia-Sanz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonor Kremer
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Fercher C, Keshvari S, McGuckin MA, Barnard RT. Evolution of the magic bullet: Single chain antibody fragments for the targeted delivery of immunomodulatory proteins. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 243:166-183. [PMID: 29256259 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217748575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocytokines are fusion proteins that combine the specific antigen binding capacities of an antibody or derivative thereof and the potent bioactivity of a cytokine partner. These novel biopharmaceuticals have been directed to various targets of oncological as well as non-oncological origin and a handful of promising constructs are currently advancing in the clinical trial pipeline. Several factors such as the choice of a disease specific antigen, the antibody format and the modulatory nature of the payload are crucial, not only for therapeutic efficacy and safety but also for the commercial success of such a product. In this review, we provide an overview of the basic principles and obstacles in immunocytokine design with a specific focus on single chain antibody fragment-based constructs that employ interleukins as the immunoactive component. Impact statement Selective activation of the immune system in a variety of malignancies represents an attractive approach when existing strategies have failed to provide adequate treatment options. Immunocytokines as a novel class of bifunctional protein therapeutics have emerged recently and generated promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. In order to harness their full potential, multiple different aspects have to be taken into consideration. Several key points of these fusion constructs are discussed here and should provide an outline for the development of novel products based on an overview of selected formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Fercher
- 1 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sahar Keshvari
- 2 Inflammatory Diseases Biology and Therapeutics, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Michael A McGuckin
- 2 Inflammatory Diseases Biology and Therapeutics, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ross T Barnard
- 1 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,3 Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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Valedkarimi Z, Nasiri H, Aghebati-Maleki L, Majidi J. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins for improving efficacy and safety of cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:731-742. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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De Luca R, Soltermann A, Pretto F, Pemberton-Ross C, Pellegrini G, Wulhfard S, Neri D. Potency-matched Dual Cytokine-Antibody Fusion Proteins for Cancer Therapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:2442-2451. [PMID: 28716814 PMCID: PMC5844457 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A novel biopharmaceutical, consisting of the F8 mAb (specific to a splice isoform of fibronectin) simultaneously fused to both TNF and IL2, was found to react with the majority of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies in mouse and man, but not with healthy adult tissues. The product selectively localized to neoplastic lesions in vivo, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution studies using radioiodinated protein preparations. When the potency of the cytokine payloads was matched by a single-point mutation, the resulting fusion protein (IL2-F8-TNFmut) eradicated soft-tissue sarcomas in immunocompetent mice, which did not respond to individual antibody-cytokine fusion proteins or by standard doxorubicin treatment. Durable complete responses were also observed in mice bearing CT26, C1498, and F9 tumors. The simultaneous delivery of multiple proinflammatory payloads to the cancer site conferred protective immunity against subsequent tumor challenges. A fully human homolog of IL2-F8-TNFmut, which retained selectivity similar to its murine counterpart when tested on human material, may open new clinical applications for the immunotherapy of cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2442-51. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Luca
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alex Soltermann
- Institut für Klinische Pathologie, Universitätspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Giovanni Pellegrini
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland.
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Cazzamalli S, Corso AD, Neri D. Targeted Delivery of Cytotoxic Drugs: Challenges, Opportunities and New Developments. Chimia (Aarau) 2017; 71:712-715. [PMID: 29070415 PMCID: PMC5844459 DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2017.712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic drugs, which are commonly used for the pharmacotherapy of many forms of cancer, often cause substantial toxicity to the patient without being able to induce long-lasting remissions. Ligands specific to accessible tumor-associated targets, capable of selective localization at the neoplastic site, may facilitate the preferential delivery of anti-cancer drugs, boosting activity and helping spare normal organs. In this article, we present a critical analysis of the limitation of conventional anti-cancer drugs and we contrast monoclonal antibodies and small organic ligands, as vehicles for pharmacodelivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Cazzamalli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zurich
| | - Alberto Dal Corso
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zurich
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zurich;,
