1
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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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2
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Moquist PN, Zhang X, Leiske CI, Eng-Duncan NML, Zeng W, Bindman NA, Wo SW, Wong A, Henderson CM, Crowder K, Lyon R, Doronina SO, Senter PD, Neff-LaFord HD, Sussman D, Gardai SJ, Levengood MR. Reversible Chemical Modification of Antibody Effector Function Mitigates Unwanted Systemic Immune Activation. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:855-866. [PMID: 38789102 PMCID: PMC11191404 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00212] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Antibody effector functions including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis (ADCP) are mediated through the interaction of the antibody Fc region with Fcγ receptors present on immune cells. Several approaches have been used to modulate antibody Fc-Fcγ interactions with the goal of driving an effective antitumor immune response, including Fc point mutations and glycan modifications. However, robust antibody-Fcγ engagement and immune cell binding of Fc-enhanced antibodies in the periphery can lead to the unwanted induction of systemic cytokine release and other dose-limiting infusion-related reactions. Creating a balance between effective engagement of Fcγ receptors that can induce antitumor activity without incurring systemic immune activation is an ongoing challenge in the field of antibody and immuno-oncology therapeutics. Herein, we describe a method for the reversible chemical modulation of antibody-Fcγ interactions using simple poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linkers conjugated to antibody interchain disulfides with maleimide attachments. This method enables dosing of a therapeutic with muted Fcγ engagement that is restored in vivo in a time-dependent manner. The technology was applied to an effector function enhanced agonist CD40 antibody, SEA-CD40, and experiments demonstrate significant reductions in Fc-induced immune activation in vitro and in mice and nonhuman primates despite showing retained efficacy and improved pharmacokinetics compared to the parent antibody. We foresee that this simple, modular system can be rapidly applied to antibodies that suffer from systemic immune activation due to peripheral FcγR binding immediately upon infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip N. Moquist
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Xinqun Zhang
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Chris I. Leiske
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | | | - Weiping Zeng
- ADC
In Vivo Pharmacology, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Noah A. Bindman
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Serena W. Wo
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Abbie Wong
- ADC
Translational Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Clark M. Henderson
- ADC
Translational Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Karalyne Crowder
- Non-Clinical
Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Robert Lyon
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Svetlana O. Doronina
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Peter D. Senter
- ADC
Chemistry, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United states
| | - Haley D. Neff-LaFord
- Non-Clinical
Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Django Sussman
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Shyra J. Gardai
- Immunology, Pfizer,
Inc., 21823 30th Dr.
SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Matthew R. Levengood
- ADC
Antibody Engineering, Pfizer, Inc., 21823 30th Dr. SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
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3
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Rotta G, Puca E, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Dakhel Plaza S. Cytokine Biopharmaceuticals with "Activity-on-Demand" for Cancer Therapy. Bioconjug Chem 2024. [PMID: 38885090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are small proteins that modulate the activity of the immune system. Because of their potent immunomodulatory properties, some recombinant cytokines have undergone clinical development and have gained marketing authorization for the therapy of certain forms of cancer. Recombinant cytokines are typically administered at ultralow doses, as many of them can cause substantial toxicity even at submilligram quantities. In an attempt to increase the therapeutic index, fusion proteins based on tumor-homing antibodies (also called "immunocytokines") have been considered, and some products in this class have reached late-stage clinical trials. While antibody-cytokine fusions, which preferentially localize in the neoplastic mass, can activate tumor-resident leukocytes and may be more efficacious than their nontargeted counterparts, such products typically conserve an intact cytokine activity, which may prevent escalation to curative doses. To further improve tolerability, several strategies have been conceived for the development of antibody-cytokine fusions with "activity-on-demand", acting on tumors but helping spare normal tissues from undesired toxicity. In this article, we have reviewed some of the most promising strategies, outlining their potential as well as possible limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rotta
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Philogen S.p.A, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Paul S, Konig MF, Pardoll DM, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Wright KM, Gabelli SB, Ho M, van Elsas A, Zhou S. Cancer therapy with antibodies. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:399-426. [PMID: 38740967 PMCID: PMC11180426 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The greatest challenge in cancer therapy is to eradicate cancer cells with minimal damage to normal cells. Targeted therapy has been developed to meet that challenge, showing a substantially increased therapeutic index compared with conventional cancer therapies. Antibodies are important members of the family of targeted therapeutic agents because of their extraordinarily high specificity to the target antigens. Therapeutic antibodies use a range of mechanisms that directly or indirectly kill the cancer cells. Early antibodies were developed to directly antagonize targets on cancer cells. This was followed by advancements in linker technologies that allowed the production of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that guide cytotoxic payloads to the cancer cells. Improvement in our understanding of the biology of T cells led to the production of immune checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies that indirectly kill the cancer cells through activation of the T cells. Even more recently, bispecific antibodies were synthetically designed to redirect the T cells of a patient to kill the cancer cells. In this Review, we summarize the different approaches used by therapeutic antibodies to target cancer cells. We discuss their mechanisms of action, the structural basis for target specificity, clinical applications and the ongoing research to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Paul
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Katharine M Wright
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratory, Merck and Co, West Point, PA, USA
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratory, Merck and Co, West Point, PA, USA.
