1
|
Wang Q, Xin X, Dai Q, Sun M, Chen J, Mostafavi E, Shen Y, Li X. Medulloblastoma targeted therapy: From signaling pathways heterogeneity and current treatment dilemma to the recent advances in development of therapeutic strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108527. [PMID: 37703952 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a major pediatric malignant brain tumor that arises in the cerebellum. MB tumors exhibit highly heterogeneous driven by diverse genetic alterations and could be divided into four major subgroups based on their different biological drivers and molecular features (Wnt, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), group 3, and group 4 MB). Even though the therapeutic strategies for each MB subtype integrate their pathogenesis and were developed to focus on their specific target sites, the unexpected drug non-selective cytotoxicity, low drug accumulation in the brain, and complexed MB tumor microenvironment still be huge obstacles to achieving satisfied MB therapeutic efficiency. This review discussed the current advances in modern MB therapeutic strategy development. Through the recent advances in knowledge of the origin, molecular pathogenesis of MB subtypes and their current therapeutic barriers, we particularly reviewed the current development in advanced MB therapeutic strategy committed to overcome MB treatment obstacles, focusing on novel signaling pathway targeted therapeutic agents and their combination discovery, advanced drug delivery systems design, and MB immunotherapy strategy development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qihao Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Mengjuan Sun
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jinhua Chen
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Yan Shen
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bao Y, Lu W. Targeting cerebral diseases with enhanced delivery of therapeutic proteins across the blood-brain barrier. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1681-1698. [PMID: 36945117 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2193390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebral diseases have been threatening public physical and psychological health in the recent years. With the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), it is particularly hard for therapeutic proteins like peptides, enzymes, antibodies, etc. to enter the central nervous system (CNS) and function in diagnosis and treatment in cerebral diseases. Fortunately, the past decade has witnessed some emerging strategies of delivering macromolecular therapeutic proteins across the BBB. AREAS COVERED Based on the structure, functions, and substances transport mechanisms, various enhanced delivery strategies of therapeutic proteins were reviewed, categorized by molecule-mediated delivery strategies, carrier-mediated delivery strategies, and other delivery strategies. EXPERT OPINION As for molecule-mediated delivery strategies, development of genetic engineering technology, optimization of protein expression and purification techniques, and mature of quality control systems all help to realize large-scale production of recombinant antibodies, making it possible to apply to the clinical practice. In terms of carrier-mediated delivery strategies and others, although nano-carriers/adeno-associated virus (AAV) are also promising candidates for delivering therapeutic proteins or genes across the BBB, some issues still remain to be further investigated, including safety concerns related to applied materials, large-scale production costs, quality control standards, combination therapies with auxiliary delivery strategies like focused ultrasound, etc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Bao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Technology Research Center for Pharmaceutical Intelligent Equipment, and Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Druggability of Cardiovascular non-coding RNA, Institute for Frontier Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
- Department of Research and Development, Shanghai Tayzen PharmLab Co., Ltd. Lingang of Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Choi JW, Seo M, Kim K, Kim AR, Lee H, Kim HS, Park CG, Cho SW, Kang JH, Joo J, Park TE. Aptamer Nanoconstructs Crossing Human Blood-Brain Barrier Discovered via Microphysiological System-Based SELEX Technology. ACS NANO 2023; 17:8153-8166. [PMID: 37068137 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains one of the critical challenges in developing neurological therapeutics. Short single-stranded DNA/RNA nucleotides forming a three-dimensional structure, called aptamers, have received increasing attention as BBB shuttles for efficient brain drug delivery owing to their practical advantages over Trojan horse antibodies or peptides. Aptamers are typically obtained by combinatorial chemical technology, termed Systemic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX), against purified targets, living cells, or animal models. However, identifying reliable BBB-penetrating aptamers that perform efficiently under human physiological conditions has been challenging because of the poor physiological relevance in the conventional SELEX process. Here, we report a human BBB shuttle aptamer (hBS) identified using a human microphysiological system (MPS)-based SELEX (MPS-SELEX) method. A two-channel MPS lined with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) interfaced with astrocytes and pericytes, recapitulating high-level barrier function of in vivo BBB, was exploited as a screening platform. The MPS-SELEX procedure enabled robust function-based screening of the hBS candidates, which was not achievable in traditional in vitro BBB models. The identified aptamer (hBS01) through five-round of MPS-SELEX exhibited high capability to transport protein cargoes across the human BBB via clathrin-mediated endocytosis and enhanced uptake efficiency in BMECs and brain cells. The enhanced targeting specificity of hBS01 was further validated both in vitro and in vivo, confirming its powerful brain accumulation efficiency. These findings demonstrate that MPS-SELEX has potential in the discovery of aptamers with high target specificity that can be widely utilized to boost the development of drug delivery strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Won Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919
| | - Minwook Seo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919
| | - Kyunghwan Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919
| | - A-Ru Kim
- Nexmos, Inc., Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea 16827
| | - Hakmin Lee
- Nexmos, Inc., Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea 16827
| | - Hyung-Seok Kim
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea 61186
| | - Chun Gwon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea 16419
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea 16419
| | - Seung Woo Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919
| | - Joo H Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919
| | - Jinmyoung Joo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea 44919
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Boado RJ. IgG Fusion Proteins for Brain Delivery of Biologics via Blood-Brain Barrier Receptor-Mediated Transport. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071476. [PMID: 35890374 PMCID: PMC9322584 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of neurological disorders with large-molecule biotherapeutics requires that the therapeutic drug be transported across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, recombinant biotherapeutics, such as neurotrophins, enzymes, decoy receptors, and monoclonal antibodies (MAb), do not cross the BBB. These biotherapeutics can be re-engineered as brain-penetrating bifunctional IgG fusion proteins. These recombinant proteins comprise two domains, the transport domain and the therapeutic domain, respectively. The transport domain is an MAb that acts as a molecular Trojan horse by targeting a BBB-specific endogenous receptor that induces receptor-mediated transcytosis into the brain, such as the human insulin receptor (HIR) or the transferrin receptor (TfR). The therapeutic domain of the IgG fusion protein exerts its pharmacological effect in the brain once across the BBB. A generation of bifunctional IgG fusion proteins has been engineered using genetically engineered MAbs directed to either the BBB HIR or TfR as the transport domain. These IgG fusion proteins were validated in animal models of lysosomal storage disorders; acute brain conditions, such as stroke; or chronic neurodegeneration, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Human phase I–III clinical trials were also completed for Hurler MPSI and Hunter MPSII using brain-penetrating IgG-iduronidase and -iduronate-2-sulfatase fusion protein, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pardridge WM. Blood-brain barrier delivery for lysosomal storage disorders with IgG-lysosomal enzyme fusion proteins. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114234. [PMID: 35307484 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of lysosomal storage diseases affect the brain. Treatment of the brain with intravenous enzyme replacement therapy is not successful, because the recombinant lysosomal enzymes do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Biologic drugs, including lysosomal enzymes, can be re-engineered for BBB delivery as IgG-enzyme fusion proteins. The IgG domain of the fusion protein is a monoclonal antibody directed against an endogenous receptor-mediated transporter at the BBB, such as the insulin receptor or the transferrin receptor. This receptor transports the IgG across the BBB, in parallel with the endogenous receptor ligand, and the IgG acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry into brain the lysosomal enzyme genetically fused to the IgG. The IgG-enzyme fusion protein is bi-functional and retains both high affinity binding for the BBB receptor, and high lysosomal enzyme activity. IgG-lysosomal enzymes are presently in clinical trials for treatment of the brain in Mucopolysaccharidosis.
