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Freitag PC, Kolibius J, Wieboldt R, Weber R, Hartmann KP, van Gogh M, Brücher D, Läubli H, Plückthun A. DARPin-fused T cell engager for adenovirus-mediated cancer therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200821. [PMID: 39021370 PMCID: PMC11253662 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engagers are a promising class of therapeutic proteins for cancer therapy. Their potency and small size often come with systemic toxicity and short half-life, making intravenous administration cumbersome. These limitations can be overcome by tumor-specific in situ expression, allowing high local accumulation while reducing systemic concentrations. However, encoding T cell engagers in viral or non-viral vectors and expressing them in situ ablates all forms of quality control performed during recombinant protein production. It is therefore vital to design constructs that feature minimal domain mispairing, and increased homogeneity of the therapeutic product. Here, we report a T cell engager architecture specifically designed for vector-mediated immunotherapy. It is based on a fusion of a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) to a CD3-targeting single-chain antibody fragment, termed DATE (DARPin-fused T cell Engager). The DATE induces potent T cell-mediated killing of HER2+ cancer cells, both as recombinantly produced therapeutic protein and as in situ expressed payload from a HER2+-retargeted high-capacity adenoviral vector (HC-AdV). We report remarkable tumor remission, DATE accumulation, and T cell infiltration through in situ expression mediated by a HER2+-retargeted HC-AdV in vivo. Our results support further investigations and developments of DATEs as payloads for vector-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C. Freitag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Kolibius
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ronja Wieboldt
- Laboratory for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Remi Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K. Patricia Hartmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Merel van Gogh
- Department of Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Brücher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Laboratory for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Liao X, Qi T, Zhou J, Liu C, Cao Y. Optimizing Clinical Translation of Bispecific T-cell Engagers through Context Unification with a Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 116:415-425. [PMID: 38751031 PMCID: PMC11251864 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific T-cell engagers (bsTCEs) have emerged as a promising class of cancer immunotherapy. BsTCEs enable physical connections between T cells and tumor cells to enhance T-cell activity against cancer. Despite several marketing approvals, the development of bsTCEs remains challenging, especially at early clinical translational stages. The intricate design of bsTCEs makes their pharmacologic effects and safety profiles highly dependent on patient's immunological and tumor conditions. Such context-dependent pharmacology introduces considerable uncertainty into translational efforts. In this study, we developed a Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) model, through context unification, that can facilitate the translation of bsTCEs preclinical data into clinical activity. Through characterizing the formation dynamics of immunological synapse (IS) induced by bsTCEs, this model unifies a broad range of contexts related to target affinity, tumor characteristics, and immunological conditions. After rigorous calibration using both experimental and clinical data, the model enables consistent translation of drug potency observed under diverse experimental conditions into predictable exposure-response relationships in patients. Moreover, the model can help identify optimal target-binding affinities and minimum efficacious concentrations across different clinical contexts. This QSP approach holds significant promise for the future development of bsTCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhi Liao
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Timothy Qi
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Can Liu
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yanguang Cao
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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3
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Boretti A. Improving chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies by using artificial intelligence and internet of things technologies: A narrative review. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 974:176618. [PMID: 38679117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176618] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer poses a formidable challenge in the field of medical science, prompting the exploration of innovative and efficient treatment strategies. One revolutionary breakthrough in cancer therapy is Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, an avant-garde method involving the customization of a patient's immune cells to combat cancer. Particularly successful in addressing blood cancers, CAR T-cell therapy introduces an unprecedented level of effectiveness, offering the prospect of sustained disease management. As ongoing research advances to overcome current challenges, CAR T-cell therapy stands poised to become an essential tool in the fight against cancer. Ongoing enhancements aim to improve its effectiveness and reduce time and cost, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The synergy of AI and IoT could enable more precise tailoring of CAR T-cell therapy to individual patients, streamlining the therapeutic process. This holds the potential to elevate treatment efficacy, mitigate adverse effects, and expedite the overall progress of CAR T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Boretti
- Independent Scientist, Johnsonville, Wellington, New Zealand.
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4
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Elsayed A, Plüss L, Nideroest L, Rotta G, Thoma M, Zangger N, Peissert F, Pfister SK, Pellegrino C, Dakhel Plaza S, De Luca R, Manz MG, Oxenius A, Puca E, Halin C, Neri D. Optimizing the Design and Geometry of T Cell-Engaging Bispecific Antibodies Targeting CEA in Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:1010-1020. [PMID: 38638035 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0766] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with a 5-year survival rate of only 15%. T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (TCBs) represent a class of biopharmaceuticals that redirect cytotoxic T cells toward tumor cells, thereby turning immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" ones. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an attractive tumor-associated antigen that is overexpressed in more than 98% of patients with colorectal cancer. In this study, we report the comparison of four different TCB formats employing the antibodies F4 (targeting human CEA) and 2C11 (targeting mouse CD3ε). These formats include both antibody fragment-based and IgG-based constructs, with either one or two binding specificities of the respective antibodies. The 2 + 1 arrangement, using an anti-CEA single-chain diabody fused to an anti-CD3 single-chain variable fragment, emerged as the most potent design, showing tumor killing at subnanomolar concentrations across three different CEA+ cell lines. The in vitro activity was three times greater in C57BL/6 mouse colon adenocarcinoma cells (MC38) expressing high levels of CEA compared with those expressing low levels, highlighting the impact of CEA density in this assay. The optimal TCB candidate was tested in two different immunocompetent mouse models of colorectal cancer and showed tumor growth retardation. Ex vivo analysis of tumor infiltrates showed an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells upon TCB treatment. This study suggests that bivalent tumor targeting, monovalent T-cell targeting, and a short spatial separation are promising characteristics for CEA-targeting TCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Elsayed
- Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Louis Plüss
- Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Nideroest
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Thoma
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathan Zangger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Christian Pellegrino
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Markus G Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annette Oxenius
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia Halin
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
- Philogen SpA, Siena, Italy
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5
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Goebeler ME, Stuhler G, Bargou R. Bispecific and multispecific antibodies in oncology: opportunities and challenges. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:539-560. [PMID: 38822215 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00905-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Research into bispecific antibodies, which are designed to simultaneously bind two antigens or epitopes, has advanced enormously over the past two decades. Owing to advances in protein engineering technologies and considerable preclinical research efforts, bispecific antibodies are constantly being developed and optimized to improve their efficacy and to mitigate toxicity. To date, >200 of these agents, the majority of which are bispecific immune cell engagers, are in either preclinical or clinical evaluation. In this Review, we discuss the role of bispecific antibodies in patients with cancer, including history and development, as well as innovative targeting strategies, clinical applications, and adverse events. We also discuss novel alternative bispecific antibody constructs, such as those targeting two antigens expressed by tumour cells or cells located in the tumour microenvironment. Finally, we consider future research directions in this rapidly evolving field, including innovative antibody engineering strategies, which might enable more effective delivery, overcome resistance, and thus optimize clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Elisabeth Goebeler
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Gernot Stuhler
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bargou
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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6
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Fenis A, Demaria O, Gauthier L, Vivier E, Narni-Mancinelli E. New immune cell engagers for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:471-486. [PMID: 38273127 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
There have been major advances in the immunotherapy of cancer in recent years, including the development of T cell engagers - antibodies engineered to redirect T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells - for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, the field still faces several challenges to develop agents that are consistently effective in a majority of patients and cancer types, such as optimizing drug dose, overcoming treatment resistance and improving efficacy in solid tumours. A new generation of T cell-targeted molecules was developed to tackle these issues that are potentially more effective and safer. In addition, agents designed to engage the antitumour activities of other immune cells, including natural killer cells and myeloid cells, are showing promise and have the potential to treat a broader range of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Fenis
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Demaria
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Gauthier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
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7
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Tacchetti P, Barbato S, Mancuso K, Zamagni E, Cavo M. Bispecific Antibodies for the Management of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2337. [PMID: 39001399 PMCID: PMC11240369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132337] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are artificially engineered antibodies that can bind simultaneously to the CD3 subunit within the T-cell receptor complex and an antigen on tumor cells, leading to T-cell activation and tumor cell killing. BsAbs against BCMA or GPRC5D have shown impressive clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), with some agents having already received regulatory approval after the third (by the European Medicines Agency, EMA) or fourth (by the Food and Drug Administration, FDA) line of therapy; the results of early-phase clinical trials targeting FcRH5 are also promising. Overall, BsAbs as monotherapy correlated with an ORR that exceeded 60%, with a high CR rate ranging between 25% and 50% and a median PFS of around 1 year among patients with a median of 4-6 prior lines of therapy. The main toxicities include cytokine release syndrome, cytopenias, hypogammaglobulinemia, and infections; on-target off-tumor adverse events involving the skin, mucosa, hair, and nails may also occur with anti-GPRC5D BsAbs. Active research to increase their efficacy and improve their tolerance is still in progress, including combination therapies and application in earlier treatment lines and the development of novel agents. A better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance is a challenge and could lead to more personalized approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Tacchetti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy; (P.T.); (S.B.); (K.M.); (E.Z.)