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Engineering Program, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Shibin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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5
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Dombrowsky CS, Happel D, Habermann J, Hofmann S, Otmi S, Cohen B, Kolmar H. A Conditionally Activated Cytosol-Penetrating Antibody for TME-Dependent Intracellular Cargo Delivery. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:37. [PMID: 38804305 PMCID: PMC11130931 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020037] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, therapeutic and diagnostic applications of antibodies are primarily limited to cell surface-exposed and extracellular proteins. However, research has been conducted on cell-penetrating peptides (CPP), as well as cytosol-penetrating antibodies, to overcome these limitations. In this context, a heparin sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG)-binding antibody was serendipitously discovered, which eventually localizes to the cytosol of target cells. Functional characterization revealed that the tested antibody has beneficial cytosol-penetrating capabilities and can deliver cargo proteins (up to 70 kDa) to the cytosol. To achieve tumor-specific cell targeting and cargo delivery through conditional activation of the cell-penetrating antibody in the tumor microenvironment, a single-chain Fc fragment (scFv) and a VL domain were isolated as masking units. Several in vitro assays demonstrated that fusing the masking protein with a cleavable linker to the cell penetration antibody results in the inactivation of antibody cell binding and internalization. Removal of the mask via MMP-9 protease cleavage, a protease that is frequently overexpressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME), led to complete regeneration of binding and cytosol-penetrating capabilities. Masked and conditionally activated cytosol-penetrating antibodies have the potential to serve as a modular platform for delivering protein cargoes addressing intracellular targets in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Sophie Dombrowsky
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dominic Happel
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jan Habermann
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sarah Hofmann
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sasi Otmi
- Inter-Lab, a Subsidiary of Merck KGaA, South Industrial Area, Yavne 8122004, Israel
| | - Benny Cohen
- Inter-Lab, a Subsidiary of Merck KGaA, South Industrial Area, Yavne 8122004, Israel
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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6
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Klein C, Brinkmann U, Reichert JM, Kontermann RE. The present and future of bispecific antibodies for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:301-319. [PMID: 38448606 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00896-6] [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: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) enable novel mechanisms of action and/or therapeutic applications that cannot be achieved using conventional IgG-based antibodies. Consequently, development of these molecules has garnered substantial interest in the past decade and, as of the end of 2023, 14 bsAbs have been approved: 11 for the treatment of cancer and 3 for non-oncology indications. bsAbs are available in different formats, address different targets and mediate anticancer function via different molecular mechanisms. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of bsAbs for cancer therapy. We focus on bsAbs that are approved or in clinical development, including bsAb-mediated dual modulators of signalling pathways, tumour-targeted receptor agonists, bsAb-drug conjugates, bispecific T cell, natural killer cell and innate immune cell engagers, and bispecific checkpoint inhibitors and co-stimulators. Finally, we provide an outlook into next-generation bsAbs in earlier stages of development, including trispecifics, bsAb prodrugs, bsAbs that induce degradation of tumour targets and bsAbs acting as cytokine mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Klein
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | | | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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7
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Bacsa B, Hopl V, Derler I. Synthetic Biology Meets Ca 2+ Release-Activated Ca 2+ Channel-Dependent Immunomodulation. Cells 2024; 13:468. [PMID: 38534312 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060468] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many essential biological processes are triggered by the proximity of molecules. Meanwhile, diverse approaches in synthetic biology, such as new biological parts or engineered cells, have opened up avenues to precisely control the proximity of molecules and eventually downstream signaling processes. This also applies to a main Ca2+ entry pathway into the cell, the so-called Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. CRAC channels are among other channels are essential in the immune response and are activated by receptor-ligand binding at the cell membrane. The latter initiates a signaling cascade within the cell, which finally triggers the coupling of the two key molecular components of the CRAC channel, namely the stromal interaction molecule, STIM, in the ER membrane and the plasma membrane Ca2+ ion channel, Orai. Ca2+ entry, established via STIM/Orai coupling, is essential for various immune cell functions, including cytokine release, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. In this review, we summarize the tools of synthetic biology that have been used so far to achieve precise control over the CRAC channel pathway and thus over downstream signaling events related to the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Bacsa
- Division of Medical Physics und Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Valentina Hopl
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Isabella Derler
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria
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8
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Tsuchikama K, Anami Y, Ha SYY, Yamazaki CM. Exploring the next generation of antibody-drug conjugates. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:203-223. [PMID: 38191923 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00850-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a promising cancer treatment modality that enables the selective delivery of highly cytotoxic payloads to tumours. However, realizing the full potential of this platform necessitates innovative molecular designs to tackle several clinical challenges such as drug resistance, tumour heterogeneity and treatment-related adverse effects. Several emerging ADC formats exist, including bispecific ADCs, conditionally active ADCs (also known as probody-drug conjugates), immune-stimulating ADCs, protein-degrader ADCs and dual-drug ADCs, and each offers unique capabilities for tackling these various challenges. For example, probody-drug conjugates can enhance tumour specificity, whereas bispecific ADCs and dual-drug ADCs can address resistance and heterogeneity with enhanced activity. The incorporation of immune-stimulating and protein-degrader ADCs, which have distinct mechanisms of action, into existing treatment strategies could enable multimodal cancer treatment. Despite the promising outlook, the importance of patient stratification and biomarker identification cannot be overstated for these emerging ADCs, as these factors are crucial to identify patients who are most likely to derive benefit. As we continue to deepen our understanding of tumour biology and refine ADC design, we will edge closer to developing truly effective and safe ADCs for patients with treatment-refractory cancers. In this Review, we highlight advances in each ADC component (the monoclonal antibody, payload, linker and conjugation chemistry) and provide more-detailed discussions on selected examples of emerging novel ADCs of each format, enabled by engineering of one or more of these components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoji Tsuchikama
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Yasuaki Anami
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Summer Y Y Ha
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chisato M Yamazaki
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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9
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Biewenga L, Vermathen R, Rosier BJ, Merkx M. A Generic Antibody-Blocking Protein That Enables pH-Switchable Activation of Antibody Activity. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:48-57. [PMID: 38110237 PMCID: PMC10804362 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00449] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Molecular strategies that allow for reversible control of antibody activity have drawn considerable interest for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Protein M is a generic antibody-binding protein that binds to the Fv domain of IgGs and, in doing so, blocks antigen binding. However, the dissociation of protein M is essentially irreversible, which has precluded its use as an antibody affinity reagent and molecular mask to control antibody activity. Here, we show that introduction of 8 histidine residues on the Fv binding interface of protein M results in a variant that shows pH-switchable IgG binding. This protein M-8his variant provides an attractive and universal affinity resin for the purification of IgGs, antibody fragments (Fab and single-chain variable fragments (scFv)), and antibody conjugates. Moreover, protein M-8his enables the pH-dependent blocking of therapeutic antibodies, allowing the selective targeting of cells at pH 6.0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieuwe Biewenga
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Robin Vermathen
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bas J.H.M. Rosier
