1
|
Lindeman SD, Booth OC, Tudi P, Schleinkofer TC, Moss JN, Kearney NB, Mukkamala R, Thompson LK, Modany MA, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. FAP Radioligand Linker Optimization Improves Tumor Dose and Tumor-to-Healthy Organ Ratios in 4T1 Syngeneic Model. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11827-11840. [PMID: 39013156 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00448] [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: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has attracted considerable attention as a possible target for the radiotherapy of solid tumors. Unfortunately, initial efforts to treat solid tumors with FAP-targeted radionuclides have yielded only modest clinical responses, suggesting that further improvements in the molecular design of FAP-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPT) are warranted. In this study, we report several advances on the previously described FAP6 radioligand that increase tumor retention and accelerate healthy tissue clearance. Seven FAP6 derivatives with different linkers or albumin binders were synthesized, radiolabeled, and investigated for their effects on binding and cellular uptake. The radioligands were then characterized in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice using both single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and ex vivo biodistribution analyses to identify the conjugate with the best tumor retention and tumor-to-healthy organ ratios. The results reveal an optimized FAP6 radioligand that exhibits efficacy and safety properties that potentially justify its translation into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer D Lindeman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- MorphImmune, Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Owen C Booth
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Pooja Tudi
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Taylor C Schleinkofer
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jackson N Moss
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Nicholas B Kearney
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Lauren K Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Mollie A Modany
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- MorphImmune, Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bauer D, Cornejo MA, Hoang TT, Lewis JS, Zeglis BM. Click Chemistry and Radiochemistry: An Update. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1925-1950. [PMID: 37737084 PMCID: PMC10655046 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The term "click chemistry" describes a class of organic transformations that were developed to make chemical synthesis simpler and easier, in essence allowing chemists to combine molecular subunits as if they were puzzle pieces. Over the last 25 years, the click chemistry toolbox has swelled from the canonical copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition to encompass an array of ligations, including bioorthogonal variants, such as the strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition and the inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction. Without question, the rise of click chemistry has impacted all areas of chemical and biological science. Yet the unique traits of radiopharmaceutical chemistry have made it particularly fertile ground for this technology. In this update, we seek to provide a comprehensive guide to recent developments at the intersection of click chemistry and radiopharmaceutical chemistry and to illuminate several exciting trends in the field, including the use of emergent click transformations in radiosynthesis, the clinical translation of novel probes synthesized using click chemistry, and the advent of click-based in vivo pretargeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Bauer
- Department
of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center, New York, New York 10021, United States
| | - Mike A. Cornejo
- Department
of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center, New York, New York 10021, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University
of New York, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Ph.D.
Program in Chemistry, Graduate Center of
the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Tran T. Hoang
- Department
of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center, New York, New York 10021, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Jason S. Lewis
- Department
of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center, New York, New York 10021, United States
- Department
of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York 10021, New York United States
| | - Brian M. Zeglis
- Department
of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center, New York, New York 10021, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University
of New York, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Ph.D.
Program in Chemistry, Graduate Center of
the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Department
of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York 10021, New York United States
- Ph.D.
Program
in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of the
City University of New York, New