| | - Simona Barbato
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy; (P.T.); (S.B.); (K.M.); (E.Z.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Katia Mancuso
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy; (P.T.); (S.B.); (K.M.); (E.Z.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Zamagni
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy; (P.T.); (S.B.); (K.M.); (E.Z.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Cavo
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy; (P.T.); (S.B.); (K.M.); (E.Z.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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O'Connell RP, Liaw K, Wellhausen N, Chuckran CA, Bhojnagarwala PS, Bordoloi D, Park D, Shupin N, Kulp D, June CH, Weiner D. Format-tuning of in vivo-launched bispecific T cell engager enhances efficacy against renal cell carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008733. [PMID: 38834201 PMCID: PMC11163651 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008733] [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] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a prevalent kidney cancer for which long-term survival rates are abysmal, though immunotherapies are showing potential. Not yet clinically vetted are bispecific T cell engagers (BTEs) that activate T cell-mediated cancer killing through intercellular synapsing. Multiple BTE formats exist, however, with limited cross-characterizations to help optimize new drug design. Here, we developed BTEs to treat ccRCC by targeting carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) while characterizing the persistent BTE (PBTE) format and comparing it to a new format, the persistent multivalent T cell engager (PMTE). These antibody therapies against ccRCC are developed as both recombinant and synthetic DNA (synDNA) medicines. METHODS Antibody formatting effects on binding kinetics were assessed by flow cytometry and intercellular synaptic strength assays while potency was tested using T-cell activation and cytotoxicity assays. Mouse models were used to study antibody plasma and tumor pharmacokinetics, as well as antitumor efficacy as both recombinant and synDNA medicines. Specifically, three models using ccRCC cell line xenografts and human donor T cells in immunodeficient mice were used to support this study. RESULTS Compared with a first-generation BTE, we show that the PBTE reduced avidity, intercellular synaptic strength, cytotoxic potency by as much as 33-fold, and ultimately efficacy against ccRCC tumors in vivo. However, compared with the PBTE, we demonstrate that the PMTE improved cell avidity, restored intercellular synapses, augmented cytotoxic potency by 40-fold, improved tumor distribution pharmacokinetics by 2-fold, and recovered synDNA efficacy in mouse tumor models by 20-fold. All the while, the PMTE displayed a desirable half-life of 4 days in mice compared with the conventional BTE's 2 hours. CONCLUSIONS With impressive efficacy, the CA9-targeted PMTE is a promising new therapy for advanced ccRCC, which can be effectively delivered through synDNA. The highly potent PMTE format itself is a promising new tool for future applications in the multispecific antibody space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P O'Connell
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Liaw
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nils Wellhausen
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Devivasha Bordoloi
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Park
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicholas Shupin
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Kulp
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carl H June
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Weiner
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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9
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Tacchetti P, Talarico M, Barbato S, Pantani L, Mancuso K, Rizzello I, Zamagni E, Cavo M. Antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cells therapy in multiple myeloma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:379-395. [PMID: 38798125 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2344647] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Modern immunotherapy approaches are revolutionizing the treatment scenario of relapsed/refractory (RR) multiple myeloma (MM) patients, providing an opportunity to reach deep level of responses and extend survival outcomes. AREAS COVERED Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and T-cell redirecting treatments, including bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells therapy, have been recently introduced in the treatment of RRMM. Some agents have already received regulatory approval, while newer constructs, novel combinations, and applications in earlier lines of therapy are currently being explored. This review discusses the current landscape and possible development of ADCs, BsAbs and CAR-T cells immunotherapies. EXPERT OPINION ADCs, BsAbs, and CAR-T therapy have demonstrated substantial activity in heavily pretreated, triple-class exposed (TCE) MM patients, and T-cell redirecting treatments represent new standards of care after third (European Medicines Agency, EMA), or fourth (Food and Drug Administration, FDA), line of therapy. All these three immunotherapies carry advantages and disadvantages, with different accessibility and new toxicities that require appropriate management and guidelines. Multiple on-going programs include combinations therapies and applications in earlier lines of treatment, as well as the development of novel agents or construct to enhance potency, reduce toxicity and facilitate administration. Sequencing is a challenge, with few data available and mechanisms of resistance still to be unraveled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Tacchetti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Talarico
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Barbato
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Pantani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
| | - Katia Mancuso
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rizzello
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Zamagni
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Cavo
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Cech P, Skórka K, Dziki L, Giannopoulos K. T-Cell Engagers-The Structure and Functional Principle and Application in Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1580. [PMID: 38672662 PMCID: PMC11048836 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy have made directing the cellular immune response onto cancer cells a promising strategy for the treatment of hematological malignancies. The introduction of monoclonal antibody-based (mAbs) targeted therapy has significantly improved the prognosis for hematological patients. Facing the issues of mAb-based therapies, a novel bispecific antibody (BsAb) format was developed. T-cell engagers (TCEs) are BsAbs, which simultaneously target tumor-associated antigens on tumor cells and CD3 molecules present on T-cells. This mechanism allows for the direct activation of T-cells and their anti-tumor features, ultimately resulting in the lysis of tumor cells. In 2014, the FDA approved blinatumomab, a TCE directed to CD3 and CD19 for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Since then, numerous TCEs have been developed, allowing for treating different hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. As of November 2023, seven clinically approved TCE therapies are on the market. TCE-based therapies still have their limitations; however, improving the properties of TCEs, as well as combining TCE-based therapies with other forms of treatment, give hope to find the cures for currently terminal diseases. In this paper, we summarized the technical basis of the TCE technology, its application in hematology, and its current issues and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarzyna Skórka
- Department of Experimental Hematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.C.); (L.D.); (K.G.)
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11
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Zhang Y, Yang Z, Saimi D, Shen X, Ye J, Yu B, Pefaur N, Scheer JM, Nixon AE, Chen Z. Geometric Antibody Engineering Reveals the Spatial Factor on the Efficacy of Bispecific T Cell Engagers. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:916-925. [PMID: 38491942 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) represent an emerging class of biologics that can recognize two different antigens or epitopes. T-cell engagers (TcEs) bind two targets in trans on the cell surface of the effector and target cell to induce proximal immune effects, opening exciting windows for immunotherapies. To date, the engineering of BsAbs has been mainly focused on tuning the molecular weight and valency. However, the effects of spatial factors on the biological functions of BsAbs have been less explored due to the lack of biochemical methods to precisely manipulate protein geometry. Here, we studied the geometric effects of the TcEs. First, by genetically inserting rigidly designed ankyrin repeat proteins into TcEs, we revealed that the efficacy progressively decreased as the spacer distance of the two binding domains increased. Then, we constructed 26 pairs of TcEs with the same size but varying orientations using click chemistry-mediated conjugation at different mutation sites. We found that linear ligation sites play a minor role in modulating cell-killing efficacy. Next, we rendered the TcEs' advanced topology by cyclization chemistry using the SpyTag/SpyCatcher pair or sortase ligation approaches. Cyclized TcEs were generally more potent than their linear counterparts. Particularly, sortase A cyclized TcEs, bearing a minimal tagging motif, exhibited better cell-killing efficacy in vitro and improved stability both in vitro and in vivo compared to the linear TcE. This work combines modern bioconjugation chemistry and protein engineering tools for antibody engineering, shedding light on the elusive spatial factors of BsAbs functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- College of Future Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhe Yang
- College of Future Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dilizhatai Saimi
- College of Future Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaowen Shen
- College of Future Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Junqing Ye
- Department of Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim, Investment Co., Ltd., Beijing 100027, China
| | - Bingke Yu
- Department of Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim, Investment Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Noah Pefaur
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Justin M Scheer
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Andrew E Nixon
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Zhixing Chen
- College of Future Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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12
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Tomita U, Ishimoto Y, Ri M, Kawase Y, Hizukuri Y, Maru C, Nanai K, Nakamura R, Nakayama M, Oguchi-Oshima K, Sumi H, Ohtsuka T, Iida S, Agatsuma T. A novel T cell-redirecting anti-GPRC5D × CD3 bispecific antibody with potent antitumor activity in multiple myeloma preclinical models. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5135. [PMID: 38429446 PMCID: PMC10907593 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55143-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptor class 5 member D (GPRC5D) is detected in malignant plasma cells in approximately 90% of patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we constructed BsAb5003, a novel humanized bispecific monoclonal antibody targeting CD3 and GPRC5D, and evaluated its therapeutic impact on MM. BsAb5003 induced specific cytotoxicity of GPRC5D-positive MM cells with concomitant T cell activation and cytokine release. The efficacy of BsAb5003 was associated with GPRC5D expression levels in MM cell lines. Flow cytometry analysis of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) from 49 MM patients revealed that GPRC5D was expressed in a wide population of MM patients, including heavily treated and high-risk patients. In ex vivo assays using BMMNCs, BsAb5003 induced potent efficacy against CD138 + MM cells in both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patient samples in a GPRC5D expression-dependent manner. BsAb5003 significantly enhanced T cell activation and cytokine production in combination with immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) against MM cell lines. BsAb5003 also demonstrated significant inhibition of in vivo tumor growth by recruiting T cells. Taken together, these results suggest that T cell-redirecting bispecific antibody targeting GPRC5D as monotherapy and combination therapy with IMiDs could be a highly potent and effective treatment approach for a wide population of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Masaki Ri
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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13
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McCue AC, Demarest SJ, Froning KJ, Hickey MJ, Antonysamy S, Kuhlman B. Engineering a tumor-selective prodrug T-cell engager bispecific antibody for safer immunotherapy. MAbs 2024; 16:2373325. [PMID: 38962811 PMCID: PMC11225918 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2373325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
T-cell engaging (TCE) bispecific antibodies are potent drugs that trigger the immune system to eliminate cancer cells, but administration can be accompanied by toxic side effects that limit dosing. TCEs function by binding to cell surface receptors on T cells, frequently CD3, with one arm of the bispecific antibody while the other arm binds to cell surface antigens on cancer cells. On-target, off-tumor toxicity can arise when the target antigen is also present on healthy cells. The toxicity of TCEs may be ameliorated through the use of pro-drug forms of the TCE, which are not fully functional until recruited to the tumor microenvironment. This can be accomplished by masking the anti-CD3 arm of the TCE with an autoinhibitory motif that is released by tumor-enriched proteases. Here, we solve the crystal structure of the antigen-binding fragment of a novel anti-CD3 antibody, E10, in complex with its epitope from CD3 and use this information to engineer a masked form of the antibody that can activate by the tumor-enriched protease matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). We demonstrate with binding experiments and in vitro T-cell activation and killing assays that our designed prodrug TCE is capable of tumor-selective T-cell activity that is dependent upon MMP-2. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a similar masking strategy can be used to create a pro-drug form of the frequently used anti-CD3 antibody SP34. This study showcases an approach to developing immune-modulating therapeutics that prioritizes safety and has the potential to advance cancer immunotherapy treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia C. McCue
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Karen J. Froning
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. Hickey
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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14
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van der Wulp W, Remst DFG, Kester MGD, Hagedoorn RS, Parren PWHI, van Kasteren SI, Schuurman J, Hoeben RC, Ressing ME, Bleijlevens B, Heemskerk MHM. Antibody-mediated delivery of viral epitopes to redirect EBV-specific CD8 + T-cell immunity towards cancer cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:58-68. [PMID: 37945970 PMCID: PMC10794138 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00681-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated delivery of immunogenic epitopes to redirect virus-specific CD8+ T-cells towards cancer cells is an emerging and promising new therapeutic strategy. These so-called antibody-epitope conjugates (AECs) rely on the proteolytic release of the epitopes close to the tumor surface for presentation by HLA class I molecules to eventually redirect and activate virus-specific CD8+ T-cells towards tumor cells. We fused the immunogenic EBV-BRLF1 epitope preceded by a protease cleavage site to the C-terminus of the heavy and/or light chains of cetuximab and trastuzumab. We evaluated these AECs and found that, even though all AECs were able to redirect the EBV-specific T-cells, AECs with an epitope fused to the C-terminus of the heavy chain resulted in higher levels of T-cell activation compared to AECs with the same epitope fused to the light chain of an antibody. We observed that all AECs were depending on the presence of the antibody target, that the level of T-cell activation correlated with expression levels of the antibody target, and that our AECs could efficiently deliver the BRLF1 epitope to cancer cell lines from different origins (breast, ovarian, lung, and cervical cancer and a multiple myeloma). Moreover, in vivo, the AECs efficiently reduced tumor burden and increased the overall survival, which was prolonged even further in combination with immune checkpoint blockade. We demonstrate the potential of these genetically fused AECs to redirect the potent EBV-specific T-cells towards cancer in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn van der Wulp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michel G D Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul W H I Parren
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sander I van Kasteren
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob C Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike E Ressing
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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15
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Shajan I, Rochet LNC, Tracey SR, Jackowska B, Benazza R, Hernandez-Alba O, Cianférani S, Scott CJ, van Delft FL, Chudasama V, Albada B. Rapid Access to Potent Bispecific T Cell Engagers Using Biogenic Tyrosine Click Chemistry. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:2215-2220. [PMID: 37962868 PMCID: PMC10739583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies as T cell engagers designed to display binding capabilities to both tumor-associated antigens and antigens on T cells are considered promising agents in the fight against cancer. Even though chemical strategies to develop such constructs have emerged, a method that readily converts a therapeutically applied antibody into a bispecific construct by a fully non-genetic process is not yet available. Herein, we report the application of a biogenic, tyrosine-based click reaction utilizing chemoenzymatic modifications of native IgG1 antibodies to generate a synthetic bispecific antibody construct that exhibits tumor-killing capability at picomolar concentrations. Control experiments revealed that a covalent linkage of the different components is required for the observed biological activities. In view of the highly potent nature of the constructs and the modular approach that relies on convenient synthetic methods utilizing therapeutically approved biomolecules, our method expedites the production of potent bispecific antibody constructs with tunable cell killing efficacy with significant impact on therapeutic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Shajan
- Laboratory
of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University
& Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen 6807 WE, The Netherlands
| | - Léa N. C. Rochet
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon St, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Shannon R. Tracey
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, U.K.