Collapse
|
6
|
Pardridge WM, Chou T. Mathematical Models of Blood-Brain Barrier Transport of Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting the Transferrin Receptor and the Insulin Receptor. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:535. [PMID: 34205013 PMCID: PMC8226686 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We develop and analyze mathematical models for receptor-mediated transcytosis of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) targeting the transferrin receptor (TfR) or the insulin receptor (IR), which are expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The mass-action kinetic model for both the TfR and IR antibodies were solved numerically to generate predictions for the concentrations of all species in all compartments considered. Using these models, we estimated the rates of MAb endocytosis into brain capillary endothelium, which forms the BBB in vivo, the rates of MAb exocytosis from the intra-endothelial compartment into brain extracellular space, and the rates of receptor recycling from the endothelial space back to the luminal endothelial plasma membrane. Our analysis highlights the optimal rates of MAb association with the targeted receptor. An important role of the endogenous ligand, transferrin (Tf) or insulin, in receptor-mediated-transport (RMT) of the associated MAb was found and was attributed to the five order magnitude difference between plasma concentrations of Tf (25,000 nM) and insulin (0.3 nM). Our modeling shows that the very high plasma concentration of Tf leads to only 5% of the endothelial TfR expressed on the luminal endothelial membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Chou
- Departments of Computational Medicine and Mathematics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marchetti M, Faggiano S, Mozzarelli A. Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Genetic Disorders Associated with Enzyme Deficiency. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:489-525. [PMID: 34042028 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210526144654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in human genes might lead to loss of functional proteins, causing diseases. Among these genetic disorders, a large class is associated with the deficiency in metabolic enzymes, resulting in both an increase in the concentration of substrates and a loss in the metabolites produced by the catalyzed reactions. The identification of therapeutic actions based on small molecules represents a challenge to medicinal chemists because the target is missing. Alternative approaches are biology-based, ranging from gene and stem cell therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, distinct types of RNAs, and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). This review will focus on the latter approach that since the 1990s has been successfully applied to cure many rare diseases, most of them being lysosomal storage diseases or metabolic diseases. So far, a dozen enzymes have been approved by FDA/EMA for lysosome storage disorders and only a few for metabolic diseases. Enzymes for replacement therapy are mainly produced in mammalian cells and some in plant cells and yeasts and are further processed to obtain active, highly bioavailable, less degradable products. Issues still under investigation for the increase in ERT efficacy are the optimization of enzymes interaction with cell membrane and internalization, the reduction in immunogenicity, and the overcoming of blood-brain barrier limitations when neuronal cells need to be targeted. Overall, ERT has demonstrated its efficacy and safety in the treatment of many genetic rare diseases, both saving newborn lives and improving patients' life quality, and represents a very successful example of targeted biologics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marialaura Marchetti
- Biopharmanet-TEC Interdepartmental Center, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, Bldg 33., 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Serena Faggiano
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 23/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Mozzarelli
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Przybilla MJ, Stewart C, Carlson TW, Ou L, Koniar BL, Sidhu R, Kell PJ, Jiang X, Jarnes JR, O'Sullivan MG, Whitley CB. Examination of a blood-brain barrier targeting β-galactosidase-monoclonal antibody fusion protein in a murine model of GM1-gangliosidosis. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2021; 27:100748. [PMID: 33854948 PMCID: PMC8025141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2021.100748] [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: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
GM1-gangliosidosis is a lysosomal disease resulting from a deficiency in the hydrolase β-galactosidase (β-gal) and subsequent accumulation of gangliosides, primarily in neuronal tissue, leading to progressive neurological deterioration and eventually early death. Lysosomal diseases with neurological involvement have limited non-invasive therapies due to the inability of lysosomal enzymes to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A novel fusion enzyme, labeled mTfR-GLB1, was designed to act as a ferry across the BBB by fusing β-gal to the mouse monoclonal antibody against the mouse transferrin receptor and tested in a murine model of GM1-gangliosidosis (β-gal-/-). Twelve hours following a single intravenous dose of mTfR-GLB1 (5.0 mg/kg) into adult β-gal-/- mice showed clearance of enzyme activity in the plasma and an increase in β-gal enzyme activity in the liver and spleen. Long-term efficacy of mTfR-GLB1 was assessed by treating β-gal-/- mice intravenously twice a week with a low (2.5 mg/kg) or high (5.0 mg/kg) dose of mTfR-GLB1 for 17 weeks. Long-term studies showed high dose mice gained weight normally compared to vehicle-treated β-gal-/- mice, which are significantly heavier than heterozygous controls. Behavioral assessment at six months of age using the pole test showed β-gal-/- mice treated with mTfR-GLB1 had improved motor function. Biochemical analysis showed an increase in β-gal enzyme activity in the high dose group from negligible levels to 20% and 11% of heterozygous levels in the liver and spleen, respectively. Together, these data show that mTfR-GLB1 is a catalytically active β-gal fusion enzyme in vivo that is readily taken up into tissues. Despite these indications of bioactivity, behavior tests other than the pole test, including the Barnes maze, inverted screen, and accelerating rotarod, showed limited or no improvement of treated mice compared to β-gal-/- mice receiving vehicle only. Further, administration of mTfR-GLB1 was insufficient to create measurable increases in β-gal enzyme activity in the brain or reduce ganglioside content (biochemically and morphologically).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Przybilla
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christine Stewart
- Research Department, Tanabe Research Laboratories U.S.A., Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Timothy W Carlson
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Li Ou
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Brenda L Koniar
- Center for Translational Medicine, Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rohini Sidhu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pamela J Kell
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xuntian Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jeanine R Jarnes
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - M Gerard O'Sullivan
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Chester B Whitley
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zaghmi A, Drouin-Ouellet J, Brambilla D, Gauthier MA. Treating brain diseases using systemic parenterally-administered protein therapeutics: Dysfunction of the brain barriers and potential strategies. Biomaterials 2020; 269:120461. [PMID: 33218788 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The parenteral administration of protein therapeutics is increasingly gaining importance for the treatment of human diseases. However, the presence of practically impermeable blood-brain barriers greatly restricts access of such pharmaceutics to the brain. Treating brain disorders with proteins thus remains a great challenge, and the slow clinical translation of these therapeutics may be largely ascribed to the lack of appropriate brain delivery system. Exploring new approaches to deliver proteins to the brain by circumventing physiological barriers is thus of great interest. Moreover, parallel advances in the molecular neurosciences are important for better characterizing blood-brain interfaces, particularly under different pathological conditions (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease). This review presents the current state of knowledge of the structure and the function of the main physiological barriers of the brain, the mechanisms of transport across these interfaces, as well as alterations to these concomitant with brain disorders. Further, the different strategies to promote protein delivery into the brain are presented, including the use of molecular Trojan horses, the formulation of nanosystems conjugated/loaded with proteins, protein-engineering technologies, the conjugation of proteins to polymers, and the modulation of intercellular junctions. Additionally, therapeutic approaches for brain diseases that do not involve targeting to the brain are presented (i.e., sink and scavenging mechanisms).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zaghmi
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), EMT Research Center, Varennes, QC, J3X 1S2, Canada
| | - J Drouin-Ouellet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, CP 6128, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - D Brambilla
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, CP 6128, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - M A Gauthier
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), EMT Research Center, Varennes, QC, J3X 1S2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Single enzyme nanoparticle, an effective tool for enzyme replacement therapy. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:1-21. [PMID: 31989476 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01216-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The term "single enzyme nanoparticle" (SEN) refers to a chemically or biologically engineered single enzyme molecule. SENs are distinguished from conventional protein nanoparticles in that they can maintain their individual structure and enzymatic activity following modification. Furthermore, SENs exhibit enhanced properties as biopharmaceuticals, such as reduced antigenicity, and increased stability and targetability, which are attributed to the introduction of specific moieties, such as poly(ethylene glycol), carbohydrates, and antibodies. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is a crucial therapeutic option for controlling enzyme-deficiency-related disorders. However, the unfavorable properties of enzymes, including immunogenicity, lack of targetability, and instability, can undermine the clinical significance of ERT. As shown in the cases of Adagen®, Revcovi®, Palynziq®, and Strensiq®, SEN can be an effective technology for overcoming these obstacles. Based on these four licensed products, we expect that additional SENs will be introduced for ERT in the near future. In this article, we review the concepts and features of SENs, as well as their preparation methods. Additionally, we summarize different types of enzyme deficiency disorders and the corresponding therapeutic enzymes. Finally, we focus on the current status of SENs in ERT by reviewing FDA-approved products.
