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Žvinys G, Petrosiute A, Zakšauskas A, Zubrienė A, Ščerbavičienė A, Kalnina Z, Čapkauskaitė E, Juozapaitienė V, Mickevičiu̅tė A, Shubin K, Grincevičienė Š, Raišys S, Tars K, Matulienė J, Matulis D. High-Affinity NIR-Fluorescent Inhibitors for Tumor Imaging via Carbonic Anhydrase IX. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:790-803. [PMID: 38750635 PMCID: PMC11191402 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00144] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Tumor imaging and delivery of therapeutic agents may be achieved by designing high-affinity and high-selectivity compounds recognizing a tumor cell-expressing biomarker, such as carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX). The CAIX, overexpressed in many hypoxic solid tumors, helps adjust to the energy requirements of the hypoxic environment, reduces intracellular acidification, and participates in the metastatic invasion of adjacent tissues. Here, we designed a series of sulfonamide compounds bearing CAIX-recognizing, high-affinity, and high-selectivity groups conjugated via a PEG linker to near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes used in the clinic for optically guided cancer surgery. We determined compound affinities for CAIX and other 11 catalytically active CA isozymes by the thermal shift assay and showed that the affinity Kd value of CAIX was in the subnanomolar range, hundred to thousand-fold higher than those of other CA isozymes. Similar affinities were also observed for CAIX expressed on the cancer cell surface in live HeLa cell cultures, as determined by the competition assay. The NIR-fluorescent compounds showed excellent properties in visualizing CAIX-positive tumors but not CAIX-negative knockout tumors in a nude mice xenograft model. These compounds would therefore be helpful in optically guided cancer surgery and could potentially be developed for anticancer treatment by radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gediminas Žvinys
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Agne Petrosiute
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Audrius Zakšauskas
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Asta Zubrienė
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Alvilė Ščerbavičienė
- Department
of Biological Models, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Zane Kalnina
- Latvian
Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Edita Čapkauskaitė
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Vaida Juozapaitienė
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Aurelija Mickevičiu̅tė
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Kirill Shubin
- Latvian
Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Švitrigailė Grincevičienė
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Steponas Raišys
- Institute
of Photonics and Nanotechnology, National Center for Physical Sciences
and Technology, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 3, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Kaspars Tars
- Latvian
Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Jurgita Matulienė
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Daumantas Matulis
- Department
of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology,
Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
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Cong Y, Devoogdt N, Lambin P, Dubois LJ, Yaromina A. Promising Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches Based on VHHs for Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:371. [PMID: 38254860 PMCID: PMC10814765 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020371] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the distinctive structure of heavy chain-only antibodies in species belonging to the Camelidae family has elicited significant interest in their variable antigen binding domain (VHH) and gained attention for various applications, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. This article presents an overview of the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of VHHs as compared to conventional antibodies, and their usage in diverse applications. The singular properties of VHHs are explained, and several strategies that can augment their utility are outlined. The preclinical studies illustrating the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of distinct VHHs in diverse formats against solid cancers are summarized, and an overview of the clinical trials assessing VHH-based agents in oncology is provided. These investigations demonstrate the enormous potential of VHHs for medical research and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cong
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Group (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J. Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
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Li S, Hoefnagel SJM, Krishnadath KK. Single domain Camelid antibody fragments for molecular imaging and therapy of cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1257175. [PMID: 37746282 PMCID: PMC10514897 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1257175] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite innovations in cancer therapeutics, cancer remains associated with high mortality and is one of biggest health challenges worldwide. Therefore, developing precise cancer imaging and effective treatments is an unmet clinical need. A relatively novel type of therapeutics are heavy chain variable domain antibody fragments (VHHs) derived from llamas. Here, we explored the suitability of VHHs for cancer imaging and therapy through reviewing the existing literature. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases and identified 32 papers on molecular imaging and 41 papers on therapy that were suitable for comprehensive reviewing. We found that VHHs harbor a higher specificity and affinity compared to mAbs, which contributes to high-quality imaging and less side-effects on healthy cells. The employment of VHHs in cancer imaging showed remarkably shorter times between administration and imaging. Studies showed that 18F and 99mTc are two optimal radionuclides for imaging with VHHs and that site-specific labelling is the optimal conjugation modality for VHHs with radionuclide or fluorescent molecules. We found different solutions for reducing kidney retention and immunogenicity of VHHs. VHHs as anticancer therapeutics have been tested in photodynamic therapy, targeted radionuclide therapy, immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. These studies showed that VHHs target unique antigen epitopes, which are distinct from the ones recognized by mAbs. This advantage means that VHHs may be more effective for targeted anticancer therapy and can be combined with mAbs. We found that high cellular internalization and specificity of VHHs contributes to the effectiveness and safety of VHHs as anticancer therapeutics. Two clinical trials have confirmed that VHHs are effective and safe for cancer imaging and therapy. Together, VHHs seem to harbor several advantages compared to mAbs and show potential for application in personalized treatment for cancer patients. VHH-based imaging and therapy are promising options for improving outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Li
