1
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Wilford T, Bartlett PD, Schlag A, Jasaitis L, Pandha H, Pierce AJ, Hughes R. Solving selectivity issues in LBAs: case study using Gyrolab to quantify CB307, a bispecific Humabody in human serum. Bioanalysis 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38957926 DOI: 10.1080/17576180.2024.2365545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Endogenous interferents can cause nonselectivity in ligand binding pharmacokinetic assays, leading to inaccurate quantification of drug concentrations. We describe the development of a Gyrolab immunoassay to quantify a new modality, CB307 and discuss strategies implemented to overcome matrix effects and achieve selectivity at the desired sensitivity. Results: Matrix effects were mitigated using strategies including increasing minimum required dilution (MRD) and lower limit of quantification, optimization of antibody orientation, assay buffer and solid phase. Conclusion: The strategies described resulted in a selective method for CB307 in disease state matrix that met bioanalytical method validation (BMV) guidance and is currently used to support clinical pharmacokinetic sample analysis in the first-in-human POTENTIA clinical study (NCT04839991) as a secondary clinical end point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wilford
- Resolian, Fordham, Cambridgeshire CB7 5WW, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - Phillip D Bartlett
- Crescendo Biologics Limited, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - Anna Schlag
- Crescendo Biologics Limited, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - Lukas Jasaitis
- Crescendo Biologics Limited, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - Hardev Pandha
- University of Surrey, School of Biosciences, Guildford GU2 7XH, Surrey, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - Andrew J Pierce
- Crescendo Biologics Limited, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | - Richard Hughes
- Resolian, Fordham, Cambridgeshire CB7 5WW, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
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2
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Kopp A, Guan J, Johnston C, Vance S, Legg J, Galson-Holt L, Thurber GM. Design of Crosslinking Antibodies For T-Cell Activation: Experimental and Computational Analysis of PD-1/CD137 Bispecific Agents. AAPS J 2024; 26:68. [PMID: 38862748 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00937-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific and multispecific agents have become increasingly utilized in cancer treatment and immunotherapy, yet their complex design parameters present a challenge in developing successful therapeutics. Bispecifics that crosslink receptors on two opposing cells can provide specific activation of a receptor only when these cells are in close spatial proximity, such as an immune cell and cancer cell in a tumor. These agents, including T cell activating bispecifics, can avoid off-tumor toxicity through activation only in the tumor microenvironment by utilizing a tumor target to cluster T-cell receptors for a selective costimulatory signal. Here, we investigate a panel of PD-1/CD137 targeted Humabody VH domains to determine the key factors for T cell activation, such as affinity, valency, expression level, domain orientation, and epitope location. Target expression is a dominant factor determining both specificity and potency of T cell activation. Given an intrinsic expression level, the affinity can be tuned to modulate the level of activation and IC50 and achieve specificity between low and high expression levels. Changing the epitope location and linker length showed minor improvements to activation at low expression levels, but increasing the valency for the target decreased activation at all expression levels. By combining non-overlapping epitopes for the target, we achieved higher receptor activation at low expression levels. A kinetic model was able to capture these trends, offering support for the mechanistic interpretation. This work provides a framework to quantify factors for T cell activation by cell-crosslinking bispecific agents and guiding principles for the design of new agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kopp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Jiakun Guan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Greg M Thurber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
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3
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Eden T, Schaffrath AZ, Wesolowski J, Stähler T, Tode N, Richter N, Schäfer W, Hambach J, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, Woens J, Le Gall CM, Wendler S, Linke-Winnebeck C, Stobbe M, Budnicki I, Wanney A, Heitz Y, Schimmelpfennig L, Schweitzer L, Zimmer D, Stahl E, Seyfried F, Gebhardt AJ, Dieckow L, Riecken K, Fehse B, Bannas P, Magnus T, Verdoes M, Figdor CG, Hartlepp KF, Schleer H, Füner J, Tomas NM, Haag F, Rissiek B, Mann AM, Menzel S, Koch-Nolte F. Generation of nanobodies from transgenic 'LamaMice' lacking an endogenous immunoglobulin repertoire. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4728. [PMID: 38830864 PMCID: PMC11148044 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48735-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to their exceptional solubility and stability, nanobodies have emerged as powerful building blocks for research tools and therapeutics. However, their generation in llamas is cumbersome and costly. Here, by inserting an engineered llama immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus into IgH-deficient mice, we generate a transgenic mouse line, which we refer to as 'LamaMouse'. We demonstrate that LamaMice solely express llama IgH molecules without association to Igκ or λ light chains. Immunization of LamaMice with AAV8, the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, IgE, IgG2c, and CLEC9A enabled us to readily select respective target-specific nanobodies using classical hybridoma and phage display technologies, single B cell screening, and direct cloning of the nanobody-repertoire into a mammalian expression vector. Our work shows that the LamaMouse represents a flexible and broadly applicable platform for a facilitated selection of target-specific nanobodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eden