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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10
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Surowka M, Klein C. A pivotal decade for bispecific antibodies? MAbs 2024; 16:2321635. [PMID: 38465614 PMCID: PMC10936642 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2321635] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are a class of antibodies that can mediate novel mechanisms of action compared to monospecific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Since the discovery of mAbs and their adoption as therapeutic agents in the 1980s and 1990s, the development of bsAbs has held substantial appeal. Nevertheless, only three bsAbs (catumaxomab, blinatumomab, emicizumab) were approved through the end of 2020. However, since then, 11 bsAbs received regulatory agency approvals, of which nine (amivantamab, tebentafusp, mosunetuzumab, cadonilimab, teclistamab, glofitamab, epcoritamab, talquetamab, elranatamab) were approved for the treatment of cancer and two (faricimab, ozoralizumab) in non-oncology indications. Notably, of the 13 currently approved bsAbs, two, emicizumab and faricimab, have achieved blockbuster status, showing the promise of this novel class of therapeutics. In the 2020s, the approval of additional bsAbs can be expected in hematological malignancies, solid tumors and non-oncology indications, establishing bsAbs as essential part of the therapeutic armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlena Surowka
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
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11
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Lucchi R, Lucana MC, Escobar-Rosales M, Díaz-Perlas C, Oller-Salvia B. Site-specific antibody masking enables conditional activation with different stimuli. N Biotechnol 2023; 78:76-83. [PMID: 37820830 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Antibody therapeutics show great potential to treat a variety of diseases. Often, the dose that can be safely administered is limited by side effects that arise from the interaction with the target outside the diseased tissue. Conditionally-active antibodies provide an additional layer of selectivity to improve safety. Distinct external stimuli or internal cues enable different control strategies and applications. However, current antibody masking strategies have low transferability across stimuli. Here we propose a versatile approach to conditionally mask antibody derivatives and its application to a single chain variable fragment (scFv) against a receptor expressed on cancer stem cells in several tumours. Our strategy relies on the site-specific conjugation of a polymer to an engineered cysteine residue through a chemically-synthesised linker that can be cleaved in response to the target stimulus. We show that the masking efficiency depends on the conjugation site and the size of the mask. An optimised mask decreases antigen binding by up to 20-fold and affinity can be fully recovered upon activation by exposure to light at 365 nm or by incubation with matrix metalloproteinases overexpressed in solid tumours. This approach opens up the possibility to rapidly engineer antibodies activatable with any internal or external stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lucchi
- Department of Bioengineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria C Lucana
- Department of Bioengineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Escobar-Rosales
- Department of Bioengineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Díaz-Perlas
- Department of Bioengineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamí Oller-Salvia
- Department of Bioengineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Joest EF, Tampé R. Design principles for engineering light-controlled antibodies. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1501-1517. [PMID: 37507295 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.06.006] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Engineered antibodies are essential tools for research and advanced pharmacy. In the development of therapeutics, antibodies are excellent candidates as they offer both target recognition and modulation. Thanks to the latest advances in biotechnology, light-activated antibody fragments can be constructed to control spontaneous antigen interaction with high spatiotemporal precision. To implement conditional antigen binding, several optogenetic and optochemical engineering concepts have recently been developed. Here, we highlight the various strategies and discuss the features of opto-conditional antibodies. Each concept offers intrinsic advantages beneficial to different applications. In summary, the novel design approaches constitute a complementary toolset to promote current and upcoming antibody technologies with ultimate precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike F Joest
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
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13
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Kimura K, Kuwahara A, Suzuki S, Nakanishi T, Kumagai I, Asano R. Cancer therapeutic trispecific antibodies recruiting both T and natural killer cells to cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2023; 50:212. [PMID: 37859608 PMCID: PMC10620844 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8649] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are major effector cells recruited by cancer therapeutic bispecific antibodies; however, differences in the populations of these cells in individual tumors limit the general use of these antibodies. In the present study, trispecific antibodies were created, namely T cell and NK cell engagers (TaKEs), that recruit both T cells and NK cells. Notably, three Fc‑fused TaKEs were designed, TaKE1‑Fc, TaKE2‑Fc and TaKE3‑Fc, using variable fragments targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor on tumor cells, CD3 on T cells, and CD16 on NK cells. Among them, TaKE1‑Fc was predicted to form a circular tetrabody‑like configuration and exhibited the highest production and greatest cancer growth inhibitory effects. TaKE1 was prepared from TaKE1‑Fc by digesting the Fc region for further functional evaluation. The resulting TaKE1 exhibited trispecificity via its ability to bind cancer cells, T cells and NK cells, as well as comparable or greater cancer growth inhibitory effects to those of two bispecific antibodies that recruit T cells and NK cells, respectively. A functional trispecific antibody with the potential to exert strong therapeutic effects independent of T cell and NK cell populations was developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouki Kimura
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuwahara
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Saori Suzuki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakanishi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Division of Science and Engineering for Materials, Chemistry and Biology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Izumi Kumagai
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Asano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
- Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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14
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Maejima A, Suzuki S, Makabe K, Kumagai I, Asano R. Incorporation of a repeated polypeptide sequence in therapeutic antibodies as a universal masking procedure: A case study of T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies. N Biotechnol 2023; 77:80-89. [PMID: 37467927 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.07.004] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Prodrug design is a promising approach for reducing the off-target effects of therapeutic antibodies, particularly bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) that recruit T cells for activation; this design uses masking sequences that inhibit antibody binding until they reach the tumor microenvironment, where they are removed. In this study, we propose PAS, a polypeptide sequence composed of repeated Pro, Ala, and Ser residues, as a universal masking sequence. PAS has no specificity, but can inhibit antibody binding through steric hindrance caused by its large fluid dynamic radius and disordered structure; additionally, its length can be adjusted. We fused PAS to the N-terminus of an anti-CD3 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) and a bsAb, that targets both the epidermal growth factor receptor and CD3, via a recognition sequence cleaved by cancer-related proteases. PAS integration inhibited anti-CD3 scFv binding with higher efficacy than the epitope sequence, and the extent of inhibition was proportional to the length of the PAS sequence. For masked bsAbs, T cell-binding ability, cancer growth inhibition effects, and T cell activation effects were also reduced depending on the length of PAS and were fully restored upon removing PAS sequences using protease. The masking procedure using PAS was successfully applied to another scFv. The provision to adjust the masking effects of PAS by tuning its length, makes PAS fusion a valuable tool for the universal design of prodrug antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Maejima
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Saori Suzuki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Koki Makabe
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan
| | - Izumi Kumagai
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Asano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan; Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-8-1, Harumi-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
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15
