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Chen Q, Sun Y, Li H. Application of CAR-T cell therapy targeting mesothelin in solid tumor treatment. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:289. [PMID: 39023820 PMCID: PMC11258118 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is one of the most effective immunotherapies. CAR-T-cell therapy has achieved great success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, due to the characteristics of solid malignant tumors, such as on-target effects, off-tumor toxicity, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and insufficient trafficking, CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors is still in the exploration stage. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a molecule expressed on the surface of various solid malignant tumor cells that is suitable as a target of tumor cells with high MSLN expression for CAR-T-cell therapy. This paper briefly described the development of CAR-T cell therapy and the structural features of MSLN, and especially summarized the strategies of structure optimization of MSLN-targeting CAR-T-cells and the enhancement methods of MSLN-targeting CAR-T cell anti-tumor efficacy by summarizing some preclinical experiment and clinical trials. When considering MSLN-targeting CAR-T-cell therapy as an example, this paper summarizes the efforts made by researchers in CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors and summarizes feasible treatment plans by integrating the existing research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China.
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Tarannum M, Dinh K, Vergara J, Birch G, Abdulhamid YZ, Kaplan IE, Ay O, Maia A, Beaver O, Sheffer M, Shapiro R, Ali AK, Dong H, Ham JD, Bobilev E, James S, Cameron AB, Nguyen QD, Ganapathy S, Chayawatto C, Koreth J, Paweletz CP, Gokhale PC, Barbie DA, Matulonis UA, Soiffer RJ, Ritz J, Porter RL, Chen J, Romee R. CAR memory-like NK cells targeting the membrane proximal domain of mesothelin demonstrate promising activity in ovarian cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn0881. [PMID: 38996027 PMCID: PMC11244547 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn0881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains one of the most lethal gynecological cancers. Cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) natural killer (NK) cells have shown promising results in preclinical and early-phase clinical trials. In the current study, CIML NK cells demonstrated superior antitumor responses against a panel of EOC cell lines, increased expression of activation receptors, and up-regulation of genes involved in cell cycle/proliferation and down-regulation of inhibitory/suppressive genes. CIML NK cells transduced with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the membrane-proximal domain of mesothelin (MSLN) further improved the antitumor responses against MSLN-expressing EOC cells and patient-derived xenograft tumor cells. CAR arming of the CIML NK cells subtanstially reduced their dysfunction in patient-derived ascites fluid with transcriptomic changes related to altered metabolism and tonic signaling as potential mechanisms. Lastly, the adoptive transfer of MSLN-CAR CIML NK cells demonstrated remarkable inhibition of tumor growth and prevented metastatic spread in xenograft mice, supporting their potential as an effective therapeutic strategy in EOC.
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MESH Headings
- Mesothelin
- Humans
- Animals
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Female
- Mice
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/immunology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- GPI-Linked Proteins/metabolism
- GPI-Linked Proteins/genetics
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/immunology
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/therapy
- Immunologic Memory
- Protein Domains
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubin Tarannum
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khanhlinh Dinh
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juliana Vergara
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Birch
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yasmin Z Abdulhamid
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabel E Kaplan
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oyku Ay
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreia Maia
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Owen Beaver
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michal Sheffer
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roman Shapiro
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alaa Kassim Ali
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Han Dong
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Dongjoo Ham
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eden Bobilev
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sydney James
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy B Cameron
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Quang-De Nguyen
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suthakar Ganapathy
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chayapatou Chayawatto
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Koreth
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cloud P Paweletz
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prafulla C Gokhale
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ursula A Matulonis
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert J Soiffer
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jerome Ritz
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Porter
