1
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Flatz L, Wagner NB, Denisjuk N, Do P, Nadal L, Puca E, Elia G, Covelli A, Neri D, Cozzio A. Intratumoral administration of daromun in non-melanoma skin cancer: Preliminary results from a phase 2 non-randomized controlled trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 38959382 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Flatz
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nikolaus B Wagner
- Department of Dermatology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Natalja Denisjuk
- Department of Dermatology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Peter Do
- Department of Dermatology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Nadal
- Philogen/Philochem, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Philogen/Philochem, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Cozzio
- Department of Dermatology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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2
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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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3
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Galbiati A, Dorten P, Gilardoni E, Gierse F, Bocci M, Zana A, Mock J, Claesener M, Cufe J, Büther F, Schäfers K, Hermann S, Schäfers M, Neri D, Cazzamalli S, Backhaus P. Tumor-Targeted Interleukin 2 Boosts the Anticancer Activity of FAP-Directed Radioligand Therapeutics. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:1934-1940. [PMID: 37734838 PMCID: PMC10690118 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.266007] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the antitumor efficacy of a combination of 177Lu-labeled radioligand therapeutics targeting the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) (OncoFAP and BiOncoFAP) with the antibody-cytokine fusion protein L19-interleukin 2 (L19-IL2) providing targeted delivery of interleukin 2 to tumors. Methods: The biodistribution of 177Lu-OncoFAP and 177Lu-BiOncoFAP at different molar amounts (3 vs. 250 nmol/kg) of injected ligand was studied via SPECT/CT in mice bearing subcutaneous HT-1080.hFAP tumors, and self-absorbed tumor and organ doses were calculated. The in vivo anticancer effect of 5 MBq of the radiolabeled preparations was evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with L19-IL2 in subcutaneously implanted HT-1080.hFAP and SK-RC-52.hFAP tumors. Tumor samples from animals treated with 177Lu-BiOncoFAP, L19-IL2, or both were analyzed by mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify therapeutic signatures on cellular and stromal markers of cancer and on immunomodulatory targets. Results: 177Lu-BiOncoFAP led to a significantly higher self-absorbed dose in FAP-positive tumors (0.293 ± 0.123 Gy/MBq) than did 177Lu-OncoFAP (0.157 ± 0.047 Gy/MBq, P = 0.01) and demonstrated favorable tumor-to-organ ratios at high molar amounts of injected ligand. Administration of L19-IL2 or 177Lu-BiOncoFAP as single agents led to cancer cures in only a limited number of treated animals. In 177Lu-BiOncoFAP-plus-L19-IL2 combination therapy, complete remissions were observed in all injected mice (7/7 complete remissions for the HT-1080.hFAP model, and 4/4 complete remissions for the SK-RC-52.hFAP model), suggesting therapeutic synergy. Proteomic studies revealed a mechanism of action based on the activation of natural killer cells, with a significant enhancement of the expression of granzymes and perforin 1 in the tumor microenvironment after combination treatment. Conclusion: The combination of OncoFAP-based radioligand therapeutics with concurrent targeting of interleukin 2 shows synergistic anticancer effects in the treatment of FAP-positive tumors. This experimental finding should be corroborated by future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Galbiati
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Dorten
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Florian Gierse
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Matilde Bocci
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Aureliano Zana
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Mock
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Claesener
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Juela Cufe
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Florian Büther
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Schäfers
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven Hermann
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Schäfers
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- West German Cancer Centre, Münster, Germany
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland; and
- Philogen S.p.A., Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Research and Development Department, Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland;
| | - Philipp Backhaus
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- West German Cancer Centre, Münster, Germany
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4
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Prodi E, Comacchio C, Gilardoni E, Di Nitto C, Puca E, Neri D, De Luca R. An Antibody Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein Simultaneously Fused to Interleukin-2 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Selectively Localizes to Neoplastic Lesions. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12020029. [PMID: 37092450 PMCID: PMC10123652 DOI: 10.3390/antib12020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The delivery of specific cytokine payloads to a neoplastic environment employing antibodies able to selectively accumulate at the tumor site represents an attractive strategy to stimulate an immune response to cancer. Whilst conventional antibody-cytokine fusions based on a single payload have shown potent anticancer activity, the concomitant delivery of two cytokine payloads may further improve the therapeutic outcome as the immune system typically adopts multiple signals to reinforce an antitumor strategy. We here describe a potency-matched dual-cytokine antibody fusion protein containing a tumor-targeting antibody fragment specific to human fibroblast activation protein (FAP), simultaneously linked to both interleukin-2 (IL2) and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mutant. The resulting fusion protein, termed IL2-7NP2-TNFmut, formed stable non-covalent trimers driven by the interaction of the tumor necrosis factor subunits. Both cytokine payloads retained their biological activity within the fusion protein, as shown by in vitro cellular assays. The tumor-targeting properties and the anticancer activity of IL2-7NP2-TNFmut were investigated in vivo in immunocompromised mice bearing SKRC52 cells transduced with human FAP. The fusion protein preferentially localized to the cancer site and induced partial tumor retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Prodi
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
- CiBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
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5
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Rybchenko VS, Aliev TK, Panina AA, Kirpichnikov MP, Dolgikh DA. Targeted Cytokine Delivery for Cancer Treatment: Engineering and Biological Effects. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020336. [PMID: 36839658 PMCID: PMC9960319 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020336] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-tumor properties of several cytokines have already been investigated in multiple experiments and clinical trials. However, those studies evidenced substantial toxicities, even at low cytokine doses, and the lack of tumor specificity. These factors significantly limit clinical applications. Due to their high specificity and affinity, tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments are capable of delivering fused cytokines to tumors and, therefore, of decreasing the number and severity of side effects, as well as of enhancing the therapeutic index. The present review surveys the actual antibody-cytokine fusion protein (immunocytokine) formats, their targets, mechanisms of action, and anti-tumor and other biological effects. Special attention is paid to the formats designed to prevent the off-target cytokine-receptor interactions, potentially inducing side effects. Here, we describe preclinical and clinical data and the efficacy of the antibody-mediated cytokine delivery approach, either as a single therapy or in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav S Rybchenko
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Teimur K Aliev
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Panina
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail P Kirpichnikov
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Dolgikh
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
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6
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Bae J, Liu L, Moore C, Hsu E, Zhang A, Ren Z, Sun Z, Wang X, Zhu J, Shen J, Qiao J, Fu YX. IL-2 delivery by engineered mesenchymal stem cells re-invigorates CD8 + T cells to overcome immunotherapy resistance in cancer. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1754-1765. [PMID: 36474070 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based immunotherapy depends on functional tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), but essential cytokines are less understood. Here we uncover an essential role of endogenous IL-2 for ICB responsiveness and the correlation between insufficient IL-2 signalling and T-cell exhaustion as tumours progress. To determine if exogenous IL-2 in the tumour microenvironment can overcome ICB resistance, we engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to successfully deliver IL-2 mutein dimer (SIL2-EMSC) to TILs. While MSCs have been used to suppress inflammation, SIL2-EMSCs elicit anti-tumour immunity and overcome ICB resistance without toxicity. Mechanistically, SIL2-EMSCs activate and expand pre-existing CD8+ TILs, sufficient for tumour control and induction of systemic anti-tumour effects. Furthermore, engineered MSCs create synergy of innate and adaptive immunity. The therapeutic benefits of SIL2-EMSCs were also observed in humanized mouse models. Overall, engineered MSCs rejuvenate CD8+ TILs and thus potentiate ICB and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonbeom Bae
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Longchao Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Casey Moore
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eric Hsu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anli Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhenhua Ren
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhichen Sun
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jiankun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jiao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Qiao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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7
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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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8
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Antczak M, Cañete PF, Chen Z, Belle C, Yu D. Evolution of γ chain cytokines: mechanisms, methods and applications. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4746-4755. [PMID: 36147674 PMCID: PMC9465101 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.050] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The common γ chain family of cytokines and their receptors play fundamental roles in the immune system. Evolutionary studies of γ chain cytokines have elegantly illustrated how the immune system adapts to ever-changing environmental conditions. Indeed, these studies have revealed the uniqueness of cytokine evolution, which exhibits strong positive selection pressure needed to adapt to rapidly evolving threats whilst still conserving their receptor binding capabilities. In this review, we summarise the evolutionary mechanisms that gave rise to the characteristically diverse family of γ chain cytokines. We also speculate on the benefits of studying cytokine evolution, which may provide alternative ways to design novel cytokine therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we discuss current evolutionary models that elucidate the emergence of distinct cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) and cytokine receptors (IL-2Rα and IL-15Rα). Finally, we address and reflect on the difficulties associated with evolutionary studies of rapidly evolving genes and describe a variety of computational methods that have revealed numerous aspects of cytokine evolution.