Collapse
|
11
|
Pulgar VM. Transcytosis to Cross the Blood Brain Barrier, New Advancements and Challenges. Front Neurosci 2019; 12:1019. [PMID: 30686985 PMCID: PMC6337067 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.01019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood brain barrier (BBB) presents a formidable challenge to the delivery of drugs into the brain. Several strategies aim to overcome this obstacle and promote efficient and specific crossing through BBB of therapeutically relevant agents. One of those strategies uses the physiological process of receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) to transport cargo through the brain endothelial cells toward brain parenchyma. Recent developments in our understanding of intracellular trafficking and receptor binding as well as in protein engineering and nanotechnology have potentiated the opportunities for treatment of CNS diseases using RMT. In this mini-review, the current understanding of BBB structure is discussed, and recent findings exemplifying critical advances in RMT-mediated brain drug delivery are briefly presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Pulgar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pardridge WM, Boado RJ, Patrick DJ, Ka-Wai Hui E, Lu JZ. Blood-Brain Barrier Transport, Plasma Pharmacokinetics, and Neuropathology Following Chronic Treatment of the Rhesus Monkey with a Brain Penetrating Humanized Monoclonal Antibody Against the Human Transferrin Receptor. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:5207-5216. [PMID: 30226787 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transferrin receptor (TfR) is a potential agent for delivery of biologic drugs to the brain across the BBB. However, to date, no TfRMAb has been tested with chronic dosing in a primate model. A humanized TfRMAb against the human (h) TfR1, which cross reacts with the primate TfR, was genetically engineered with high affinity (ED50 = 0.18 ± 0.04 nM) for the human TfR type 1 (TfR1). For acute dosing, the hTfRMAb was tritiated and injected intravenously (IV) in the Rhesus monkey, which confirmed rapid delivery of the humanized hTfRMAb into both brain parenchyma, via transport across the BBB, and into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), via transport across the choroid plexus. For chronic dosing, a total of 8 adult Rhesus monkeys (4 males, 4 females) were treated twice weekly for 4 weeks with 0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg of the humanized hTfRMAb via a 60 min IV infusion for a total of 8 doses prior to euthanasia and microscopic examination of brain and peripheral organs. A pharmacokinetics analysis showed the plasma clearance of the hTfRMAb in the primate was nonlinear, and plasma clearance was increased over 20-fold with chronic treatment of the low dose, 3 mg/kg, of the antibody. Chronic treatment of the primates with the 30 mg/kg dose caused anemia associated with suppressed blood reticulocytes. Immunohistochemistry of terminal brain tissue showed microglia activation, based on enhanced IBA1 immuno-staining, in conjunction with astrogliosis, based on increased GFAP immuno-staining. Moderate axonal/myelin degeneration was observed in the sciatic nerve. Further studies need to be conducted to determine if this neuropathology is induced by the antibody effector function, or is an intrinsic property of targeting the TfR in brain. The results indicate that chronic treatment of Rhesus monkeys with a humanized hTfRMAb may have a narrow therapeutic index, with associated toxicity related to microglial activation and astrogliosis of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruben J Boado
- ArmaGen, Inc. , Calabasas , California 91302 , United States
| | | | - Eric Ka-Wai Hui
- ArmaGen, Inc. , Calabasas , California 91302 , United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pardridge WM, Boado RJ, Giugliani R, Schmidt M. Plasma Pharmacokinetics of Valanafusp Alpha, a Human Insulin Receptor Antibody-Iduronidase Fusion Protein, in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I. BioDrugs 2018; 32:169-176. [PMID: 29442294 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-018-0264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPSI) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) lysosomal enzyme and the majority of MPSI patients have severe central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant IDUA does not treat the CNS, due to the lack of transport of the enzyme across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Human IDUA has been re-engineered as an IgG-IDUA fusion protein, valanafusp alpha, where the IgG domain is a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb domain binds the endogenous insulin receptor on the human BBB to trigger receptor-mediated transport across the BBB, and acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the fused IDUA into the brain of patients with MPSI. METHODS The present investigation describes the initial dosing, plasma pharmacokinetics, and plasma glucose response to the intravenous infusion of doses of valanafusp alpha ranging from 0.3 to 3 mg/kg in five adults and from 1 to 6 mg/kg in 13 pediatric subjects with MPSI. RESULTS Valanafusp alpha plasma clearance is increased four-fold in children, and shows a linear pharmacokinetic response over the dose range of 0.3-3 mg/kg with a stable plasma elimination half-life (t½). The plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for valanafusp alpha overlapped with the same parameters previously reported for recombinant human IDUA (laronidase). The majority of the tested subjects had been receiving laronidase ERT for years, and some showed high levels of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). However, the presence of these ADAs did not generally alter the rate of plasma clearance of valanafusp alpha in MPSI. The infusion of 0.3-6 mg/kg doses of valanafusp alpha had no effect on plasma glucose for up to 24 h after the drug infusion. CONCLUSION The plasma clearance of valanafusp alpha is increased four-fold in children with MPSI compared with adult subjects at a dose of 1-3 mg/kg. The plasma pharmacokinetic profile of valanafusp alpha, at a dose of 1-3 mg/kg, is comparable to that of laronidase in children with MPSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberto Giugliani
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Giugliani R, Giugliani L, de Oliveira Poswar F, Donis KC, Corte AD, Schmidt M, Boado RJ, Nestrasil I, Nguyen C, Chen S, Pardridge WM. Neurocognitive and somatic stabilization in pediatric patients with severe Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I after 52 weeks of intravenous brain-penetrating insulin receptor antibody-iduronidase fusion protein (valanafusp alpha): an open label phase 1-2 trial. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:110. [PMID: 29976218 PMCID: PMC6034233 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0849-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Type I (MPSI) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme, α-L-iduronidase (IDUA), and a majority of patients present with severe neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Recombinant IDUA does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To enable BBB transport, IDUA was re-engineered as an IgG-IDUA fusion protein, valanafusp alpha, where the IgG domain targets the BBB human insulin receptor to enable transport of the enzyme into the brain. We report the results of a 52-week clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of valanafusp alpha in pediatric MPSI patients with cognitive impairment. In the phase I trial, 6 adults with attenuated MPSI were administered 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg doses of valanafusp alpha by intravenous (IV) infusion. In the phase II trial, 11 pediatric subjects, 2-15 years of age, were treated for 52 weeks with weekly IV infusions of valanafusp alpha at 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg. Assessments of adverse events, cognitive stabilization, and somatic stabilization were made. Outcomes at 52 weeks were compared to baseline. RESULTS Drug related adverse events included infusion related reactions, with an incidence of 1.7%, and transient hypoglycemia, with an incidence of 6.4%. The pediatric subjects had CNS involvement with a mean enrollment Development Quotient (DQ) of 36.1±7.1. The DQ, and the cortical grey matter volume of brain, were stabilized by valanafusp alpha treatment. Somatic manifestations were stabilized, or improved, based on urinary glycosaminoglycan levels, hepatic and spleen volumes, and shoulder range of motion. CONCLUSION Clinical evidence of the cognitive and somatic stabilization indicates that valanafusp alpha is transported into both the CNS and into peripheral organs due to its dual targeting mechanism via the insulin receptor and the mannose 6-phosphate receptor. This novel fusion protein offers a pharmacologic approach to the stabilization of cognitive function in MPSI. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.Gov, NCT03053089 . Retrospectively registered 9 February, 2017; Clinical Trials.Gov, NCT03071341 . Registered 6 March, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Giugliani