York, New York 10016, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Y, Gao F. Research Progress of CXCR4-Targeting Radioligands for Oncologic Imaging. Korean J Radiol 2023; 24:871-889. [PMID: 37634642 PMCID: PMC10462898 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2023.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) plays a key role in various physiological functions, such as immune processes and disease development, and can influence angiogenesis, proliferation, and distant metastasis in tumors. Recently, several radioligands, including peptides, small molecules, and nanoclusters, have been developed to target CXCR4 for diagnostic purposes, thereby providing new diagnostic strategies based on CXCR4. Herein, we focus on the recent research progress of CXCR4-targeting radioligands for tumor diagnosis. We discuss their application in the diagnosis of hematological tumors, such as lymphomas, multiple myelomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemias, and myeloproliferative tumors, as well as nonhematological tumors, including tumors of the esophagus, breast, and central nervous system. Additionally, we explored the theranostic applications of CXCR4-targeting radioligands in tumors. Targeting CXCR4 using nuclear medicine shows promise as a method for tumor diagnosis, and further research is warranted to enhance its clinical applicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Research Center for Experimental Nuclear Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Research Center for Experimental Nuclear Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Otaru S, Martinmäki T, Kuurne I, Paulus A, Helariutta K, Sarparanta M, Airaksinen AJ. Radiolabelling of peptides with tetrazine ligation based on the inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction: rapid, catalyst-free and mild conversion of 1,4-dihydropyridazines to pyridazines. RSC Adv 2023; 13:22606-22615. [PMID: 37501774 PMCID: PMC10369045 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02807k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Click chemistry reactions, such as the tetrazine ligation, based on the inverse-electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA), are chemoselective cycloaddition reactions widely used for chemical modifications and synthesis of biomolecule-based radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET). The reactions have potential also for pretargeted PET imaging. When used as a bioconjugation method in production of biomolecule-based radiopharmaceuticals, IEDDA-based tetrazine ligation has one significant drawback, namely the formation of a mixture comprising reduced metastable dihydropyridazines (DHPs) and oxidized cycloadducts. Conversion of the reduced DHPs to stable pyridazines requires oxidation, which is typically achieved by using oxidants or by photo-irradiated air-oxidation, both methods requiring added reagents or reaction times of several hours, not compatible with short-lived radionuclides. Here we report a mild, rapid, and catalyst-free conversion of the DHPs to pyridazines. In this study, a model peptide Tyr3-octreotide (TOC) was modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers and with trans-cyclooctenes (TCOs) for rapid IEDDA-mediated radiolabeling. Fluorine-18-labelled alkylammoniomethyltrifluoroborate ([18F]AmBF3) tetrazines were conjugated to the TCO-TOC analogs at room temperature for rapid synthesis of PET imaging agent candidates. The formed DHPs were successfully converted to the oxidized form, after heating the radiolabelled bioconjugates in aqueous solution (≥95% water) at 60 °C for a minimum of 10 minutes in the presence of air, resulting in one-pot back-to-back IEDDA reaction and DHP conversion. The water content of the reaction mixture was to be found critical for the coversion. Our finding offers a straightforward method for conversion of the metastable DHPs from the IEDDA-based tetrazine ligation to stable, oxidized pyridazines. The method is especially suitable for applications requiring rapid conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Otaru
- Department of Chemistry, Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Tatu Martinmäki
- Department of Chemistry, Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Iida Kuurne
- Department of Chemistry, Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Andreas Paulus
- Department of Chemistry, Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki Finland
| | | | - Mirkka Sarparanta
- Department of Chemistry, Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Anu J Airaksinen
- Department of Chemistry, Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki Finland
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8 FI-20520 Turku Finland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yu J, Zhou X, Shen L. CXCR4-Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals for the Imaging and Therapy of Malignant Tumors. Molecules 2023; 28:4707. [PMID: 37375261 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124707] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), also known as fusin or CD184, is a 7-transmembrane helix G-protein-coupled receptor that is encoded by the CXCR4 gene. Involved in various physiological processes, CXCR4 could form an interaction with its endogenous partner, chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), which is also named SDF-1. In the past several decades, the CXCR4/CXCL12 couple has attracted a large amount of research interest due to its critical functions in the occurrence and development of refractory diseases, such as HIV infection, inflammatory diseases, and metastatic cancer, including breast cancer, gastric cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, overexpression of CXCR4 in tumor tissues was shown to have a high correlation with tumor aggressiveness