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Bertoli E, De Carlo E, Bortolot M, Stanzione B, Del Conte A, Spina M, Bearz A. Targeted Therapy in Mesotheliomas: Uphill All the Way. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1971. [PMID: 38893092 PMCID: PMC11171080 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive and lethal disease with few therapeutic opportunities. Platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy is the backbone of first-line treatment for MM. The introduction of immunotherapy (IO) has been the only novelty of the last decades, allowing an increase in survival compared to standard chemotherapy (CT). However, IO is not approved for epithelioid histology in many countries. Therefore, therapy for relapsed MM remains an unmet clinical need, and the prognosis of MM remains poor, with an average survival of only 18 months. Increasing evidence reveals MM complexity and heterogeneity, of which histological classification fails to explain. Thus, scientific focus on possibly new molecular markers or cellular targets is increasing, together with the search for target therapies directed towards them. The molecular landscape of MM is characterized by inactivating tumor suppressor alterations, the most common of which is found in CDKN2A, BAP1, MTAP, and NF2. In addition, cellular targets such as mesothelin or metabolic enzymes such as ASS1 could be potentially amenable to specific therapies. This review examines the major targets and relative attempts of therapeutic approaches to provide an overview of the potential prospects for treating this rare neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bertoli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Elisa De Carlo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Martina Bortolot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Brigida Stanzione
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandro Del Conte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Michele Spina
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandra Bearz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
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4
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Jhajj HS, Schardt JS, Khalasawi N, Yao EL, Lwo TS, Kwon NY, O'Meara RL, Desai AA, Tessier PM. Facile generation of biepitopic antibodies with intrinsic agonism for activating tumor necrosis factor receptors. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:944-954.e5. [PMID: 38653243 PMCID: PMC11142405 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Agonist antibodies are being pursued for therapeutic applications ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to cancer. For the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, higher-order clustering of three or more receptors is key to their activation, which can be achieved using antibodies that recognize two unique epitopes. However, the generation of biepitopic (i.e., biparatopic) antibodies typically requires animal immunization and is laborious and unpredictable. Here, we report a simple method for identifying biepitopic antibodies that potently activate TNF receptors without the need for additional animal immunization. Our approach uses existing, receptor-specific IgGs, which lack intrinsic agonist activity, to block their corresponding epitopes, then selects single-chain antibodies that bind accessible epitopes. The selected antibodies are fused to the light chains of IgGs to generate human tetravalent antibodies. We highlight the broad utility of this approach by converting several clinical-stage antibodies against OX40 and CD137 (4-1BB) into biepitopic antibodies with potent agonist activity.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes/chemistry
- Animals
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/agonists
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/agonists
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, OX40/agonists
- Receptors, OX40/immunology
- Receptors, OX40/metabolism
- Receptors, OX40/antagonists & inhibitors
- Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Chain Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Chain Antibodies/chemistry
- Single-Chain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkamal S Jhajj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John S Schardt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Namir Khalasawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily L Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timon S Lwo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Na-Young Kwon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ryen L O'Meara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alec A Desai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter M Tessier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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5
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Zhu Y, Wang K, Yue L, Zuo D, Sheng J, Lan S, Zhao Z, Dong S, Hu S, Chen X, Feng M. Mesothelin CAR-T cells expressing tumor-targeted immunocytokine IL-12 yield durable efficacy and fewer side effects. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107186. [PMID: 38641176 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy has achieved remarkable efficacy in treating hematological malignancies, but it confronts many challenges in treating solid tumors, such as the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the solid tumors. These factors reduce the antitumor activity of CAR-T cells in clinical trials. Therefore, we used the immunocytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12) to enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy. In this study, we engineered CAR-IL12R54 T cells that targeted mesothelin (MSLN) and secreted a single-chain IL-12 fused to a scFv fragment R54 that recognized a different epitope on mesothelin. The evaluation of the anti-tumor activity of the CAR-IL12R54 T cells alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody in vitro and in vivo was followed by the exploration of the functional mechanism by which the immunocytokine IL-12 enhanced the antitumor activity. CAR-IL12R54 T cells had potency to lyse mesothelin positive tumor cells in vitro. In vivo studies demonstrated that CAR-IL12R54 T cells were effective in controlling the growth of established tumors in a xenograft mouse model with fewer side effects than CAR-T cells that secreted naked IL-12. Furthermore, combination of PD-1 blockade antibody with CAR-IL12R54 T cells elicited durable anti-tumor responses. Mechanistic studies showed that IL12R54 enhanced Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production and dampened the activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs). IL12R54 also upregulated CXCR6 expression in the T cells through the NF-κB pathway, which facilitated T cell infiltration and persistence in the tumor tissues. In summary, the studies provide a good therapeutic option for the clinical treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuankui Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Ke Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Linghe Yue