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9
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Holder PG, Lim SA, Huang CS, Sharma P, Dagdas YS, Bulutoglu B, Sockolosky JT. Engineering interferons and interleukins for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114112. [PMID: 35085624 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a class of potent immunoregulatory proteins that are secreted in response to various stimuli and act locally to regulate many aspects of human physiology and disease. Cytokines play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and elimination, and thus, there is a long clinical history associated with the use of recombinant cytokines to treat cancer. However, the use of cytokines as therapeutics has been limited by cytokine pleiotropy, complex biology, poor drug-like properties, and severe dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, cytokines are crucial mediators of innate and adaptive antitumor immunity and have the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immunotherapies has reinvigorated interest in cytokines as therapeutics, and a variety of engineering approaches are emerging to improve the safety and effectiveness of cytokine immunotherapy. In this review we highlight recent advances in cytokine biology and engineering for cancer immunotherapy.
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10
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The use of supercytokines, immunocytokines, engager cytokines, and other synthetic cytokines in immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:192-209. [PMID: 35043005 PMCID: PMC8803834 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00786-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines exert powerful immunomodulatory effects that are critical to physiology and pathology in humans. The application of natural cytokines in clinical studies has not been clearly established, and there are often problems associated with toxicity or lack of efficacy. The key reasons can be attributed to the pleiotropy of cytokine receptors and undesired activation of off-target cells. With a deeper understanding of the structural principles and functional signals of cytokine-receptor interactions, artificial modification of cytokine signaling through protein engineering and synthetic immunology has become an increasingly feasible and powerful approach. Engineered cytokines are designed to selectively target cells. Herein, the theoretical and experimental evidence of cytokine engineering is reviewed, and the "supercytokines" resulting from structural enhancement and the "immunocytokines" generated by antibody fusion are described. Finally, the "engager cytokines" formed by the crosslinking of cytokines and bispecific immune engagers and other synthetic cytokines formed by nonnatural analogs are also discussed.
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11
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Dakhel S, Lizak C, Matasci M, Mock J, Villa A, Neri D, Cazzamalli S. An Attenuated Targeted-TNF Localizes to Tumors In Vivo and Regains Activity at the Site of Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10020. [PMID: 34576184 PMCID: PMC8469155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines) are gaining importance for cancer therapy, but those products are often limited by systemic toxicity related to the activity of the cytokine payload in circulation and in secondary lymphoid organs. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is used as a pro-inflammatory payload to trigger haemorrhagic necrosis and boost anti-cancer immunity at the tumor site. Here we describe a depotentiated version of TNF (carrying the single point mutation I97A), which displayed reduced binding affinity to its cognate receptor tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR-1) and lower biocidal activity. The fusion of the TNF(I97A) mutant to the L19 antibody promoted restoration of anti-tumor activity upon accumulation on the cognate antigen, the alternatively spliced EDB domain of fibronectin. In vivo administration of high doses (375 μg/Kg) of the fusion protein showed a potent anti-tumor effect without apparent toxicity compared with the wild type protein. L19-TNFI97A holds promise for the targeted delivery of TNF activity to neoplastic lesions, helping spare normal tissues.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/metabolism
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/metabolism
- Cricetulus
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Female
- Fibronectins/genetics
- Fibronectins/metabolism
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Immunotherapy
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mutation
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Dakhel
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Christian Lizak
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Jacqueline Mock
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
- Philogen S.p.A., Piazza La Lizza, 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Cazzamalli
- Philochem AG, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (S.D.); (C.L.); (M.M.); (J.M.); (A.V.); (D.N.)
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12
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Runbeck E, Crescioli S, Karagiannis SN, Papa S. Utilizing Immunocytokines for Cancer Therapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2021; 10:antib10010010. [PMID: 33803078 PMCID: PMC8006145 DOI: 10.3390/antib10010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine therapy for cancer has indicated efficacy in certain diseases but is generally accompanied by severe toxicity. The field of antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines) arose to target these effector molecules to the tumor environment in order to expand the therapeutic window of cytokine therapy. Pre-clinical evidence has shown the increased efficacy and decreased toxicity of various immunocytokines when compared to their cognate unconjugated cytokine. These anti-tumor properties are markedly enhanced when combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and checkpoint inhibitor antibodies. Clinical trials that have continued to explore the potential of these biologics for cancer therapy have been conducted. This review covers the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence for the application of immunocytokines in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Runbeck
- ImmunoEngineering Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK;
| | - Silvia Crescioli
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; (S.C.); (S.N.K.)
| | - Sophia N. Karagiannis
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; (S.C.); (S.N.K.)
| | - Sophie Papa
- ImmunoEngineering Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK;
- Correspondence:
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13
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Olivo Pimentel V, Marcus D, van der Wiel AM, Lieuwes NG, Biemans R, Lieverse RI, Neri D, Theys J, Yaromina A, Dubois LJ, Lambin P. Releasing the brakes of tumor immunity with anti-PD-L1 and pushing its accelerator with L19-IL2 cures poorly immunogenic tumors when combined with radiotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001764. [PMID: 33688020 PMCID: PMC7944996 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poorly immunogenic tumors are hardly responsive to immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and are, therefore, a therapeutic challenge. Combination with other immunotherapies and/or immunogenic therapies, such as radiotherapy (RT), could make these tumors more immune responsive. We have previously shown that the immunocytokine L19-IL2 combined with single-dose RT resulted in 75% tumor remission and a 20% curative abscopal effect in the T cell-inflamed C51 colon carcinoma model. This treatment schedule was associated with the upregulation of inhibitory immune checkpoint (IC) molecules on tumor-infiltrating T cells, leading to only tumor growth delay in the poorly immunogenic Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model. METHODS We aimed to trigger curative therapeutic responses in three tumor models (LLC, C51 and CT26) by "pushing the accelerator" of tumor immunity with L19-IL2 and/or "releasing the brakes" with ICB, such as antibodies directed against cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1), combined with single-dose RT (10 Gy or 5 Gy). Primary tumor endpoint was defined as time to reach four times the size of tumor volume at start of treatment (4T×SV). Multivariate analysis of 4T×SV was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model comparing each treatment group with controls. Causal involvement of T and natural killer (NK) cells in the anti-tumor effect was assessed by in vivo depletion of T, NK or both cell populations. Immune profiling was performed using flow cytometry on single cell suspensions from spleens, bone marrow, tumors and blood. RESULTS Combining RT, anti-PD-L1 and L19-IL2 cured 38% of LLC tumors, which was both CD8+ T and NK cell dependent. LLC tumors were resistant to RT +anti-PD-L1 likely explained by the upregulation of other IC molecules and increased T regulatory cell tumor infiltration. RT+L19-IL2 outperformed RT+ICB in C51 tumors; effects were comparable in CT26 tumors. Triple combinations were not superior to RT+L19-IL2 in both these models. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that combinatorial strategies rationally designed on biological effects can turn immunotherapy-resistant tumors into immunologically responsive tumors. This hypothesis is currently being tested in the international multicentric randomized phase 2 trial: ImmunoSABR (NCT03705403).