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Sasso J, Tenchov R, Bird R, Iyer KA, Ralhan K, Rodriguez Y, Zhou QA. The Evolving Landscape of Antibody-Drug Conjugates: In Depth Analysis of Recent Research Progress. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1951-2000. [PMID: 37821099 PMCID: PMC10655051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are targeted immunoconjugate constructs that integrate the potency of cytotoxic drugs with the selectivity of monoclonal antibodies, minimizing damage to healthy cells and reducing systemic toxicity. Their design allows for higher doses of the cytotoxic drug to be administered, potentially increasing efficacy. They are currently among the most promising drug classes in oncology, with efforts to expand their application for nononcological indications and in combination therapies. Here we provide a detailed overview of the recent advances in ADC research and consider future directions and challenges in promoting this promising platform to widespread therapeutic use. We examine data from the CAS Content Collection, the largest human-curated collection of published scientific information, and analyze the publication landscape of recent research to reveal the exploration trends in published documents and to provide insights into the scientific advances in the area. We also discuss the evolution of the key concepts in the field, the major technologies, and their development pipelines with company research focuses, disease targets, development stages, and publication and investment trends. A comprehensive concept map has been created based on the documents in the CAS Content Collection. We hope that this report can serve as a useful resource for understanding the current state of knowledge in the field of ADCs and the remaining challenges to fulfill their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet
M. Sasso
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Rumiana Tenchov
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Robert Bird
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | | | | | - Yacidzohara Rodriguez
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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16
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Szijj PA, Gray MA, Ribi MK, Bahou C, Nogueira JCF, Bertozzi CR, Chudasama V. Chemical generation of checkpoint inhibitory T cell engagers for the treatment of cancer. Nat Chem 2023; 15:1636-1647. [PMID: 37488375 PMCID: PMC10624612 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01280-4] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), a subset of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), can promote a targeted cancer cell's death by bringing it close to a cytotoxic T cell. Checkpoint inhibitory T cell engagers (CiTEs) comprise a BiTE core with an added immunomodulatory protein, which serves to reverse cancer-cell immune-dampening strategies, improving efficacy. So far, protein engineering has been the main approach to generate bsAbs and CiTEs, but improved chemical methods for their generation have recently been developed. Homogeneous fragment-based bsAbs constructed from fragment antigen-binding regions (Fabs) can be generated using click chemistry. Here we describe a chemical method to generate biotin-functionalized three-protein conjugates, which include two CiTE molecules, one containing an anti-PD-1 Fab and the other containing an immunomodulatory enzyme, Salmonella typhimurium sialidase. The CiTEs' efficacy was shown to be superior to that of the simpler BiTE scaffold, with the sialidase-containing CiTE inducing substantially enhanced T cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. The chemical method described here, more generally, enables the generation of multi-protein constructs with further biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Szijj
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa A Gray
- Department of Chemistry, Sarafan ChEM-H, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mikaela K Ribi
- Department of Chemistry, Sarafan ChEM-H, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Calise Bahou
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Carolyn R Bertozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Sarafan ChEM-H, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Vijay Chudasama
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK.
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17
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Yang X, Zhao L, Wang Y, Ji Y, Su XC, Ma JA, Xuan W. Constructing Photoactivatable Protein with Genetically Encoded Photocaged Glutamic Acid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308472. [PMID: 37587083 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetically replacing an essential residue with the corresponding photocaged analogues via genetic code expansion (GCE) constitutes a useful and unique strategy to directly and effectively generate photoactivatable proteins. However, the application of this strategy is severely hampered by the limited number of encoded photocaged proteinogenic amino acids. Herein, we report the genetic incorporation of photocaged glutamic acid analogues in E. coli and mammalian cells and demonstrate their use in constructing photoactivatable variants of various fluorescent proteins and SpyCatcher. We believe genetically encoded photocaged Glu would significantly promote the design and application of photoactivatable proteins in many areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yanli Ji
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xun-Cheng Su
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jun-An Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Weimin Xuan
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
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18
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Smith R. Bringing cell therapy to tumors: considerations for optimal CAR binder design. Antib Ther 2023; 6:225-239. [PMID: 37846297 PMCID: PMC10576856 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have revolutionized the immunotherapy of B-cell malignancies and are poised to expand the range of their impact across a broad range of oncology and non-oncology indications. Critical to the success of a given CAR is the choice of binding domain, as this is the key driver for specificity and plays an important role (along with the rest of the CAR structure) in determining efficacy, potency and durability of the cell therapy. While antibodies have proven to be effective sources of CAR binding domains, it has become apparent that the desired attributes for a CAR binding domain do differ from those of a recombinant antibody. This review will address key factors that need to be considered in choosing the optimal binding domain for a given CAR and how binder properties influence and are influenced by the rest of the CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Smith
- Department of Research, Kite, a Gilead Company, 5858 Horton Street, Suite 240, Emeryville, CA 94070, USA
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19
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Schoenfeld K, Harwardt J, Habermann J, Elter A, Kolmar H. Conditional activation of an anti-IgM antibody-drug conjugate for precise B cell lymphoma targeting. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1258700. [PMID: 37841262 PMCID: PMC10569071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1258700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancerous B cells are almost indistinguishable from their non-malignant counterparts regarding their surface antigen expression. Accordingly, the challenge to be faced consists in elimination of the malignant B cell population while maintaining a functional adaptive immune system. Here, we present an IgM-specific antibody-drug conjugate masked by fusion of the epitope-bearing IgM constant domain. Antibody masking impaired interaction with soluble pentameric as well as cell surface-expressed IgM molecules rendering the antibody cytotoxically inactive. Binding capacity of the anti-IgM antibody drug conjugate was restored upon conditional protease-mediated demasking which consequently enabled target-dependent antibody internalization and subsequent induction of apoptosis in malignant B cells. This easily adaptable approach potentially provides a novel mechanism of clonal B cell lymphoma eradication to the arsenal available for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Schoenfeld
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julia Harwardt
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jan Habermann
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Adrian Elter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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20
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Westberg M, Song D, Duong V, Fernandez D, Huang PS, Lin MZ. Photoswitchable binders enable temporal dissection of endogenous protein function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.14.557687. [PMID: 37745504 PMCID: PMC10515898 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.14.557687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
General methods for spatiotemporal control of specific endogenous proteins would be broadly useful for probing protein function in living cells. Synthetic protein binders that bind and inhibit endogenous protein targets can be obtained from nanobodies, designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins), and other small protein scaffolds, but generalizable methods to control their binding activity are lacking. Here, we report robust single-chain photoswitchable DARPins (psDARPins) for bidirectional optical control of endogenous proteins. We created topological variants of the DARPin scaffold by computer-aided design so fusion of photodissociable dimeric Dronpa (pdDronpa) results in occlusion of target binding at baseline. Cyan light induces pdDronpa dissociation to expose the binding surface (paratope), while violet light restores pdDronpa dimerization and paratope caging. Since the DARPin redesign leaves the paratope intact, the approach was easily applied to existing DARPins for GFP, ERK, and Ras, as demonstrated by relocalizing GFP-family proteins and inhibiting endogenous ERK and Ras with optical control. Finally, a Ras-targeted psDARPin was used to determine that, following EGF-activation of EGFR, Ras is required for sustained EGFR to ERK signaling. In summary, psDARPins provide a generalizable strategy for precise spatiotemporal dissection of endogenous protein function.