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Dianbao Zuo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Junfeng Sheng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Sina Lan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Zilong Zhao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Shuang Dong
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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Liu X, Onda M, Schlomer J, Bassel L, Kozlov S, Tai CH, Zhou Q, Liu W, Tsao HE, Hassan R, Ho M, Pastan I. Tumor resistance to anti-mesothelin CAR-T cells caused by binding to shed mesothelin is overcome by targeting a juxtamembrane epitope. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317283121. [PMID: 38227666 PMCID: PMC10823246 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317283121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite many clinical trials, CAR-T cells are not yet approved for human solid tumor therapy. One popular target is mesothelin (MSLN) which is highly expressed on the surface of about 30% of cancers including mesothelioma and cancers of the ovary, pancreas, and lung. MSLN is shed by proteases that cleave near the C terminus, leaving a short peptide attached to the cell. Most anti-MSLN antibodies bind to shed MSLN, which can prevent their binding to target cells. To overcome this limitation, we developed an antibody (15B6) that binds next to the membrane at the protease-sensitive region, does not bind to shed MSLN, and makes CAR-T cells that have much higher anti-tumor activity than a CAR-T that binds to shed MSLN. We have now humanized the Fv (h15B6), so the CAR-T can be used to treat patients and show that h15B6 CAR-T produces complete regressions in a hard-to-treat pancreatic cancer patient derived xenograft model, whereas CAR-T targeting a shed epitope (SS1) have no anti-tumor activity. In these pancreatic cancers, the h15B6 CAR-T replicates and replaces the cancer cells, whereas there are no CAR-T cells in the tumors receiving SS1 CAR-T. To determine the mechanism accounting for high activity, we used an OVCAR-8 intraperitoneal model to show that poorly active SS1-CAR-T cells are bound to shed MSLN, whereas highly active h15B6 CAR-T do not contain bound MSLN enabling them to bind to and kill cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- X.F. Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - M. Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - J. Schlomer
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - L. Bassel
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - S. Kozlov
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701
| | - C.-H. Tai
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Q. Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - W. Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - H.-E. Tsao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - R. Hassan
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - M. Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - I. Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
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7
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Jhajj HS, Schardt JS, Khalasawi N, Yao EL, Lwo TS, Kwon NY, O’Meara RL, Desai AA, Tessier PM. Facile generation of biepitopic antibodies with intrinsic agonism for activating receptors in the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.11.571146. [PMID: 38168220 PMCID: PMC10760063 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.11.571146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Agonist antibodies that activate cellular receptors are being pursued for therapeutic applications ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to cancer. For the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, higher-order clustering of three or more receptors is key to their potent activation. This can be achieved using antibodies that recognize two unique epitopes on the same receptor and mediate receptor superclustering. However, identifying compatible pairs of antibodies to generate biepitopic antibodies (also known as biparatopic antibodies) for activating TNF receptors typically requires animal immunization and is a laborious and unpredictable process. Here, we report a simple method for systematically identifying biepitopic antibodies that potently activate TNF receptors without the need for additional animal immunization. Our approach uses off-the-shelf, receptor-specific IgG antibodies, which lack intrinsic (Fc-gamma receptor-independent) agonist activity, to first block their corresponding epitopes. Next, we perform selections for single-chain antibodies from human nonimmune libraries that bind accessible epitopes on the same ectodomains using yeast surface display and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The selected single-chain antibodies are finally fused to the light chains of IgGs to generate human tetravalent antibodies that engage two different receptor epitopes and mediate potent receptor activation. We highlight the broad utility of this approach by converting several existing clinical-stage antibodies against TNF receptors, including ivuxolimab and pogalizumab against OX40 and utomilumab against CD137, into biepitopic antibodies with highly potent agonist activity. We expect that this widely accessible methodology can be used to systematically generate biepitopic antibodies for activating other receptors in the TNF receptor superfamily and many other receptors whose activation is dependent on strong receptor clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkamal S. Jhajj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John S. Schardt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Namir Khalasawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily L. Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timon S. Lwo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Na-Young Kwon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ryen L O’Meara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alec A. Desai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter M. Tessier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Zhu Y, Zuo D, Wang K, Lan S, He H, Chen L, Chen X, Feng M. Mesothelin-targeted CAR-T therapy combined with irinotecan for the treatment of solid cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15027-15038. [PMID: 37612388 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05279-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown promising results in treating blood cancers, but it has limited efficacy against solid tumors that express mesothelin (MSLN). One of the reasons is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which consists of physical barriers, multiple mechanisms of immune evasion, and various biochemical factors that favor tumor growth and survival. These factors reduce the antitumor activity of MSLN-targeted CAR T cells in clinical trials. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed to enhance the effectiveness of MSLN-targeted CAR T cell therapy. METHODS To investigate whether the antitumor efficacy of anti-MSLN CAR-T cells depends on the epitopes they recognize, we generated MSLN-targeted CAR T cells that bind to different regions of MSLN (Region I, II, III and Full length). We then evaluated the antitumor activity of MSLN-targeted CAR T cells alone or in combination with the chemotherapeutic drug irinotecan or an anti-PD-1 antibody in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We found that MSLN-targeted CAR T cells effectively killed MSLN-positive cancer cells (H9, H226 and Panc-1), but not MSLN-negative cells (A431) in vitro. In a mouse model of H9 tumor xenografts, all CAR T cells showed similar tumor suppression, but an MSLN-targeted scFv with Region I epitope, R47, performed slightly better. Combining irinotecan with CAR_R47 T cells enhanced tumor control synergistically in both H9 xenograft mice and patient-derived xenograft mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that irinotecan can enhance the antitumor activity of MSLN-targeted CAR T cells, and offer a promising combination therapy strategy for MSLN-positive solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuankui Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Dianbao Zuo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Ke Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Sina Lan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Huixia He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Liu Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
- College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Benloucif A, Meyer D, Balasse L, Goubard A, Danner L, Bouhlel A, Castellano R, Guillet B, Chames P, Kerfelec B. Rapid nanobody-based imaging of mesothelin expressing malignancies compatible with blocking therapeutic antibodies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200652. [PMID: 37388728 PMCID: PMC10303918 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mesothelin (MSLN) is overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers with few therapeutic options and has recently emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy, with a large number of approaches currently under preclinical and clinical investigation. In this respect, developing mesothelin specific tracers as molecular companion tools for predicting patient eligibility, monitoring then response to mesothelin-targeting therapies, and tracking the evolution of the disease or for real-time visualisation of tumours during surgery is of growing importance. Methods We generated by phage display a nanobody (Nb S1) and used enzymatic approaches were used to site-directed conjugate Nb S1 with either ATTO 647N fluorochrome or NODAGA chelator for fluorescence and positron emission tomography imaging (PET) respectively. Results We demonstrated that Nb S1 displays a high apparent affinity and specificity for human mesothelin and demonstrated that the binding, although located in the membrane distal domain of mesothelin, is not impeded by the presence of MUC16, the only known ligand of mesothelin, nor by the therapeutic antibody amatuximab. In vivo experiments showed that both ATTO 647N and [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-S1 rapidly and specifically accumulated in mesothelin positive tumours compared to mesothelin negative tumours or irrelevant Nb with a high tumour/background ratio. The ex vivo biodistribution profile analysis also confirmed a significantly higher uptake of Nb S1 in MSLN-positive tumours than in MSLNlow tumours. Conclusion We demonstrated for the first time the use of an anti-MSLN nanobody as PET radiotracer for same day imaging of MSLN+ tumours, targeting an epitope compatible with the monitoring of amatuximab-based therapies and current SS1-derived-drug conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdennour Benloucif
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Damien Meyer
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Laure Balasse
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centre Européen de Recherche en Imagerie Medicale (CERIMED), Marseille, France
- Aix-marseille University, INSERM, INRAE, Centre de recherche en Cardiovasculaire et Nutrition (C2VN), Marseille, France
| | - Armelle Goubard
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Preclinical Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Lucile Danner
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Ahlem Bouhlel