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciana Giugliani
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ruben J Boado
- ArmaGen, Inc., 26679 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA, USA
| | - Igor Nestrasil
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
| | - Carol Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
| | - Steven Chen
- Department of Radiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zeiadeh I, Najjar A, Karaman R. Strategies for Enhancing the Permeation of CNS-Active Drugs through the Blood-Brain Barrier: A Review. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061289. [PMID: 29843371 PMCID: PMC6100436 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic and functional structure which poses a vast challenge in the development of drugs acting on the central nervous system (CNS). While most substances are denied BBB crossing, selective penetration of substances mainly occurs through diffusion, carrier mediated transport, or receptor mediated transcytosis. Methods: Strategies in enhancing BBB penetration have been reviewed and summarized in accordance with their type of formulation. Highlights in monoclonal antibodies, peptide-vectors, nanoparticles, and simple prodrugs were included. Conclusion: Nanoparticles and simple prodrugs, for example, can be used for efficient BBB penetration through inhibition of efflux mechanisms, however, monoclonal antibodies are the most promising strategy in BBB penetration. Close follow-up of future development in this area should confirm our expectation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isra' Zeiadeh
- Department of Bioorganic & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine.
| | - Anas Najjar
- Department of Bioorganic & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine.
| | - Rafik Karaman
- Department of Bioorganic & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sonoda H, Morimoto H, Yoden E, Koshimura Y, Kinoshita M, Golovina G, Takagi H, Yamamoto R, Minami K, Mizoguchi A, Tachibana K, Hirato T, Takahashi K. A Blood-Brain-Barrier-Penetrating Anti-human Transferrin Receptor Antibody Fusion Protein for Neuronopathic Mucopolysaccharidosis II. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1366-1374. [PMID: 29606503 PMCID: PMC5993955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II) is an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) gene. Since IDS catalyzes the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), deficiency in this enzyme leads to accumulation of GAGs in most cells in all tissues and organs, resulting in severe somatic and neurological disorders. Although enzyme replacement therapy with human IDS (hIDS) has been used for the treatment of MPS II, this therapy is not effective for defects in the CNS mainly because the enzyme cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we developed a BBB-penetrating fusion protein, JR-141, which consists of an anti-human transferrin receptor (hTfR) antibody and intact hIDS. The TfR-mediated incorporation of JR-141 was confirmed by using human fibroblasts in vitro. When administrated intravenously to hTfR knockin mice or monkeys, JR-141, but not naked hIDS, was detected in the brain. In addition, the intravenous administration of JR-141 reduced the accumulation of GAGs both in the peripheral tissues and in the brain of hTfR knockin mice lacking Ids, an animal model of MPS II. These data provide a proof of concept for the translation of JR-141 to clinical study for the treatment of patients with MPS II with CNS disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eiji Yoden
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, Kobe, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Akira Mizoguchi
- Department of Neural Regeneration and Cell Communication, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | | | - Tohru Hirato
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, Kobe, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Boado RJ, Lu JZ, Hui EKW, Pardridge WM. Reduction in Brain Heparan Sulfate with Systemic Administration of an IgG Trojan Horse-Sulfamidase Fusion Protein in the Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA Mouse. Mol Pharm 2017; 15:602-608. [PMID: 29251941 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPSIIIA), also known as Sanfilippo A syndrome, is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the lysosomal enzyme, N-sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase (SGSH), also known as sulfamidase. Mutations in the SGSH enzyme, the only mammalian heparan N-sulfatase, cause accumulation of lysosomal inclusion bodies in brain cells comprising heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Treatment of MPSIIIA with intravenous recombinant SGSH is not possible because this large molecule does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB penetration by SGSH was enabled in the present study by re-engineering this enzyme as an IgG-SGSH fusion protein, where the IgG domain is a chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the mouse transferrin receptor (TfR), designated the cTfRMAb. The IgG domain of the fusion protein acts as a molecular Trojan horse to deliver the enzyme into brain via transport on the endogenous BBB TfR. The cTfRMAb-SGSH fusion protein bound to the mouse TfR with high affinity, ED50 = 0.74 ± 0.07 nM, and retained high SGSH enzyme activity, 10 043 ± 1003 units/mg protein, which is comparable to recombinant human SGSH. Male and female MPSIIIA mice, null for the SGSH enzyme, were treated for 6 weeks with thrice-weekly intraperitoneal injections of vehicle, 5 mg/kg of the cTfRMAb alone, or 5 mg/kg of the cTfRMAb-SGSH fusion protein, starting at the age of 2 weeks, and were euthanized 1 week after the last injection. Brain and liver HS, as determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, were elevated 30-fold and 36-fold, respectively, in the MPSIIIA mouse. Treatment of the mice with the cTfRMAb-SGSH fusion protein caused a 70% and 85% reduction in brain and liver HS, respectively. The reduction in brain HS was associated with a 28% increase in latency on the rotarod test of motor activity in male mice. The mice exhibited no injection related reactions, and only a low titer end of study antidrug antibody response was observed. In conclusion, substantial reductions in brain pathologic GAGs in a murine model of MPSIIIA are produced by chronic systemic administration of an IgG-SGSH fusion protein engineered to penetrate the BBB via receptor-mediated transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- ArmaGen, Inc. , Calabasas, California 91302, United States
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Poswar F, Baldo G, Giugliani R. Phase I and II clinical trials for the mucopolysaccharidoses. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1331-1340. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1397130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano Poswar
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Baldo
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Physiology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Roberto Giugliani
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pardridge WM. Delivery of Biologics Across the Blood–Brain Barrier with Molecular Trojan Horse Technology. BioDrugs 2017; 31:503-519. [DOI: 10.1007/s40259-017-0248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
20
|
Chang R, Yee KL, Sumbria RK. Tumor necrosis factor α Inhibition for Alzheimer's Disease. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2017; 9:1179573517709278. [PMID: 28579870 PMCID: PMC5436834 DOI: 10.1177/1179573517709278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) plays a central role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Food and Drug Administration-approved biologic TNF-α inhibitors are thus a potential treatment for AD, but they do not cross the blood-brain barrier. In this short review, we discuss the involvement of TNF-α in AD, challenges associated with the development of existing biologic TNF-α inhibitors for AD, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting TNF-α for AD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudy Chang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Kei-Lwun Yee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Rachita K Sumbria