and elevated risks of metastasis and recurrence. The pivotal roles of CXCR4 have encouraged an effort around the world to investigate CXCR4-targeted imaging and therapeutics. In this review, we would like to summarize the implementation of CXCR4-targeted radiopharmaceuticals in the field of various kinds of carcinomas. The nomenclature, structure, properties, and functions of chemokines and chemokine receptors are briefly introduced. Radiopharmaceuticals that could target CXCR4 will be described in detail according to their structure, such as pentapeptide-based structures, heptapeptide-based structures, nonapeptide-based structures, etc. To make this review a comprehensive and informative article, we would also like to provide the predictive prospects for the CXCR4-targeted species in future clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yu
- HTA Co., Ltd., Beijing 102413, China
- Department of Nuclear Technology Application, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- HTA Co., Ltd., Beijing 102413, China
| | - Langtao Shen
- HTA Co., Ltd., Beijing 102413, China
- National Isotope Center of Engineering and Technology, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lozada J, Xuan Lin W, Cao-Shen RM, Astoria Tai R, Perrin DM. Salt Metathesis: Tetrafluoroborate Anion Rapidly Fluoridates Organoboronic Acids to give Organotrifluoroborates. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215371. [PMID: 36720697 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215371] [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] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Tetrafluoroborate (BF4 - ) has long been used as a spectator counter anion. Herein, we report an unprecedented salt metathesis between a variety of BF4 - salts and a series of organoboronic acids yielding the corresponding organotrifluoroborates. We identified conditions for fast and efficient fluoridation (<1 h) with minimal workup. Fundamentally, this work discloses the proclivity of BF4 - to exchange fluoride atoms with organoboronates, highlighting the lability of BF4 - .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Lozada
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Wen Xuan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Rosana M Cao-Shen
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Ruyin Astoria Tai
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - David M Perrin
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kwon D, Zhang Z, Zeisler J, Kuo HT, Lin KS, Benard F. Reducing the Kidney Uptake of High Contrast CXCR4 PET Imaging Agents via Linker Modifications. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071502. [PMID: 35890397 PMCID: PMC9316317 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071502] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is highly expressed in many subtypes of cancers, notably in several kidney-based malignancies. We synthesized, labeled, and assessed a series of radiotracers based on a previous high contrast PET imaging radiopharmaceutical [68Ga]Ga-BL02, with modifications to its linker and metal chelator, in order to improve its tumor-to-kidney contrast ratio. Methods: Based on the design of BL02, a piperidine-based cationic linker (BL06) and several anionic linkers (tri-Aad (BL17); tri-D-Glu (BL20); tri-Asp (BL25); and tri-cysteic acid (BL31)) were substituted for the triglutamate linker. Additionally, the DOTA chelator was swapped for a DOTAGA chelator (BL30). Each radiotracer was labeled with 68Ga and evaluated in CXCR4-expressing Daudi xenograft mice with biodistribution and/or PET imaging studies. Results: Of all the evaluated radiotracers, [68Ga]Ga-BL31 showed the most promising biodistribution profile, with a lower kidney uptake compared to [68Ga]Ga-BL02, while retaining the high imaging contrast capabilities of [68Ga]Ga-BL02. [68Ga]Ga-BL31 also compared favorably to [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor, with superior imaging contrast in all non-target organs. The other anionic linker-based radiotracers showed either equivocal or worse contrast ratios compared to [68Ga]Ga-BL02; however, [68Ga]Ga-BL25 also showed lower kidney uptake, as compared to that of [68Ga]Ga-BL02. Meanwhile, [68Ga]Ga-BL06 had high non-target organ uptake and relatively lower tumor uptake, while [68Ga]Ga-BL30 showed significantly increased kidney uptake and similar tumor uptake values. Conclusions: [68Ga]Ga-BL31 is an optimized CXCR4-targeting radiopharmaceutical with lower kidney retention that has clinical potential for PET imaging and radioligand therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kwon
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (D.K.); (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.-T.K.); (K.-S.L.)
| | - Zhengxing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (D.K.); (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.-T.K.); (K.-S.L.)
| | - Jutta Zeisler
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (D.K.); (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.-T.K.); (K.-S.L.)
| | - Hsiou-Ting Kuo
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (D.K.); (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.-T.K.); (K.-S.L.)
| | - Kuo-Shyan Lin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (D.K.); (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.-T.K.); (K.-S.L.)
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Francois Benard
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (D.K.); (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (H.-T.K.); (K.-S.L.)