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CTLA-4 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- CTLA-4 Antigen/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/pathology
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chemoradiotherapy
- Coculture Techniques
- Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
- Colonic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Colonic Neoplasms/pathology
- Colonic Neoplasms/therapy
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Immunologic Memory/drug effects
- Immunomodulating Agents/pharmacology
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Memory T Cells/drug effects
- Memory T Cells/immunology
- Memory T Cells/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Olivo Pimentel
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Damiënne Marcus
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Ma van der Wiel
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja G Lieuwes
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Biemans
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Relinde Iy Lieverse
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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14
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Gouyou B, Ongaro T, Cazzamalli S, De Luca R, Kerschenmeyer A, Valet P, Villa A, Neri D, Matasci M. Antibody-based delivery of interleukin-9 to neovascular structures: Therapeutic evaluation in cancer and arthritis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:940-951. [PMID: 33475433 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220981578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-9 is a cytokine with multiple functions, including the ability to activate group 2 innate lymphoid cells, which has been postulated to be therapeutically active in mouse models of arthritis. Similarly, interleukin-9 has been suggested to play an important role in tumor immunity. Here, we describe the cloning, expression, and characterization of three fusion proteins based on murine interleukin-9 and the F8 antibody, specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin. EDA is strongly expressed in cancer and in various arthritic conditions, while being undetectable in the majority of healthy organs. Interleukin-9-based fusion proteins with an irrelevant antibody specific to hen egg lysozyme served as negative control in our study. The fusion proteins were characterized by quantitative biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice using radioiodinated protein preparations. The highest tumor uptake and best tumor:organ ratios were observed for a format, in which the interleukin-9 moiety was flanked by two units of the F8 antibody in single-chain Fv format. Biological activity of interleukin-9 was retained when the payload was fused to antibodies. However, the targeted delivery of interleukin-9 to the disease site resulted in a modest anti-tumor activity in three different murine models of cancer (K1735M2, CT26, and F9), while no therapeutic benefit was observed in a collagen induced model of arthritis. Collectively, these results confirm the possibility to deliver interleukin-9 to the site of disease but cast doubts about the alleged therapeutic activity of this cytokine in cancer and arthritis, which has been postulated in previous publications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiziano Ongaro
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen 8112, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Valet
- Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, INSERM U1048, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Cedex 4, Toulouse 31432, France
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Matasci
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen 8112, Switzerland
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15
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Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is integral to immune system regulation. Its opposing immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive actions make it an attractive therapeutic target for cancer and autoimmune diseases. A challenge in developing IL-2-directed anticancer therapies has been how to stimulate effector T cells (Teffs) without inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment; conversely, IL-2 therapy for autoimmune diseases requires Treg induction without further stimulation of Teffs. High-dose IL-2 is approved for melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, but its therapeutic value is limited by a need for frequent dosing at specialist centers, its short half-life, severe toxicity, and a lack of efficacy in most patients. Re-engineered IL-2 therapeutics are designed to have longer in vivo half-lives, target specific IL-2 receptor conformations to stimulate specific T cell subsets, or localize to target tissues to optimize efficacy and reduce toxicity. We discuss recent studies that elucidate the potential of newly engineered IL-2-based therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
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16
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A novel format for recombinant antibody-interleukin-2 fusion proteins exhibits superior tumor-targeting properties in vivo. Oncotarget 2020; 11:3698-3711. [PMID: 33110477 PMCID: PMC7566808 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The targeted delivery of interleukin-2 to the tumor is gaining attention as an avenue to potentiate the action of T and NK cells at the site of disease. We have previously described the fusion of the L19 antibody, specific to the EDB domain of fibronectin, with human interleukin-2, using a non-covalent homodimeric diabody format. Here, we describe four novel formats for the L19-IL2 fusion, featuring different arrangements of antibody and IL2. A comparative quantitative biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice using radioiodinated proteins revealed that the novel format (L19L19-IL2, with the antibody in single-chain diabody format) exhibited the best biodistribution results. In vitro assays on peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed a decrease activation of regulatory T cells when single IL2 domain was used. In vivo, both L19-IL2 and L19L19-IL2 inhibited tumor growth in immunocompetent mouse models of cancer. T-cell analysis revealed similar levels of CD4+ and FoxP3+ cells, with an expansion of the CD8+ T cell in mice treated with L19-IL2 and L19L19-IL2. The percentage of CD4+ regulatory T cells was markedly decreased with L19L19-IL2 combined with a mouse-specific PD-1 blocker. Collectively, these data indicate that the new L19L19-IL2 format exhibits favorable tumor-homing properties and mediates a potent anti-cancer activity in vivo.
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17
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Bajic D, Chester K, Neri D. An Antibody-Tumor Necrosis Factor Fusion Protein that Synergizes with Oxaliplatin for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:2554-2563. [PMID: 32999042 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned and characterized a novel fusion protein (Sm3E-TNF), consisting of the mAb, S 6m3E, in single-chain Fv fragment format, fused to murine TNF. The protein, which was expressed in mammalian cells and purified as a noncovalent stable homotrimer, bound to the cognate carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and retained TNF activity. A quantitative biodistribution experiment, performed in immunocompetent mice with CT26 colon carcinomas transfected with human CEA, revealed that Sm3E-TNF was able to preferentially accumulate in the tumors with excellent selectivity (tumor:blood ratio = 56:1, 24 hours after intravenous administration). The fusion protein mediated a rapid hemorrhagic necrosis of a large portion of the tumor mass, but a rim survived and eventually regrew. Surprisingly, the combination of Sm3E-TNF with 5-fluorouracil led to a reduction of therapeutic activity, while a combination with oxaliplatin led to a prolonged stabilization, with complete tumor eradication in 40% of treated mice. These therapy results were confirmed in a second immunocompetent mouse model of colorectal cancer (CEA-transfected C51 tumors) and provide a rationale for the possible clinical use of oxaliplatin in combination with fully human antibody-TNF fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davor Bajic
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kerry Chester
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland.
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18
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Weishaupt C, Goerge T, Loser K. Activated melanoma vessels: A sticky point for successful immunotherapy. Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:1046-1054. [PMID: 32998178 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a devastating disease with a marginal-albeit increasing-hope for cure. Melanoma has a high mutation rate which correlates to the expression of numerous neo-antigens and thus is associated with the potential to induce and strengthen effective antitumoral immunity. However, the incomplete and potentially insufficient response to established immunotherapies (response rates usually do not markedly exceed 60%) already points to the need of further studies to improve treatment strategies. Multiple tumor escape mechanisms that allow melanoma to evade from antitumoral immune responses have been characterized and must be overcome to achieve a better clinical efficacy of immunotherapies. Recently, promising progress has been made in targeting tumor vasculature to control and increase the infiltration of tumors with effector lymphocytes. It has been hypothesized that amplified lymphocytic infiltrates in melanoma metastases result in a switch of the tumor microenvironment from a non-inflammatory to an inflammatory state. In this view point essay, we discuss the requirements for successful homing of lymphocytes to melanoma tissue and we present a mouse melanoma xenograft model that allows the investigation of human tumor vessels in vivo. Furthermore, current clinical studies dealing with the activation of melanoma vasculature for enhanced effectiveness of immunotherapy protocols are presented and open questions for routine clinical application are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Weishaupt
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Tobias Goerge
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Karin Loser
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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19
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Balza E, Carnemolla B, Orecchia P, Rubartelli A, Poggi A, Mortara L. Tumor Vasculature Targeted TNFα Therapy: Reversion of Microenvironment Anergy and Enhancement of the Anti-tumor Efficiency. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4233-4248. [PMID: 30182839 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180904121118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells and tumor-associated stromal cells such as immune, endothelial and mesenchimal cells create a Tumor Microenvironment (TME) which allows tumor cell promotion, growth and dissemination while dampening the anti-tumor immune response. Efficient anti-tumor interventions have to keep into consideration the complexity of the TME and take advantage of immunotherapy and chemotherapy combined approaches. Thus, the aim of tumor therapy is to directly hit tumor cells and reverse endothelial and immune cell anergy. Selective targeting of tumor vasculature using TNFα-associated peptides or antibody fragments in association with chemotherapeutic agents, has been shown to exert a potent stimulatory effect on endothelial cells as well as on innate and adaptive immune responses. These drug combinations reducing the dose of single agents employed have led to minimize the associated side effects. In this review, we will analyze different TNFα-mediated tumor vesseltargeted therapies in both humans and tumor mouse models, with emphasis on the role played by the cross-talk between natural killer and dendritic cells and on the ability of TNFα to trigger tumor vessel activation and normalization. The improvement of the TNFα-based therapy with anti-angiogenic immunomodulatory drugs that may convert the TME from immunosuppressive to immunostimulant, will be discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Balza
- Cell Biology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Paola Orecchia
- Immunology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Rubartelli
- Cell Biology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Via Monte Generoso, n. 71, 21100 Varese, Italy
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20
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Neri D. Antibody-Cytokine Fusions: Versatile Products for the Modulation of Anticancer Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 7:348-354. [PMID: 30824549 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical success of immune-checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of a growing number of cancer types has sparked interest in the discovery of novel forms of immunotherapy, which may be used alone or in combination. In this context, cytokine-based therapeutics are well poised to play a role in modern cancer therapy. This article focuses on antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (also called "immunocytokines") as one class of biopharmaceuticals that can substantially improve the therapeutic index and, thus, the applicability of cytokine products. In many preclinical settings, antibodies can be used to preferentially deliver many (but not all) types of cytokines to primary and metastatic tumor lesions. The antibody-based delivery of certain proinflammatory payloads (such as IL2, IL12, and TNF) to the tumor microenvironment can lead to a dramatic potentiation of their anticancer activity. However, although some fusion proteins have advanced to late-stage clinical trials, much work remains to be done in order to fully characterize the mechanism of action and the pharmaceutical potential of immunocytokines in the clinical setting. Various factors contribute to in vivo performance, including the target antigen, the antibody properties, the nature of the payload, the format of the fusion protein, the dose, and schedule, as well as their use in combination with other therapeutic modalities. Protein engineering opportunities and insights in cancer immunology are contributing to the development of next-generation immunocytokine products and of novel therapeutic concepts, with the goal to increase antitumor activity and reduce systemic toxicity (a common problem for cytokine-based biopharmaceuticals).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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21