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alessa Z Schaffrath
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janusz Wesolowski
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Stähler
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Tode
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Richter
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Waldemar Schäfer
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hambach
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jannis Woens
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Camille M Le Gall
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Wendler
- ChromoTek GmbH, Martinsried, Germany - A part of Proteintech Group, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Martina Stobbe
- ChromoTek GmbH, Martinsried, Germany - A part of Proteintech Group, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fabienne Seyfried
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna J Gebhardt
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lynn Dieckow
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bannas
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martijn Verdoes
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carl G Figdor
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus F Hartlepp
- ChromoTek GmbH, Martinsried, Germany - A part of Proteintech Group, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicola M Tomas
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Haag
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Björn Rissiek
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna M Mann
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Menzel
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Core Facility Nanobodies, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Archer S, Brailey PM, Song M, Bartlett PD, Figueiredo I, Gurel B, Guo C, Brucklacher-Waldert V, Thompson HL, Akinwale J, Boyle SE, Rossant C, Birkett NR, Pizzey J, Maginn M, Legg J, Williams R, Johnston CM, Bland-Ward P, de Bono JS, Pierce AJ. CB307: A Dual Targeting Costimulatory Humabody VH Therapeutic for Treating PSMA-Positive Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1595-1606. [PMID: 38593226 PMCID: PMC11016891 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE CD137 is a T- and NK-cell costimulatory receptor involved in consolidating immunologic responses. The potent CD137 agonist urelumab has shown clinical promise as a cancer immunotherapeutic but development has been hampered by on-target off-tumor toxicities. A CD137 agonist targeted to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), frequently and highly expressed on castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (mCRPC) tumor cells, could bring effective immunotherapy to this immunologically challenging to address disease. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We designed and manufactured CB307, a novel half-life extended bispecific costimulatory Humabody VH therapeutic to elicit CD137 agonism exclusively in a PSMA-high tumor microenvironment (TME). The functional activity of CB307 was assessed in cell-based assays and in syngeneic mouse antitumor pharmacology studies. Nonclinical toxicology and toxicokinetic properties of CB307 were assessed in a good laboratory practice (GLP) compliant study in cynomolgus macaques. RESULTS CB307 provides effective CD137 agonism in a PSMA-dependent manner, with antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, and additional activity when combined with checkpoint inhibitors. A validated novel PSMA/CD137 IHC assay demonstrated a higher prevalence of CD137-positive cells in the PSMA-expressing human mCRPC TME with respect to primary lesions. CB307 did not show substantial toxicity in nonhuman primates and exhibited a plasma half-life supporting weekly clinical administration. CONCLUSIONS CB307 is a first-in-class immunotherapeutic that triggers potent PSMA-dependent T-cell activation, thereby alleviating toxicologic concerns against unrestricted CD137 agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Archer
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip M. Brailey
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Minjung Song
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip D. Bartlett
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ines Figueiredo
- Cancer Biomarkers Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bora Gurel
- Cancer Biomarkers Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Guo
- Cancer Biomarkers Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapies Group, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jude Akinwale
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha E. Boyle
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Rossant
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Neil R. Birkett
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Pizzey
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Maginn
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James Legg
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Williams
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Colette M. Johnston
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Bland-Ward
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Johann S. de Bono
- Cancer Biomarkers Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapies Group, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Pierce
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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5