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centre Européen de Recherche en Imagerie Medicale (CERIMED), Marseille, France
- Aix-marseille University, INSERM, INRAE, Centre de recherche en Cardiovasculaire et Nutrition (C2VN), Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Preclinical Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Guillet
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centre Européen de Recherche en Imagerie Medicale (CERIMED), Marseille, France
- Aix-marseille University, INSERM, INRAE, Centre de recherche en Cardiovasculaire et Nutrition (C2VN), Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Chames
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Brigitte Kerfelec
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
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10
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Targeting Mesothelin in Solid Tumours: Anti-mesothelin Antibody and Drug Conjugates. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:309-323. [PMID: 36763234 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to summarise the pathobiological role of mesothelin and the current data on therapeutic antibodies targeting mesothelin in solid tumours. RECENT FINDINGS High mesothelin expression is restricted to the pericardium, pleura, peritoneum and tunica vaginalis. Mesothelin does not seem to have any normal biological function in adult normal tissues. Mesothelin is highly expressed in mesothelioma, serous ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and some gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the lung and is responsible for tumour proliferation, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy or radiation and evasion of immune system. To date, antibody, antibody drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies with immune checkpoints have been investigated in mesothelin expressing malignancies. After a couple of decades of clinical investigation in antibody targeting mesothelin, the therapeutic benefit is relatively modest. Novel delivery of mesothelin targeting agents, more potent payload in antibody drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitor, may improve therapeutic benefit.
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11
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Kolluri A, Li D, Li N, Duan Z, Roberts LR, Ho M. Human VH-based chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting glypican 3 eliminate tumors in preclinical models of HCC. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0022. [PMID: 36691969 PMCID: PMC9851680 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for treating solid tumors, including HCC, remains a challenge. Nanobodies are emerging building blocks of CAR T cells due to their small size and high expression. Membrane proximal sites have been shown as attractive epitopes of CAR T cells. However, current CAR formats are not tailored toward nanobodies or targeting membrane distal epitopes. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using hYP7 Fv (membrane proximal) and HN3 VH nanobody (membrane distal) as GPC3 targeting elements, we sought to determine how hinges and transmembrane portions of varying structures and sizes affect CAR T-cell function. We generated multiple permutations of CAR T cells containing CD8, CD28, IgG4, and Fc domains. We show that engineered HN3 CAR T cells can be improved by 2 independent, synergistic changes in the hinge and transmembrane domains. The T cells expressing the HN3 CAR which contains the hinge region of IgG4 and the CD28 transmembrane domain (HN3-IgG4H-CD28TM) exhibited high cytotoxic activity and caused complete HCC tumor eradication in immunodeficient mice. HN3-IgG4H-CD28TM CAR T cells were enriched for cytotoxic-memory CD8+ T cells and NFAT signals, and reduced β catenin levels in HCC cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that altering the hinge and transmembrane domains of a nanobody-based CAR targeting a distal GPC3 epitope, in contrast to a membrane proximal epitope, lead to robust T-cell signaling and induce swift and durable eradication of HCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Kolluri
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nan Li
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhijian Duan
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lewis R. Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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12
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Zhang YF, Sun Y, Hong J, Ho M. Humanization of the Shark V NAR Single Domain Antibody Using CDR Grafting. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e630. [PMID: 36594750 PMCID: PMC9813873 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The variable domain of the new antigen receptor (VNAR ) of shark single domain antibodies is evolutionarily distant from the variable regions (VH ) of mammalian immunoglobulins, yet it still has complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) that are involved in antigen recognition, therefore making it possible to humanize by grafting these CDRs to the framework of human VH homologs. Here, we show the VNAR CDR based on an analysis of currently available VNAR -antigen structure complexes in the global Protein Data Bank archive of 3D structure data, and describe the detailed protocol to humanize VNAR by CDR grafting, using B6 (an anti-Pseudomonas exotoxin VNAR ), the most common type (Type II) of shark VNAR s, as an example. Ongoing efforts will further optimize the protocol for moving shark VNAR s to the clinic for treating cancer and other human diseases. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Basic Protocol: Humanize shark VNAR sequence by CDR grafting Support Protocol 1: VNAR structure prediction and comparison Support Protocol 2: Measure binding kinetics of humanized VNAR using bio-layer interferometry (BLI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Yaping Sun
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Jessica Hong
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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13