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Herrington-Symes A, Choi JW, Brocchini S. Interferon dimers: IFN-PEG-IFN. J Drug Target 2017; 25:881-890. [PMID: 28817988 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2017.1363214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Increasingly complex proteins can be made by a recombinant chemical approach where proteins that can be made easily can be combined by site-specific chemical conjugation to form multifunctional or more active protein therapeutics. Protein dimers may display increased avidity for cell surface receptors. The increased size of protein dimers may also increase circulation times. Cytokines bind to cell surface receptors that dimerise, so much of the solvent accessible surface of a cytokine is involved in binding to its target. Interferon (IFN) homo-dimers (IFN-PEG-IFN) were prepared by two methods: site-specific bis-alkylation conjugation of PEG to the two thiols of a native disulphide or to two imidazoles on a histidine tag of two His8-tagged IFN (His8IFN). Several control conjugates were also prepared to assess the relative activity of these IFN homo-dimers. The His8IFN-PEG20-His8IFN obtained by histidine-specific conjugation displayed marginally greater in vitro antiviral activity compared to the IFN-PEG20-IFN homo-dimer obtained by disulphide re-bridging conjugation. This result is consistent with previous observations in which enhanced retention of activity was made possible by conjugation to an N-terminal His-tag on the IFN. Comparison of the antiviral and antiproliferative activities of the two IFN homo-dimers prepared by disulphide re-bridging conjugation indicated that IFN-PEG10-IFN was more biologically active than IFN-PEG20-IFN. This result suggests that the size of PEG may influence the antiviral activity of IFN-PEG-IFN homo-dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ji-Won Choi
- a Abzena , Babraham Research Campus , Babraham, Cambridge , UK
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46
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An atlas of bloodstream-accessible bone marrow proteins for site-directed therapy of acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2017; 32:510-519. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Ritz D, Gloger A, Weide B, Garbe C, Neri D, Fugmann T. High-sensitivity HLA class I peptidome analysis enables a precise definition of peptide motifs and the identification of peptides from cell lines and patients' sera. Proteomics 2017; 16:1570-80. [PMID: 26992070 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The characterization of peptides bound to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I is of fundamental importance for understanding CD8+ T cell-driven immunological processes and for the development of immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies. However, until now, the mass spectrometric analysis of HLA-bound peptides has typically required billions of cells, still resulting in relatively few high-confidence peptide identifications. Capitalizing on the recent developments in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics, we have implemented a methodology for the efficient recovery of acid-eluted HLA peptides after purification with the pan-reactive antibody W6/32 and have identified a total of 27 862 unique peptides with high confidence (1% false discovery rate) from five human cancer cell lines. More than 93% of the identified peptides were eight to 11 amino acids in length and contained signatures that were in excellent agreement with published HLA binding motifs. Furthermore, by purifying soluble HLA class I complexes (sHLA) from sera of melanoma patients, up to 972 high-confidence peptides could be identified, including melanoma-associated antigens already described in the literature. Knowledge of the HLA class I peptidome should facilitate multiplex tetramer technology-based characterization of T cells, and allow the development of patient selection, stratification and immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Gloger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Weide
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatologic Oncology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Claus Garbe
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatologic Oncology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Dario Neri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Immuno-oncology (I/O) research has intensified significantly in recent years due to the breakthrough development and the regulatory approval of several immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to the rapid expansion of the new discovery of novel I/O therapies, new checkpoint inhibitors and beyond. However, many I/O questions remain unanswered, including why only certain subsets of patients respond to these treatments, who the responders would be, and how to expand patient response (the conversion of non-responders or maximizing response in partial responders). All of these require relevant I/O experimental systems, particularly relevant preclinical animal models. Compared to other oncology drug discovery, e.g. cytotoxic and targeted drugs, a lack of relevant animal models is a major obstacle in I/O drug discovery, and an urgent and unmet need. Despite the obvious importance, and the fact that much I/O research has been performed using many different animal models, there are few comprehensive and introductory reviews on this topic. This article attempts to review the efforts in development of a variety of such models, as well as their applications and limitations for readers new to the field, particularly those in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Xiang Li
- Crown Bioscience Inc., 3375 Scott Blvd, Suite 108, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Gerold Feuer
- HuMurine Technologies, Inc., 2700 Stockton Blvd, Rm. 1403, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Xuesong Ouyang
- Crown Bioscience Inc., 3375 Scott Blvd, Suite 108, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
| | - Xiaoyu An