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Ma X, Wang M, Ying T, Wu Y. Reforming solid tumor treatment: the emerging potential of smaller format antibody-drug conjugate. Antib Ther 2024; 7:114-122. [PMID: 38566971 PMCID: PMC10983081 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, substantial therapeutic efficacy of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) has been validated through approvals of 16 ADCs for the treatment of malignant tumors. However, realization of the maximum clinical use of ADCs requires surmounting extant challenges, mainly the limitations in tumor penetration capabilities when targeting solid tumors. To resolve the hurdle of suboptimal tumor penetration, miniaturized antibody fragments with engineered formats have been harnessed for ADC assembly. By virtue of their reduced molecular sizes, antibody fragment-drug conjugates hold considerable promise for efficacious delivery of cytotoxic agents, thus conferring superior therapeutic outcomes. This review will focus on current advancements in novel ADC development utilizing smaller antibody formats from ~6 to 80 kDa, with particular emphasis on single-domain antibodies, which have been widely applied in novel ADC design. Additionally, strategies to optimize clinical translation are discussed, including half-life extension, acceleration of internalization, and reduction of immunogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Ma
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mingkai Wang
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tianlei Ying
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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6
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Kopp A, Kwon H, Johnston C, Vance S, Legg J, Galson-Holt L, Thurber GM. Impact of tissue penetration and albumin binding on design of T cell targeted bispecific agents. Neoplasia 2024; 48:100962. [PMID: 38183712 PMCID: PMC10809211 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100962] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific agents are a rapidly growing class of cancer therapeutics, and immune targeted bispecific agents have the potential to expand functionality well beyond monoclonal antibody agents. Humabodies⁎ are fully human single domain antibodies that can be linked in a modular fashion to form multispecific therapeutics. However, the effect of heterogeneous delivery on the efficacy of crosslinking bispecific agents is currently unclear. In this work, we utilize a PSMA-CD137 Humabody with an albumin binding half-life extension (HLE) domain to determine the impact of tissue penetration on T cell activating bispecific agents. Using heterotypic spheroids, we demonstrate that increased tissue penetration results in higher T cell activation at sub-saturating concentrations. Next, we tested the effect of two different albumin binding moieties on tissue distribution using albumin-specific HLE domains with varying affinities for albumin and a non-specific lipophilic dye. The results show that a specific binding mechanism to albumin does not influence tissue penetration, but a non-specific mechanism reduced both spheroid uptake and distribution in the presence of albumin. These results highlight the potential importance of tissue penetration on bispecific agent efficacy and describe how the design parameters including albumin-binding domains can be selected to maximize the efficacy of bispecific agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kopp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Hyeyoung Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | | | | | - James Legg
- Crescendo Biologics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Greg M Thurber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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7
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Sinclair R, Sharifeh S, Thackwray S, Lickliter J, Wu J, Li J, Qi B, Bland-Ward P, Reinhart H. Topical application of a novel anti-interleukin-17A antibody fragment penetrates psoriatic skin: Results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase Ib study. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:1538-1545. [PMID: 37377276 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14861] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-17A underlies the pathogenesis of chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP). Well-tolerated, effective IL-17A inhibitors for mild-to-moderate CPP are needed. ZL-1102 is a novel antibody fragment targeting IL-17A. To assess the safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy and skin penetration of a topical 1% ZL-1102 hydrogel in patients with mild-to-moderate CPP, a two-part, Phase Ib study was conducted. Open-label Part A: six patients received a single topical application of ZL-1102 onto a psoriatic plaque; double-blind Part B: 53 patients were randomised 1:1 to twice-daily ZL-1102 or vehicle for 4 weeks. Key primary endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), tolerability and changes in local psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). TEAEs occurred in two (33.3%) patients in Part A and in 16 (59.3%) and 13 (50.0%) patients in the ZL-1102 and vehicle arms, respectively, in Part B. No grade ≥3 TEAEs were seen with ZL-1102. ZL-1102 led to numerically greater changes in local PASI versus vehicle (-28.8% vs. -17.2%), with good local tolerability. The trend towards local PASI improvement was accompanied by biomarker changes based on RNA sequencing, indicative of ZL-1102 penetration into psoriatic plaques. Topical ZL-1102 showed good safety, local tolerability and a trend towards improved local PASI; skin penetration was observed without measurable systemic exposure. ACTRN12620000700932.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sammy Sharifeh
- The Bridge Family Practice and Skin Clinic, Halls Head, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Susan Thackwray
- University of Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason Lickliter
- Nucleus Network, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Junlong Wu
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Qi
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
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8
