1
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Mahmood T, Shahbaz A, Hussain N, Ali R, Bashir H, Rizwan K. Recent advancements in fusion protein technologies in oncotherapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123161. [PMID: 36610574 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a complicated, adaptable, and heterogeneous disease caused by a wide variety of genetic changes that might impair ability of cells to function normally. The majority of the tumors can only be shrunk using conventional oncology therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical resection, and the tumor often recurs. The inability of conventional cancer therapies to completely destroy the Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) that otherwise lead to therapy resistance is thus addressed by therapeutic approaches that concentrate on targeting CSCs and their micro-environmental niche. In this review, we summarize approaches that are used for the development of fusion proteins and their therapeutic applications for treating cancer. The main purpose of making advancements towards the fusion technology instead of using conventional treatment methods is to achieve a prolonged half-life of the therapeutic drugs. The fusion of drugs to the immune response enhancing cytokines or the fusion of antibody and cytokines not only increases half-life but also increase the stability of the anti-tumor drug. Several molecules including different fragments of antibodies, cytokines, Human Serum Albumin, transferrin, XTEN polymers, Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) can be employed as a fusion partner and the resulting fusion proteins are reported to show enhanced anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tehreem Mahmood
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Areej Shahbaz
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nazim Hussain
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Rahat Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Hamid Bashir
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Komal Rizwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sahiwal, Sahiwal 57000, Pakistan.
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2
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Kellner C, Lutz S, Oberg HH, Wesch D, Otte A, Diemer KJ, Wilcken H, Bauerschlag D, Glüer CC, Wichmann C, Kabelitz D, Leusen JHW, Klausz K, Humpe A, Gramatzki M, Peipp M. Tumor cell lysis and synergistically enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by NKG2D engagement with a bispecific immunoligand targeting the HER2 antigen. Biol Chem 2021; 403:545-556. [PMID: 34717050 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) plays an important role in the regulation of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in cancer immune surveillance. With the aim of redirecting NK cell cytotoxicity against tumors, the NKG2D ligand UL-16 binding protein 2 (ULBP2) was fused to a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The resulting bispecific immunoligand ULBP2:HER2-scFv triggered NK cell-mediated killing of HER2-positive breast cancer cells in an antigen-dependent manner and required concomitant interaction with NKG2D and HER2 as revealed in antigen blocking experiments. The immunoligand induced tumor cell lysis dose-dependently and was effective at nanomolar concentrations. Of note, ULBP2:HER2-scFv sensitized tumor cells for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). In particular, the immunoligand enhanced ADCC by cetuximab, a therapeutic antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) synergistically. No significant improvements were obtained by combining cetuximab and anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab. In conclusion, dual-dual targeting by combining IgG1 antibodies with antibody constructs targeting another tumor associated antigen and engaging NKG2D as a second NK cell trigger molecule may be promising. Thus, the immunoligand ULBP2:HER2-scFv may represent an attractive biological molecule to promote NK cell cytotoxicity against tumors and to boost ADCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kellner
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Max-Lebsche-Platz 32, D-81377Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lutz
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Hans-Heinrich Oberg
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Anna Otte
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Katarina J Diemer
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Hauke Wilcken
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Dirk Bauerschlag
- Department of Gynecology and Obestrics, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Claus-Christian Glüer
- Department of Radiology and Neurology, Section Biomedical Imaging, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, D-24118Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Max-Lebsche-Platz 32, D-81377Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Jeanette H W Leusen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center, NL-3584Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Katja Klausz
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Humpe
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Max-Lebsche-Platz 32, D-81377Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Gramatzki
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, D-24105Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, D-24105Kiel, Germany
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Cao X, Li B, Chen J, Dang J, Chen S, Gunes EG, Xu B, Tian L, Muend S, Raoof M, Querfeld C, Yu J, Rosen ST, Wang Y, Feng M. Effect of cabazitaxel on macrophages improves CD47-targeted immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002022. [PMID: 33753567 PMCID: PMC7986678 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited therapeutic options are available for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), emphasizing an urgent need for more effective treatment approaches. The development of strategies by targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to stimulate their ability of Programmed Cell Removal (PrCR) provides a promising new immunotherapy for TNBC treatment. Methods CD47 is a critical self-protective “don’t eat me” signal on multiple human cancers against macrophage immunosurveillance. Using human and mouse TNBC preclinical models, we evaluated the efficacy of PrCR-based immunotherapy by blocking CD47. We performed high-throughput