| | - Bianka Jackowska
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, U.K.
| | - Rania Benazza
- Laboratoire
de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Infrastructure
Nationale de Protéomique ProFI − FR2048, Strasbourg 67087, France
| | - Oscar Hernandez-Alba
- Laboratoire
de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Infrastructure
Nationale de Protéomique ProFI − FR2048, Strasbourg 67087, France
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire
de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Infrastructure
Nationale de Protéomique ProFI − FR2048, Strasbourg 67087, France
| | - Christopher J. Scott
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, U.K.
| | - Floris L. van Delft
- Laboratory
of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University
& Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen 6807 WE, The Netherlands
- Synaffix
BV − A Lonza Company, Kloosterstraat 9, Oss 5349 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Vijay Chudasama
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon St, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Bauke Albada
- Laboratory
of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University
& Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen 6807 WE, The Netherlands
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16
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Awuah D, Li L, Williams L, Urak R, Kujawski M, Forman SJ, Shively JE, Wang X. Ex-vivo CS1-OKT3 dual specific bivalent antibody-armed effector T cells mediate cellular immunity against multiple myeloma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20853. [PMID: 38012196 PMCID: PMC10682018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engaging antibodies (bsAbs) have emerged as novel and powerful therapeutic agents for redirecting T cells towards antigen-specific tumor killing. The cell surface glycoprotein and SLAM family member, CS1, exhibits stable and high-level expression on malignant plasma cells including multiple myeloma, which is indicative of an ideal target for bsAb therapy. Here, we developed a CS1 bsAb (CS1-dbBiTE) using Click chemistry to conjugate intact anti-CS1 antibody (Elotuzumab) and anti-huOKT3 antibody at their respective hinge regions. Using a cellular therapy approach, human T cells were armed ex-vivo with CS1-dbBiTE prior to examining effector activity. Our data indicates that arming T cells with CS1-dbBiTE induced T cell activation and expansion and subsequent cytotoxic activity against CS1-bearing MM tumors, demonstrated by significant CD107a expression as well as inflammatory cytokine secretion. As expected, CS1-dbBiTE armed T cells showed significantly reduced effector activity in the absence of CS1 expression. Similarly, in MM mouse xenograft studies, armed T cells exhibited effective anti-tumor efficacy highlighted by reduced tumor burden in MM.1S tumor-bearing mice compared to controls. On the basis of these findings, the rationale for CS1 targeting by human T cells armed with CS1-dbBiTE presents a potentially effective therapeutic approach for targeting MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Awuah
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lindsay Williams
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Ryan Urak
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Maciej Kujawski
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Stephen J Forman
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - John E Shively
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Xiuli Wang
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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17
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Das G, Ptacek J, Havlinova B, Nedvedova J, Barinka C, Novakova Z. Targeting Prostate Cancer Using Bispecific T-Cell Engagers against Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1703-1714. [PMID: 37974624 PMCID: PMC10644396 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) tops the list of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is currently the most prominent PCa biomarker, as its expression levels are robustly enhanced in advanced stages of PCa. As such, PSMA targeting is highly efficient in PCa imaging as well as therapy. For the latter, PSMA-positive tumors can be targeted directly by using small molecules or macromolecules with cytotoxic payloads or indirectly by engaging the immune system of the host. Here we describe the engineering, expression, purification, and biological characterization of bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) that enable targeting PSMA-positive tumor cells by host T lymphocytes. To this end, we designed the 5D3-αCD3 BiTE as a fusion of single-chain fragments of PSMA-specific 5D3 and anti-CD3 antibodies. Detailed characterization of BiTE was performed by a combination of size-exclusion chromatography, differential scanning fluorimetry, and flow cytometry. Expressed in insect cells, BiTE was purified in monodisperse form and retained thermal stability of both functional parts and nanomolar affinity to respective antigens. 5D3-αCD3's efficiency and specificity were further evaluated in vitro using PCa-derived cell lines together with peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from human blood. Our data revealed that T-cells engaged via 5D3-αCD3 can efficiently eliminate tumor cells already at an 8 pM BiTE concentration in a highly specific manner. Overall, the data presented here demonstrate that the 5D3-αCD3 BiTE is a candidate molecule of high potential for further development of immunotherapeutic modalities for PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi Das
- Laboratory
of Structural Biology, Institute of Biotechnology
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252
50 Vestec, Czech
Republic
- Department
of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles
University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Ptacek
- Laboratory
of Structural Biology, Institute of Biotechnology
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252
50 Vestec, Czech
Republic
| | - Barbora Havlinova
- Laboratory
of Structural Biology, Institute of Biotechnology
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252
50 Vestec, Czech
Republic
| | - Jana Nedvedova
- Laboratory
of Structural Biology, Institute of Biotechnology
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252
50 Vestec, Czech
Republic
| | - Cyril Barinka
- Laboratory
of Structural Biology, Institute of Biotechnology
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252
50 Vestec, Czech
Republic
| | - Zora Novakova
- Laboratory
of Structural Biology, Institute of Biotechnology
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252
50 Vestec, Czech
Republic
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18
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Lutz S, Klausz K, Albici AM, Ebinger L, Sellmer L, Teipel H, Frenzel A, Langner A, Winterberg D, Krohn S, Hust M, Schirrmann T, Dübel S, Scherließ R, Humpe A, Gramatzki M, Kellner C, Peipp M. Novel NKG2D-directed bispecific antibodies enhance antibody-mediated killing of malignant B cells by NK cells and T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227572. [PMID: 37965326 PMCID: PMC10641740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The activating receptor natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) represents an attractive target for immunotherapy as it exerts a crucial role in cancer immunosurveillance by regulating the activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes. In this study, a panel of novel NKG2D-specific single-chain fragments variable (scFv) were isolated from naïve human antibody gene libraries and fused to the fragment antigen binding (Fab) of rituximab to obtain [CD20×NKG2D] bibodies with the aim to recruit cytotoxic lymphocytes to lymphoma cells. All bispecific antibodies bound both antigens simultaneously. Two bibody constructs, [CD20×NKG2D#3] and [CD20×NKG2D#32], efficiently activated natural killer (NK) cells in co-cultures with CD20+ lymphoma cells. Both bibodies triggered NK cell-mediated lysis of lymphoma cells and especially enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by CD38 or CD19 specific monoclonal antibodies suggesting a synergistic effect between NKG2D and FcγRIIIA signaling pathways in NK cell activation. The [CD20×NKG2D] bibodies were not effective in redirecting CD8+ T cells as single agents, but enhanced cytotoxicity when combined with a bispecific [CD19×CD3] T cell engager, indicating that NKG2D signaling also supports CD3-mediated T cell activation. In conclusion, engagement of NKG2D with bispecific antibodies is attractive to directly activate cytotoxic lymphocytes or to support their activation by monoclonal antibodies or bispecific T cell engagers. As a perspective, co-targeting of two tumor antigens may allow fine-tuning of antibody cancer therapies. Our proposed combinatorial approach is potentially applicable for many existing immunotherapies but further testing in different preclinical models is necessary to explore the full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lutz
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anca-Maria Albici
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Ebinger
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Sellmer
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hannah Teipel
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Anna Langner
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dorothee Winterberg
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Steffen Krohn
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- YUMAB GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Abteilung Biotechnologie, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Dübel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Abteilung Biotechnologie, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Regina Scherließ
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Humpe
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Gramatzki
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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19
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Byun KT, Kim B, Cho J, Lee I, Lee MG, Park D, Kang TB, Won HS, Kim CG. Development of an Anti-HER2 Single-Chain Variable Antibody Fragment Construct for High-Yield Soluble Expression in Escherichia coli and One-Step Chromatographic Purification. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1508. [PMID: 37892190 PMCID: PMC10605039 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101508] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although single-chain variable fragment (scFv) is recognized as a highly versatile scaffold of recombinant antibody fragment molecules, its overexpression in Escherichia coli often leads to the formation of inclusion bodies. To address this issue, we devised and tested four different constructs, named v21, v22, v23 and v24, for producing anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) scFv. Among them, the v24 construct obtained from N-terminal fusion of maltose-binding protein (MBP) and subsequent tobacco etch virus protease (TEV) was identified as the most efficient construct for the production of anti-HER2 scFv. Aided by an MBP tag, high-yield soluble expression was ensured and soluble scFv was liberated in cells via autonomous proteolytic cleavage by endogenously expressed TEV. The isolated scFv containing a C-terminal hexahistidine tag was purified through a one-step purification via nickel-affinity chromatography. The purified scFv exhibited a strong (nanomolar Kd) affinity to HER2 both in vitro and in cells. Structural and functional stabilities of the scFv during storage for more than one month were also assured. Given the great utility of anti-HER2 scFv as a basic platform for developing therapeutic and diagnostic agents for cancers, the v24 construct and methods presented in this study are expected to provide a better manufacturing system for producing anti-HER2 scFv with various industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Tae Byun
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute (RIBHS), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.T.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Boram Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute (RIBHS), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.T.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Junmin Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute (RIBHS), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.T.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Inbeom Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute (RIBHS), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.T.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Myung Gu Lee
- Konkukbio Inc., Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongsun Park
- Department of Biology Education, Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Bong Kang
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute (RIBHS), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.T.B.); (B.K.)