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Yong Joon Kim J, Sang Z, Xiang Y, Shen Z, Shi Y. Nanobodies: Robust miniprotein binders in biomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 195:114726. [PMID: 36754285 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies (VHH), also known as nanobodies (Nbs), are monomeric antigen-binding domains derived from the camelid heavy chain-only antibodies. Nbs are characterized by small size, high target selectivity, and marked solubility and stability, which collectively facilitate high-quality drug development. In addition, Nbs are readily expressed from various expression systems, including E. coli and yeast cells. For these reasons, Nbs have emerged as preferred antibody fragments for protein engineering, disease diagnosis, and treatment. To date, two Nb-based therapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Numerous candidates spanning a wide spectrum of diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders are under preclinical and clinical investigation. Here, we discuss the structural features of Nbs that allow for specific, versatile, and strong target binding. We also summarize emerging technologies for identification, structural analysis, and humanization of Nbs. Our main focus is to review recent advances in using Nbs as a modular scaffold to facilitate the engineering of multivalent polymers for cutting-edge applications. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges for Nb development and envision new opportunities in Nb-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Yong Joon Kim
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhe Sang
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhuolun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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9
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Jin BK, Odongo S, Radwanska M, Magez S. NANOBODIES®: A Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5994. [PMID: 36983063 PMCID: PMC10057852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
NANOBODY® (a registered trademark of Ablynx N.V) molecules (Nbs), also referred to as single domain-based VHHs, are antibody fragments derived from heavy-chain only IgG antibodies found in the Camelidae family. Due to their small size, simple structure, high antigen binding affinity, and remarkable stability in extreme conditions, nanobodies possess the potential to overcome several of the limitations of conventional monoclonal antibodies. For many years, nanobodies have been of great interest in a wide variety of research fields, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This culminated in the approval of the world's first nanobody based drug (Caplacizumab) in 2018 with others following soon thereafter. This review will provide an overview, with examples, of (i) the structure and advantages of nanobodies compared to conventional monoclonal antibodies, (ii) methods used to generate and produce antigen-specific nanobodies, (iii) applications for diagnostics, and (iv) ongoing clinical trials for nanobody therapeutics as well as promising candidates for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-kyung Jin
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Steven Odongo
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala 7062, Uganda
- Center for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala 7062, Uganda
| | - Magdalena Radwanska
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Magez
- Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Dkhar DS, Kumari R, Mahapatra S, Divya, Kumar R, Tripathi T, Chandra P. Antibody-receptor bioengineering and its implications in designing bioelectronic devices. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 218:225-242. [PMID: 35870626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies play a crucial role in the defense mechanism countering pathogens or foreign antigens in eukaryotes. Its potential as an analytical and diagnostic tool has been exploited for over a century. It forms immunocomplexes with a specific antigen, which is the basis of immunoassays and aids in developing potent biosensors. Antibody-based sensors allow for the quick and accurate detection of various analytes. Though classical antibodies have prolonged been used as bioreceptors in biosensors fabrication due to their increased fragility, they have been engineered into more stable fragments with increased exposure of their antigen-binding sites in the recent era. In biosensing, the formats constructed by antibody engineering can enhance the signal since the resistance offered by a conventional antibody is much more than these fragments. Hence, signal amplification can be observed when antibody fragments are utilized as bioreceptors instead of full-length antibodies. We present the first systematic review on engineered antibodies as bioreceptors with the description of their engineering methods. The detection of various target analytes, including small molecules, macromolecules, and cells using antibody-based biosensors, has been discussed. A comparison of the classical polyclonal, monoclonal, and engineered antibodies as bioreceptors to construct highly accurate, sensitive, and specific sensors is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphika S Dkhar
- Laboratory of Bio-Physio Sensors and Nano-bioengineering, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Rohini Kumari
- Laboratory of Bio-Physio Sensors and Nano-bioengineering, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Supratim Mahapatra
- Laboratory of Bio-Physio Sensors and Nano-bioengineering, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Divya
- Laboratory of Bio-Physio Sensors and Nano-bioengineering, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Laboratory of Bio-Physio Sensors and Nano-bioengineering, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Timir Tripathi
- Molecular and Structural Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India; Regional Director's Office, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Regional Centre Kohima, Kenuozou, Kohima 797001, India.