- Crown Bioscience Inc., 3375 Scott Blvd, Suite 108, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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Klein C, Waldhauer I, Nicolini VG, Freimoser-Grundschober A, Nayak T, Vugts DJ, Dunn C, Bolijn M, Benz J, Stihle M, Lang S, Roemmele M, Hofer T, van Puijenbroek E, Wittig D, Moser S, Ast O, Brünker P, Gorr IH, Neumann S, de Vera Mudry MC, Hinton H, Crameri F, Saro J, Evers S, Gerdes C, Bacac M, van Dongen G, Moessner E, Umaña P. Cergutuzumab amunaleukin (CEA-IL2v), a CEA-targeted IL-2 variant-based immunocytokine for combination cancer immunotherapy: Overcoming limitations of aldesleukin and conventional IL-2-based immunocytokines. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1277306. [PMID: 28405498 PMCID: PMC5384349 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1277306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed cergutuzumab amunaleukin (CEA-IL2v, RG7813), a novel monomeric CEA-targeted immunocytokine, that comprises a single IL-2 variant (IL2v) moiety with abolished CD25 binding, fused to the C-terminus of a high affinity, bivalent carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific antibody devoid of Fc-mediated effector functions. Its molecular design aims to (i) avoid preferential activation of regulatory T-cells vs. immune effector cells by removing CD25 binding; (ii) increase the therapeutic index of IL-2 therapy by (a) preferential retention at the tumor by having a lower dissociation rate from CEA-expressing cancer cells vs. IL-2R-expressing cells, (b) avoiding any FcγR-binding and Fc effector functions and (c) reduced binding to endothelial cells expressing CD25; and (iii) improve the pharmacokinetics, and thus convenience of administration, of IL-2. The crystal structure of the IL2v-IL-2Rβγ complex was determined and CEA-IL2v activity was assessed using human immune effector cells. Tumor targeting was investigated in tumor-bearing mice using 89Zr-labeled CEA-IL2v. Efficacy studies were performed in (a) syngeneic mouse models as monotherapy and combined with anti-PD-L1, and in (b) xenograft mouse models in combination with ADCC-mediating antibodies. CEA-IL2v binds to CEA with pM avidity but not to CD25, and consequently did not preferentially activate Tregs. In vivo, CEA-IL2v demonstrated superior pharmacokinetics and tumor targeting compared with a wild-type IL-2-based CEA immunocytokine (CEA-IL2wt). CEA-IL2v strongly expanded NK and CD8+ T cells, skewing the CD8+:CD4+ ratio toward CD8+ T cells both in the periphery and in the tumor, and mediated single agent efficacy in syngeneic MC38-CEA and PancO2-CEA models. Combination with trastuzumab, cetuximab and imgatuzumab, all of human IgG1 isotype, resulted in superior efficacy compared with the monotherapies alone. Combined with anti-PD-L1, CEA-IL2v mediated superior efficacy over the respective monotherapies, and over the combination with an untargeted control immunocytokine. These preclinical data support the ongoing clinical investigation of the cergutuzumab amunaleukin immunocytokine with abolished CD25 binding for the treatment of CEA-positive solid tumors in combination with PD-L1 checkpoint blockade and ADCC competent antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Klein
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Inja Waldhauer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Valeria G. Nicolini
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Tapan Nayak
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle J. Vugts
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Claire Dunn
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Marije Bolijn
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jörg Benz
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martine Stihle
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Lang
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Michaele Roemmele
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hofer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Erwin van Puijenbroek
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - David Wittig
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Moser
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Ast
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Peter Brünker
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Ingo H. Gorr
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Neumann
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Heather Hinton
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Flavio Crameri
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jose Saro
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Evers
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christian Gerdes
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Marina Bacac
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Guus van Dongen
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ekkehard Moessner
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Umaña
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
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Morel PA, Lee REC, Faeder JR. Demystifying the cytokine network: Mathematical models point the way. Cytokine 2016; 98:115-123. [PMID: 27919524 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines provide the means by which immune cells communicate with each other and with parenchymal cells. There are over one hundred cytokines and many exist in families that share receptor components and signal transduction pathways, creating complex networks. Reductionist approaches to understanding the role of specific cytokines, through the use of gene-targeted mice, have revealed further complexity in the form of redundancy and pleiotropy in cytokine function. Creating an understanding of the complex interactions between cytokines and their target cells is challenging experimentally. Mathematical and computational modeling provides a robust set of tools by which complex interactions between cytokines can be studied and analyzed, in the process creating novel insights that can be further tested experimentally. This review will discuss and provide examples of the different modeling approaches that have been used to increase our understanding of cytokine networks. This includes discussion of knowledge-based and data-driven modeling approaches and the recent advance in single-cell analysis. The use of modeling to optimize cytokine-based therapies will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope A Morel
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
| | - Robin E C Lee
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - James R Faeder
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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