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Boado RJ, Pardridge WM. Brain and Organ Uptake in the Rhesus Monkey in Vivo of Recombinant Iduronidase Compared to an Insulin Receptor Antibody–Iduronidase Fusion Protein. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:1271-1277. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J. Boado
- ArmaGen, Inc., Calabasas, California 91302, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Schuh RS, Baldo G, Teixeira HF. Nanotechnology applied to treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 13:1709-1718. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1202235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roselena S. Schuh
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas da UFRGS, Faculdade de Farmácia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Baldo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular da UFRGS, Departamento de Fisiologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helder F. Teixeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas da UFRGS, Faculdade de Farmácia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pardridge WM. Targeted delivery of protein and gene medicines through the blood-brain barrier. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2014; 97:347-61. [PMID: 25669455 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The development of biologic drugs (recombinant proteins, therapeutic antibodies, peptides, nucleic acid therapeutics) as new treatments of brain disorders has been difficult, and a major reason is the lack of transport through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) of these large molecule pharmaceuticals. Biologic drugs can be re-engineered as brain-penetrating neuropharmaceuticals using BBB molecular Trojan horse technology. Certain peptidomimetic monoclonal antibodies that target endogenous receptors on the BBB, such as the insulin or transferrin receptor, enable the re-engineering of biologic drugs that cross the BBB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W M Pardridge
- ArmaGen Technologies, Inc., Calabasas, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lajoie JM, Shusta EV. Targeting receptor-mediated transport for delivery of biologics across the blood-brain barrier. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 55:613-31. [PMID: 25340933 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010814-124852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Biologics are an emerging class of medicines with substantial promise to treat neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a formidable obstacle that appreciably limits brain uptake and hence the therapeutic potential of biologics following intravenous administration. One promising strategy for overcoming the BBB to deliver biologics is the targeting of endogenous receptor-mediated transport (RMT) systems that employ vesicular trafficking to transport ligands across the BBB endothelium. If a biologic is modified with an appropriate targeting ligand, it can gain improved access to the brain via RMT. Various RMT-targeting strategies have been developed over the past 20 years, and this review explores exciting recent advances, emphasizing studies that show brain targeting in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Lajoie
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706;
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Boado RJ, Ka-Wai Hui E, Zhiqiang Lu J, Pardridge WM. Insulin receptor antibody-iduronate 2-sulfatase fusion protein: pharmacokinetics, anti-drug antibody, and safety pharmacology in Rhesus monkeys. Biotechnol Bioeng 2014; 111:2317-25. [PMID: 24889100 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Type II is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme, iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS). The majority of MPSII cases affect the brain. However, enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant IDS does not treat the brain, because IDS is a large molecule drug that does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To enable BBB penetration, IDS has been re-engineered as an IgG-IDS fusion protein, where the IgG domain is a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb crosses the BBB via receptor-mediated transport on the endogenous BBB insulin receptor, and the HIRMAb domain of the fusion protein acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the fused IDS into brain from blood. The present study reports on the first safety pharmacology and pharmacokinetics study of the HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein. Juvenile male Rhesus monkeys were infused intravenously (IV) weekly for 26 weeks with 0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg of the HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein. The plasma clearance of the fusion protein followed a linear pharmacokinetics profile, which was equivalent either with measurements of the plasma concentration of immunoreactive HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein, or with assays of plasma IDS enzyme activity. Anti-drug antibody (ADA) titers were monitored monthly, and the ADA response was primarily directed against the variable region of the HIRMAb domain of the fusion protein. No infusion related reactions or clinical signs of immune response were observed during the course of the study. A battery of safety pharmacology, clinical chemistry, and tissue histopathology showed no signs of adverse events, and demonstrate the safety profile of chronic treatment of primates with 3-30 mg/kg weekly IV infusion doses of the HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- ArmaGen Technologies, Inc., 26679, Agoura Road, Calabasas, California, 91302
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Enhanced brain drug delivery: safely crossing the blood-brain barrier. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2013; 9:e71-e174. [PMID: 24064276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
27
|
Boado RJ, Hui EKW, Lu JZ, Pardridge WM. IgG-enzyme fusion protein: pharmacokinetics and anti-drug antibody response in rhesus monkeys. Bioconjug Chem 2012; 24:97-104. [PMID: 23249376 DOI: 10.1021/bc3005123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The chronic administration of recombinant fusion proteins in preclinical animal models may generate an immune response and the formation of antidrug antibodies (ADA). Such ADAs could alter the plasma pharmacokinetics of the fusion protein, and mask any underlying toxicity of the recombinant fusion protein. In the present study, a model IgG-enzyme fusion protein was evaluated with chronic dosing of rhesus monkeys. The IgG domain of the fusion protein is a genetically engineered monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR), which is shown to cross-react with the primate insulin receptor. The enzyme domain of the fusion protein is human iduronidase (IDUA), the lysosomal enzyme mutated in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPSI). MPSI affects the brain, but enzyme replacement therapy is not effective for the brain, because IDUA does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The HIRMAb domain of the fusion protein acts as a molecular Trojan horse to deliver the IDUA across the BBB. The HIRMAb-IDUA fusion protein was administered to rhesus monkeys with weekly intravenous infusions of 3-30 mg/kg for 6 months, and the pharmacokinetics, immune response, and tissue toxicology were assessed. The pharmacokinetics of plasma clearance of the fusion protein was determined with measurements of plasma IDUA enzyme activity. ADAs formed during the course of the 6 months of treatment, as determined by a sandwich ELISA. However, the plasma clearance of the fusion protein at the start and end of the 6-month study was comparable at all drug doses. Fusion protein administration for 6 months showed no evidence of chronic tissue toxicity. These studies demonstrate that the immune response produced with chronic treatment of primates with an IgG-enzyme fusion protein has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of plasma clearance of the fusion protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Boado RJ, Hui EKW, Lu JZ, Pardridge WM. Glycemic control and chronic dosing of rhesus monkeys with a fusion protein of iduronidase and a monoclonal antibody against the human insulin receptor. Drug Metab Dispos 2012; 40:2021-5. [PMID: 22822036 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.112.046375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hurler's syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis type I, is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme iduronidase (IDUA). The disease affects both peripheral tissues and the central nervous system (CNS). Recombinant IDUA treatment does not affect the CNS, because IDUA does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To enable BBB penetration, human IDUA was re-engineered as an IgG-IDUA fusion protein, where the IgG domain is a genetically engineered monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb penetrates the brain from the blood via transport on the endogenous BBB insulin receptor and acts as a molecular Trojan horse to deliver the fused IDUA to the brain. Before human testing, the HIRMAb-IDUA fusion protein was evaluated in a 6-month weekly dosing toxicology study at doses of 0, 3, 9, and 30 mg/kg/week of the fusion protein administered to 40 rhesus monkeys. The focus of the present study is the effect of chronic high dose administration of this fusion protein on plasma glucose and long-term glycemic control. The results show that the HIRMAb has weak insulin agonist activity and causes hypoglycemia at the high dose, 30 mg/kg, after intravenous infusion in normal saline. When dextrose is added to the saline infusion solution, no hypoglycemia is observed at any dose. An intravenous glucose tolerance test performed at the end of the 6 months of chronic treatment showed no change in glucose tolerance at any dose of the HIRMAb-IDUA fusion protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Better understanding of disease pathophysiology, improved supportive care and availability of disease-specific treatments for some of the mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) disorders have greatly improved the outlook for patients with MPS disorders. Optimal management of these multisystemic disorders involves a multidisciplinary team and regular, comprehensive follow-up. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is now available for MPS I (Hurler, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndromes) (laronidase), MPS II (Hunter syndrome) (idursulfase) and MPS VI Maroteaux-Lamy (galsulfase), and is in development for MPS IV (Morquio syndrome) and MPS VII (Sly syndrome). Benefits of ERT can include improved walking ability, improved respiration and enhanced quality of life. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can preserve cognition and prolong survival in very young children with the most severe form of MPS I, and is under investigation for several other MPS disorders. Better tissue matching techniques, improved graft-vs-host prophylaxis and more targeted conditioning regimens have improved morbidity and mortality associated with HSCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vassili Valayannopoulos
- Reference Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Necker-Enfants/Malades Hospital, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
CNS penetration of intrathecal-lumbar idursulfase in the monkey, dog and mouse: implications for neurological outcomes of lysosomal storage disorder. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30341. [PMID: 22279584 PMCID: PMC3261205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A major challenge for the treatment of many central nervous system (CNS) disorders is the lack of convenient and effective methods for delivering biological agents to the brain. Mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter syndrome) is a rare inherited lysosomal storage disorder resulting from a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S). I2S is a large, highly glycosylated enzyme. Intravenous administration is not likely to be an effective therapy for disease-related neurological outcomes that require enzyme access to the brain cells, in particular neurons and oligodendrocytes. We demonstrate that intracerebroventricular and lumbar intrathecal administration of recombinant I2S in dogs and nonhuman primates resulted in widespread enzyme distribution in the brain parenchyma, including remarkable deposition in the lysosomes of both neurons and oligodendrocytes. Lumbar intrathecal administration also resulted in enzyme delivery to the spinal cord, whereas little enzyme was detected there after intraventricular administration. Mucopolysaccharidosis II model is available in mice. Lumbar administration of recombinant I2S to enzyme deficient animals reduced the storage of glycosaminoglycans in both superficial and deep brain tissues, with concurrent morphological improvements. The observed patterns of enzyme transport from cerebrospinal fluid to the CNS tissues and the resultant biological activity (a) warrant further investigation of intrathecal delivery of I2S via lumbar catheter as an experimental treatment for the neurological symptoms of Hunter syndrome and (b) may have broader implications for CNS treatment with biopharmaceuticals.
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Zhou QH, Boado RJ, Lu JZ, Hui EKW, Pardridge WM. Brain-penetrating IgG-iduronate 2-sulfatase fusion protein for the mouse. Drug Metab Dispos 2011; 40:329-35. [PMID: 22065691 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.111.042903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II (Hunter's syndrome) is caused by mutations in the iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) fusion protein. MPS-II affects the brain, and enzyme replacement therapy is not effective in the brain, because the enzyme does not cross the blood-brain barrier. To treat mouse models of MPS-II with brain-penetrating IDS, the lysosomal enzyme was reengineered as an IgG-IDS fusion protein. The mature human IDS was fused to the carboxyl terminus of both heavy chains of the chimeric monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the mouse transferrin receptor (TfR), and the fusion protein is designated cTfRMAb-IDS. The purity and identity of the fusion protein was confirmed by electrophoresis and Western blotting with antibodies to mouse IgG and human IDS. The EC₅₀ of binding of the cTfRMAb-IDS fusion protein to the mouse TfR (0.85 ± 0.15 nM) was comparable to the EC₅₀ of binding of the cTfRMAb (0.78 ± 0.05 nM). The IDS enzyme activity of the cTfRMAb-IDS fusion protein was 126 ± 1 nmol · h⁻¹ · μg⁻¹ protein. After intravenous injection in the mouse, the cTfRMAb-IDS fusion protein was rapidly removed from plasma and distributed to tissues, including brain and spinal cord. The uptake of the fusion protein by brain or spinal cord was 1.3 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 0.2% injected dose/g, respectively, which is 100-fold greater than the brain uptake of IDS alone. This work shows that a lysosomal sulfatase can be reengineered as an IgG-enzyme fusion protein that rapidly penetrates the brain after intravenous administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hui Zhou
- Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hemsley KM, Hopwood JJ. Emerging therapies for neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders - from concept to reality. J Inherit Metab Dis 2011; 34:1003-12. [PMID: 21584766 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-011-9341-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders are inherited metabolic diseases in which a mutation in a gene encoding a lysosomal enzyme or lysosome-related protein results in the intra-cellular accumulation of substrate and reduced cell/tissue function. Few patients with neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders have access to safe and effective treatments although many therapeutic strategies have been or are presently being studied in vivo thanks to the availability of a large number of animal models. This review will describe the comparative advancement of a variety of therapeutic strategies through the 'research pipeline'. Our goal is to provide information for clinicians, researchers and patients/families alike on the leading therapeutic candidates at this point in time, and also to provide information on emerging approaches that may provide a safe and effective treatment in the future. The length of the pipeline represents the significant and sustained effort required to move a novel concept from the laboratory into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Hemsley