| | - Pranjal Chandra
- Laboratory of Bio-Physio Sensors and Nano-bioengineering, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India.
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Ji F, Ren J, Vincke C, Jia L, Muyldermans S. Nanobodies: From Serendipitous Discovery of Heavy Chain-Only Antibodies in Camelids to a Wide Range of Useful Applications. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2446:3-17. [PMID: 35157266 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2075-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The presence of unique heavy chain-only antibodies (HCAbs) in camelids was discovered at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB, Brussels, Belgium) at a time when many researchers were exploring the cloning and expression of smaller antigen-binding fragments (Fv and Fab) from hybridoma-derived antibodies. The potential importance of this discovery was anticipated, and efforts were immediately undertaken to understand the emergence and ontogeny of these HCAbs as well as to investigate the applications of the single-domain antigen-binding variable domains of HCAbs (nanobodies). Nanobodies were demonstrated to possess multiple biochemical and biophysical advantages over other antigen-binding antibody fragments and alternative scaffolds. Today, nanobodies have a significant and growing impact on research, biotechnology, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangling Ji
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Imaging, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Imaging, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Cécile Vincke
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lingyun Jia
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Imaging, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Imaging, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China. .,Cellular and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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12
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Liu B, Yang D. Easily Established and Multifunctional Synthetic Nanobody Libraries as Research Tools. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031482. [PMID: 35163405 PMCID: PMC8835997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies, or VHHs, refer to the antigen-binding domain of heavy-chain antibodies (HCAbs) from camelids. They have been widely used as research tools for protein purification and structure determination due to their small size, high specificity, and high stability, overcoming limitations with conventional antibody fragments. However, animal immunization and subsequent retrieval of antigen-specific nanobodies are expensive and complicated. Construction of synthetic nanobody libraries using DNA oligonucleotides is a cost-effective alternative for immunization libraries and shows great potential in identifying antigen-specific or even conformation-specific nanobodies. This review summarizes and analyses synthetic nanobody libraries in the current literature, including library design and biopanning methods, and further discusses applications of antigen-specific nanobodies obtained from synthetic libraries to research.
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13
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The multi-specific V H-based Humabody CB213 co-targets PD1 and LAG3 on T cells to promote anti-tumour activity. Br J Cancer 2021; 126:1168-1177. [PMID: 34969998 PMCID: PMC9023588 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01684-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving cancer immunotherapy long-term clinical benefit is a major priority. It has become apparent that multiple axes of immune suppression restrain the capacity of T cells to provide anti-tumour activity including signalling through PD1/PD-L1 and LAG3/MHC-II. METHODS CB213 has been developed as a fully human PD1/LAG3 co-targeting multi-specific Humabody composed of linked VH domains that avidly bind and block PD1 and LAG3 on dual-positive T cells. We present the preclinical primary pharmacology of CB213: biochemistry, cell-based function vs. immune-suppressive targets, induction of T cell proliferation ex vivo using blood obtained from NSCLC patients, and syngeneic mouse model anti-tumour activity. CB213 pharmacokinetics was assessed in cynomolgus macaques. RESULTS CB213 shows picomolar avidity when simultaneously engaging PD1 and LAG3. Assessing LAG3/MHC-II or PD1/PD-L1 suppression individually, CB213 preferentially counters the LAG3 axis. CB213 showed superior activity vs. αPD1 antibody to induce ex vivo NSCLC patient T cell proliferation and to suppress tumour growth in a syngeneic mouse tumour model, for which both experimental systems possess PD1 and LAG3 suppressive components. Non-human primate PK of CB213 suggests weekly clinical administration. CONCLUSIONS CB213 is poised to enter clinical development and, through intercepting both PD1 and LAG3 resistance mechanisms, may benefit patients with tumours escaping front-line immunological control.