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Kujawski M, Sherman M, Hui S, Zuro D, Lee WH, Yazaki P, Sherman A, Szpikowska B, Chea J, Lasiewski D, Poku K, Li H, Colcher D, Wong J, Shively JE. Potent immunomodulatory effects of an anti-CEA-IL-2 immunocytokine on tumor therapy and effects of stereotactic radiation. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1724052. [PMID: 32117587 PMCID: PMC7028338 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1724052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
While anti-CEA antibodies have no direct effect on CEA-positive tumors, they can be used to direct potent anti-tumor effects as an antibody-IL-2 fusion protein (immunocytokine, ICK), and at the same time reduce the toxicity of IL-2 as a single agent. Using a fusion protein of humanized anti-CEA with human IL-2 (M5A-IL-2) in a transgenic murine model expressing human CEA, we show high tumor uptake of the ICK to CEA-positive tumors with additional lymph node targeting. ICK treated CEA-positive tumors exhibit significant tumor eradication. Analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes shows a high frequency of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells along with CD11b positive myeloid cells in ICK treated mice. The frequency of tumor-infiltrating FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells (Tregs) is significantly reduced vs anti-CEA antibody-treated controls, indicating that ICK did not preferentially stimulate migration or proliferation of Tregs to the tumor. Combination therapy with anti-PD-1 antibody did not improve tumor reduction over ICK therapy alone. Since stereotactic tumor irradiation (SRT), commonly used in cancer therapy has immunomodulatory effects, we tested combination SRT+ICK therapy in two tumor model systems. Use of fractionated vs single high dose SRT in combination with ICK resulted in greater tumor inhibition and immunity to tumor rechallenge. In particular, tumor microenvironment and myeloid cell composition appear to play a significant role in the response rate to ICK+SRT combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Kujawski
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mark Sherman
- School of Pharmacy, West Coast University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susanta Hui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Darren Zuro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Wen-Hui Lee
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Paul Yazaki
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Anakim Sherman
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Szpikowska
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Junie Chea
- Radiopharmacy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | - Kofi Poku
- Radiopharmacy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Harry Li
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - David Colcher
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - John E Shively
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
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22
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Huyghe L, Van Parys A, Cauwels A, Van Lint S, De Munter S, Bultinck J, Zabeau L, Hostens J, Goethals A, Vanderroost N, Verhee A, Uzé G, Kley N, Peelman F, Vandekerckhove B, Brouckaert P, Tavernier J. Safe eradication of large established tumors using neovasculature-targeted tumor necrosis factor-based therapies. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11223. [PMID: 31912630 PMCID: PMC7709889 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic toxicities have severely limited the clinical application of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) as an anticancer agent. Activity‐on‐Target cytokines (AcTakines) are a novel class of immunocytokines with improved therapeutic index. A TNF‐based AcTakine targeted to CD13 enables selective activation of the tumor neovasculature without any detectable toxicity in vivo. Upregulation of adhesion markers supports enhanced T‐cell infiltration leading to control or elimination of solid tumors by, respectively, CAR T cells or a combination therapy with CD8‐targeted type I interferon AcTakine. Co‐treatment with a CD13‐targeted type II interferon AcTakine leads to very rapid destruction of the tumor neovasculature and complete regression of large, established tumors. As no tumor markers are needed, safe and efficacious elimination of a broad range of tumor types becomes feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leander Huyghe
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alexander Van Parys
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anje Cauwels
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn De Munter
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jennyfer Bultinck
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Jeroen Hostens
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An Goethals
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Vanderroost
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annick Verhee
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gilles Uzé
- CNRS UMR 5235, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Niko Kley
- Orionis Biosciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank Peelman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Brouckaert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Tavernier
- Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Orionis Biosciences, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Dakhel S, Ongaro T, Gouyou B, Matasci M, Villa A, Neri D, Cazzamalli S. Targeted enhancement of the therapeutic window of L19-TNF by transient and selective inhibition of RIPK1-signaling cascade. Oncotarget 2019; 10:6678-6690. [PMID: 31803362 PMCID: PMC6877107 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cytokine-based products are gaining importance for cancer immunotherapy. L19-TNF is a clinical-stage antibody-cytokine fusion protein that selectively accumulates to tumors and displays potent anticancer activity in preclinical models. Here, we describe an innovative approach to transiently inhibit off-target toxicity of L19-TNF, while maintaining antitumor activity. Methods GSK’963, a potent small molecule inhibitor of RIPK1, was tested in tumor-bearing mice for its ability to reduce acute toxicity associated with TNF signaling. The biological effects of L19-TNF on tumor cells, lymphocytes and tumor vessels were investigated with the aim to enable the administration of TNF doses, which would otherwise be lethal. Results Transient inhibition of RIPK1 allowed to increase the maximal tolerated dose of L19-TNF. The protective effect of GSK’963 did not affect the selective localization of the immunocytokine to tumors as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution analysis and allowed to reach high local TNF concentrations around tumor blood vessels, causing diffused vascular shutdown and hemorrhagic necrosis within the neoplastic mass. Conclusions The selective inhibition of RIPK1 with small molecule inhibitors can be used as a pharmaceutical tool to transiently mask TNF activity and improve the therapeutic window of TNF-based biopharmaceuticals. Similar approaches may be applicable to other pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland
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24
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De Luca R, Gouyou B, Ongaro T, Villa A, Ziffels B, Sannino A, Buttinoni G, Galeazzi S, Mazzacuva M, Neri D. A Novel Fully-Human Potency-Matched Dual Cytokine-Antibody Fusion Protein Targets Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Renal Cell Carcinomas. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1228. [PMID: 31799191 PMCID: PMC6863974 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain cytokines synergize in activating anti-cancer immunity at the site of disease and it may be desirable to generate biopharmaceutical agents, capable of simultaneous delivery of cytokine pairs to the tumor. In this article, we have described the cloning, expression and characterization of IL2-XE114-TNFmut, a dual-cytokine biopharmaceutical featuring the sequential fusion of interleukin-2 (IL2) with the XE114 antibody in scFv format and a tumor necrosis factor mutant (TNFmut). The fusion protein recognized the cognate antigen (carbonic anhydrase IX, a marker of hypoxia and of renal cell carcinoma) with high affinity and specificity. IL2-XE114-TNFmut formed a stable non-covalent homotrimeric structure, displayed cytokine activity in in vitro tests and preferentially localized to solid tumors in vivo. The product exhibited a partial growth inhibition of murine CT26 tumors transfected for carbonic anhydrase IX. When administered to Cynomolgus monkey as intravenous injection, IL2-XE114-TNFmut showed the expected plasma concentration of ~1,500 ng/ml at early time points, indicating the absence of any in vivo trapping events, and a half-life of ~2 h. IL2-XE114-TNFmut may thus be considered as a promising biopharmaceutical for the treatment of metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, since these tumors are known to be sensitive to IL2 and to TNF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gianluca Buttinoni
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
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Miura JT, Zager JS. Neo-DREAM study investigating Daromun for the treatment of clinical stage IIIB/C melanoma. Future Oncol 2019; 15:3665-3674. [PMID: 31538818 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
High-risk resectable melanoma poses therapeutic challenges as this subgroup remains most vulnerable for disease recurrence. Immunotherapy has established its efficacy in cases of advanced melanoma, and now is actively being investigated in the multimodal management of resectable disease. Daromun, an intralesional immunocytokine, has emerged as a unique immunotherapy in its ability to preferentially target tumor cells, resulting in direct destruction, while generating a bystander effect that leads to a distant treatment effect. On the basis of its mechanism of action, there is growing interest in delivering immune-based therapies in a neoadjuvant setting. In this review, the neo-DREAM study, a Phase III trial comparing the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant Daromun for resectable stage IIIB/C melanoma will be described. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03567889.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Miura
- Departments of Cutaneous Oncology & Sarcoma, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa FL, USA
| | - Jonathan S Zager
- Departments of Cutaneous Oncology & Sarcoma, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa FL, USA
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26
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Sun J, Kirichenko DA, Zager JS, Eroglu Z. The emergence of neoadjuvant therapy in advanced melanoma. Melanoma Manag 2019; 6:MMT27. [PMID: 31807278 PMCID: PMC6891937 DOI: 10.2217/mmt-2019-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immunotherapy and targeted therapy has introduced new and effective treatment options for advanced melanoma, providing therapeutic options where none existed before. The natural extension of these novel therapies is to identify their role in the neoadjuvant setting. Neoadjuvant therapy for advanced melanoma is still in its infancy, with a wealth of clinical trials underway. Early results are promising, allowing for management of a disease that previously had few options. We review the current literature and interim results from several ongoing investigations to understand the current state of neoadjuvant treatment options and what is to come. These studies pave the way for further advancements in melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Sun
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Dennis A Kirichenko
- Univeristy of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jonathan S Zager
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Zeynep Eroglu
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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27
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Weide B, Eigentler T, Catania C, Ascierto PA, Cascinu S, Becker JC, Hauschild A, Romanini A, Danielli R, Dummer R, Trefzer U, Elia G, Neri D, Garbe C. A phase II study of the L19IL2 immunocytokine in combination with dacarbazine in advanced metastatic melanoma patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1547-1559. [PMID: 31482307 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02383-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Engineered cytokine products represent promising agents for the treatment of immunogenic tumors, such as malignant melanoma, in addition to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here we describe the results of a controlled, randomized phase II clinical trial, aimed at assessing the therapeutic potential of L19IL2, a fully human fusion protein consisting of the L19 antibody specific to the alternatively spliced extra-domain B of fibronectin, fused to human interleukin-2 in advanced metastatic melanoma. In one arm, patients received dacarbazine (DTIC; 1000 mg/m2 of body surface on day 1 of 21-day cycles) as single agent, while in two other arms L19IL2 (22.5 million international units of IL2 equivalents) was added, based on two different schedules of administration. In total, 69 patients with stage IV melanoma were enrolled (24 in the dacarbazine arm, 23 and 22 in the other combination arms, respectively) and 67 received treatment. Analyses of efficacy results show a statistically significant benefit in terms of overall response rate and median progression-free survival for patients receiving L19IL2 in combination with DTIC, compared to DTIC as single agent. In light of these results, further clinical investigations with L19IL2 (alone or in combination with other agents) are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Weide
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chiara Catania
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Cascinu
- Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
- Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Hauschild
- University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSK), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | - Reinhard Dummer
- University Hospital Zurich and University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Trefzer
- Charité, Berlin, Germany
- Dermatologikum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giuliano Elia
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Building HCI G396.4, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Claus Garbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany.