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, 4th Floor Rogerson Building, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital campus, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Boado RJ, Hui EKW, Lu JZ, Zhou QH, Pardridge WM. Reversal of lysosomal storage in brain of adult MPS-I mice with intravenous Trojan horse-iduronidase fusion protein. Mol Pharm 2011; 8:1342-50. [PMID: 21667973 DOI: 10.1021/mp200136x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A mouse model of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type I, which is null for the lysosomal enzyme, α-L-iduronidase (IDUA), is treated with intravenous, receptor-mediated enzyme replacement therapy of the brain. Murine IDUA, which does not cross the blood-brain barrier, is re-engineered for targeting to the brain as an IgG-enzyme fusion protein. The amino terminus of mature IDUA is fused to the carboxyl terminus of the heavy chain of a chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the murine transferrin receptor (TfR), and this fusion protein is designated cTfRMAb-IDUA. The cTfRMAb part of the fusion protein acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the fused IDUA across the BBB and neuronal cell membrane via transport on the TfR. The IDUA enzyme activity of the fusion protein, 776 ± 79 units/μg protein, is comparable to recombinant IDUA. MPSI null mice, 6-8 months of age, were treated iv twice a week for 8 weeks with either saline or 1 mg/kg cTfRMAb-IDUA. The glycosoaminoglycan levels in liver, spleen, heart, and kidney were reduced by >95%, 80%, 36%, and 20%, respectively. Lysosomal inclusion bodies in the brain were quantitated from semithin sections stained with o-toluidine blue and normalized per 100 nucleoli per brain section. Treatment of the MPSI mice with the cTfRMAb-IDUA reduced intracellular lysosomal inclusion bodies by 73% in brain, as compared to the MPSI mice treated with saline. In conclusion, the reversal of pre-existing neural pathology in the brain of MPSI mice is possible with receptor-mediated enzyme replacement therapy of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lu JZ, Boado RJ, Hui EKW, Zhou QH, Pardridge WM. Expression in CHO cells and pharmacokinetics and brain uptake in the Rhesus monkey of an IgG-iduronate-2-sulfatase fusion protein. Biotechnol Bioeng 2011; 108:1954-64. [PMID: 21351076 DOI: 10.1002/bit.23118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sulfatases are potential therapeutic biopharmaceuticals, as mutations in sulfatase genes leads to inherited disease. Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Type II is caused by mutations in the lysosomal enzyme, iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS). MPS-II affects the brain and enzyme replacement therapy is ineffective for the brain, because IDS does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To deliver IDS across the human BBB, the sulfatase has been re-engineered as an IgG-sulfatase fusion protein with a genetically engineered monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb part of the HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the fused IDS across the BBB. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected to produce the HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein. The fusion protein was triaged to the lysosomal compartment of MPS-II fibroblasts based on confocal microscopy, and 300 ng/mL medium concentrations normalized IDS enzyme activity in the cells. The HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein was tritiated and injected intravenously into the adult Rhesus monkey at a low dose of 0.1 mg/kg. The IDS enzyme activity in plasma was elevated 10-fold above the endogenous level, and therapeutic plasma concentrations were generated in vivo. The uptake of the HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein in the brain was sufficiently high to produce therapeutic concentrations of IDS in the brain following IV administration of the fusion protein.
Collapse
|
36
|
Boado RJ, Hui EKW, Lu JZ, Pardridge WM. CHO cell expression, long-term stability, and primate pharmacokinetics and brain uptake of an IgG-paroxonase-1 fusion protein. Biotechnol Bioeng 2011; 108:186-96. [PMID: 20803562 DOI: 10.1002/bit.22907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Paraoxonase (PON)-1 is the most potent human organophosphatase known, but recombinant forms of human PON1 have been difficult to produce owing to poor secretion by host cells. In the present investigation, human PON1 is re-engineered as an IgG-PON1 fusion protein. The 355 amino acid human PON1 is fused to the carboxyl terminus of the heavy chain of a chimeric monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR), and this fusion protein is designated HIRMAb-PON1. The HIRMAb part of the fusion protein enables brain penetration of the PON1, which was considered important, because organophosphate toxicity causes death via a central nervous system site of action. A high producing line of stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells secreting the HIRMAb-PON1 fusion protein in the absence of serum or lipid acceptors was cloned. The bioreactor generated fusion protein was purified to homogeneity with low impurities by protein A affinity chromatography and anion exchange chromatography. The HIRMAb-PON1 fusion protein was stable as a sterile liquid formulation stored at 4°C for at least 1 year. The plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of the HIRMAb-PON1 fusion protein was evaluated in Rhesus monkeys, which is the first PK evaluation of a recombinant PON1 protein. The fusion protein was rapidly removed from blood, primarily by the liver. The blood-brain barrier permeation of the HIRMAb-PON1 fusion protein was high and comparable to other HIRMAb fusion proteins. Re-engineering human PON1 as the HIRMAb fusion protein allows for production of a stable, field-deployable formulation of the enzyme that is brain-penetrating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- ArmaGen Technologies, Inc., Santa Monica, California, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Biopharmaceuticals are large molecule drugs that do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The limiting factor in the drug development of biopharmaceuticals as new drugs for the human brain is the engineering of effective brain drug targeting technology platforms. Recombinant proteins, enzymes, and monoclonal antibodies can be re-engineered for transport across the human BBB with the molecular Trojan horse technology. The most active BBB molecular Trojan horse is a monoclonal antibody to the human insulin receptor. The genetic engineering of IgG fusion proteins has been demonstrated for neurotrophic factors, decoy receptors, therapeutic enzymes, single chain Fv antibodies, and avidin. The IgG fusion proteins are not toxic on repeated administration in high doses to primates and do not interfere with glycemic control in plasma or brain. IgG fusion proteins contain amino acid sequences that induce immune tolerance, and show low immunogenicity in primates. The IgG fusion proteins are new bifunctional biopharmaceuticals that are both targeted to brain via transport on endogenous BBB receptors, and exert pharmacological effects in brain at the cognate receptor, ligand, or enzyme substrate.
Collapse
|
38
|
Lu JZ, Hui EKW, Boado RJ, Pardridge WM. Genetic engineering of a bifunctional IgG fusion protein with iduronate-2-sulfatase. Bioconjug Chem 2010; 21:151-6. [PMID: 20000684 DOI: 10.1021/bc900382q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) is a lysosomal sulfatase that prevents the accumulation within the brain of glycosoaminoglycans. However, IDS does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To enable BBB transport, human IDS, minus its signal peptide, was fused to the carboxyl terminus of the heavy chain of a chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) to the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb crosses the BBB on the endogenous insulin receptor and acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the IDS into brain. The HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein was expressed in COS cells and purified with protein A affinity chromatography. The size of the fusion heavy chain, as measured with Western blotting and antibodies to either human IDS or human IgG, was increased about 80 kDa, relative to the size of the heavy chain of the parent HIRMAb. The HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein retained high-affinity binding for the HIR. The IDS enzyme specific activity of the fusion protein was 51 +/- 7 nmol/h per microgram of protein, which is comparable to the enzyme activity of recombinant IDS. The fusion protein was taken up by human fibroblasts, and the accumulation of glycosoaminoglycans in fibroblasts null for the sulfatase was decreased 84% by treatment with the fusion protein. The HIRMAb-IDS fusion protein is a bifunctional IgG-sulfatase fusion protein, which has been specifically engineered for targeted drug delivery across the human BBB.