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-675-8206
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Otaru S, Paulus A, Imlimthan S, Kuurne I, Virtanen H, Liljenbäck H, Tolvanen T, Auchynnikava T, Roivainen A, Helariutta K, Sarparanta M, Airaksinen AJ. Development of [ 18F]AmBF 3 Tetrazine for Radiolabeling of Peptides: Preclinical Evaluation and PET Imaging of [ 18F]AmBF 3-PEG 7-Tyr 3-Octreotide in an AR42J Pancreatic Carcinoma Model. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1393-1404. [PMID: 35709482 PMCID: PMC9305971 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Radiolabeled peptides have emerged as highly specific agents for targeting receptors expressed in tumors for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Peptides developed for positron emission tomography (PET) are typically radiolabeled using prosthetic groups or bifunctional chelators for fast "kit-like" incorporation of the radionuclide into the structure. A novel [18F]alkylammoniomethyltrifluoroborate ([18F]AmBF3) tetrazine (Tz), [18F]AmBF3-Tz, was developed for the [18F]fluorination of trans-cyclooctene (TCO)-modified biomolecules using Tyr3-octreotides (TOCs) as model peptides. [18F]AmBF3-Tz (Am = 15.4 ± 9.2 GBq/μmol, n = 14) was evaluated in healthy mice by ex vivo biodistribution and PET/computed tomography (CT), where the radiolabel in the prosthetic group was found stable in vivo, indicated by the low bone uptake in tibia (0.4 ± 0.1% ID/g, t = 270 min). TCO-TOCs tailored with polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers were radiolabeled with [18F]AmBF3-Tz, forming two new tracers, [18F]AmBF3-PEG4-TOC (Am = 2.8 ± 1.8 GBq/μmol, n = 3) and [18F]AmBF3-PEG7-TOC (Am of 6.0 ± 3.4 GBq/μmol, n = 13), which were evaluated by cell uptake studies and ex vivo biodistribution in subcutaneous AR42J rat pancreatic carcinoma tumor-bearing nude mice. The tracer demonstrating superior behavior ex vivo, the [18F]AmBF3-PEG7-TOC, was further evaluated with PET/CT, where the tracer provided clear tumor visualization (SUVbaseline = 1.01 ± 0.07, vs SUVblocked = 0.76 ± 0.04) at 25 min post injection. The novel AmBF3-Tz demonstrated that it offers potential as a prosthetic group for rapid radiolabeling of biomolecules in mild conditions using bioorthogonal chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Otaru
- Radiochemistry,
Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andreas Paulus
- Radiochemistry,
Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Surachet Imlimthan
- Radiochemistry,
Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Iida Kuurne
- Radiochemistry,
Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helena Virtanen
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Heidi Liljenbäck
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Turku
Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Tuula Tolvanen
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Department
of Medical Physics, Turku University Hospital, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Tatsiana Auchynnikava
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Turku
Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Kerttuli Helariutta
- Radiochemistry,
Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mirkka Sarparanta
- Radiochemistry,
Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu J. Airaksinen
- Radiochemistry,
Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schottelius M, Herrmann K, Lapa C. In Vivo Targeting of CXCR4-New Horizons. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5920. [PMID: 34885030 PMCID: PMC8656854 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Given its pre-eminent role in the context of tumor cell growth as well as metastasis, the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has attracted a lot of interest in the field of nuclear oncology, and clinical evidence on the high potential of CXCR4-targeted theranostics is constantly accumulating. Additionally, since CXCR4 also represents a key player in the orchestration of inflammatory responses to inflammatory stimuli, based on its expression on a variety of pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cells (e.g., macrophages and T-cells), CXCR4-targeted inflammation imaging has recently gained considerable attention. Therefore, after briefly summarizing the current clinical status quo of CXCR4-targeted theranostics in cancer, this review primarily focuses on imaging of a broad spectrum of inflammatory diseases via the quantification of tissue infiltration with CXCR4-expressing immune cells. An up-to-date overview of the ongoing preclinical and clinical efforts to visualize inflammation and its resolution over time is provided, and the predictive value of the CXCR4-associated imaging signal for disease outcome is discussed. Since the sensitivity and specificity of CXCR4-targeted immune cell imaging greatly relies on the availability of suitable, tailored imaging probes, recent developments in the field of CXCR4-targeted imaging agents for various applications are also addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margret Schottelius
- Translational Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Nuclear Medicine and of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Constantin Lapa
- Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dun Y, Huang G, Liu J, Wei W. ImmunoPET imaging of hematological malignancies: From preclinical promise to clinical reality. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1196-1203. [PMID: 34838729 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging is a paradigm-shifting imaging technique for whole-body and all-lesion tumor detection, based on the combined specificity of tumor-targeting vectors [e.g., monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nanobodies, and bispecific antibodies] and the sensitivity of PET imaging. By noninvasively, comprehensively, and serially revealing heterogeneous tumor antigen expression, immunoPET imaging is gradually improving the theranostic prospects for hematological malignancies. In this review, we summarize the available literature regarding immunoPET in imaging hematological malignancies. We also highlight the pros and cons of current conjugation strategies, and modular chemistry that can be leveraged to develop novel immunoPET probes for hematological malignancies. Lastly, we discuss the use of immunoPET imaging in guiding antibody drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Dun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200217, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200217, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200217, China.
| | - Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200217, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Braga M, Leow CH, Gil JH, Teh JH, Carroll L, Long NJ, Tang MX, Aboagye EO. Investigating CXCR4 expression of tumor cells and the vascular compartment: A multimodal approach. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260186. [PMID: 34793563 PMCID: PMC8601444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is G protein-coupled receptor that upon binding to its cognate ligand, can lead to tumor progression. Several CXCR4-targeted therapies are currently under investigation, and with it comes the need for imaging agents capable of accurate depiction of CXCR4 for therapeutic stratification and monitoring. PET agents enjoy the most success, but more cost-effective and radiation-free approaches such as ultrasound (US) imaging could represent an attractive alternative. In this work, we developed a targeted microbubble (MB) for imaging of vascular CXCR4 expression in cancer. A CXCR4-targeted MB was developed through incorporation of the T140 peptide into the MB shell. Binding properties of the T140-MB and control, non-targeted MB (NT-MB) were evaluated in MDA-MB-231 cells where CXCR4 expression was knocked-down (via shRNA) through optical imaging, and in the lymphoma tumor models U2932 and SuDHL8 (high and low CXCR4 expression, respectively) by US imaging. PET imaging of [18F]MCFB, a tumor-penetrating CXCR4-targeted small molecule, was used to provide whole-tumor CXCR4 readouts. CXCR4 expression and microvessel density were performed by immunohistochemistry analysis and western blot. T140-MB were formed with similar properties to NT-MB and accumulated sensitively and specifically in cells according to their CXCR4 expression. In NOD SCID mice, T140-MB persisted longer in tumors than NT-MB, indicative of target interaction, but showed no difference between U2932 and SuDHL8. In contrast, PET imaging with [18F]MCFB showed a marked difference in tumor uptake at 40-60 min post-injection between the two tumor models (p<0.05). Ex vivo analysis revealed that the large differences in CXCR4 expression between the two models are not reflected in the vascular compartment, where the MB are restricted; in fact, microvessel density and CXCR4 expression in the vasculature was comparable between U2932 and SuDHL8 tumors. In conclusion, we successfully developed a T140-MB that can be used for imaging CXCR4 expression in the tumor vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Braga
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chee Hau Leow
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Javier Hernandez Gil
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jin H. Teh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence Carroll
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Long
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meng-Xing Tang
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric O. Aboagye
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
King AM, Anderson DA, Glassey E, Segall-Shapiro TH, Zhang Z, Niquille DL, Embree AC, Pratt K, Williams TL, Gordon DB, Voigt CA. Selection for constrained peptides that bind to a single target protein. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6343. [PMID: 34732700 PMCID: PMC8566587 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide secondary metabolites are common in nature and have diverse pharmacologically-relevant functions, from antibiotics to cross-kingdom signaling. Here, we present a method to design large libraries of modified peptides in Escherichia coli and screen them in vivo to identify those that bind to a single target-of-interest. Constrained peptide scaffolds were produced using modified enzymes gleaned from microbial RiPP (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide) pathways and diversified to build large libraries. The binding of a RiPP to a protein target leads to the intein-catalyzed release of an RNA polymerase σ factor, which drives the expression of selectable markers. As a proof-of-concept, a selection was performed for binding to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor binding domain. A 1625 Da constrained peptide (AMK-1057) was found that binds with similar affinity (990 ± 5 nM) as an ACE2-derived peptide. This demonstrates a generalizable method to identify constrained peptides that adhere to a single protein target, as a step towards "molecular glues" for therapeutics and diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M King
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel A Anderson
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emerson Glassey
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Thomas H Segall-Shapiro
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhengan Zhang
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David L Niquille
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Katelin Pratt
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - D Benjamin Gordon