- BK21 Project Team, Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Sik Won
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute (RIBHS), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.T.B.); (B.K.)
- BK21 Project Team, Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Gil Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute (RIBHS), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.T.B.); (B.K.)
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20
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Lee E, Lee S, Park S, Son YG, Yoo J, Koh Y, Shin DY, Lim Y, Won J. Asymmetric anti-CLL-1×CD3 bispecific antibody, ABL602 2+1, with attenuated CD3 affinity endows potent antitumor activity but limited cytokine release. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007494. [PMID: 37848261 PMCID: PMC10582864 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007494] [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] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of leukemia in adults with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Although targeted therapeutics, chemotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can improve the prognosis, the recurrence rate is still high, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 40%. This study aimed to develop an IgG-based asymmetric bispecific antibody that targets CLL-1 and CD3 for treating AML. METHODS ABL602 candidates were compared in terms of binding activity, T-cell activation, and tumor-killing activities. ABL602-mediated T-cell activation and tumor-killing activities were determined by measuring the expression of activation markers, cytokines, cytolytic proteins, and the proportion of dead cells. We evaluated in vivo tumor growth inhibitory activity in two mouse models bearing subcutaneously and orthotopically engrafted human AML. Direct tumor-killing activity and T-cell activation in patient-derived AML blasts were also evaluated. RESULTS ABL602 2+1 showed a limited CD3 binding in the absence of CLL-1, suggesting that steric hindrance on the CD3 binding arm could reduce CLL-1 expression-independent CD3 binding. Although the CD3 binding activity was attenuated compared with that of 1+1, ABL602 2+1 exhibited much stronger T-cell activation and potent tumor-killing activities in AML cell lines. ABL602 2+1 efficiently inhibited tumor progression in subcutaneously and orthotopically engrafted AML mouse models. In the orthotopic mouse model, tumor growth inhibition was observed by gross measurement of luciferase activity, as well as a reduced proportion of AML blasts in the bone marrow, as determined by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. ABL602 2+1 efficiently activated T cells and induced the lysis of AML blasts, even at very low effector:target (E:T) ratios (eg, 1:50). Compared with the reference 1+1 antibody, ABL602 did not induce the release of cytokines including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the healthy donor-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cell. CONCLUSIONS With its potent tumor-killing activity and reduced cytokine release, ABL602 2+1 is a promising candidate for treating patients with AML and warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Lee
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Shinai Lee
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | | | | | - Jiseon Yoo
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Youngil Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Dong-Yeop Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yangmi Lim
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jonghwa Won
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
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21
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Sandker GGW, Middelburg J, Wilbrink E, Molkenboer-Kuenen J, Aarntzen E, van Hall T, Heskamp S. Longitudinal evaluation of the biodistribution and cellular internalization of the bispecific CD3xTRP1 antibody in syngeneic mouse tumor models. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007596. [PMID: 37899133 PMCID: PMC10619024 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007596] [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] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD3 bispecific antibodies (CD3-bsAbs) require binding of both a tumor-associated surface antigen and CD3 for their immunotherapeutic effect. Their efficacy is, therefore, influenced by the tumor uptake and the extracellular dose. To optimize their currently limited efficacy in solid tumors, increased understanding of their pharmacokinetics and in vivo internalization is needed. METHODS Here, were studied the pharmacokinetics and in vivo internalization of CD3xTRP1, a fully murine Fc-inert bsAb, in endogenous TRP1-expressing immunocompetent male C57BL/6J mice bearing TRP1-positive and negative tumors over time. Matching bsAbs lacking TRP1-binding or CD3-binding capacity served as controls. BsAbs were radiolabeled with 111In to investigate their pharmacokinetics, target binding, and biodistribution through SPECT/CT imaging and ex vivo biodistribution analyses. Co-injection of 111In- and 125I-labeled bsAb was performed to investigate the in vivo internalization by comparing tissue concentrations of cellular residing 111In versus effluxing 125I. Antitumor therapy effects were evaluated by monitoring tumor growth and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS SPECT/CT and biodistribution analyses showed that CD3xTRP1 specifically targeted TRP1-positive tumors and CD3-rich lymphoid organ and uptake peaked 24 hours pi (KPC3-TRP1: 37.7%ID/g±5.3%ID/g, spleen: 29.0%ID/g±3.9%ID/g). Studies with control bsAbs demonstrated that uptake of CD3xTRP1 in TRP1-positive tumors and CD3-rich tissues was primarily receptor-mediated. Together with CD3xTRP1 in the circulation being mainly unattached, this indicates that CD3+ T cells are generally not traffickers of CD3-bsAbs to the tumor. Additionally, target-mediated clearance by TRP1-expressing melanocytes was not observed. We further demonstrated rapid internalization of CD3xTRP1 in KPC3-TRP1 tumors (24 hours pi: 54.9%±2.3% internalized) and CD3-rich tissues (spleen, 24 hours pi: 79.7%±0.9% internalized). Therapeutic effects by CD3xTRP1 were observed for TRP1-positive tumors and consisted of high tumor influx of CD8+ T cells and neutrophils, which corresponded with increased necrosis and growth delay. CONCLUSIONS We show that CD3xTRP1 efficiently targets TRP1-positive tumors and CD3-rich tissues primarily through receptor-mediated targeting. We further demonstrate rapid receptor-mediated internalization of CD3xTRP1 in TRP1-positive tumors and CD3-rich tissues. Even though this significantly decreases the therapeutical available dose, CD3xTRP1 still induced effective antitumor T-cell responses and inhibited tumor growth. Together, our data on the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of CD3xTRP1 pave the way for further optimization of CD3-bsAb therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Evienne Wilbrink
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Aarntzen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Heskamp
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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22
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Wright KM, DiNapoli SR, Miller MS, Aitana Azurmendi P, Zhao X, Yu Z, Chakrabarti M, Shi W, Douglass J, Hwang MS, Hsiue EHC, Mog BJ, Pearlman AH, Paul S, Konig MF, Pardoll DM, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Zhou S, Gabelli SB. Hydrophobic interactions dominate the recognition of a KRAS G12V neoantigen. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5063. [PMID: 37604828 PMCID: PMC10442379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40821-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Specificity remains a major challenge to current therapeutic strategies for cancer. Mutation associated neoantigens (MANAs) are products of genetic alterations, making them highly specific therapeutic targets. MANAs are HLA-presented (pHLA) peptides derived from intracellular mutant proteins that are otherwise inaccessible to antibody-based therapeutics. Here, we describe the cryo-EM structure of an antibody-MANA pHLA complex. Specifically, we determine a TCR mimic (TCRm) antibody bound to its MANA target, the KRASG12V peptide presented by HLA-A*03:01. Hydrophobic residues appear to account for the specificity of the mutant G12V residue. We also determine the structure of the wild-type G12 peptide bound to HLA-A*03:01, using X-ray crystallography. Based on these structures, we perform screens to validate the key residues required for peptide specificity. These experiments led us to a model for discrimination between the mutant and the wild-type peptides presented on HLA-A*03:01 based exclusively on hydrophobic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine M Wright
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Discovery Chemistry, Protein and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA, 19846, USA
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michelle S Miller
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - P Aitana Azurmendi
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhao
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI,19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Zhiheng Yu
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI,19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Mayukh Chakrabarti
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - WuXian Shi
- Energy & Photon Sciences Directorate, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
- Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michael S Hwang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Brian J Mog
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Alexander H Pearlman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Suman Paul
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Discovery Chemistry, Protein and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA, 19846, USA.
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23
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Shanshal M, Caimi PF, Adjei AA, Ma WW. T-Cell Engagers in Solid Cancers-Current Landscape and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2824. [PMID: 37345160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102824] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody treatment initially heralded an era of molecularly targeted therapy in oncology and is now widely applied in modulating anti-cancer immunity by targeting programmed cell receptors (PD-1, PD-L1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and, more recently, lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3). Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) recently proved to be a valid approach to inducing anti-cancer immunity by directly modifying the host's immune cells. However, such cell-based therapy requires extensive resources such as leukapheresis, ex vivo modification and expansion of cytotoxic T-cells and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) laboratories and presents significant logistical challenges. Bi-/trispecific antibody technology is a novel pharmaceutical approach to facilitate the engagement of effector immune cells to potentially multiple cancer epitopes, e.g., the recently approved blinatumomab. This opens the opportunity to develop 'off-the-shelf' anti-cancer agents that achieve similar and/or complementary anti-cancer effects as those of modified immune cell therapy. The majority of bi-/trispecific antibodies target the tumor-associated antigens (TAA) located on the extracellular surface of cancer cells. The extracellular antigens represent just a small percentage of known TAAs and are often associated with higher toxicities because some of them are expressed on normal cells (off-target toxicity). In contrast, the targeting of intracellular TAAs such as mutant RAS and TP53 may lead to fewer off-target toxicities while still achieving the desired antitumor efficacy (on-target toxicity). Here, we provide a comprehensive review on the emerging field of bi-/tri-specific T-cell engagers and potential therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wen Wee Ma
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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24
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Brancati VU, Minutoli L, Marini HR, Puzzolo D, Allegra A. Identification and Targeting of Mutant Neoantigens in Multiple Myeloma Treatment. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:4603-4617. [PMID: 37232806 PMCID: PMC10217221 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30050348] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is malignant disease characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to anemia, immunosuppression, and other symptoms, that is generally hard to treat. In MM, the immune system is likely exposed to neoplasia-associated neoantigens for several years before the tumor onset. Different types of neoantigens have been identified. Public or shared neoantigens derive from tumor-specific modifications often reported in several patients or across diverse tumors. They are intriguing therapeutic targets because they are frequently observed, and they have an oncogenic effect. Only a small number of public neoantigens have been recognized. Most of the neoantigens that have been identified are patient-specific or "private", necessitating a personalized approach for adaptive cell treatment. It was demonstrated that the targeting of a single greatly immunogenic neoantigen may be appropriate for tumor control. The purpose of this review was to analyze the neoantigens present in patients with MM, and to evaluate the possibility of using their presence as a prognostic factor or as a therapeutic target. We reviewed the most recent literature on neoantigen treatment strategies and on the use of bispecific, trispecific, and conjugated antibodies for the treatment of MM. Finally, a section was dedicated to the use of CAR-T in relapsed and refractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Urzì Brancati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.U.B.); (H.R.M.)