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Kausilia Krishnawatie Krishnadath
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Dewulf J, Flieswasser T, Delahaye T, Vangestel C, Miranda A, de Haard H, Jacobs J, Smits E, Van den Wyngaert T, Elvas F. Site-specific 68Ga-labeled nanobody for PET imaging of CD70 expression in preclinical tumor models. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2023; 8:8. [PMID: 37093350 PMCID: PMC10126183 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-023-00194-3] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD70-CD27 is a costimulatory ligand-receptor pair in the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. With only limited expression in normal tissues, CD70 is constitutively expressed in a variety of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, facilitating immunosuppression through CD27 signaling in the tumor microenvironment by enhanced survival of regulatory T cells, induction of T cell apoptosis, and T cell exhaustion. Consequently, CD70 is an increasingly recognized target for developing antibody-based therapies, but its expression patterns vary among different tumor types in spatial distribution, magnitude of expression and percentage of positive cells. In that regard, individual confirmation of CD70 expression at screening and during treatment could enhance the successful implementation of anti-CD70 therapies. Here, we developed a gallium-68 (68Ga) radiolabeled single-domain antibody-fragment targeting CD70 for in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. RESULTS An anti-CD70 VHH construct containing a C-direct-tag with a free thiol was developed to enable site-specific conjugation to a NOTA bifunctional chelator for 68Ga radiolabeling. [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-anti-CD70 VHH was obtained in good radiochemical yield of 30.4 ± 1.7% and high radiochemical purity (> 94%). The radiolabeled VHH showed excellent in vitro and in vivo stability. Specific binding of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-anti-CD70 VHH was observed on CD70high 786-O cells, showing significantly higher cell-associated activity when compared to the blocking condition (p < 0.0001) and CD70low NCl-H1975 cells (p < 0.0001). PET imaging showed specific radiotracer accumulation in CD70 expressing human tumor xenografts, which was efficiently blocked by prior injection of unlabeled anti-CD70 VHH (p = 0.0029). In addition, radiotracer uptake in CD70high tumors was significantly higher when compared with CD70low tumors (p < 0.0001). The distribution of the radioactivity in the tumors using autoradiography was spatially matched with immunohistochemistry analysis of CD70 expression. CONCLUSION [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-anti-CD70 VHH showed excellent in vivo targeting of CD70 in human cancer xenografts. PET imaging using this radioimmunoconjugate holds promise as a non-invasive method to identify and longitudinally follow-up patients who will benefit most from anti-CD70 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Dewulf
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tal Flieswasser
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IPPON, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tim Delahaye
- argenx BV, Industriepark 7, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Gent, Belgium
| | - Christel Vangestel
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Alan Miranda
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Hans de Haard
- argenx BV, Industriepark 7, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Gent, Belgium
| | - Julie Jacobs
- argenx BV, Industriepark 7, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Gent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IPPON, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tim Van den Wyngaert
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Filipe Elvas
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Promise of hypoxia-targeted tracers in metastatic lymph node imaging. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:4293-4297. [PMID: 35994060 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05938-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Chen KT, Seimbille Y. New Developments in Carbonic Anhydrase IX-Targeted Fluorescence and Nuclear Imaging Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116125. [PMID: 35682802 PMCID: PMC9181387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a tumor-specific and hypoxia-induced biomarker for the molecular imaging of solid malignancies. The nuclear- and optical-imaging of CAIX-expressing tumors have received great attention due to their potential for clinical applications. Nuclear imaging is a powerful tool for the non-invasive diagnosis of primary and metastatic CAIX-positive tumors and for the assessment of responses to antineoplastic treatment. Intraoperative optical fluorescence imaging provides improved visualization for surgeons to increase the discrimination of tumor lesions, allowing for safer surgical treatment. Over the past decades, many CAIX-targeted molecular imaging probes, based on monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, and small molecules, have been reported. In this review, we outline the recent development of CAIX-targeted probes for single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF), and we discuss issues yet to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Ting Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 974301, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-8903603
| | - Yann Seimbille
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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