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21
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Smith FD, Pierce RH, Thisted T, van der Horst EH. Conditionally Active, pH-Sensitive Immunoregulatory Antibodies Targeting VISTA and CTLA-4 Lead an Emerging Class of Cancer Therapeutics. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:55. [PMID: 37753969 PMCID: PMC10525963 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030055] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints and other immunoregulatory targets can be difficult to precisely target due to expression on non-tumor immune cells critical to maintaining immune homeostasis in healthy tissues. On-target/off-tumor binding of therapeutics results in significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic problems. Target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) significantly limits effective intratumoral drug levels and adversely affects anti-tumor efficacy. Target engagement outside the tumor environment may lead to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), resulting in a narrowing of the therapeutic window, sub-optimal dosing, or cessation of drug development altogether. Overcoming these challenges has become tractable through recent advances in antibody engineering and screening approaches. Here, we review the discovery and development of conditionally active antibodies with minimal binding to target at physiologic pH but high-affinity target binding at the low pH of the tumor microenvironment by focusing on the discovery and improved properties of pH-dependent mAbs targeting two T cell checkpoints, VISTA and CTLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Donelson Smith
- Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc., 1405 Research Blvd., Suite 125, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
| | | | - Thomas Thisted
- Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc., 1405 Research Blvd., Suite 125, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
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22
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Pham PN, Zahradník J, Kolářová L, Schneider B, Fuertes G. Regulation of IL-24/IL-20R2 complex formation using photocaged tyrosines and UV light. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1214235. [PMID: 37484532 PMCID: PMC10361524 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1214235] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human interleukin 24 (IL-24) is a multifunctional cytokine that represents an important target for autoimmune diseases and cancer. Since the biological functions of IL-24 depend on interactions with membrane receptors, on-demand regulation of the affinity between IL-24 and its cognate partners offers exciting possibilities in basic research and may have applications in therapy. As a proof-of-concept, we developed a strategy based on recombinant soluble protein variants and genetic code expansion technology to photocontrol the binding between IL-24 and one of its receptors, IL-20R2. Screening of non-canonical ortho-nitrobenzyl-tyrosine (NBY) residues introduced at several positions in both partners was done by a combination of biophysical and cell signaling assays. We identified one position for installing NBY, tyrosine70 of IL-20R2, which results in clear impairment of heterocomplex assembly in the dark. Irradiation with 365-nm light leads to decaging and reconstitutes the native tyrosine of the receptor that can then associate with IL-24. Photocaged IL-20R2 may be useful for the spatiotemporal control of the JAK/STAT phosphorylation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Ngoc Pham
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Zahradník
- First Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV Center, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lucie Kolářová
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Bohdan Schneider
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Gustavo Fuertes
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
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23
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Fu Y, Tang R, Zhao X. Engineering cytokines for cancer immunotherapy: a systematic review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1218082. [PMID: 37483629 PMCID: PMC10357296 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1218082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are pivotal mediators of cell communication in the tumor microenvironment. Multiple cytokines are involved in the host antitumor response, but the production and function of these cytokines are usually dysregulated during malignant tumor progression. Considering their clinical potential and the early successful use of cytokines in cancer immunotherapy, such as interferon alpha-2b (IFNα-2b; IntronA®) and IL-2 (Proleukin®), cytokine-based therapeutics have been extensively evaluated in many follow-up clinical trials. Following these initial breakthroughs, however, clinical translation of these natural messenger molecules has been greatly limited owing to their high-degree pleiotropic features and complex biological properties in many cell types. These characteristics, coupled with poor pharmacokinetics (a short half-life), have hampered the delivery of cytokines via systemic administration, particularly because of severe dose-limiting toxicities. New engineering approaches have been developed to widen the therapeutic window, prolong pharmacokinetic effects, enhance tumor targeting and reduce adverse effects, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we focus on the recent progress and competitive landscape in cytokine engineering strategies and preclinical/clinical therapeutics for cancer. In addition, aiming to promote engineered cytokine-based cancer immunotherapy, we present a profound discussion about the feasibility of recently developed methods in clinical medicine translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Renhong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
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24
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Petri YD, Gutierrez CS, Raines RT. Chemoselective Caging of Carboxyl Groups for On-Demand Protein Activation with Small Molecules. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215614. [PMID: 36964973 PMCID: PMC10243506 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Tools for on-demand protein activation enable impactful gain-of-function studies in biological settings. Thus far, however, proteins have been chemically caged at primarily Lys, Tyr, and Sec, typically through the genetic encoding of unnatural amino acids. Herein, we report that the preferential reactivity of diazo compounds with protonated acids can be used to expand this toolbox to solvent-accessible carboxyl groups with an elevated pKa value. As a model protein, we employed lysozyme (Lyz), which has an active-site Glu35 residue with a pKa value of 6.2. A diazo compound with a bioorthogonal self-immolative handle esterified Glu35 selectively, inactivating Lyz. The hydrolytic activity of the caged Lyz on bacterial cell walls was restored with two small-molecule triggers. The decaging was more efficient by small molecules than by esterases. This simple chemical strategy was also applied to a hemeprotein and an aspartyl protease, setting the stage for broad applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana D. Petri
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307, USA
| | - Clair S. Gutierrez
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307, USA
| | - Ronald T. Raines
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307, USA
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25
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Song SH, Ghosh T, You DG, Joo H, Lee J, Lee J, Kim CH, Jeon J, Shin S, Park JH. Functionally Masked Antibody to Uncouple Immune-Related Toxicities in Checkpoint Blockade Cancer Therapy. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37184643 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Of the existing immunotherapy drugs in oncology, monoclonal antibodies targeting the immune checkpoint axis are preferred because of the durable responses observed in selected patients. However, the associated immune-related adverse events (irAEs), causing uncommon fatal events, often require specialized management and medication discontinuation. The study aim was to investigate our hypothesis that masking checkpoint antibodies with tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive polymer chains can mitigate irAEs and selectively target tumors by limiting systemic exposure to patients. We devised a broadly applicable strategy that functionalizes immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies with a mildly acidic pH-cleavable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) shell to prevent inflammatory side effects in normal tissues. Conjugation of pH-sensitive PEG to anti-CD47 antibodies (αCD47) minimized antibody-cell interactions by inhibiting their binding ability and functionality at physiological pH, leading to prevention of αCD47-induced anemia in tumor-bearing mice. When conjugated to anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, double checkpoint blockade-induced colitis was also ameliorated. Notably, removal of the protective shell in response to an acidic TME restored the checkpoint antibody activities, accompanied by effective tumor regression and long-term survival in the mouse model. Our results support a feasible strategy for antibody-based therapies to uncouple toxicity from efficacy and show the translational potential for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Ho Song