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.U.B.); (H.R.M.)
| | - Herbert Ryan Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.U.B.); (H.R.M.)
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Haematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
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25
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Segaliny AI, Jayaraman J, Chen X, Chong J, Luxon R, Fung A, Fu Q, Jiang X, Rivera R, Ma X, Ren C, Zimak J, Hedde PN, Shang Y, Wu G, Zhao W. A high throughput bispecific antibody discovery pipeline. Commun Biol 2023; 6:380. [PMID: 37029216 PMCID: PMC10082157 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04746-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) represent an emerging class of immunotherapy, but inefficiency in the current discovery has limited their broad clinical availability. Here we report a high throughput, agnostic, single-cell-based functional screening pipeline, comprising molecular and cell engineering for efficient generation of BsAb library cells, followed by functional interrogation at the single-cell level to identify and sort positive clones and downstream sequence identification and functionality characterization. Using a CD19xCD3 bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) as a model, we demonstrate that our single-cell platform possesses a high throughput screening efficiency of up to one and a half million variant library cells per run and can isolate rare functional clones at a low abundance of 0.008%. Using a complex CD19xCD3 BiTE-expressing cell library with approximately 22,300 unique variants comprising combinatorially varied scFvs, connecting linkers and VL/VH orientations, we have identified 98 unique clones, including extremely rare ones (~ 0.001% abundance). We also discovered BiTEs that exhibit novel properties and insights to design variable preferences for functionality. We expect our single-cell platform to not only increase the discovery efficiency of new immunotherapeutics, but also enable identifying generalizable design principles based on an in-depth understanding of the inter-relationships between sequence, structure, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jayapriya Jayaraman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | | | - Ryan Luxon
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Audrey Fung
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Qiwei Fu
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Xianzhi Jiang
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | | | - Xiaoya Ma
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Ci Ren
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Jan Zimak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Per Niklas Hedde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Yonglei Shang
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - George Wu
- Amberstone Biosciences, Inc., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA.
| | - Weian Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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26
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Grimaldi C, Ibraghimov A, Kiessling A, Rattel B, Ji C, Fuller CL, Brennan FR, Regenass-Lechner F, Shenton J, Price KD, Piché MS, Steeves MA, Prell R, Dudal S, Kronenberg S, Freebern W, Blanset D. Current nonclinical approaches for immune assessments of immuno-oncology biotherapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103440. [PMID: 36375739 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103440] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing the immune system to kill tumors has been revolutionary and, as a result, has had an enormous benefit for patients in extending life and resulting in effective cures in some. However, activation of the immune system can come at the cost of undesirable adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome, immune-related adverse events, on-target/off-tumor toxicity, neurotoxicity and tumor lysis syndrome, which are safety risks that can be challenging to assess non-clinically. This article provides a review of the biology and mechanisms that can result in immune-mediated adverse effects and describes industry approaches using in vitro and in vivo models to aid in the nonclinical safety risk assessments for immune-oncology modalities. Challenges and limitations of knowledge and models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sherri Dudal
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, United States
| | - Sven Kronenberg
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, United States
| | | | - Diann Blanset
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., United States.
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27
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van Diest E, Nicolasen MJT, Kramer L, Zheng J, Hernández-López P, Beringer DX, Kuball J. The making of multivalent gamma delta TCR anti-CD3 bispecific T cell engagers. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1052090. [PMID: 36685546 PMCID: PMC9851377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1052090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We have recently developed a novel T cell engager concept by utilizing γ9δ2TCR as tumor targeting domain, named gamma delta TCR anti-CD3 bispecific molecule (GAB), targeting the phosphoantigen-dependent orchestration of BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 at the surface of cancer cells. GABs are made by the fusion of the ectodomains of a γδTCR to an anti-CD3 single chain variable fragment (scFv) (γδECTO-αCD3), here we explore alternative designs with the aim to enhance GAB effectivity. Methods The first alternative design was made by linking the variable domains of the γ and δ chain to an anti-CD3 scFv (γδVAR-αCD3). The second alternative design was multimerizing γδVAR-αCD3 proteins to increase the tumor binding valency. Both designs were expressed and purified and the potency to target tumor cells by T cells of the alternative designs was compared to γδECTO-αCD3, in T cell activation and cytotoxicity assays. Results and discussion The γδVAR-αCD3 proteins were poorly expressed, and while the addition of stabilizing mutations based on finding for αβ single chain formats increased expression, generation of meaningful amounts of γδVAR-αCD3 protein was not possible. As an alternative strategy, we explored the natural properties of the original GAB design (γδECTO-αCD3), and observed the spontaneous formation of γδECTO-αCD3-monomers and -dimers during expression. We successfully enhanced the fraction of γδECTO-αCD3-dimers by shortening the linker length between the heavy and light chain in the anti-CD3 scFv, though this also decreased protein yield by 50%. Finally, we formally demonstrated with purified γδECTO-αCD3-dimers and -monomers, that γδECTO-αCD3-dimers are superior in function when compared to similar concentrations of monomers, and do not induce T cell activation without simultaneous tumor engagement. In conclusion, a γδECTO-αCD3-dimer based GAB design has great potential, though protein production needs to be further optimized before preclinical and clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline van Diest
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mara J. T. Nicolasen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lovro Kramer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jiali Zheng
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Patricia Hernández-López
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dennis X. Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Jürgen Kuball,
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28
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Larivière L, Krüger JE, von Hirschheydt T, Schlothauer T, Bray-French K, Bader M, Runza V. End-to-end approach for the characterization and control of product-related impurities in T cell bispecific antibody preparations. Int J Pharm X 2023; 5:100157. [PMID: 36687375 PMCID: PMC9850176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2023.100157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based T cell-activating biologics are promising therapeutic medicines being developed for a number of indications, mainly in the oncology field. Among those, T cell bispecific antibodies are designed to bind one tumor-specific antigen and the T cell receptor at the same time, leading to a robust T cell response against the tumor. Although their unique format and the versatility of the CrossMab technology allows for the generation of safer molecules in an efficient manner, product-related variants cannot be completely avoided. Therefore, it is of extreme importance that both a manufacturing process that limits or depletes product-related impurities, as well as a thorough analytical characterization are in place, starting from the development of the manufacturing cell line until the assessment of potential toxicities. Here, we describe such an end-to-end approach to minimize, quantify and control impurities and -upon their functional characterization- derive specifications that allow for the release of clinical material.
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Key Words
- Antibody manufacturing process
- CE-SDS, capillary electrophoresis‑sodium dodecyl sulfate
- CRS, cytokine release syndrome
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- End-to-end approach
- Fc, fragment crystallizable
- Functional characterization
- GMP, good manufacturing process
- HIC, hydrophobic interaction chromatography
- HMW, high molecular weight (species)
- IEX, ion exchange chromatography
- PBS, phosphate buffer saline
- Product-related impurities control
- SEC, size-exclusion chromatography
- SPR, surface plasmon resonance
- TAA, tumor-associated antigen
- TCB, T cell bispecific
- TCR, T cell receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Larivière
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Julia Eva Krüger
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Thomas von Hirschheydt
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Tilman Schlothauer
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Katharine Bray-French
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Martin Bader
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Valeria Runza
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg 82377, Germany,Corresponding author.