- Sektion Dermatologische Onkologie, Universität Tübingen Hautklinik, Liebermeisterstraße 25, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Rafei-Shamsabadi D, Lehr S, von Bubnoff D, Meiss F. Successful combination therapy of systemic checkpoint inhibitors and intralesional interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic melanoma with primary therapeutic resistance to checkpoint inhibitors alone. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1417-1428. [PMID: 31422446 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02377-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic immunotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors is established in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, up to 60% of patients do not show long-term benefit from a PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy. Intralesional treatments with immunomodulatory agents such as the oncolytic herpes virus Talimogene Laherparepvec and interleukin-2 (IL-2) have been successfully used in patients with injectable metastases. Combination therapy of systemic and local immunotherapies is a promising treatment option in melanoma patients. We describe a case series of nine patients with metastatic melanoma and injectable lesions who developed progressive disease under a PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy. At the time of progressive disease, patients received intratumoral IL-2 treatment in addition to PD-1 inhibitor therapy. Three patients showed complete, three patients partial response and three patients progressive disease upon this combination therapy. IHC stainings were performed from metastases available at baseline (start of PD-1 inhibitor) and under combination therapy with IL-2. IHC results revealed a significant increase of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and a higher PD-1 expression in the inflammatory infiltrate of the tumor microenvironment in metastases from patients with subsequent treatment response. All responding patients further showed a profound increase of the absolute eosinophil count (AEC) in the blood. Our case series supports the concept that patients with initial resistance to PD-1 inhibitor therapy and injectable lesions can profit from an additional intralesional IL-2 therapy which was well tolerated. Response to this therapy is accompanied by increase in AEC and a strong T cell-based inflammatory infiltrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rafei-Shamsabadi
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 7, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Lehr
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 7, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar von Bubnoff
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 7, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Meiss
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 7, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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Ziffels B, Pretto F, Neri D. Intratumoral administration of IL2- and TNF-based fusion proteins cures cancer without establishing protective immunity. Immunotherapy 2019; 10:177-188. [PMID: 29370721 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The combination of tumor-targeting IL2- and TNF-based antibody-cytokine fusions has exhibited encouraging results in mouse and men. Here, we studied their combination to assess efficacy and mechanism of action in four different immunocompetent mouse models of cancer. METHODS Mice receiving a single intratumoral injection of F8-IL2, F8-TNF or the combination were investigated for tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and rechallenged when cured. RESULTS In three models, a proportion of treated animals could be cured, most probably by infiltrating NK and CD8+ T cells. Most of the cured mice did not acquire protective immunity when rechallenged with the same tumor cell line. CONCLUSION Immunocompetent mouse tumor models may not be adequate enough to predict the search for more efficacious therapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ziffels
- Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Murer P, Neri D. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: A novel class of biopharmaceuticals for the therapy of cancer and of chronic inflammation. N Biotechnol 2019; 52:42-53. [PMID: 30991144 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins represent a novel class of biopharmaceuticals, with the potential to increase the therapeutic index of cytokine 'payloads' and to promote leukocyte infiltration at the site of disease. In this review, we present a survey of immunocytokines that have been used in preclinical models of cancer and in clinical trials. In particular, we highlight how antibody format, choice of target antigen and cytokine engineering, as well as combination strategies, may have a profound impact on therapeutic performance. Moreover, by using anti-inflammatory cytokines, antibody fusion strategies can conveniently be employed for the treatment of auto-immune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Murer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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31
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Hutmacher C, Gonzalo Núñez N, Liuzzi AR, Becher B, Neri D. Targeted Delivery of IL2 to the Tumor Stroma Potentiates the Action of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors by Preferential Activation of NK and CD8 + T Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:572-583. [PMID: 30782667 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant human IL2 is being considered as a combination partner for immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy, but the product only has a narrow therapeutic window. Therefore, we used F8-IL2, an antibody-IL2 fusion protein capable of selective localization to the tumor site, in combination with antibodies against murine CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1. In immunocompetent mice bearing CT26 tumors, the combination of F8-IL2 with CTLA-4 blockade was efficacious, leading to increased progression-free survival and protective immunity against subsequent tumor rechallenges. The combination with anti-PD-1 induced substantial tumor growth retardation, but tumor clearance was rare, whereas the combination with anti-PD-L1 exhibited the lowest activity. A detailed high-parametric single-cell analysis of the tumor leukocyte composition revealed that F8-IL2 had a strong impact on NK-cell activity without collateral immune activation in the systemic immune compartment, whereas CTLA-4 blockade led to significant changes in the T-cell compartment. Leukocyte depletion studies revealed that CD8+ T and NK cells were the main drivers of the therapeutic activity. We extended the experimental observations to a second model, treating MC38 tumor-bearing mice with F8-IL2 and/or CTLA-4 blockade. Only the combination treatment displayed potent anticancer activity, characterized by an increase in cytolytic CD8+ T and NK cells in tumors and draining lymph nodes. A decrease in the regulatory T cell frequency, within the tumors, was also observed. The results provide a rationale for the combined use of engineered IL2 therapeutics with immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Hutmacher
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna Rita Liuzzi
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland.
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Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins: Biopharmaceuticals with immunomodulatory properties for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:67-91. [PMID: 30201522 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been used for therapeutic applications in cancer patients. Substantial side effects and unfavorable pharmacokinetics limit their application and may prevent dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (often referred to as immunocytokines) may help localize immunomodulatory cytokine payloads to the tumor, thereby activating anticancer immune responses. A variety of formats (e.g., intact IgGs or antibody fragments), molecular targets (e.g., extracellular matrix components and cell membrane antigens) and cytokine payloads have been considered for the development of this novel class of biopharmaceuticals. This review presents the basic concepts on the design and engineering of immunocytokines, reviews their potential limitations, points out emerging opportunities and summarizes key features of preclinical and clinical-stage products.
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Mortara L, Balza E, Bruno A, Poggi A, Orecchia P, Carnemolla B. Anti-cancer Therapies Employing IL-2 Cytokine Tumor Targeting: Contribution of Innate, Adaptive and Immunosuppressive Cells in the Anti-tumor Efficacy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2905. [PMID: 30619269 PMCID: PMC6305397 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokine) exert a potent anti-cancer effect; indeed, they target the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) due to a specific anti-tumor antibody linked to immune activating cytokines. Once bound to the target tumor, the interleukin-2 (IL-2) immunocytokines composed of either full antibody or single chain Fv conjugated to IL-2 can promote the in situ recruitment and activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL). This recruitment induces a TME switch toward a classical T helper 1 (Th1) anti-tumor immune response, supported by the cross-talk between NK and dendritic cells (DC). Furthermore, some IL-2 immunocytokines have been largely shown to trigger tumor cell killing by antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), through Fcγ receptors engagement. The modulation of the TME can be also achieved with immunocytokines conjugated with a mutated form of IL-2 that impairs regulatory T (Treg) cell proliferation and activity. Preclinical animal models and more recently phase I/II clinical trials have shown that IL-2 immunocytokines can avoid the severe toxicities of the systemic administration of high doses of soluble IL-2 maintaining the potent anti-tumor effect of this cytokine. Also, very promising results have been reported using IL-2 immunocytokines delivered in combination with other immunocytokines, chemo-, radio-, anti-angiogenic therapies, and blockade of immune checkpoints. Here, we summarize and discuss the most relevant reported studies with a focus on: (a) the effects of IL-2 immunocytokines on innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune cell responses as well as immunosuppressive Treg cells and (b) the approaches to circumvent IL-2-mediated severe toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Enrica Balza
- UOC Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Vascular Biology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Scientific and Technologic Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- UOSD Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Orecchia
- UOC Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carnemolla
- UOC Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Probst P, Stringhini M, Ritz D, Fugmann T, Neri D. Antibody-based Delivery of TNF to the Tumor Neovasculature Potentiates the Therapeutic Activity of a Peptide Anticancer Vaccine. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:698-709. [PMID: 30327303 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a growing interest in the use of tumor antigens for therapeutic vaccination strategies. Unfortunately, in most cases, the use of peptide vaccines in patients does not mediate shrinkage of solid tumor masses.Experimental Design: Here, we studied the opportunity to boost peptide vaccination with F8-TNF, an antibody fusion protein that selectively delivers TNF to the tumor extracellular matrix. AH1, a model antigen to investigate CD8+ T-cell immunity in BALB/c mice, was used as vaccine. RESULTS Peptide antigens alone exhibited only a modest tumor growth inhibition. However, anticancer activity could be substantially increased by combination with F8-TNF. Analysis of T cells in tumors and in draining lymph nodes revealed a dramatic expansion of AH1-specific CD8+ T cells, which were strongly positive for PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3. The synergistic anticancer activity, observed in the combined use of peptide vaccination and F8-TNF, was largely due to the ability of the fusion protein to induce a rapid hemorrhagic necrosis in the tumor mass, thus leaving few residual tumor cells. While the cell surface phenotype of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells did not substantially change upon treatment, the proportion of AH1-specific T cells was strongly increased in the combination therapy group, reaching more than 50% of the CD8+ T cells within the tumor mass. CONCLUSIONS Because both peptide vaccination strategies and tumor-homing TNF fusion proteins are currently being studied in clinical trials, our study provides a rationale for the combination of these 2 regimens for the treatment of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Probst
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland.