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Torsha Ghosh
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gil You
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeyeon Joo
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongjin Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeah Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Ho Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jueun Jeon
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Shin
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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26
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Qian L, Lin X, Gao X, Khan RU, Liao JY, Du S, Ge J, Zeng S, Yao SQ. The Dawn of a New Era: Targeting the "Undruggables" with Antibody-Based Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2023. [PMID: 37186942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The high selectivity and affinity of antibodies toward their antigens have made them a highly valuable tool in disease therapy, diagnosis, and basic research. A plethora of chemical and genetic approaches have been devised to make antibodies accessible to more "undruggable" targets and equipped with new functions of illustrating or regulating biological processes more precisely. In this Review, in addition to introducing how naked antibodies and various antibody conjugates (such as antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, antibody-enzyme conjugates, etc.) work in therapeutic applications, special attention has been paid to how chemistry tools have helped to optimize the therapeutic outcome (i.e., with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects) or facilitate the multifunctionalization of antibodies, with a focus on emerging fields such as targeted protein degradation, real-time live-cell imaging, catalytic labeling or decaging with spatiotemporal control as well as the engagement of antibodies inside cells. With advances in modern chemistry and biotechnology, well-designed antibodies and their derivatives via size miniaturization or multifunctionalization together with efficient delivery systems have emerged, which have gradually improved our understanding of important biological processes and paved the way to pursue novel targets for potential treatments of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Qian
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuefen Lin
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rizwan Ullah Khan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jia-Yu Liao
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shubo Du
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Su Zeng
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117544
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27
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Tang Q, Sun S, Wang P, Sun L, Wang Y, Zhang L, Xu M, Chen J, Wu R, Zhang J, Gong M, Chen Q, Liang X. Genetically Engineering Cell Membrane-Coated BTO Nanoparticles for MMP2-Activated Piezocatalysis-Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300964. [PMID: 36809650 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) still suffers from low host response rate and non-specific distribution of immune checkpoint inhibitors, greatly compromising the therapeutic efficiency. Herein, cellular membrane stably expressing matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2)-activated PD-L1 blockades is engineered to coat ultrasmall barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticle for overcoming the immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumors. The resulting M@BTO NPs can significantly promote the BTO's tumor accumulation, while the masking domains on membrane PD-L1 antibodies are cleaved when exposure to MMP2 highly expressed in tumor. With ultrasound (US) irradiation, M@BTO NPs can simultaneously generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and O2 based on BTO mediated piezocatalysis and water splitting, significantly promoting the intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and improving the PD-L1 blockade therapy to the tumor, resulting in effective tumor growth inhibition and lung metastasis suppression in a melanoma mouse model. This nanoplatform combines MMP2-activated genetic editing cell membrane with US responsive BTO for both immune stimulation and specific PD-L1 inhibition, providing a safe and robust strategy in enhancing immune response against tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshuang Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Suhui Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lihong Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Menghong Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruiqi Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jinxia Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming Gong
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
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28
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Thoreau F, Szijj PA, Greene MK, Rochet LNC, Thanasi IA, Blayney JK, Maruani A, Baker JR, Scott CJ, Chudasama V. Modular Chemical Construction of IgG-like Mono- and Bispecific Synthetic Antibodies (SynAbs). ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:476-487. [PMID: 36968530 PMCID: PMC10037451 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years there has been rising interest in the field of protein-protein conjugation, especially related to bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and their therapeutic applications. These constructs contain two paratopes capable of binding two distinct epitopes on target molecules and are thus able to perform complex biological functions (mechanisms of action) not available to monospecific mAbs. Traditionally these bsAbs have been constructed through protein engineering, but recently chemical methods for their construction have started to (re)emerge. While these have been shown to offer increased modularity, speed, and for some methods even the inherent capacity for further functionalization (e.g., with small molecule cargo), most of these approaches lacked the ability to include a fragment crystallizable (Fc) modality. The Fc component of IgG antibodies offers effector function and increased half-life. Here we report a first-in-class disulfide rebridging and click-chemistry-based method for the generation of Fc-containing, IgG-like mono- and bispecific antibodies. These are in the FcZ-(FabX)-FabY format, i.e., two distinct Fabs and an Fc, potentially all from different antibodies, attached in a homogeneous and covalent manner. We have dubbed these molecules synthetic antibodies (SynAbs). We have constructed a T cell-engager (TCE) SynAb, FcCD20-(FabHER2)-FabCD3, and have confirmed that it exhibits the expected biological functions, including the ability to kill HER2+ target cells in a coculture assay with T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Thoreau
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Peter A. Szijj
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Michelle K. Greene
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AEU.K.
| | - Léa N. C. Rochet
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Ioanna A. Thanasi
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Jaine K. Blayney
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AEU.K.
| | - Antoine Maruani
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - James R. Baker
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
| | - Christopher J. Scott
- Patrick
G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AEU.K.
| | - Vijay Chudasama
- Department
of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K.
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29
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Díaz-Perlas C, Oller-Salvia B. Chemically Enhanced Peptide and Protein Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030827. [PMID: 36986688 PMCID: PMC10053323 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins and peptides are on the rise as therapeutic agents and represent a higher percentage of approved drugs each year: 24% in 2021 vs [...]