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29
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Martin FC, Dorff TB, Tran B. The new era of prostate-specific membrane antigen-directed immunotherapies and beyond in advanced prostate cancer: a review. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231170474. [PMID: 37152424 PMCID: PMC10155011 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231170474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of success in prostate cancer from immune checkpoint inhibitors, which is likely multifactorial, has led to the development and investigation of a number of other novel immunotherapeutic techniques, including antibody-drug conjugates, T-cell redirected bispecific therapies, cancer vaccines and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a tumour-associated antigen (TAA) that is highly expressed in metastatic prostate cancer and has been validated as an effective target for radionuclide treatment. But while PSMA has thus far been the 'front runner' target for these novel immunotherapeutic techniques, it may not be the ideal target for immunotherapy and there are other potential targetable TAAs that will require further exploration. This review will focus on these various PSMA-directed therapies, as well as other potential targets for immunotherapy beyond PSMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity C. Martin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer
Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tanya B. Dorff
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research,
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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30
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Kühl L, Schäfer AK, Kraft S, Aschmoneit N, Kontermann RE, Seifert O. eIg-based bispecific T-cell engagers targeting EGFR: Format matters. MAbs 2023; 15:2183540. [PMID: 36864566 PMCID: PMC9988351 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2183540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies are molecules with versatile modes of action and applications for therapy. They are commonly developed as T-cell engagers (TCE), which simultaneously target an antigen expressed by tumor cells and CD3 expressed by T-cells, thereby inducing T-cell-mediated target cell killing. There is growing evidence that the molecular composition and valency for the target antigen influence the activity of TCEs. Here, the eIg platform technology was used to generate a set of bispecific TCEs targeting epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and CD3. These molecules either included or lacked an Fc region and exhibited one binding site for CD3 and either one or two binding sites for EGFR (1 + 1 or 2 + 1 formats) utilizing different molecular arrangements of the binding sites. In total, 11 different TCE formats were analyzed for binding to target cells and T cells, T cell-mediated killing of tumor cells, and for the activation of T cells (release of cytokines and proliferation of T-cells). Bivalent binding to EGFR strongly increased binding and T cell-mediated killing. However, the molecular composition and position of the CD3-binding arm also affected target cell killing, cytokine release, and T-cell proliferation. Our findings support that screening of a panel of formats is beneficial to identify the most potent bispecific TCE, and that format matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Kühl
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Annelie K Schäfer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kraft
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nadine Aschmoneit
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Oliver Seifert
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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31
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Biswas R, Belouski E, Graham K, Hortter M, Mock M, Tinberg CE, Russell AJ. VERITAS: Harnessing the power of nomenclature in biologic discovery. MAbs 2023; 15:2207232. [PMID: 37162235 PMCID: PMC10173791 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2207232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We are entering an era in which therapeutic proteins are assembled using building block-like strategies, with no standardized schema to discuss these formats. Existing nomenclatures, like AbML, sacrifice human readability for precision. Therefore, considering even a dozen such formats, in combination with hundreds of possible targets, can create confusion and increase the complexity of drug discovery. To address this challenge, we introduce Verified Taxonomy for Antibodies (VERITAS). This classification and nomenclature scheme is extensible to multispecific therapeutic formats and beyond. VERITAS names are easy to understand while drawing direct connections to the structure of a given format, with or without specific target information, making these names useful to adopt in scientific discourse and as inputs to machine learning algorithms for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riti Biswas
- Biologic Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ed Belouski
- Biologic Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Graham
- Biologic Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Hortter
- Biologic Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Marissa Mock
- Biologic Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Christine E Tinberg
- Biologic Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alan J Russell
- Biologic Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
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Ball K, Dovedi SJ, Vajjah P, Phipps A. Strategies for clinical dose optimization of T cell-engaging therapies in oncology. MAbs 2023; 15:2181016. [PMID: 36823042 PMCID: PMC9980545 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2181016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovative approaches in the design of T cell-engaging (TCE) molecules are ushering in a new wave of promising immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. Their mechanism of action, which generates an in trans interaction to create a synthetic immune synapse, leads to complex and interconnected relationships between the exposure, efficacy, and toxicity of these drugs. Challenges thus arise when designing optimal clinical dose regimens for TCEs with narrow therapeutic windows, with a variety of dosing strategies being evaluated to mitigate key side effects such as cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and on-target off-tumor toxicities. This review evaluates the current approaches to dose optimization throughout the preclinical and clinical development of TCEs, along with perspectives for improvement of these strategies. Quantitative approaches used to aid the understanding of dose-exposure-response relationships are highlighted, along with opportunities to guide the rational design of next-generation TCE molecules, and optimize their dose regimens in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Ball
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Pavan Vajjah
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alex Phipps
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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Vasic V, Buldun C, Ritz M, Dickopf S, Georges GJ, Spick C, Peuker A, Meier T, Mayer K, Brinkmann U. Targeted chain-exchange-mediated reconstitution of a split type-I cytokine for conditional immunotherapy. MAbs 2023; 15:2245111. [PMID: 37608616 PMCID: PMC10448976 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2245111] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusions targeted against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are promising cancer immunotherapy agents, with many such molecules currently undergoing clinical trials. However, due to the limited number of tumor-specific targets, on-target off-tumor effects can lead to systemic toxicity. Additionally, targeted cytokines can be scavenged by cytokine receptors on peripheral cells, decreasing tumor penetration. This study aims at overcoming these issues by engineering a platform for targeted conditionally active type I cytokines. Building on our previously reported PACE (Prodrug-Activating Chain Exchange) platform, we split the type I cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) to create two inactive IL-4 prodrugs, and fused these split IL-4 counterparts to the C-termini of antibody-like molecules that undergo proximity-induced chain exchange. In doing so, we developed IL-4 prodrugs that preferentially reconstitute into active IL-4 on target cells. We demonstrate that pre-assembled split IL-4 (without additional inactivation) retains activity and present two different strategies of splitting and inactivating IL-4. Using an IL-4 responsive cell-line, we show that IL-4 prodrugs are targeted to TAAs on target cells and regain activity upon chain exchange, primarily in a cis-activation setting. Furthermore, we demonstrate that split IL-4 complementation is also possible in a trans-activation setting, which opens up the possibility for activation of immune cells in the tumor vicinity. We demonstrate that targeted on-cell prodrug conversion is more efficient than nonspecific activation in-solution. Due to the structural similarity between IL-4 and other type I cytokines relevant in cancer immunotherapy such as IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21, cytokine-PACE may be expanded to develop a variety of targeted conditionally active cytokines for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedran Vasic
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Can Buldun
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
- Bellevue Asset Management, Küsnacht, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Ritz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Steffen Dickopf
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
- Discovery Biology, Morphosys AG, Planegg, Germany
| | - Guy J. Georges
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian Spick
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Alessa Peuker
- Reagent Research and Design, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Meier
- Reagent Research and Design, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Mayer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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34
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Glud EN, Rasmussen M, Zhang Y, Mandrup OA, Salachan PV, Borre M, Sørensen KD, Howard KA. Identification of a high-risk immunogenic prostate cancer patient subset as candidates for T-cell engager immunotherapy and the introduction of a novel albumin-fused anti-CD3 × anti-PSMA bispecific design. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:2186-2197. [PMID: 36243890 PMCID: PMC9727128 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01994-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer immunotherapies such as bispecific T-cell engagers have seen limited adoption in prostate cancer (PC), possibly due to differing levels of cancer receptor expression and effector T-cell infiltration between patients and inherent defects in T-cell engager design. METHODS CD8+ T-cell infiltration and PSMA expression were determined by RNA sequencing of primary PC tissue samples from 126 patients with localised PC and 17 patients with metastatic PC. Prognostic value was assessed through clinical parameters, including CAPRA-S risk score. A panel of albumin-fused anti-CD3 × anti-PSMA T-cell engagers with different neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) affinity were characterised by flow cytometry, Bio-Layer Interferometry and functional cellular assays. RESULTS A subset of patients with localised (30/126 = 24%) and metastatic (10/17 = 59%) PC showed both high PSMA expression and high CD8+ T-cell enrichment. The High/High phenotype in localised PC associated with a clinically high-risk cancer subtype, confirmed in an external patient cohort (n = 550, PRAD/TCGA). The T-cell engagers exhibited tunable FcRn-driven cellular recycling, CD3 and PSMA cellular engagement, T-cell activation and PSMA level-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION This work presents an albumin-fused bispecific T-cell engager with programmable FcRn engagement and identifies a high-risk PC patient subset as candidates for treatment with the T-cell engager class of immuno-oncology biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eske N. Glud
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martin Rasmussen
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital & Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole A. Mandrup
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Paul Vinu Salachan
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital & Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Borre
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital & Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karina Dalsgaard Sørensen
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital & Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kenneth A. Howard
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Modern Advances in CARs Therapy and Creating a New Approach to Future Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315006. [PMID: 36499331 PMCID: PMC9739283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically engineered T and NK cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) are promising cytotoxic cells for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Despite the successful therapies using CAR-T cells, they have some disadvantages, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, or graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). CAR-NK cells have lack or minimal cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, but also multiple mechanisms of cytotoxic activity. NK cells are suitable for developing an "off the shelf" therapeutic product that causes little or no graft versus host disease (GvHD), but they are more sensitive to apoptosis and have low levels of gene expression compared to CAR-T cells. To avoid these adverse effects, further developments need to be considered to enhance the effectiveness of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. A promising approach to enhance the effectiveness of adoptive cellular immunotherapy is overcoming terminal differentiation or senescence and exhaustion of T cells. In this case, EVs derived from immune cells in combination therapy with drugs may be considered in the treatment of cancer patients, especially effector T and NK cells-derived exosomes with the cytotoxic activity of their original cells.