screens on FDA-approved anti-cancer small molecule compounds for agents potentiating PrCR and enhancing the efficacy of CD47-targeted therapy for TNBC treatment. Results We showed that CD47 was widely expressed on TNBC cells and TAMs represented the most abundant immune cell population in TNBC tumors. Blockade of CD47 enabled PrCR of TNBC cells, but the efficacy was not satisfactory. Our high-throughput screens identified cabazitaxel in enhancing PrCR-based immunotherapy. A combination of CD47 blockade and cabazitaxel treatment yielded a highly effective treatment strategy, promoting PrCR of TNBC cells and inhibiting tumor development and metastasis in preclinical models. We demonstrated that cabazitaxel potentiated PrCR by activating macrophages, independent of its cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. When treated with cabazitaxel, the molecular and phenotypic signatures of macrophages were polarized toward M1 state, and the NF-kB signaling pathway became activated. Conclusion The combination of CD47 blockade and macrophage activation by cabazitaxel synergizes to vastly enhance the elimination of TNBC cells. Our results show that targeting macrophages is a promising and effective strategy for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Cao
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Bolei Li
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Jessica Dang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Siqi Chen
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - E Gulsen Gunes
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Sabina Muend
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Mustafa Raoof
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Christiane Querfeld
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Division of Dermatology, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Department of Pathology, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Steven T Rosen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.,Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Yingyu Wang
- Center for Informatics, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Mingye Feng
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
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4
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Acheampong DO. Bispecific Antibody (bsAb) Construct Formats and their Application in Cancer Therapy. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:479-493. [DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190311163820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Development of cancers mostly involves more than one signal pathways, because of the complicated nature of cancer cells. As such, the most effective treatment option is the one that stops the cancer cells in their tracks by targeting these signal pathways simultaneously. This explains why therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeted at cancers exert utmost activity when two or more are used as combination therapy. This notwithstanding, studies elsewhere have proven that when bispecific antibody (bsAb) is engineered from two conventional monoclonal antibodies or their chains, it produces better activity than when used as combination therapy. This therefore presents bispecific antibody (bsAb) as the appropriate and best therapeutic agent for the treatment of such cancers. This review therefore discusses the various engineering formats for bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O. Acheampong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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5
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Liu X, Gong P, Song P, Xie F, Miller II AL, Chen S, Lu L. Rapid conjugation of nanoparticles, proteins and siRNAs to microbubbles by strain-promoted click chemistry for ultrasound imaging and drug delivery. Polym Chem 2019; 10:705-717. [DOI: 10.1039/c8py01721b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Strain-promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) click chemistry was applied for the rapid conjugation of nanoparticles, proteins, and siRNA-micelles to ultrasound microbubbles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xifeng Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering
- Mayo Clinic
- Rochester
- USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery
| | - Ping Gong
- Department of Radiology
- Mayo Clinic
- Rochester
- USA
| | | | - Feng Xie
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nebraska Medical Center
- Omaha
- USA
| | | | - Shigao Chen
- Department of Radiology
- Mayo Clinic
- Rochester
- USA
| | - Lichun Lu
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering
- Mayo Clinic
- Rochester
- USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery
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6
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NKG2D Immunoligand rG7S-MICA Enhances NK Cell-mediated Immunosurveillance in Colorectal Carcinoma. J Immunother 2018. [DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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7
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VEGFR2 targeted antibody fused with MICA stimulates NKG2D mediated immunosurveillance and exhibits potent anti-tumor activity against breast cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 7:16445-61. [PMID: 26909862 PMCID: PMC4941327 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of MHC class I-related chain molecules A and B (MICA/B) to the natural killer (NK) cell receptor NK group 2, member D (NKG2D) is thought critical for activating NK-mediated immunosurveillance. Angiogenesis is important for tumor growth and interfering with angiogenesis using the fully human IgG1 anti-VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) antibody (mAb04) can be effective in treating malignancy. In an effort to make mAb04 more effective we have generated a novel antibody fusion protein (mAb04-MICA) consisting of mAb04 and MICA. We found that mAb04-MICA maintained the anti-angiogenic and antineoplastic activities of mAb04, and also enhanced immunosurveillance activated by the NKG2D pathway. Moreover, in human breast tumor-bearing nude mice, mAb04-MICA demonstrated superior anti-tumor efficacy compared to combination therapy of mAb04 + Docetaxel or Avastin + Docetaxel, highlighting the immunostimulatory effect of MICA. In conclusion, mAb04-MICA provided new inspiration for anti-tumor treatment and had prospects for clinical application.