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30
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Brasino M, Wagnell E, Hamilton S, Ranganathan S, Gomes MM, Branchaud B, Messmer B, Ibsen SD. Turning antibodies off and on again using a covalently tethered blocking peptide. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1357. [PMID: 36496512 PMCID: PMC9741643 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In their natural form, antibodies are always in an "on-state" and are capable of binding to their targets. This leads to undesirable interactions in a wide range of therapeutic, analytical, and synthetic applications. Modulating binding kinetics of antibodies to turn them from an "off-state" to an "on-state" with temporal and spatial control can address this. Here we demonstrate a method to modulate binding activity of antibodies in a predictable and reproducible way. We designed a blocking construct that uses both covalent and non-covalent interactions with the antibody. The construct consisted of a Protein L protein attached to a flexible linker ending in a blocking-peptide designed to interact with the antibody binding site. A mutant Protein L was developed to enable photo-triggered covalent crosslinking to the antibody at a specific location. The covalent bond anchored the linker and blocking peptide to the antibody light chain keeping the blocking peptide close to the antibody binding site. This effectively put the antibody into an "off-state". We demonstrate that protease-cleavable and photocleavable moieties in the tether enable controlled antibody activation to the "on-state" for anti-FLAG and cetuximab antibodies. Protein L can bind a range of antibodies used therapeutically and in research for wide applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brasino
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Eli Wagnell
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Sean Hamilton
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA ,grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Srivathsan Ranganathan
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Michelle M. Gomes
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Bruce Branchaud
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | | | - Stuart D. Ibsen
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA ,grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
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31
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Derkaev AA, Ryabova EI, Esmagambetov IB, Shcheblyakov DV, Godakova SA, Vinogradova ID, Noskov AN, Logunov DY, Naroditsky BS, Gintsburg AL. rAAV expressing recombinant neutralizing antibody for the botulinum neurotoxin type A prophylaxis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:960937. [PMID: 36238585 PMCID: PMC9551282 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.960937] [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: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is one of the most dangerous bacterial toxins and a potential biological weapon component. BoNT mechanism of pathological action is based on inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters from nerve endings. To date, anti-BoNT therapy is reduced to the use of horse hyperimmune serum, which causes many side effects, as well as FDA-approved drug BabyBig which consists of human-derived anti-BoNT antibodies (IgG) for infant botulinum treatment. Therapeutics for botulism treatment based on safer monoclonal antibodies are undergoing clinical trials. In addition, agents have been developed for the specific prevention of botulism, but their effectiveness has not been proved. In this work, we have obtained a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV-B11-Fc) expressing a single-domain antibody fused to the human IgG Fc-fragment (B11-Fc) and specific to botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A). We have demonstrated that B11-Fc antibody, expressed via rAAV-B11-Fc treatment, can protect animals from lethal doses of botulinum toxin type A, starting from day 3 and at least 120 days after administration. Thus, our results showed that rAAV-B11-Fc can provide long-term expression of B11-Fc-neutralizing antibody in vivo and provide long-term protection against BoNT/A intoxication. Consequently, our study demonstrates the applicability of rAAV expressing protective antibodies for the prevention of intoxication caused by botulinum toxins.
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32
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Gout DY, Groen LS, van Egmond M. The present and future of immunocytokines for cancer treatment. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:509. [PMID: 36066630 PMCID: PMC9448690 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has successfully been introduced as treatment of several lymphomas and leukemias. However, solid tumors reduce the efficacy of mAb therapy because of an immune-suppressive tumor micro-environment (TME), which hampers activation of effector immune cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokine therapy may counteract immune suppression in the TME and increase mAb efficacy, but untargeted pro-inflammatory cytokine therapy is limited by severe off-target toxicity and a short half-life of cytokines. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, also referred to as immunocytokines, provide a solution to either issue, as the antibody both acts as local delivery platform and increases half-life. The antibody can furthermore bridge local cytotoxic immune cells, like macrophages and natural killer cells with tumor cells, which can be eliminated after effector cells are activated via the cytokine. Currently, a variety of different antibody formats as well as a handful of cytokine payloads are used to generate immunocytokines. However, many potential formats and payloads are still left unexplored. In this review, we describe current antibody formats and cytokine moieties that are used for the development of immunocytokines, and highlight several immunocytokines in (pre-)clinical studies. Furthermore, potential future routes of development are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Y Gout
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology Program, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte S Groen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,LUMICKS, Paalbergweg 3, 1105 AG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein van Egmond
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Cancer Immunology Program, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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33
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Lou H, Cao X. Antibody variable region engineering for improving cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:804-827. [PMID: 35822503 PMCID: PMC9456695 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy and specificity of conventional monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs in the clinic require further improvement. Currently, the development and application of novel antibody formats for improving cancer immunotherapy have attracted much attention. Variable region-retaining antibody fragments, such as antigen-binding fragment (Fab), single-chain variable fragment (scFv), bispecific antibody, and bi/trispecific cell engagers, are engineered with humanization, multivalent antibody construction, affinity optimization and antibody masking for targeting tumor cells and killer cells to improve antibody-based therapy potency, efficacy and specificity. In this review, we summarize the application of antibody variable region engineering and discuss the future direction of antibody engineering for improving cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Lou
- Ludwig Institute of Cancer ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 7DRUK
- Chinese Academy for Medical Sciences Oxford InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 7FZUK
| | - Xuetao Cao
- Chinese Academy for Medical Sciences Oxford InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 7FZUK
- Department of ImmunologyCentre for Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical SciencesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing100005P. R. China
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34
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Designing antibodies as therapeutics. Cell 2022; 185:2789-2805. [PMID: 35868279 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Antibody therapeutics are a large and rapidly expanding drug class providing major health benefits. We provide a snapshot of current antibody therapeutics including their formats, common targets, therapeutic areas, and routes of administration. Our focus is on selected emerging directions in antibody design where progress may provide a broad benefit. These topics include enhancing antibodies for cancer, antibody delivery to organs such as the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs, plus antibody developability challenges including immunogenicity risk assessment and mitigation and subcutaneous delivery. Machine learning has the potential, albeit as yet largely unrealized, for a transformative future impact on antibody discovery and engineering.