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Klausz K, Pekar L, Boje AS, Gehlert CL, Krohn S, Gupta T, Xiao Y, Krah S, Zaynagetdinov R, Lipinski B, Toleikis L, Poetzsch S, Rabinovich B, Peipp M, Zielonka S. Multifunctional NK Cell–Engaging Antibodies Targeting EGFR and NKp30 Elicit Efficient Tumor Cell Killing and Proinflammatory Cytokine Release. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1724-1735. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In this work, we have generated novel Fc-comprising NK cell engagers (NKCEs) that bridge human NKp30 on NK cells to human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells. Camelid-derived VHH single-domain Abs specific for human NKp30 and a humanized Fab derived from the EGFR-specific therapeutic Ab cetuximab were used as binding arms. By combining camelid immunization with yeast surface display, we were able to isolate a diverse panel of NKp30-specific VHHs against different epitopes on NKp30. Intriguingly, NKCEs built with VHHs that compete for binding to NKp30 with B7-H6, the natural ligand of NKp30, were significantly more potent in eliciting tumor cell lysis of EGFR-positive tumor cells than NKCEs harboring VHHs that target different epitopes on NKp30 from B7-H6. We demonstrate that the NKCEs can be further improved with respect to killing capabilities by concomitant engagement of FcγRIIIa and that soluble B7-H6 does not impede cytolytic capacities of all scrutinized NKCEs at significantly higher B7-H6 concentrations than observed in cancer patients. Moreover, we show that physiological processes requiring interactions between membrane-bound B7-H6 and NKp30 on NK cells are unaffected by noncompeting NKCEs still eliciting tumor cell killing at low picomolar concentrations. Ultimately, the NKCEs generated in this study were significantly more potent in eliciting NK cell–mediated tumor cell lysis than cetuximab and elicited a robust release of proinflammatory cytokines, both features which might be beneficial for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Klausz
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lukas Pekar
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ammelie Svea Boje
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Carina Lynn Gehlert
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Steffen Krohn
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tushar Gupta
- ‡Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Yanping Xiao
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Simon Krah
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Rinat Zaynagetdinov
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Britta Lipinski
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- ¶Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany; and
| | - Lars Toleikis
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sven Poetzsch
- ‖Strategic Innovation, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Brian Rabinovich
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Matthias Peipp
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- ¶Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany; and
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Huang S, Segués A, Waterfall M, Wright D, Vayssiere C, van Duijnhoven SMJ, van Elsas A, Sijts AJAM, Zaiss DM. Shortened Hinge Design of Fab x sdAb-Fc Bispecific Antibodies Enhances Redirected T-Cell Killing of Tumor Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1331. [PMID: 36291540 PMCID: PMC9599842 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell engager (TCE) antibodies have emerged as promising cancer therapeutics that link cytotoxic T-cells to tumor cells by simultaneously binding to CD3E on T-cells and to a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expressed by tumor cells. We previously reported a novel bispecific format, the IgG-like Fab x sdAb-Fc (also known as half-IG_VH-h-CH2-CH3), combining a conventional antigen-binding fragment (Fab) with a single domain antibody (sdAb). Here, we evaluated this Fab x sdAb-Fc format as a T-cell redirecting bispecific antibody (TbsAbs) by targeting mEGFR on tumor cells and mCD3E on T cells. We focused our attention specifically on the hinge design of the sdAb arm of the bispecific antibody. Our data show that a TbsAb with a shorter hinge of 23 amino acids (TbsAb.short) showed a significantly better T cell redirected tumor cell elimination than the TbsAb with a longer, classical antibody hinge of 39 amino acids (TbsAb.long). Moreover, the TbsAb.short form mediated better T cell-tumor cell aggregation and increased CD69 and CD25 expression levels on T cells more than the TbsAb.long form. Taken together, our results indicate that already minor changes in the hinge design of TbsAbs can have significant impact on the anti-tumor activity of TbsAbs and may provide a new means to improve their potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Huang
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aina Segués
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Waterfall
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - David Wright
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Charlotte Vayssiere
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | | | | | - Alice J. A. M. Sijts
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dietmar M. Zaiss
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
- Department of Immune Medicine, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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38
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Zheng S, Prell R, Sheng J, Wang Y, Hamuro L. Changing the drug development and therapeutic paradigm with biologic drug combinations and bispecifics: How to choose between these two approaches? Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:2096-2104. [PMID: 35611545 PMCID: PMC9468564 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologics are increasingly being co-developed in combination or as novel constructs like bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) with the goal of targeting multiple, non-redundant mechanisms of action. Rational design of combinations and dual-targeting approaches that consider disease complexities have the potential to improve efficacy and safety, to increase duration of clinical benefit, and to minimize clinical resistance mechanisms. Here we summarize examples of BsAbs and biologic combinations that have been approved by health authorities and present drug development considerations when deciding between these two strategies. These include an understanding of target biology, nonclinical safety risks, dose optimization strategies, the regulatory framework, pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity, and bioanalytical assay considerations. The disease biology, target dynamics, and pharmacology objectives were identified as important factors in early drug development to decide between a BsAb versus a combination. Nonclinical safety assessment and dose optimization strategies can also pose challenges for BsAb versus combinations. High unmet medical needs and lack of treatment options are often the common denominators for deciding to develop a BsAb or a combination. Future development of biologic triple combinations and BsAbs combinations with other biologics will further increase drug development complexities and hold promise for more effective treatment options for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songmao Zheng
- Clinical and Quantitative PharmacologyAdageneSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rodney Prell
- Safety Assessment, GenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jennifer Sheng
- Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics, Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Yow‐Ming Wang
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, OTS/CDER/FDASilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Lora Hamuro
- Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics, Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
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Nordstrom JL, Ferrari G, Margolis DM. Bispecific antibody-derived molecules to target persistent HIV infection. J Virus Erad 2022; 8:100083. [PMID: 36111287 PMCID: PMC9468498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2022.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV infection persists despite durable and potent antiviral therapy. To target persistent HIV infection, one major strategy aims to induce HIV provirus expression using latency reversing agents and then eliminate these reservoir cells via immune responses enhanced by treatment with antibody-derived bispecific molecules. The specificities of anti-HIV-1 envelope monoclonal antibodies have been incorporated into bispecific molecules that can recognize infected cells and recruit cytotoxic immune cells to eliminate them. This concept seeks to engineer a unique and potent effector response based on the opportunity to target conserved viral epitopes on infected cells, and recruit broad populations of immune effector cells that are not limited by major histocompatibility complex restrictions or other programmed specificity constraints. This article provides a review of bispecific DART® molecules and other dual-specificity antibody-based molecules that function by co-engaging CD3-expressing T cells or CD16A-expressing NK cells with HIV-1-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guido Ferrari
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David M. Margolis
- UNC HIV Cure Center and Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, and Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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40
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Yoneyama T, Kim MS, Piatkov K, Wang H, Zhu AZX. Leveraging a physiologically-based quantitative translational modeling platform for designing B cell maturation antigen-targeting bispecific T cell engagers for treatment of multiple myeloma. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009715. [PMID: 35839267 PMCID: PMC9328551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engagers (TCEs) are an emerging anti-cancer modality that redirects cytotoxic T cells to tumor cells expressing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), thereby forming immune synapses to exert anti-tumor effects. Designing pharmacokinetically acceptable TCEs and optimizing their size presents a considerable protein engineering challenge, particularly given the complexity of intercellular bridging between T cells and tumor cells. Therefore, a physiologically-relevant and clinically-verified computational modeling framework is of crucial importance to understand the protein engineering trade-offs. In this study, we developed a quantitative, physiologically-based computational framework to predict immune synapse formation for a variety of molecular formats of TCEs in tumor tissues. Our model incorporates a molecular size-dependent biodistribution using the two-pore theory, extravasation of T cells and hematologic cancer cells, mechanistic bispecific intercellular binding of TCEs, and competitive inhibitory interactions by shed targets. The biodistribution of TCEs was verified by positron emission tomography imaging of [89Zr]AMG211 (a carcinoembryonic antigen-targeting TCE) in patients. Parameter sensitivity analyses indicated that immune synapse formation was highly sensitive to TAA expression, degree of target shedding, and binding selectivity to tumor cell surface TAAs over shed targets. Notably, the model suggested a “sweet spot” for TCEs’ CD3 binding affinity, which balanced the trapping of TCEs in T-cell-rich organs. The final model simulations indicated that the number of immune synapses is similar (~55/tumor cell) between two distinct clinical stage B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting TCEs, PF-06863135 in an IgG format and AMG420 in a BiTE format, at their respective efficacious doses in multiple myeloma patients. This result demonstrates the applicability of the developed computational modeling framework to molecular design optimization and clinical benchmarking for TCEs, thus suggesting that this framework can be applied to other targets to provide a quantitative means to facilitate model-informed best-in-class TCE discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Yoneyama
- Quantitative Solutions, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mi-Sook Kim
- Global Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Konstantin Piatkov
- Global Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Haiqing Wang
- Global Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andy Z. X. Zhu
- Quantitative Solutions, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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41
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Abrams RE, Pierre K, El-Murr N, Seung E, Wu L, Luna E, Mehta R, Li J, Larabi K, Ahmed M, Pelekanou V, Yang ZY, van de Velde H, Stamatelos SK. Quantitative systems pharmacology modeling sheds light into the dose response relationship of a trispecific T cell engager in multiple myeloma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10976. [PMID: 35768621 PMCID: PMC9243109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14726-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), there are few treatment options once patients progress from the established standard of care. Several bispecific T-cell engagers (TCE) are in clinical development for multiple myeloma (MM), designed to promote T-cell activation and tumor killing by binding a T-cell receptor and a myeloma target. In this study we employ both computational and experimental tools to investigate how a novel trispecific TCE improves activation, proliferation, and cytolytic activity of T-cells against MM cells. In addition to binding CD3 on T-cells and CD38 on tumor cells, the trispecific binds CD28, which serves as both co-stimulation for T-cell activation and an additional tumor target. We have established a robust rule-based quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model trained against T-cell activation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine data, and used it to gain insight into the complex dose response of this drug. We predict that CD3-CD28-CD38 killing capacity increases rapidly in low dose levels, and with higher doses, killing plateaus rather than following the bell-shaped curve typical of bispecific TCEs. We further predict that dose–response curves are driven by the ability of tumor cells to form synapses with activated T-cells. When competition between cells limits tumor engagement with active T-cells, response to therapy may be diminished. We finally suggest a metric related to drug efficacy in our analysis—“effective” receptor occupancy, or the proportion of receptors engaged in synapses. Overall, this study predicts that the CD28 arm on the trispecific antibody improves efficacy, and identifies metrics to inform potency of novel TCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Abrams
- Sanofi, 55 Corporate Dr, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, USA.,Daichi Sankyo, 211 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920, USA
| | - K Pierre
- Sanofi, 55 Corporate Dr, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, USA.
| | - N El-Murr
- Sanofi, 13 quai Jules Guesde 94403 Cedex, VITRY-SUR-SEINE, Vitry/Alfortville, France
| | - E Seung
- Sanofi, 270 Albany St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Modex Therapeutics, 22 Strathmore Road, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - L Wu
- Sanofi, 270 Albany St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Modex Therapeutics, 22 Strathmore Road, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | | | | | - J Li
- Sanofi, 55 Corporate Dr, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, USA
| | - K Larabi
- Sanofi, 13 quai Jules Guesde 94403 Cedex, VITRY-SUR-SEINE, Vitry/Alfortville, France
| | - M Ahmed
- Sanofi, 50 Binney St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - V Pelekanou
- Sanofi, 50 Binney St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Z-Y Yang
- Sanofi, 270 Albany St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Modex Therapeutics, 22 Strathmore Road, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | | | - S K Stamatelos
- Sanofi, 55 Corporate Dr, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, USA. .,Bayer Pharmaceuticals, PH100 Bayer Boulevard, Whippany, NJ, 07981, USA.