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De Luca R, Neri D. Potentiation of PD-L1 blockade with a potency-matched dual cytokine-antibody fusion protein leads to cancer eradication in BALB/c-derived tumors but not in other mouse strains. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1381-1391. [PMID: 29971465 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We have recently described a novel therapeutic antibody product (IL2-F8-TNFmut), featuring the simultaneous fusion of murine IL2 and of a TNF mutant with scFv(F8), an antibody specific to the alternatively-spliced extra domain A of fibronectin (EDA). Here, we report on the in vivo characterization of the anti-cancer activity of IL2-F8-TNFmut in four immunocompetent murine models of cancer, CT26, WEHI-164, F9 teratocarcinoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), using the product alone or in combination with a monoclonal antibody specific to murine PD-L1. All four models exhibited a strong expression of EDA-fibronectin, which was confined to vascular structures for F9 tumors, while the other three malignancies exhibited a more stromal pattern of staining. A complete and long-lasting tumor eradication of CT26 and WEHI-164 tumors was observed in BALB/c mice when IL2-F8-TNFmut was used in combination with PD-L1 blockade. The combination treatment led to improved tumor growth inhibition in 129/SvEv mice bearing murine teratocarcinoma or in C57BL/6 mice bearing murine LLC, but those cancer cures were difficult to achieve in those models. A microscopic analysis of tumor sections, obtained 24 h after pharmacological treatment, revealed that the PD-L1 antibody had homogenously reached tumor cells in vivo and that the combination of PD-L1 blockade with IL2-F8-TNFmut stimulated an influx of NK cells and of T cells into the neoplastic mass. These data indicate that potency-matched dual-cytokine fusion proteins may be ideally suited to potentiate the therapeutic activity of immune check-point inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Luca
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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36
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Cazzamalli S, Ziffels B, Widmayer F, Murer P, Pellegrini G, Pretto F, Wulhfard S, Neri D. Enhanced Therapeutic Activity of Non-Internalizing Small-Molecule-Drug Conjugates Targeting Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Combination with Targeted Interleukin-2. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:3656-3667. [PMID: 29691298 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-3457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Antibody-drug conjugates and small-molecule-drug conjugates have been proposed as alternatives to conventional anticancer cytotoxic agents, with the potential to deliver bioactive payloads to the site of disease, helping spare normal tissues.Experimental Design: Here, we describe a novel small-molecule-drug conjugate, based on a high-affinity ligand specific to carbonic anhydrase IX. The product featured a peptidic linker, suitable for cleavage in the tumor extracellular environment, and monomethyl auristatin E as cytotoxic payload.Results: A potent anticancer activity was observed in nude mice bearing SKRC-52 renal cell carcinoma xenografts, but no durable complete responses could be observed in this model. However, when the product was administered together with L19-IL2 (a clinical-stage fusion protein capable of delivering IL2 to the tumor neovasculature), all treated mice in the combination group could be rendered tumor free, in a process that favored the influx of natural killer cells into the tumor mass. The combination of L19-IL2 and the new small-molecule-drug conjugate also eradicated cancer in 100% of immunocompetent mice, bearing subcutaneously grafted CT26 colorectal cancer cells, which stably expressed carbonic anhydrase IX.Conclusions: These findings may be of clinical significance, because carbonic anhydrase IX is overexpressed in the majority of clear cell renal cell carcinomas and in approximately 30% of colorectal cancers. The targeted delivery of IL2 helps potentiate the action of targeted cytotoxics, leading to cancer eradication in models that cannot be cured by conventional chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 24(15); 3656-67. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Cazzamalli
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Ziffels
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fontaine Widmayer
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Murer
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Pellegrini
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland.
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Aguiar S, Dias J, Manuel AM, Russo R, Gois PMP, da Silva FA, Goncalves J. Chimeric Small Antibody Fragments as Strategy to Deliver Therapeutic Payloads. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2018; 112:143-182. [PMID: 29680236 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent an innovative class of biopharmaceuticals, which aim at achieving a site-specific delivery of cytotoxic agents to the target cell. The use of ADCs represents a promising strategy to overcome the disadvantages of conventional pharmacotherapy of cancer or neurological diseases, based on cytotoxic or immunomodulatory agents. ADCs consist of monoclonal antibodies attached to biologically active drugs by means of cleavable chemical linkers. Advances in technologies for the coupling of antibodies to cytotoxic drugs promise to deliver greater control of drug pharmacokinetic properties and to significantly improve pharmacodelivery applications, minimizing exposure of healthy tissue. The clinical success of brentuximab vedotin and trastuzumab emtansine has led to an extensive expansion of the clinical ADC pipeline. Although the concept of an ADC seems simple, designing a successful ADC is complex and requires careful selection of the receptor antigen, antibody, linker, and payload. In this review, we explore insights in the antibody and antigen requirements needed for optimal payload delivery and support the development of novel and improved ADCs for the treatment of cancer and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Aguiar
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Dias
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M Manuel
- iMed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Roberto Russo
- iMed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro M P Gois
- iMed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frederico A da Silva
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joao Goncalves
- iMed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Rekers NH, Olivo Pimentel V, Yaromina A, Lieuwes NG, Biemans R, Zegers CML, Germeraad WTV, Van Limbergen EJ, Neri D, Dubois LJ, Lambin P. The immunocytokine L19-IL2: An interplay between radiotherapy and long-lasting systemic anti-tumour immune responses. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1414119. [PMID: 29632732 PMCID: PMC5889197 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1414119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have shown that the administration of the tumour-targeted antibody-based immunocytokine L19-IL2 after radiotherapy (RT) resulted in synergistic anti-tumour effect. Here we show that RT and L19-IL2 can activate a curative abscopal effect, with a long-lasting immunological memory. Ionizing radiation (single dose of 15Gy, 5 × 2Gy or 5 × 5Gy) was delivered to primary C51 colon tumour-bearing immunocompetent mice in combination with L19-IL2 and response of secondary non-irradiated C51 or CT26 colon tumours was evaluated. 15Gy + L19-IL2 triggered a curative (20%) abscopal effect, which was T cell dependent. Moreover, 10Gy + L19-IL2 treated and cured mice were re-injected after 150 days with C51 tumour cells and tumour uptake was assessed. Age-matched controls (matrigel injected mice treated with 10Gy + L19-IL2, mice cured after treatment with surgery + L19-IL2 and mice cured after high dose RT 40Gy + vehicle) were included. Several immunological parameters in blood, tumours, lymph nodes and spleens were investigated. Treatment with 10Gy + L19-IL2 resulted in long-lasting immunological memory, associated with CD44+CD127+ expression on circulating T cells. This combination treatment can induce long-lasting curative abscopal responses, and therefore it has also great potential for treatment of metastatic disease. Preclinical findings have led to the initiation of a phase I clinical trial (NCT02086721) in our institute investigating stereotactic ablative radiotherapy with L19-IL2 in patients with oligometastatic solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolle H Rekers
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Veronica Olivo Pimentel
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ala Yaromina
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja G Lieuwes
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Biemans
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina M L Zegers
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred T V Germeraad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Evert J Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiotherapy, The D-Lab, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Center, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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39
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Menssen HD, Harnack U, Erben U, Neri D, Hirsch B, Dürkop H. Antibody-based delivery of tumor necrosis factor (L19-TNFα) and interleukin-2 (L19-IL2) to tumor-associated blood vessels has potent immunological and anticancer activity in the syngeneic J558L BALB/c myeloma model. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:499-507. [PMID: 29327244 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the impact of TNFα or IL2 on human lymphocytes in vitro and the anti-tumor and immune-modifying effects of L19-IL2 and L19-TNFα on subcutaneously growing J558L myeloma in immunocompetent mice. METHODS PBMCs from three healthy volunteers were incubated with IL2, TNFα, or with IL2 plus addition of TNFα (final 20 h). BALB/c J558L mice with subcutaneous tumors were treated with intravenous L19-TNFα plus L19-IL2, or controls. Tumor growth and intra- and peri-tumoral tissues were analyzed for micro-vessel density, necrosis, immune cell composition, and PD1 or PD-L1 expressing cells. RESULTS Exposure of PBMC in vitro to IL2, TNFα, or to IL2 over 3 and 5 days plus TNFα for the final 20 h resulted in an approximately 50 and 75% reduction of the CD25low effector cell/CD25high Treg cell ratio, respectively, compared to medium control. IL2 or TNFα increased the proportion of CD4- CD25low effector lymphocytes while reducing the proportion of CD4+ CD25low Teff cells. In the J558L myeloma model, tumor eradication was observed in 58, 42, 25, and 0% of mice treated with L19-TNFα plus L19-IL2, L19-TNFα, L19-IL2, and PBS, respectively. L19-TNFα/L19-IL2 combination caused tumor necrosis, capillary density doubling, peri-tumoral T cell and PD1+ T cell reduction (- 50%), and an increase in PD-L1+ myeloma cells. CONCLUSION IL2, TNFα, or IL2 plus TNFα (final 20 h) increased the proportion of CD4- CD25low effector lymphocytes possibly indicating immune activation. L19-TNFα/L19-IL2 combination therapy eradicated tumors in J558L myeloma BALB/c mice likely via TNFα-induced tumor necrosis and L19-TNFα/L19-IL2-mediated local cellular immune reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans D Menssen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Department of Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ulf Harnack