Collapse
|
39
|
Boado RJ, Zhou QH, Lu JZ, Hui EKW, Pardridge WM. Pharmacokinetics and brain uptake of a genetically engineered bifunctional fusion antibody targeting the mouse transferrin receptor. Mol Pharm 2010; 7:237-44. [PMID: 19921848 DOI: 10.1021/mp900235k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are potential new therapeutics for brain diseases. However, MAbs do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The present work describes the genetic engineering of a fusion protein composed of a therapeutic single chain Fv (ScFv) antibody and a mouse/rat chimeric MAb against the mouse transferrin receptor (TfR). The TfRMAb acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the therapeutic ScFv across the BBB in vivo in the mouse. The ScFv is fused to the carboxyl terminus of the heavy chain of the chimeric TfRMAb, and this fusion protein is designated cTfRMAb-ScFv. Chinese hamster ovary cells were permanently transfected, and a high secreting cell line in serum free medium was cloned. The cTfRMAb-ScFv fusion protein was purified to homogeneity on gels and Western blotting with protein G affinity chromatography. The cTfRMAb-ScFv fusion protein was bifunctional and bound both the target antigen, as determined by ELISA, and the mouse TfR, as determined with a radio-receptor assay. The cTfRMAb-ScFv fusion protein was radio-iodinated with the Bolton-Hunter reagent, and a pharmacokinetics study in mice showed that the fusion protein was rapidly cleared from blood with a median residence time of 175 +/- 32 min. The fusion protein was avidly taken up by brain with a % injected dose (ID)/g of 3.5 +/- 0.7, as compared to an MAb with no receptor specificity, which was 0.06 +/- 0.01% ID/g. These studies demonstrate that therapeutic MAbs may be re-engineered as fusion proteins with BBB molecular Trojan horses for targeted delivery across the BBB in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- ArmaGen Technologies, Inc., Santa Monica, California 90401, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pardridge WM. Biologic TNFα-inhibitors that cross the human blood-brain barrier. Bioeng Bugs 2010; 1:231-4. [PMID: 21327054 DOI: 10.4161/bbug.1.4.12105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α inhibitors (TNFI) are a major class of biologic therapeutics, and include decoy receptor and monoclonal antibody (MAb) therapeutics that block TNFα action. TNFα is a pro-inflammatory cytokine in brain disease, such as stroke, brain or spinal cord injury, or Alzheimer disease. However, the biologic TNFIs cannot be developed for the brain, because these large molecules do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Brain penetrating forms of TNFα decoy receptors or anti-TNFα antibody therapeutics can be re-engineered as IgG fusion proteins with a BBB molecular Trojan horse, such as the mAb against the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb undergoes receptor-mediated transport across the BBB via the endogenous insulin receptor, and carries into brain the fused biologic TNFI. A fusion protein of the HIRMAb and the type II TNF receptor (TNFR) extracellular domain, designated the HIRMAb-TNFR fusion protein, has been engineered and expressed in stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The HIRMAb-TNFR fusion protein binds both the HIR and TNFα with low nM affinity. The HIRMAb cross reacts with the Rhesus monkey insulin receptor, and the HIRMAb-TNFR is rapidly, and selectively, taken up by primate brain at concentrations that inhibit TNFα. In addition, a fusion protein of the HIRMAb and a therapeutic single chain Fv (ScFv) antibody has been engineered and also expressed in stably transfected CHO cells. The BBB molecular Trojan horse platform technology allows for the engineering of brain-penetrating recombinant proteins as new biologic therapeutics for the human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William M Pardridge
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. wpardridge@mednet. ucla.edu
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Boado RJ, Lu JZ, Hui EKW, Pardridge WM. IgG-single chain Fv fusion protein therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease: Expression in CHO cells and pharmacokinetics and brain delivery in the rhesus monkey. Biotechnol Bioeng 2010; 105:627-35. [PMID: 19816967 DOI: 10.1002/bit.22576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) directed against the Abeta amyloid peptide of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are potential new therapies for AD, since these antibodies disaggregate brain amyloid plaque. However, the MAb is not transported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To enable BBB transport, a single chain Fv (ScFv) antibody against the Abeta peptide of AD was re-engineered as a fusion protein with the MAb against the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the ScFv therapeutic antibody across the BBB. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected with a tandem vector encoding the heavy and light chains of the HIRMAb-ScFv fusion protein. A high secreting line was isolated following methotrexate amplification and dilutional cloning. The HIRMAb-ScFv fusion protein in conditioned serum-free medium was purified by protein A affinity chromatography. The fusion protein was stable as a liquid formulation, and retained high-affinity binding of both the HIR and the Abeta amyloid peptide. The HIRMAb-ScFv fusion protein was radiolabeled with the (125)I-Bolton-Hunter reagent, followed by measurement of the pharmacokinetics of plasma clearance and brain uptake in the adult Rhesus monkey. The HIRMAb-ScFv fusion protein was rapidly cleared from plasma and was transported across the primate BBB in vivo. In conclusion, the HIRMAb-ScFv fusion protein is a new class of antibody-based therapeutic for AD that has been specifically engineered to cross the human BBB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- ArmaGen Technologies, Inc., Santa Monica, California, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Boado RJ, Hui EKW, Lu JZ, Zhou QH, Pardridge WM. Selective targeting of a TNFR decoy receptor pharmaceutical to the primate brain as a receptor-specific IgG fusion protein. J Biotechnol 2010; 146:84-91. [PMID: 20100527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Revised: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Decoy receptors, such as the human tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), are potential new therapies for brain disorders. However, decoy receptors are large molecule drugs that are not transported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To enable BBB transport of a TNFR decoy receptor, the human TNFR-II extracellular domain was re-engineered as a fusion protein with a chimeric monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the TNFR therapeutic decoy receptor across the BBB. The HIRMAb-TNFR fusion protein was expressed in stably transfected CHO cells, and was analyzed with electrophoresis, Western blotting, size exclusion chromatography, and binding assays for the HIR and TNFalpha. The HIRMAb-TNFR fusion protein was radio-labeled by trititation, in parallel with the radio-iodination of recombinant TNFR:Fc fusion protein, and the proteins were co-injected in the adult Rhesus monkey. The TNFR:Fc fusion protein did not cross the primate BBB in vivo, but the uptake of the HIRMAb-TNFR fusion protein was high and 3% of the injected dose was taken up by the primate brain. The TNFR was selectively targeted to brain, relative to peripheral organs, following fusion to the HIRMAb. This study demonstrates that decoy receptors may be re-engineered as IgG fusion proteins with a BBB molecular Trojan horse that selectively targets the brain, and enables penetration of the BBB in vivo. IgG-decoy receptor fusion proteins represent a new class of human neurotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben J Boado
- ArmaGen Technologies, Inc., Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|