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14
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Parakasikron N, Chaotham C, Chanvorachote P, Vinayanuwattikun C, Buranasudja V, Taweecheep P, Khantasup K. Development of a human antibody fragment directed against the alpha folate receptor as a promising molecule for targeted application. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:1443-1454. [PMID: 34236266 PMCID: PMC8274507 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1943055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha folate receptor (FRα) is currently under investigation as a target for the treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), since it is highly expressed in tumor cells but is largely absent in normal tissue. In this study, a novel human variable domain of a heavy-chain (VH) antibody fragment specific to FRα was enriched and selected by phage bio-planning. The positive phage clone (3A102 VH) specifically bound to FRα and also cross-reacted with FRβ, as tested by ELISA. Clone 3A102 VH was then successfully expressed as a soluble protein in an E. coli shuffle strain. The obtained soluble 3A102 VH demonstrated a high affinity for FRα with affinity constants (Kaff) values around 7.77 ± 0.25 × 107 M−1, with specific binding against both FRα expressing NSCLC cells and NSCLC patient-derived primary cancer cells, as tested by cell ELISA. In addition, soluble 3A102 VH showed the potential desired property of a targeting molecule by being internalized into FRα-expressing cells, as observed by confocal microscopy. This study inspires the use of phage display to develop human VH antibody (Ab) fragments that might be well suited for drug targeted therapy of NSCLC and other FRα-positive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattihda Parakasikron
- The Medical Microbiology Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatchai Chaotham
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanida Vinayanuwattikun
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visarut Buranasudja
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornchanok Taweecheep
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kannika Khantasup
- The Medical Microbiology Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Vaccines and Therapeutic Proteins Research Group, the Special Task Force for Activating Research (STAR), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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15
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Bélanger K, Tanha J. High-efficacy, high-manufacturability human VH domain antibody therapeutics from transgenic sources. Protein Eng Des Sel 2021; 34:6276122. [PMID: 33991089 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzab012] [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: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) stems from their unique structural/pronounced, hence therapeutically desirable, features. From the outset-as therapeutic modalities-human antibody heavy chain variable domains (VHs) attracted a particular attention compared with 'naturally-occurring' camelid and shark heavy-chain-only antibody variable domains (VHHs and VNARs, respectively) due to their perceived lack of immunogenicity. However, they have not quite lived up to their initial promise as the VH hits, primarily mined from synthetic VH phage display libraries, have too often been plagued with aggregation tendencies, low solubility and low affinity. Largely unexplored, synthetic camelized human VH display libraries appeared to have remediated the aggregation problem, but the low affinity of the VH hits still persisted, requiring undertaking additional, laborious affinity maturation steps to render VHs therapeutically feasible. A wholesome resolution has recently emerged with the development of non-canonical transgenic rodent antibody discovery platforms that appear to facilely and profusely generate high affinity, high solubility and aggregation-resistant human VHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasandra Bélanger
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, Life Sciences Division, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Jamshid Tanha
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, Life Sciences Division, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
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16