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8
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Kloess S, Ede Valverde da Silva A, Oberschmidt O, Gardlowski T, Matthies N, Vyas M, Arseniev L, Heuser M, Pogge von Strandmann E, Köhl U. Triplebody Mediates Increased Anti-Leukemic Reactivity of IL-2 Activated Donor Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Impairs Viability of Their CD33-Expressing NK Subset. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1100. [PMID: 28943878 PMCID: PMC5596090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NK) are essential for the elimination of resistant acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (AML and ALL) cells. NK cell-based immunotherapies have already successfully entered for clinical trials, but limitations due to immune escape mechanisms were identified. Therefore, we extended our established NK cell protocol by integration of the previously investigated powerful trispecific immunoligand ULBP2-aCD19-aCD33 [the so-called triplebodies (TBs)] to improve the anti-leukemic specificity of activated NK cells. IL-2-driven expansion led to strongly elevated natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) expressions on donor NK cells which promote the binding to ULBP2+ TBs. Similarly, CD33 expression on these NK cells could be detected. Dual-specific targeting and elimination were investigated against the B-cell precursor leukemia cell line BV-173 and patient blasts, which were positive for myeloid marker CD33 and B lymphoid marker CD19 exclusively presented on biphenotypic B/myeloid leukemia’s. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated improved killing properties of NK cells pre-coated with TBs compared to untreated controls. Specific NKG2D blocking on those NK cells in response to TBs diminished this killing activity. On the contrary, the observed upregulation of surface CD33 on about 28.0% of the NK cells decreased their viability in response to TBs during cytotoxic interaction of effector and target cells. Similar side effects were also detected against CD33+ T- and CD19+ B-cells. Very preliminary proof of principle results showed promising effects using NK cells and TBs against primary leukemic cells. In summary, we demonstrated a promising strategy for redirecting primary human NK cells in response to TBs against leukemia, which may lead to a future progress in NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Kloess
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Oberschmidt
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanja Gardlowski
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Matthies
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Maulik Vyas
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lubomir Arseniev
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Pogge von Strandmann
- Experimental Tumor Research, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
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9
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Cai X, Caballero-Benitez A, Gewe MM, Jenkins IC, Drescher CW, Strong RK, Spies T, Groh V. Control of Tumor Initiation by NKG2D Naturally Expressed on Ovarian Cancer Cells. Neoplasia 2017; 19:471-482. [PMID: 28499126 PMCID: PMC5429243 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells may co-opt the NKG2D lymphocyte receptor to complement the presence of its ligands for autonomous stimulation of oncogenic signaling. Previous studies raise the possibility that cancer cell NKG2D may induce high malignancy traits, but its full oncogenic impact is unknown. Using epithelial ovarian cancer as model setting, we show here that ex vivo NKG2D+ cancer cells have stem-like capacities, and provide formal in vivo evidence linking NKG2D stimulation with the development and maintenance of these functional states. NKG2D+ ovarian cancer cell populations harbor substantially greater capacities for self-renewing in vitro sphere formation and in vivo tumor initiation in immunodeficient (NOD scid gamma) mice than NKG2D− controls. Sphere formation and tumor initiation are impaired by NKG2D silencing or ligand blockade using antibodies or a newly designed pan ligand-masking NKG2D multimer. In further support of pathophysiological significance, a prospective study of 47 high-grade serous ovarian cancer cases revealed that the odds of disease recurrence were significantly greater and median progression-free survival rates higher among patients with above and below median NKG2D+ cancer cell frequencies, respectively. Collectively, our results define cancer cell NKG2D as an important regulator of tumor initiation in ovarian cancer and presumably other malignancies and thus challenge current efforts in immunotherapy aimed at enhancing NKG2D function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cai
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Andrea Caballero-Benitez
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Mesfin M Gewe
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Isaac C Jenkins
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Charles W Drescher
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Roland K Strong
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Thomas Spies
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Veronika Groh
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
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10
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Peipp M, Derer S, Lohse S, Staudinger M, Klausz K, Valerius T, Gramatzki M, Kellner C. HER2-specific immunoligands engaging NKp30 or NKp80 trigger NK-cell-mediated lysis of tumor cells and enhance antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32075-88. [PMID: 26392331 PMCID: PMC4741660 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells detect tumors through activating surface receptors, which bind self-antigens that are frequently expressed upon malignant transformation. To increase the recognition of tumor cells, the extracellular domains of ligands of the activating NK cell receptors NKp30, NKp80 and DNAM-1 (i.e. B7-H6, AICL and PVR, respectively) were fused to a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which is displayed by various solid tumors. The resulting immunoligands, designated B7-H6:HER2-scFv, AICL:HER2-scFv, and PVR:HER2-scFv, respectively, bound HER2 and the addressed NK cell receptor. However, whereas