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42
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Wang P, Sun LL, Clark R, Hristopoulos M, Chiu CP, Dillon M, Lin W, Lo AA, Chalsani S, Das Thakur M, Zimmerman Savill KM, Rougé L, Lupardus P, Piskol R, Husain B, Ellerman D, Shivva V, Leong SR, Ovacik M, Totpal K, Wu Y, Spiess C, Lee G, Leipold DD, Polson AG. Novel Anti-LY6G6D/CD3 T-Cell-Dependent Bispecific Antibody for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:974-985. [PMID: 35364611 PMCID: PMC9381132 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
New therapeutics and combination regimens have led to marked clinical improvements for the treatment of a subset of colorectal cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown clinical efficacy in patients with mismatch-repair-deficient or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, patients with microsatellite-stable (MSS) or low levels of microsatellite instable (MSI-L) colorectal cancer have not benefited from these immune modulators, and the survival outcome remains poor for the majority of patients diagnosed with mCRC. In this article, we describe the discovery of a novel T-cell-dependent bispecific antibody (TDB) targeting tumor-associated antigen LY6G6D, LY6G6D-TDB, for the treatment of colorectal cancer. RNAseq analysis showed that LY6G6D was differentially expressed in colorectal cancer with high prevalence in MSS and MSI-L subsets, whereas LY6G6D expression in normal tissues was limited. IHC confirmed the elevated expression of LY6G6D in primary and metastatic colorectal tumors, whereas minimal or no expression was observed in most normal tissue samples. The optimized LY6G6D-TDB, which targets a membrane-proximal epitope of LY6G6D and binds to CD3 with high affinity, exhibits potent antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro functional assays show that LY6G6D-TDB-mediated T-cell activation and cytotoxicity are conditional and target dependent. In mouse xenograft tumor models, LY6G6D-TDB demonstrates antitumor efficacy as a single agent against established colorectal tumors, and enhanced efficacy can be achieved when LY6G6D-TDB is combined with PD-1 blockade. Our studies provide evidence for the therapeutic potential of LY6G6D-TDB as an effective treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew G. Polson
- Corresponding Author: Andrew G. Polson, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Phone: 650-225-5134; Fax: 650-225-6240; E-mail:
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43
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Chen RP, Shinoda K, Rampuria P, Jin F, Bartholomew T, Zhao C, Yang F, Chaparro-Riggers J. Bispecific antibodies for immune cell retargeting against cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:965-982. [PMID: 35485219 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2072209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following the approval of the T-cell engaging bispecific antibody blinatumomab, immune cell retargeting with bispecific or multispecific antibodies has emerged as a promising cancer immunotherapy strategy, offering alternative mechanisms compared to immune checkpoint blockade. As we gain more understanding of the complex tumor microenvironment, rules and design principles have started to take shape on how to best harness the immune system to achieve optimal anti-tumor activities. AREAS COVERED In the present review, we aim to summarize the most recent advances and challenges in using bispecific antibodies for immune cell retargeting and to provide insights into various aspects of antibody engineering. Discussed herein are studies that highlight the importance of considering antibody engineering parameters, such as binding epitope, affinity, valency, and geometry to maximize the potency and mitigate the toxicity of T cell engagers. Beyond T cell engaging bispecifics, other bispecifics designed to recruit the innate immune system are also covered. EXPERT OPINION Diverse and innovative molecular designs of bispecific/multispecific antibodies have the potential to enhance the efficacy and safety of immune cell retargeting for the treatment of cancer. Whether or not clinical data support these different hypotheses, especially in solid tumor settings, remains to be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P Chen
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kenta Shinoda
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Fang Jin
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Chunxia Zhao
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
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44
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Xu G, Luo Y, Wang H, Wang Y, Liu B, Wei J. Therapeutic bispecific antibodies against intracellular tumor antigens. Cancer Lett 2022; 538:215699. [PMID: 35487312 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs)-based therapeutics have been identified to be one of the most promising immunotherapy strategies. However, their target repertoire is mainly restricted to cell surface antigens rather than intracellular antigens, resulting in a relatively limited scope of applications. Intracellular tumor antigens are identified to account for a large proportion of tumor antigen profiles. Recently, bsAbs that target intracellular oncoproteins have raised much attention, broadening the targeting scope of tumor antigens and improving the efficacy of traditional antibody-based therapeutics. Consequently, this review will focus on this emerging field and discuss related research advances. We introduce the classification, characteristics, and clinical applications of bsAbs, the theoretical basis for targeting intracellular antigens, delivery systems of bsAbs, and the latest preclinical and clinical advances of bsAbs targeting several intracellular oncotargets, including those of cancer-testis antigens, differentiation antigens, neoantigens, and other antigens. Moreover, we summarize the limitations of current bsAbs, and propose several potential strategies against immune escape and T cell exhaustion as well as some future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Xu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Yuting Luo
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Hanbing Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China; Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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45
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T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies in multiple myeloma: a revolution? Blood 2022; 139:3681-3687. [PMID: 35404996 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies are designed to link a surface target molecule on the malignant plasma cells to CD3 on T-cells and thereby redirect activated T-cells to induce tumor cell death. Early-phase clinical trials targeting B-cell maturation antigen, GPRC5D or FcRH5, have demonstrated a favorable safety profile and promising efficacy data in triple-class refractory multiple myeloma. This novel immunotherapeutic modality will likely change the treatment paradigm in the coming years.
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46
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A TCR mimic monoclonal antibody for the HPV-16 E7-epitope p11-19/HLA-A*02:01 complex. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265534. [PMID: 35298559 PMCID: PMC8929633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
More effective treatments are needed for human papilloma virus (HPV)-induced cancers despite HPV virus vaccination. The oncogenic HPV protein targets are currently undruggable and intracellular and therefore there are no antibodies to these targets. Here we report the discovery of TCR mimic monoclonal antibodies (TCRm mAb) specific for the HPV E7 protein p11-19, YMLDLQPET, when presented on the cell surface in the context of HLA-A*02:01 by use of human phage display libraries. One of the mAbs, 3F8, was able to specifically mediate T cell- redirected cytotoxicity, in a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) form. While further studies are required to assess the therapeutic potential of this approach, the study provided the proof of concept that TCRm mAb could be a therapeutic strategy for HPV-induced human cancers.
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47
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Froning KJ, Sereno A, Huang F, Demarest SJ. Generalizable design parameters for soluble T cell receptor-based T cell engagers. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004281. [PMID: 35260435 PMCID: PMC8905924 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
While most biological and cellular immunotherapies recognize extracellular targets, T cell receptor (TCR) therapeutics are unique in their ability to recognize the much larger pool of intracellular antigens found on virus-infected or cancerous cells. Recombinant T cell receptor (rTCR)-based therapeutics are gaining momentum both preclinically and clinically highlighted by recent positive phase III human clinical trial results for a TCR/CD3 bifunctional protein in uveal melanoma. Unlike antibody-based T cell engagers whose molecular formats have been widely and extensively evaluated, little data exist describing the putative activities of varied bifunctional formats using rTCRs. Here we generate rTCR/anti-CD3 bifunctionals directed toward NY-ESO-1 or MAGE-A3 with a variety of molecular formats. We show that inducing strong redirected lysis activity against tumors displaying either NY-ESO-1 or MAGE-A3 is highly restricted to small, tandem binding formats with an rTCR/antiCD3 Fab demonstrating the highest potency, rTCR/anti-CD3 single chain variable domain fragment showing similar but consistently weaker potency, and IgG-like or IgG-Fc-containing molecules demonstrating poor activity. We believe this is a universal trait of rTCR bifunctionals, given the canonical TCR/human leukocyte antigen structural paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Froning
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Arlene Sereno
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Flora Huang
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stephen J Demarest
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California, USA
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48
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Dao T, Mun SS, Molvi Z, Korontsvit T, Klatt MG, Khan AG, Nyakatura EK, Pohl MA, White TE, Balderes PJ, Lorenz IC, O'Reilly RJ, Scheinberg DA. A TCR mimic monoclonal antibody reactive with the "public" phospho-neoantigen pIRS2/HLA-A*02:01 complex. JCI Insight 2022; 7:151624. [PMID: 35260532 PMCID: PMC8983142 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphopeptides derived from dysregulated protein phosphorylation in cancer cells can be processed and presented by MHC class I and class II molecules and, therefore, represent an untapped class of tumor-specific antigens that could be used as widely expressed “public” cancer neoantigens (NeoAgs). We generated a TCR mimic (TCRm) mAb, 6B1, specific for a phosphopeptide derived from insulin receptor substrate 2 (pIRS2) presented by HLA-A*02:01. The pIRS2 epitope’s presentation by HLA-A*02:01 was confirmed by mass spectrometry. The TCRm 6B1 specifically bound to pIRS2/HLA-A2 complex on tumor cell lines that expressed pIRS2 in the context of HLA-A*02:01. Bispecific mAbs engaging CD3 of T cells were able to kill tumor cell lines in a pIRS2- and HLA-A*02:01–restricted manner. Structure modeling shows a prerequisite for an arginine or lysine at the first position to bind mAb. Therefore, 6B1 could recognize phosphopeptides derived from various phosphorylated proteins with similar amino acid compositions. This raised the possibility that a TCRm specific for the pIRS2/HLA-A2 complex could target a range of phosphopeptides presented by HLA-A*02:01 in various tumor cells. This is the first TCRm mAb to our knowledge targeting a phosphopeptide/MHC class I complex; the potential of this class of agents for clinical applications warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Sung Soo Mun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Immunology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tatyana Korontsvit
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Martin G Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Abdul G Khan
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Mary Ann Pohl
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas E White
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul J Balderes
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ivo C Lorenz
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard J O'Reilly
- Immunology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Thomas BJ, Porciani D, Burke DH. Cancer immunomodulation using bispecific aptamers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:894-915. [PMID: 35141049 PMCID: PMC8803965 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evasion of immune destruction is a major hallmark of cancer. Recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of various immunomodulating therapies underline the important role that reprogramming the immune system can play in combating this disease. However, a wide range of side effects still limit the therapeutic potential of immunomodulators, suggesting a need for more precise reagents with negligible off-target and on-target/off-tumor effects. Aptamers are single-chained oligonucleotides that bind their targets with high specificity and affinity owing to their three-dimensional (3D) structures, and they are one potential way to address this need. In particular, bispecific aptamers (bsApts) have been shown to induce artificial immune synapses that promote T cell activation and subsequent tumor cell lysis in various in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical models. We discuss these advances here, along with gaps in bsApt biology at both the cellular and resident tissue levels that should be addressed to accelerate their translation into the clinic. The broad application, minimal production cost, and relative lack of immunogenicity of bsApts give them some ideal qualities for manipulating the immune system. Building upon lessons from other novel therapies, bsApts could soon provide clinicians with an immunomodulating toolbox that is not only potent and efficacious but exercises a wide therapeutic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Thomas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - David Porciani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Donald H. Burke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
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Humanization of a strategic CD3 epitope enables evaluation of clinical T-cell engagers in a fully immunocompetent in vivo model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3530. [PMID: 35241687 PMCID: PMC8894342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06953-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell engagers (TCEs) are a growing class of biotherapeutics being investigated in the clinic for treatment of a variety of hematological and solid tumor indications. However, preclinical evaluation of TCEs in vivo has been mostly limited to xenograft tumor models in human T-cell reconstituted immunodeficient mice, which have a number of limitations. To explore the efficacy of human TCEs in fully immunocompetent hosts, we developed a knock-in mouse model (hCD3E-epi) in which a 5-residue N-terminal fragment of murine CD3-epsilon was replaced with an 11-residue stretch from the human sequence that encodes for a common epitope recognized by anti-human CD3E antibodies in the clinic. T cells from hCD3E-epi mice underwent normal thymic development and could be efficiently activated upon crosslinking of the T-cell receptor with anti-human CD3E antibodies in vitro. Furthermore, a TCE targeting human CD3E and murine CD20 induced robust T-cell redirected killing of murine CD20-positive B cells in ex vivo hCD3E-epi splenocyte cultures, and also depleted nearly 100% of peripheral B cells for up to 7 days following in vivo administration. These results highlight the utility of this novel mouse model for exploring the efficacy of human TCEs in vivo, and suggest a useful tool for evaluating TCEs in combination with immuno-oncology/non-immuno-oncology agents against heme and solid tumor targets in hosts with a fully intact immune system.
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