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Peng T, Wang X, Li Z, Bi L, Gao J, Yang M, Wang Y, Yao X, Shan H, Jin H. Preclinical Evaluation of [ 64Cu]NOTA-CP01 as a PET Imaging Agent for Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3638-3648. [PMID: 34424706 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Targeting metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been a challenge in clinical practice. Emerging evidence demonstrates that C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) highly expresses in ESCC and plays a pivotal role in the process of tumor metastasis. We developed a copper-64 (t1/2 = 12.7 h, 19% beta+) labeling route of NOTA-CP01 derived from LY2510924, a cyclopeptide-based CXCR4 potent antagonist, in an attempt to noninvasively visualize CXCR4 expression in metastatic ESCC. Precursor NOTA-CP01 was designed by modifying the C-terminus of LY2510925 with bis-t-butyl NOTA via a butane-1,4-diamine linker. The radiolabeling process was finished within 15 min with high radiochemical yield (>95%), radiochemical purity (>99%), and specific activity (10.5-21 GBq/μmol) (non-decay-corrected). The in vitro solubility and stability tests revealed that [64Cu]NOTA-CP01 had a high water solubility (log P = -3.44 ± 0.12, n = 5) and high stability in saline and fetal bovine serum. [64Cu]NOTA-CP01 exhibited CXCR4-specific binding with a nanomolar affinity (IC50 = 1.61 ± 0.96 nM, Kd = 0.272 ± 0.14 nM) similar to that of the parental LY2510924. The in vitro cell uptake assay indicated that the [64Cu]NOTA-CP01-selective accumulation in EC109 cells was CXCR4-specific. Molecular docking of the CXCR4/NOTA-CP01 complex suggested that the Lys, Arg, and NOTA of this ligand have a strong polar interaction with the key residues of CXCR4, which explains the tight affinity of [64Cu]NOTA-CP01 for CXCR4. To test the target engagement in vivo, prolonged-time positron emission computed tomography (PET) imaging was performed at 0.5, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, and 24 h postinjection of [64Cu]NOTA-CP01 to the EC109 tumor-bearing mice. The EC109 tumors were most visible with high contrast to the contralateral background at 6 h postinjection. The tracer revealed receptor-specific tumor accumulation, which was illustrated by effective blocking via coinjection with a blocking dose of LY2510924. Quantification analysis of the prolonged-time images showed that there was obvious radioactivity accumulation in the tumor (1.27 ± 0.19%ID/g) with the best tumor-to-blood ratio (4.79 ± 0.06) and tumor-to-muscle ratio (15.44 ± 2.94) at 6 h postinjection of the probe. The immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry confirmed the positive expression of CXCR4 in the EC109 tumor and ESCC and metastatic lymph nodes of patients, respectively. We concluded that [64Cu]NOTA-CP01 possessed a very high target engagement for CXCR4-positive ESCC and could be a potential candidate in the clinical detection of metastatic ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tukang Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Lei Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Jiebing Gao
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Min Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China.,College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Shiji Ave., Xi'an-Xianyang New Economic Zone, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province 712046, China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Hong Shan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China.,Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Hongjun Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fu J, Xie Y, Fu T, Qiu F, Yu F, Qu W, Yao X, Zhang A, Yang Z, Shao G, Meng Q, Shi X, Huang Y, Gu W, Wang F. [ 99mTc]Tc-Galacto-RGD 2 integrin α vβ 3-targeted imaging as a surrogate for molecular phenotyping in lung cancer: real-world data. EJNMMI Res 2021; 11:59. [PMID: 34121134 PMCID: PMC8200335 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-021-00801-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are beneficial in patients with lung cancer. We explored the clinical value of [99mTc]Tc-Galacto-RGD2 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in patients with lung cancer, integrin αvβ3 expression, and neovascularization in lung cancer subtypes was also addressed. Methods A total of 185 patients with lung cancer and 25 patients with benign lung diseases were enrolled in this prospective study from January 2013 to December 2016. All patients underwent [99mTc]Tc-Galacto-RGD2 imaging. The region of interest was drawn around each primary lesion, and tumour uptake of [99mTc]Tc-Galacto-RGD2 was expressed as the tumour/normal tissue ratio(T/N). The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Tumour specimens were obtained from 66 patients with malignant diseases and 7 with benign disease. Tumour expression levels of αvβ3, CD31, Ki-67, and CXCR4 were further analysed for the evaluation of biological behaviours. Results The lung cancer patients included 22 cases of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 48 squamous cell carcinoma (LSC), 97 adenocarcinoma (LAC), and 18 other types of lung cancer. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of [99mTc]Tc-Galacto-RGD2 SPECT/CT using a cut-off value of T/N ratio at 2.5 were 91.89%, 48.0%, and 86.67%, respectively. Integrin αvβ3 expression was higher in non-SCLC compared with SCLC, while LSC showed denser neovascularization and higher integrin αvβ3 expression. Integrin αvβ3 expression levels were significantly higher in advanced (III, IV) than early stages (I, II). However, there was no significant correlation between tumour uptake and αvβ3 expression. Conclusions [99mTc]Tc-Galacto-RGD2 SPECT/CT has high sensitivity but limited specificity for detecting primary lung cancer, integrin expression in the tumour vessel and tumour cell membrane contributes to the tumour uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Tong Fu
- Department of Imaging, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Fan Qiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Xiaochen Yao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Aiping Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Zhenhua Yang
- Department of Respiratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Guoqiang Shao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Qingle Meng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Xiumin Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China.
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Respiratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China.
| |
Collapse
|