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35
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Chen TT. Conditionally active T cell engagers for the treatment of solid tumors: rationale and clinical development. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:955-963. [PMID: 35857922 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2098674] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION T cell engagers are a class of bispecific molecules that induce highly potent T cell-dependent cytotoxicity by bringing T cell activating receptors into proximity with cancer-associated cell surface antigens. However, because of their high potency, there is a greater risk of on-target/off-tumor toxicity owing to normal tissues having tumor antigen expression even at low levels. To reduce these adverse events, the dysregulated activity of proteases within the tumor microenvironment has recently been explored to create inert prodrugs that become conditionally active engagers after their cleavage by these enzymes. AREAS COVERED T-cell engagers that have been introduced for clinical use, and their respective successes and failures are reviewed. The unique challenges of these bispecific molecules for treating solid tumors and prior technologies used to exploit the proteolytic tumor microenvironment to create better-tolerated prodrugs and how that experience has led to the current series of conditionally active T-cell engagers, are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Methods for modulating the serum half-life of both inert and activated T cell engagers could have important ramifications in how they infiltrate tumors and prevent toxicity. Alternative features of the tumor microenvironment can also be leveraged in the development of conditional T cell engagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Timothy Chen
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc
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36
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Li M, Mei S, Yang Y, Shen Y, Chen L. Strategies to mitigate the on- and off-target toxicities of recombinant immunotoxins: an antibody engineering perspective. Antib Ther 2022; 5:164-176. [PMID: 35928456 PMCID: PMC9344849 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbac014] [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: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapies using immunotoxins has achieved remarkable efficacies in hematological malignancies. However, the clinical development of immunotoxins is also faced with many challenges like anti-drug antibodies and dose-limiting toxicity issues. Such a poor efficacy/safety ratio is also the major hurdle in the research and development of antibody-drug conjugates. From an antibody engineering perspective, various strategies were summarized/proposed to tackle the notorious on target off tumor toxicity issues, including passive strategy (XTENylation of immunotoxins) and active strategies (modulating the affinity and valency of the targeting moiety of immunotoxins, conditionally activating immunotoxins in the tumor microenvironments and reconstituting split toxin to reduce systemic toxicity etc.). By modulating the functional characteristics of the targeting moiety and the toxic moiety of immunotoxins, selective tumor targeting can be augmented while sparing the healthy cells in normal tissues expressing the same target of interest. If successful, the improved therapeutic index will likely help to address the dose-limiting toxicities commonly observed in the clinical trials of various immunotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Li
- Department of Postgraduate , Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Sen Mei
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Jiangsu Co. Ltd, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuelei Shen
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Jiangsu Co. Ltd, Nantong, P.R. China
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
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37
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Jedlitzke B, Mootz HD. A light-activatable photocaged variant of the ultra-high affinity ALFA-tag nanobody. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200079. [PMID: 35411584 PMCID: PMC9324849 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nanobodies against short linear peptide‐epitopes are widely used to detect and bind proteins of interest (POI) in fusion constructs. Engineered nanobodies that can be controlled by light have found very recent attention for various extra‐ and intracellular applications. We here report the design of a photocaged variant of the ultra‐high affinity ALFA‐tag nanobody, also termed ALFA‐tag photobody. ortho‐Nitrobenzyl tyrosine was incorporated into the paratope region of the nanobody by genetic code expansion technology and resulted in a ≥9,200 to 100,000‐fold impairment of the binding affinity. Irradiation with light (365 nm) leads to decaging and reconstitutes the native nanobody. We show the light‐dependent binding of the ALFA‐tag photobody to HeLa cells presenting the ALFA‐tag. The generation of the first photobody directed against a short peptide epitope underlines the generality of our photobody design concept. We envision that this photobody will be useful for the spatiotemporal control of proteins in many applications using cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Jedlitzke
- Institute of BiochemistryDepartment of Chemistry and PharmacyUniversity of MuensterCorrensstr. 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Henning D. Mootz
- Institute of BiochemistryDepartment of Chemistry and PharmacyUniversity of MuensterCorrensstr. 3648149MünsterGermany
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38
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Orozco CT, Bersellini M, Irving LM, Howard WW, Hargreaves D, Devine PWA, Siouve E, Browne GJ, Bond NJ, Phillips JJ, Ravn P, Jackson SE. Mechanistic insights into the rational design of masked antibodies. MAbs 2022; 14:2095701. [PMID: 35799328 PMCID: PMC9272835 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2095701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although monoclonal antibodies have greatly improved cancer therapy, they can trigger side effects due to on-target, off-tumor toxicity. Over the past decade, strategies have emerged to successfully mask the antigen-binding site of antibodies, such that they are only activated at the relevant site, for example, after proteolytic cleavage. However, the methods for designing an ideal affinity-based mask and what parameters are important are not yet well understood. Here, we undertook mechanistic studies using three masks with different properties and identified four critical factors: binding site and affinity, as well as association and dissociation rate constants, which also played an important role. HDX-MS was used to identify the location of binding sites on the antibody, which were subsequently validated by obtaining a high-resolution crystal structure for one of the mask-antibody complexes. These findings will inform future designs of optimal affinity-based masks for antibodies and other therapeutic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina T Orozco
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Biologics Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.,Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Wesley W Howard
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Paul W A Devine
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elise Siouve
- Biologics Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Nicholas J Bond
- Analytical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Peter Ravn
- Biologics Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sophie E Jackson
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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39
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Maruyama K, Ishiyama T, Seki Y, Sakai K, Togo T, Oisaki K, Kanai M. Protein Modification at Tyrosine with Iminoxyl Radicals. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:19844-19855. [PMID: 34787412 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins are a biological mechanism for reversibly controlling protein function. Synthetic protein modifications (SPMs) at specific canonical amino acids can mimic PTMs. However, reversible SPMs at hydrophobic amino acid residues in proteins are especially limited. Here, we report a tyrosine (Tyr)-selective SPM utilizing persistent iminoxyl radicals, which are readily generated from sterically hindered oximes via single-electron oxidation. The reactivity of iminoxyl radicals with Tyr was dependent on the steric and electronic demands of oximes; isopropyl methyl piperidinium oxime 1f formed stable adducts, whereas the reaction of tert-butyl methyl piperidinium oxime 1o was reversible. The difference in reversibility between 1f and 1o, differentiated only by one methyl group, is due to the stability of iminoxyl radicals, which is partly dictated by the bond dissociation energy of oxime O-H groups. The Tyr-selective modifications with 1f and 1o proceeded under physiologically relevant, mild conditions. Specifically, the stable Tyr-modification with 1f introduced functional small molecules, including an azobenzene photoswitch, to proteins. Moreover, masking critical Tyr residues by SPM with 1o, and subsequent deconjugation triggered by the treatment with a thiol, enabled on-demand control of protein functions. We applied this reversible Tyr modification with 1o to alter an enzymatic activity and the binding affinity of a monoclonal antibody with an antigen upon modification/deconjugation. The on-demand ON/OFF switch of protein functions through Tyr-selective and reversible covalent-bond formation will provide unique opportunities in biological research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Maruyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishiyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yohei Seki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sakai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takaya Togo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kounosuke Oisaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Motomu Kanai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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40
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Engineered antibody fusion proteins for targeted disease therapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:1064-1081. [PMID: 34706833 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Since the FDA approval of the first therapeutic antibody 35 years ago, antibody-based products have gained prominence in the pharmaceutical market. Building on the early successes of monoclonal antibodies, more recent efforts have capitalized on the exquisite specificity and/or favorable pharmacokinetic properties of antibodies by developing fusion proteins that enable targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads which are otherwise ineffective when administered systemically. This review focuses on recent engineering and translational advances for therapeutics that genetically fuse antibodies to disease-relevant payloads, including cytokines, toxins, enzymes, neuroprotective agents, and soluble factor traps. With numerous antibody fusion proteins in the clinic and other innovative molecules poised to follow suit, these potent, multifunctional drug candidates promise to be a major player in the therapeutic development landscape for years to come.
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