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Wang G, Zhou X, Fucà G, Dukhovlinova E, Shou P, Li H, Johnston C, Mcguinness B, Dotti G, Du H. Fully human antibody V H domains to generate mono and bispecific CAR to target solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002173. [PMID: 33795386 PMCID: PMC8021891 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are effective in B-cell malignancies. However, heterogeneous antigen expression and antigen loss remain important limitations of targeted immunotherapy in solid tumors. Therefore, targeting multiple tumor-associated antigens simultaneously is expected to improve the outcome of CAR-T cell therapies. Due to the instability of single-chain variable fragments, it remains challenging to develop the simultaneous targeting of multiple antigens using traditional single-chain fragment variable (scFv)-based CARs. METHODS We used Humabody VH domains derived from a transgenic mouse to obtain fully human prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) VH and mesothelin (MSLN) VH sequences and redirect T cell with VH based-CAR. The antitumor activity and mode of action of PSMA VH and MSLN VH were evaluated in vitro and in vivo compared with the traditional scFv-based CARs. RESULTS Human VH domain-based CAR targeting PSMA and MSLN are stable and functional both in vitro and in vivo. VH modules in the bispecific format are capable of binding their specific target with similar affinity as their monovalent counterparts. Bispecific CARs generated by joining two human antibody VH domains can prevent tumor escape in tumor with heterogeneous antigen expression. CONCLUSIONS Fully human antibody VH domains can be used to generate functional CAR molecules, and redirected T cells elicit antitumoral responses in solid tumors at least as well as conventional scFv-based CARs. In addition, VH domains can be used to generate bispecific CAR-T cells to simultaneously target two different antigens expressed by tumor cells, and therefore, achieve better tumor control in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanmeng Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xin Zhou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Giovanni Fucà
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elena Dukhovlinova
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peishun Shou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hongxia Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hongwei Du
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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17
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Rossotti MA, Bélanger K, Henry KA, Tanha J. Immunogenicity and humanization of single‐domain antibodies. FEBS J 2021; 289:4304-4327. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin A. Rossotti
- Life Sciences Division Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Kasandra Bélanger
- Life Sciences Division Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Kevin A. Henry
- Life Sciences Division Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Canada
| | - Jamshid Tanha
- Life Sciences Division Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Canada
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18
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Xu J, Xu K, Jung S, Conte A, Lieberman J, Muecksch F, Cetrulo Lorenzi JC, Park S, Wang Z, Tessarollo L, Bylund T, Chuang GY, Olia AS, Stephens T, Teng IT, Tsybovsky Y, Zhou T, Hatziioannou T, Bieniasz PD, Nussenzweig MC, Kwong PD, Casellas R. Multimeric nanobodies from camelid engineered mice and llamas potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33688659 DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.04.433768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Since the start of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused more than 2 million deaths worldwide. Multiple vaccines have been deployed to date, but the continual evolution of the viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) has recently challenged their efficacy. In particular, SARS-CoV-2 variants originating in the U.K. (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351) and New York (B.1.526) have reduced neutralization activity from convalescent sera and compromised the efficacy of antibody cocktails that received emergency use authorization. Whereas vaccines can be updated periodically to account for emerging variants, complementary strategies are urgently needed to avert viral escape. One potential alternative is the use of camelid VHHs (also known as nanobodies), which due to their small size can recognize protein crevices that are inaccessible to conventional antibodies. Here, we isolate anti-RBD nanobodies from llamas and "nanomice" we engineered to produce VHHs cloned from alpacas, dromedaries and camels. Through binding assays and cryo-electron microscopy, we identified two sets of highly neutralizing nanobodies. The first group expresses VHHs that circumvent RBD antigenic drift by recognizing a region outside the ACE2-binding site that is conserved in coronaviruses but is not typically targeted by monoclonal antibodies. The second group is almost exclusively focused to the RBD-ACE2 interface and fails to neutralize pseudoviruses carrying the E484K or N501Y substitutions. Notably however, they do neutralize the RBD variants when expressed as homotrimers, rivaling the most potent antibodies produced to date against SARS-CoV-2. These findings demonstrate that multivalent nanobodies overcome SARS-CoV-2 variant mutations through two separate mechanisms: enhanced avidity for the ACE2 binding domain, and recognition of conserved epitopes largely inaccessible to human antibodies. Therefore, while new SARS-CoV-2 mutants will continue to emerge, nanobodies represent promising tools to prevent COVID-19 mortality when vaccines are compromised.