B7-H6:HER2-scFv and AICL:HER2-scFv triggered NK cells to kill HER2-positive breast cancer cells at nanomolar concentrations, PVR:HER2-scFv was not efficacious. Moreover, NK cell cytotoxicity was enhanced synergistically when B7-H6:HER2-scFv or AICL:HER2-scFv were applied in combination with another HER2-specific immunoligand engaging the stimulatory receptor NKG2D. In contrast, no improvements were achieved by combining B7-H6:HER2-scFv with AICL:HER2-scFv. Additionally, B7-H6:HER2-scFv and AICL:HER2-scFv enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by the therapeutic antibodies trastuzumab and cetuximab synergistically, with B7-H6:HER2-scFv exhibiting a higher efficacy. In summary, antibody-derived proteins engaging NKp30 or NKp80 may represent attractive biologics to further enhance anti-tumor NK cell responses and may provide an innovative approach to sensitize tumor cells for antibody-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefanie Derer
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Lohse
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Staudinger
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Gramatzki
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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11
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Vyas M, Schneider AC, Shatnyeva O, Reiners KS, Tawadros S, Kloess S, Köhl U, Hallek M, Hansen HP, Pogge von Strandmann E. Mono- and dual-targeting triplebodies activate natural killer cells and have anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo against chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1211220. [PMID: 27757305 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1211220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia that affects B lymphocytes in adults. Natural killer (NK) cells in CLL patients are intrinsically potent but display poor in situ effector functions. NKG2D is an activating receptor found on NK and CD8+ T cells and plays a role in immunosurveillance of CLL. In this study, we developed mono- and dual-targeting triplebodies utilizing a natural ligand for human NKG2D receptor (ULBP2) to retarget NK cells against tumor cells. Triplebodies in both formats showed better ability to induce NK-cell-dependent killing of target cells compared to bispecific counterparts. A mono-targeting triplebody ULBP2-aCD19-aCD19 successfully triggered NK cell effector functions against CLL cell line MEC1 and primary tumor cells in allogenic and autologous settings. Additionally, a dual-targeting triplebody ULBP2-aCD19-aCD33 specific for two distinct tumor-associated antigens was developed to target antigen loss variants, such as mixed lineage leukemia (MLL). Of note, this triplebody exhibited cytotoxic activity against CD19/CD33 double positive cells and retained its binding features even in the absence of one of the tumor antigens. Further, ULBP2-aCD19-aCD19 showed significant in vivo activity in immune-deficient (NSG) mouse model transplanted with CLL cell line as target cells and human immune cells as an effector population providing a proof-of-principle for this therapeutic concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maulik Vyas
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Olga Shatnyeva
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Katrin S Reiners
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Samir Tawadros
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Kloess
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich P Hansen
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Pogge von Strandmann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Experimental Tumor Research, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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12
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Wang T, Sun F, Xie W, Tang M, He H, Jia X, Tian X, Wang M, Zhang J. A bispecific protein rG7S-MICA recruits natural killer cells and enhances NKG2D-mediated immunosurveillance against hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2016; 372:166-78. [PMID: 26791237 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MHC class I-related chain A (MICA) is a principal immunoligand of the natural killer (NK) cell receptor NK group 2, member D (NKG2D) and plays a key role in NK cell-mediated immune recognition. Shedding of MICA from tumor cells leads to immunosuppression. To reconstitute the immunosurveilance function of NK cells, we constructed a fusion protein rG7S-MICA and explored its potential anti-tumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). rG7S-MICA consists of human MICA and a single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) targeting the tumor-associated antigen cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24). In vitro, rG7S-MICA engaged both NK cells and CD24(+) human HCC cells, and triggered NK cell-mediated cytolysis. Furthermore, in CD24(+) HCC-bearing nude mice, rG7S-MICA specifically targeted to the tumor tissue, where it effectively recruited NK cells and induced the release of cytokines, and showed superior anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, rG7S-MICA provides a new approach for HCC-targeting immunotherapy and has attracting potentials for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fumou Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingying Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hua He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuelian Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuemei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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13