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Campus Mitte, Department of Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité-Platz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Erben
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Medical Department, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Hirsch
- Department of Pathology at Campus Benjamin Franklin, Campus Mitte, Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchowweg 15, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Campus Mitte, Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchowweg 15, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Horst Dürkop
- Pathodiagnostik Berlin, Komturstrasse 58-62, 12099, Berlin, Germany
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Corraliza-Gorjón I, Somovilla-Crespo B, Santamaria S, Garcia-Sanz JA, Kremer L. New Strategies Using Antibody Combinations to Increase Cancer Treatment Effectiveness. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1804. [PMID: 29312320 PMCID: PMC5742572 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have proven their high value in antitumor therapy over the last two decades. They are currently being used as the first-choice to treat some of the most frequent metastatic cancers, like HER2+ breast cancers or colorectal cancers, currently treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin) and bevacizumab (Avastin), respectively. The impressive therapeutic success of antibodies inhibiting immune checkpoints has extended the use of therapeutic antibodies to previously unanticipated tumor types. These anti-immune checkpoint antibodies allowed the cure of patients devoid of other therapeutic options, through the recovery of the patient’s own immune response against the tumor. In this review, we describe how the antibody-based therapies will evolve, including the use of antibodies in combinations, their main characteristics, advantages, and how they could contribute to significantly increase the chances of success in cancer therapy. Indeed, novel combinations will consist of mixtures of antibodies against either different epitopes of the same molecule or different targets on the same tumor cell; bispecific or multispecific antibodies able of simultaneously binding tumor cells, immune cells or extracellular molecules; immunomodulatory antibodies; antibody-based molecules, including fusion proteins between a ligand or a receptor domain and the IgG Fab or Fc fragments; autologous or heterologous cells; and different formats of vaccines. Through complementary mechanisms of action, these combinations could contribute to elude the current limitations of a single antibody which recognizes only one particular epitope. These combinations may allow the simultaneous attack of the cancer cells by using the help of the own immune cells and exerting wider therapeutic effects, based on a more specific, fast, and robust response, trying to mimic the action of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Corraliza-Gorjón
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Somovilla-Crespo
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Santamaria
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A Garcia-Sanz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonor Kremer
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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41
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De Luca R, Soltermann A, Pretto F, Pemberton-Ross C, Pellegrini G, Wulhfard S, Neri D. Potency-matched Dual Cytokine-Antibody Fusion Proteins for Cancer Therapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:2442-2451. [PMID: 28716814 PMCID: PMC5844457 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A novel biopharmaceutical, consisting of the F8 mAb (specific to a splice isoform of fibronectin) simultaneously fused to both TNF and IL2, was found to react with the majority of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies in mouse and man, but not with healthy adult tissues. The product selectively localized to neoplastic lesions in vivo, as evidenced by quantitative biodistribution studies using radioiodinated protein preparations. When the potency of the cytokine payloads was matched by a single-point mutation, the resulting fusion protein (IL2-F8-TNFmut) eradicated soft-tissue sarcomas in immunocompetent mice, which did not respond to individual antibody-cytokine fusion proteins or by standard doxorubicin treatment. Durable complete responses were also observed in mice bearing CT26, C1498, and F9 tumors. The simultaneous delivery of multiple proinflammatory payloads to the cancer site conferred protective immunity against subsequent tumor challenges. A fully human homolog of IL2-F8-TNFmut, which retained selectivity similar to its murine counterpart when tested on human material, may open new clinical applications for the immunotherapy of cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2442-51. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Luca
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alex Soltermann
- Institut für Klinische Pathologie, Universitätspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Giovanni Pellegrini
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland.
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42
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Addressing the Immunogenicity of the Cargo and of the Targeting Antibodies with a Focus on Demmunized Bacterial Toxins and on Antibody-Targeted Human Effector Proteins. Biomedicines 2017; 5:biomedicines5020028. [PMID: 28574434 PMCID: PMC5489814 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines5020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Third-generation immunotoxins are composed of a human, or humanized, targeting moiety, usually a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment, and a non-human effector molecule. Due to the non-human origin of the cytotoxic domain, these molecules stimulate potent anti-drug immune responses, which limit treatment options. Efforts are made to deimmunize such immunotoxins or to combine treatment with immunosuppression. An alternative approach is using the so-called “human cytotoxic fusion proteins”, in which antibodies are used to target human effector proteins. Here, we present three relevant approaches for reducing the immunogenicity of antibody-targeted protein therapeutics: (1) reducing the immunogenicity of the bacterial toxin, (2) fusing human cytokines to antibodies to generate immunocytokines and (3) addressing the immunogenicity of the targeting antibodies.
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Seidi K, Jahanban-Esfahlan R, Zarghami N. Tumor rim cells: From resistance to vascular targeting agents to complete tumor ablation. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317691001. [DOI: 10.1177/1010428317691001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Current vascular targeting strategies pursue two main goals: anti-angiogenesis agents aim to halt sprouting and the formation of new blood vessels, while vascular disrupting agents along with coaguligands seek to compromise blood circulation in the vessels. The ultimate goal of such therapies is to deprive tumor cells out of oxygen and nutrients long enough to succumb cancer cells to death. Most of vascular targeting agents presented promising therapeutic potential, but the final goal which is cure is rarely achieved. Nevertheless, in both preclinical and clinical settings, tumors tend to grow back, featuring a highly invasive, metastatic, and extremely resistant form. This review highlights the critical significance of tumor rim cells as the main factor, determining therapy success with vascular targeting agents. We present an overview of different single and combination treatments with vascular targeting agents that enable efficient targeting of tumor rim cells and long-lasting tumor cure. Understanding the nature of tumor rim cells, how they establish, how they manage to survive of vascular targeting agents, and how they contribute in tumor refractoriness, may open new avenues to the development of beneficial strategies, capable to eliminate residual rim cells, and enable tumor ablation once and forever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Seidi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rana Jahanban-Esfahlan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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44
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Balza E, Zanellato S, Poggi A, Reverberi D, Rubartelli A, Mortara L. The therapeutic T-cell response induced by tumor delivery of TNF and melphalan is dependent on early triggering of natural killer and dendritic cells. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:743-753. [PMID: 28198545 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The fusion protein L19mTNF (mouse TNF and human antibody fragment L19 directed to fibronectin extra domain B) selectively targets the tumor vasculature, and in combination with melphalan induces a long-lasting T-cell therapeutic response and immune memory in murine models. Increasing evidence suggests that natural killer (NK) cells act to promote effective T-cell-based antitumor responses. We have analyzed the role of NK cells and dendritic cells (DCs) on two different murine tumor models: WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma and C51 colon carcinoma, in which the combined treatment induces high and low rejection rates, respectively. In vivo NK-cell depletion strongly reduced the rejection of WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma and correlated with a decrease in mature DCs, CD4+ , and CD8+ T cells in the tumor-draining LNs and mature DCs and CD4+ T cells in the tumor 40 h after initiation of the therapy. NK-cell depletion also resulted in the impairment of the stimulatory capability of DCs derived from tumor-draining LNs of WEHI-164-treated mice. Moreover, a significant reduction of M2-type infiltrating macrophages was detected in both tumors undergoing therapy. These results suggest that the efficacy of L19mTNF/melphalan therapy is strongly related to the early activation of NK cells and DCs, which are necessary for an effective T-cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Balza
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCSS AOU San Martino Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IST), Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Zanellato
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS AOU San Martino IST, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rubartelli
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCSS AOU San Martino Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IST), Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Eckert F, Gaipl U, Niedermann G, Hettich M, Schilbach K, Huber S, Zips D. Beyond checkpoint inhibition - Immunotherapeutical strategies in combination with radiation. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2017; 2:29-35. [PMID: 29657997 PMCID: PMC5893529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The revival of cancer immunotherapy has taken place with the clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibition. However, the spectrum of immunotherapeutic approaches is much broader encompassing T cell engaging strategies, tumour-specific vaccination, antibodies or immunocytokines. This review focuses on the immunological effects of irradiation and the evidence available on combination strategies with immunotherapy. The available data suggest great potential of combined treatments, yet also poses questions about dose, fractionation, timing and most promising multimodal strategies.