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19
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Transgenic Animals for the Generation of Human Antibodies. LEARNING MATERIALS IN BIOSCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-54630-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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20
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Nanobodies as Versatile Tool for Multiscale Imaging Modalities. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121695. [PMID: 33353213 PMCID: PMC7767244 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging is constantly growing in different areas of preclinical biomedical research. Several imaging methods have been developed and are continuously updated for both in vivo and in vitro applications, in order to increase the information about the structure, localization and function of molecules involved in physiology and disease. Along with these progresses, there is a continuous need for improving labeling strategies. In the last decades, the single domain antigen-binding fragments nanobodies (Nbs) emerged as important molecular imaging probes. Indeed, their small size (~15 kDa), high stability, affinity and modularity represent desirable features for imaging applications, providing higher tissue penetration, rapid targeting, increased spatial resolution and fast clearance. Accordingly, several Nb-based probes have been generated and applied to a variety of imaging modalities, ranging from in vivo and in vitro preclinical imaging to super-resolution microscopy. In this review, we will provide an overview of the state-of-the-art regarding the use of Nbs in several imaging modalities, underlining their extreme versatility and their enormous potential in targeting molecules and cells of interest in both preclinical and clinical studies.
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21
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Muyldermans S. A guide to: generation and design of nanobodies. FEBS J 2020; 288:2084-2102. [PMID: 32780549 PMCID: PMC8048825 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A nanobody (Nb) is a registered trademark of Ablynx, referring to the single antigen-binding domain of heavy chain-only antibodies (HCAbs) that are circulating in Camelidae. Nbs are produced recombinantly in micro-organisms and employed as research tools or for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. They were - and still are - also named single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) or variable domain of the heavy chain of HCAbs (VHH). A variety of methods are currently in use for the fast and efficient generation of target-specific Nbs. Such Nbs are produced at low cost and associate with high affinity to their cognate antigen. They are robust, strictly monomeric and easy to tailor into more complex entities to meet the requirements of their application. Here, we review the various sources and different strategies that have been developed to identify rapidly, target-specific Nbs. We further discuss a variety of engineering technologies that have been explored to broaden the application range of Nbs and summarise those applications where designed Nbs might offer a marked advantage over other affinity reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Muyldermans
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Imaging, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, China
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22
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Nessler I, Khera E, Vance S, Kopp A, Qiu Q, Keating TA, Abu-Yousif AO, Sandal T, Legg J, Thompson L, Goodwin N, Thurber GM. Increased Tumor Penetration of Single-Domain Antibody-Drug Conjugates Improves In Vivo Efficacy in Prostate Cancer Models. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1268-1278. [PMID: 31941698 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics aims to increase efficacy and lower toxicity by concentrating drugs at the site-of-action, a method embodied by the seven current FDA-approved antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). However, a variety of pharmacokinetic challenges result in relatively narrow therapeutic windows for these agents, hampering the development of new drugs. Here, we use a series of prostate-specific membrane antigen-binding single-domain (Humabody) ADC constructs to demonstrate that tissue penetration of protein-drug conjugates plays a major role in therapeutic efficacy. Counterintuitively, a construct with lower in vitro potency resulted in higher in vivo efficacy than other protein-drug conjugates. Biodistribution data, tumor histology images, spheroid experiments, in vivo single-cell measurements, and computational results demonstrate that a smaller size and slower internalization rate enabled higher tissue penetration and more cell killing. The results also illustrate the benefits of linking an albumin-binding domain to the single-domain ADCs. A construct lacking an albumin-binding domain was rapidly cleared, leading to lower tumor uptake (%ID/g) and decreased in vivo efficacy. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that reaching the maximum number of cells with a lethal payload dose correlates more strongly with in vivo efficacy than total tumor uptake or in vitro potency alone for these protein-drug conjugates. Computational modeling and protein engineering can be used to custom design an optimal framework for controlling internalization, clearance, and tissue penetration to maximize cell killing. SIGNIFICANCE: A mechanistic study of protein-drug conjugates demonstrates that a lower potency compound is more effective in vivo than other agents with equal tumor uptake due to improved tissue penetration and cellular distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Nessler
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Eshita Khera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Anna Kopp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | | | | | - James Legg
- Crescendo Biologics, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Greg M Thurber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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