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Kellner C, Günther A, Humpe A, Repp R, Klausz K, Derer S, Valerius T, Ritgen M, Brüggemann M, van de Winkel JG, Parren PW, Kneba M, Gramatzki M, Peipp M. Enhancing natural killer cell-mediated lysis of lymphoma cells by combining therapeutic antibodies with CD20-specific immunoligands engaging NKG2D or NKp30. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1058459. [PMID: 26942070 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1058459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated through the IgG Fc receptor FcγRIIIa represents a major effector function of many therapeutic antibodies. In an attempt to further enhance natural killer (NK) cell-mediated ADCC, we combined therapeutic antibodies against CD20 and CD38 with recombinant immunoligands against the stimulatory NK cell receptors NKG2D or NKp30. These immunoligands, respectively designated as ULBP2:7D8 and B7-H6:7D8, contained the CD20 scFv 7D8 as a targeting moiety and a cognate ligand for either NKG2D or NKp30 (i.e. ULBP2 and B7-H6, respectively). Both the immunoligands synergistically augmented ADCC in combination with the CD20 antibody rituximab and the CD38 antibody daratumumab. Combinations with ULBP2:7D8 resulted in higher cytotoxicity compared to combinations with B7-H6:7D8, suggesting that coligation of FcγRIIIa with NKG2D triggered NK cells more efficiently than with NKp30. Addition of B7-H6:7D8 to ULBP2:7D8 and rituximab in a triple combination did not further increase the extent of tumor cell lysis. Importantly, immunoligand-mediated enhancement of ADCC was also observed for tumor cells and autologous NK cells from patients with hematologic malignancies, in which, again, ULBP2:7D8 was particularly active. In summary, co-targeting of NKG2D was more effective in promoting rituximab or daratumumab-mediated ADCC by NK cells than co-ligation of NKp30. The observed increase in the ADCC activity of these therapeutic antibodies suggests promise for a 'dual-dual-targeting' approach in which tumor cell surface antigens are targeted in concert with two distinct activating NK cell receptors (i.e. FcγRIIIa and NKG2D or B7-H6).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kellner
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Günther
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Humpe
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Roland Repp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefanie Derer
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Ritgen
- 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel ; Kiel, Germany
| | - Monika Brüggemann
- 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel ; Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan Gj van de Winkel
- Genmab; Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Whi Parren
- Genmab; Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research; Institute of Molecular Medicine; University of Southern Denmark; Odense, Denmark; Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion; Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Kneba
- 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel ; Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Gramatzki
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
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14
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Valés-Gómez M. The Impact of Glycosyl-Phosphatidyl-Inositol Anchored MICA Alleles on Novel NKG2D-Based Therapies. Front Immunol 2015; 6:193. [PMID: 25964786 PMCID: PMC4410604 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mar Valés-Gómez
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC) , Madrid , Spain
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15
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Shatnyeva OM, Hansen HP, Reiners KS, Sauer M, Vyas M, von Strandmann EP. DNA damage response and evasion from immunosurveillance in CLL: new options for NK cell-based immunotherapies. Front Genet 2015; 6:11. [PMID: 25699074 PMCID: PMC4316781 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prominent B cell malignancy among adults in the Western world and characterized by a clonal expansion of B cells. The patients suffer from severe immune defects resulting in increased susceptibility to infections and failure to generate an antitumor immune response. Defects in both, DNA damage response (DDR) pathway and crosstalk with the tissue microenvironment have been reported to play a crucial role for the survival of CLL cells, therapy resistance and impaired immune response. To this end, major advances over the past years have highlighted several T cell immune evasion mechanisms in CLL. Here, we discuss the consequences of an impaired DDR pathway for detection and elimination of CLL cells by natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are considered to be a major component of the immunosurveillance in leukemia but NK cell activity is impaired in CLL. Restoration of NK cell activity using immunoligands and immunoconstructs in combination with the conventional chemotherapy may provide a future perspective for CLL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M Shatnyeva
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich P Hansen
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Katrin S Reiners
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Maike Sauer
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Maulik Vyas
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
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16
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Abstract
After decades of research, immunotherapies for cancer are demonstrating increasing success. These agents can amplify existent antitumour immunity or induce durable antitumour immune responses in a wide array of cancers. The spectrum of immunotherapeutics is broad, spanning monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives, tumour vaccines, and adoptive therapies using T cells and natural killer cells. Only a small number of immunotherapies have been tested in paediatric cancers, but impressive antitumour effects have already been observed. Mononclonal antibodies targeting GD2 that induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity improve survival in high-risk neuroblastoma. Bi-specific monoclonal antibodies that simultaneously target CD19 and activate T cells can induce remission in acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) and adoptive immunotherapy using T cells genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors targeting CD19 induce impressive responses in B-ALL. Efforts are underway to generate and test new immunotherapies in a wider array of paediatric cancers. Major challenges include a need to identify immunotherapy targets on the most lethal childhood cancers, to expand availability of technology-intense platforms, such as adoptive cell therapy, to optimize management of novel toxicities associated with this new class of cancer therapies and to determine how best to incorporate these therapies into standard treatment paradigms.
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