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Key Words
- Bispecific antibodies
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CAR-T-cells
- CDN, cyclic dinucleotides
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocyte
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4
- GM-CSF, granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor
- IR, irradiation
- Immunocytokines
- Immunotherapy
- PD-1, Programmed cell death protein 1 receptor
- PD-L1, PD-1 ligand
- Radiotherapy
- TCR, T cell receptor
- Treg, regulatory T cells
- Vaccination
- bsAb, bispecific antibody
- scFv, single chain variable fragment
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Eckert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - U.S. Gaipl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - G. Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M. Hettich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - K. Schilbach
- Department of General Pediatrics/Pediatric Oncology, Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - S.M. Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - D. Zips
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Weide B, Neri D, Elia G. Intralesional treatment of metastatic melanoma: a review of therapeutic options. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:647-656. [PMID: 28078357 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intralesional therapy of melanoma patients with locally advanced metastatic disease is attracting increasing interest, not least due to its ability to lead to both direct tumor cell killing and the stimulation of both a local and a systemic immune response. An obvious pre-requisite for this type of approach is the presence of accessible metastases that are amenable to direct injection with the therapeutic agent of interest. Patients who present with these characteristics belong to stages IIIB/C or IV of the disease. Surgical resection with intention to cure is the standard of care for patients with limited tumor burden and confined spread of disease (resectable patients). However, this category of patients is at a high risk of further recurrences until the disease becomes inoperable (unresectable) or progresses to a more advanced stage with visceral organ involvement, after which the prognosis is particularly grim. Most of the intralesional treatments tested so far, including the recently approved oncolytic virus talimogene laherparepvec, target the subpopulation of patients with unresectable disease, but the possibility to use the intralesional treatment in a neoadjuvant setting for fully resectable patients is attracting considerable interest. The present article reviews approved products and advanced stage pharmaceutical agents in development for the intralesional treatment of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Weide
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giuliano Elia
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
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Rakhmilevich AL, Felder M, Lever L, Slowinski J, Rasmussen K, Hoefges A, Van De Voort TJ, Loibner H, Korman AJ, Gillies SD, Sondel PM. Effective Combination of Innate and Adaptive Immunotherapeutic Approaches in a Mouse Melanoma Model. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:1575-1584. [PMID: 28062694 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Most cancer immunotherapies include activation of either innate or adaptive immune responses. We hypothesized that the combined activation of both innate and adaptive immunity will result in better antitumor efficacy. We have previously shown the synergy of an agonistic anti-CD40 mAb (anti-CD40) and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides in activating macrophages to induce tumor cell killing in mice. Separately, we have shown that a direct intratumoral injection of immunocytokine (IC), an anti-GD2 Ab linked to IL-2, can activate T and NK cells resulting in antitumor effects. We hypothesized that activation of macrophages with anti-CD40/CpG, and NK cells with IC, would cause innate tumor destruction, leading to increased presentation of tumor Ags and adaptive T cell activation; the latter could be further augmented by anti-CTLA-4 Ab to achieve tumor eradication and immunological memory. Using the mouse GD2+ B78 melanoma model, we show that anti-CD40/CpG treatment led to upregulation of T cell activation markers in draining lymph nodes. Anti-CD40/CpG + IC/anti-CTLA-4 synergistically induced regression of advanced s.c. tumors, resulting in cure of some mice and development of immunological memory against B78 and wild type B16 tumors. Although the antitumor effect of anti-CD40/CpG did not require T cells, the antitumor effect of IC/anti-CTLA-4 was dependent on T cells. The combined treatment with anti-CD40/CpG + IC/anti-CTLA-4 reduced T regulatory cells in the tumors and was effective against distant solid tumors and lung metastases. We suggest that a combination of anti-CD40/CpG and IC/anti-CTLA-4 should be developed for clinical testing as a potentially effective novel immunotherapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Rakhmilevich
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705; .,Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Mildred Felder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Lauren Lever
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Jacob Slowinski
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Kayla Rasmussen
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Anna Hoefges
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705
| | | | | | - Alan J Korman
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Redwood City, CA 94063
| | | | - Paul M Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705.,Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705
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48
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Chen X, Xu J, Guo Q, Wang L, Yang Y, Guo H, Gu N, Zhang D, Qian W, Hou S, Li J, Dai J, Guo Y, Wang H. Therapeutic efficacy of an anti-PD-L1 antibody based immunocytokine in a metastatic mouse model of colorectal cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 480:160-165. [PMID: 27720718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunocytokines (antibody-cytokine fusions) have been proved to be a promising class of therapeutic agents for tumors. Anti-PD-L1 antibodies or IL-2 have been used to treat a variety of cancers. Here, in order to remove T cell inhibition and increasing the IL-2 concentration in the tumor microenvironment, we engineered a novel anti-PD-L1 antibody based immunocytokine by fusing hIL-2 to the C-Term of atezolizumab, denoted as BIPI. Our results revealed that BIPI was effective in stimulating T cell activation in vitro and could selectively localize to the tumor. Furthermore, tumor regression and prolonged survival were also observed in the metastatic colorectal cancer mouse model. The obviously longer survival mice in BIPI treatment group turned out depending on the function of CD8+ T cells. The IFN- secreted from CD8+ T cells in the spleen also contributed to the better tumor inhibition profile in BIPI treatment group than in anti-PD-L1 or IL-2 treatment alone. Taken together, our data evidenced the enhanced antitumor potency of BIPI, suggesting its potential use for cancers with a low response to the anti-PD-L1 or IL-2 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingcheng Guo
- International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfei Wang
- International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Huaizu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Nana Gu
- Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Weizhu Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos 138673, Singapore
| | - Sheng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yajun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China; School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos 138673, Singapore.
| | - Hao Wang
- International Joint Cancer Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Antibody Medicine and Targeted Therapy, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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49
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Kranz LM, Birtel M, Hilscher L, Grunwitz C, Petschenka J, Vascotto F, Vormehr M, Voss RH, Kreiter S, Diken M. CIMT 2016: Mechanisms of efficacy in cancer immunotherapy - Report on the 14th Annual Meeting of the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy May 10-12 2016, Mainz, Germany. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12:2805-2812. [PMID: 27435168 PMCID: PMC5137546 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1206677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lena M Kranz
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany.,b Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University , Mainz , Germany
| | - Matthias Birtel
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany.,b Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University , Mainz , Germany
| | - Lina Hilscher
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany
| | - Christian Grunwitz
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany.,c BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH , Mainz , Germany
| | - Jutta Petschenka
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany
| | - Fulvia Vascotto
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany
| | - Mathias Vormehr
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany.,c BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH , Mainz , Germany
| | - Ralf-Holger Voss
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany
| | - Mustafa Diken
- a TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH , Mainz , Germany
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50
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Neri D, Sondel PM. Immunocytokines for cancer treatment: past, present and future. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 40:96-102. [PMID: 27060634 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunocytokines are antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, with the potential to preferentially localize on tumor lesions and to activate anticancer immunity at the site of disease. Various tumor targets (e.g., cell membrane antigens and extracellular matrix components) and antibody formats (e.g., intact IgG and antibody fragments) have been considered for immunocytokine development and some products have advanced to clinical trials. In this review, we present relevant concepts and strategies for the design and use of anticancer immunocytokine products. In addition, we discuss emerging strategies for the pharmaceutical development and clinical application of this promising class of biopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Paul M Sondel
- Departments of Pediatrics, Human Oncology and Genetics, and UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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