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Roshini A, Goparaju C, Kundu S, Nandhu MS, Longo SL, Longo JA, Chou J, Middleton FA, Pass HI, Viapiano MS. The extracellular matrix protein fibulin-3/EFEMP1 promotes pleural mesothelioma growth by activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1014749. [PMID: 36303838 PMCID: PMC9593058 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1014749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The extracellular matrix protein fibulin-3/EFEMP1 accumulates in the pleural effusions of MPM patients and has been proposed as a prognostic biomarker of these tumors. However, it is entirely unknown whether fibulin-3 plays a functional role on MPM growth and progression. Here, we demonstrate that fibulin-3 is upregulated in MPM tissue, promotes the malignant behavior of MPM cells, and can be targeted to reduce tumor progression. Overexpression of fibulin-3 increased the viability, clonogenic capacity and invasion of mesothelial cells, whereas fibulin-3 knockdown decreased these phenotypic traits as well as chemoresistance in MPM cells. At the molecular level, fibulin-3 activated PI3K/Akt signaling and increased the expression of a PI3K-dependent gene signature associated with cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. These pro-tumoral effects of fibulin-3 on MPM cells were disrupted by PI3K inhibition as well as by a novel, function-blocking, anti-fibulin-3 chimeric antibody. Anti-fibulin-3 antibody therapy tested in two orthotopic models of MPM inhibited fibulin-3 signaling, resulting in decreased tumor cell proliferation, reduced tumor growth, and extended animal survival. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that fibulin-3 is not only a prognostic factor of MPM but also a relevant molecular target in these tumors. Further development of anti-fibulin-3 approaches are proposed to increase early detection and therapeutic impact against MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arivazhagan Roshini
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Chandra Goparaju
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Langone Medical Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Somanath Kundu
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Mohan S. Nandhu
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Sharon L. Longo
- Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - John A. Longo
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Joan Chou
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Frank A. Middleton
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Harvey I. Pass
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Langone Medical Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mariano S. Viapiano
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Mariano S. Viapiano,
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14
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Sibuh BZ, Gahtori R, Al-Dayan N, Pant K, Far BF, Malik AA, Gupta AK, Sadhu S, Dohare S, Gupta PK. Emerging trends in immunotoxin targeting cancer stem cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2022; 83:105417. [PMID: 35718257 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self-renewing multipotent cells that play a vital role in the development of cancer drug resistance conditions. Various therapies like conventional, targeted, and radiotherapies have been broadly used in targeting and killing these CSCs. Among these, targeted therapy selectively targets CSCs and leads to overcoming disease recurrence conditions in cancer patients. Immunotoxins (ITs) are protein-based therapeutics with selective targeting capabilities. These chimeric molecules are composed of two functional moieties, i.e., a targeting moiety for cell surface binding and a toxin moiety that induces the programmed cell death upon internalization. Several ITs have been constructed recently, and their preclinical and clinical efficacies have been evaluated. In this review, we comprehensively discussed the recent preclinical and clinical advances as well as significant challenges in ITs targeting CSCs, which might reduce the burden of drug resistance conditions in cancer patients from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belay Zeleke Sibuh
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rekha Gahtori
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical Campus, Kumaun University, Bhimtal, Nainital 263136, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Noura Al-Dayan
- Department of Medical Lab Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 16278, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kumud Pant
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Bahareh Farasati Far
- Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asrar Ahmad Malik
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research (SBSR), Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Gupta
- Department of Life Sciences, J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA, Faridabad 121006, Haryana, India
| | - Soumi Sadhu
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research (SBSR), Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sushil Dohare
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Piyush Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India; Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research (SBSR), Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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15
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Li M, Mei S, Yang Y, Shen Y, Chen L. Strategies to mitigate the on- and off-target toxicities of recombinant immunotoxins: an antibody engineering perspective. Antib Ther 2022; 5:164-176. [PMID: 35928456 PMCID: PMC9344849 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapies using immunotoxins has achieved remarkable efficacies in hematological malignancies. However, the clinical development of immunotoxins is also faced with many challenges like anti-drug antibodies and dose-limiting toxicity issues. Such a poor efficacy/safety ratio is also the major hurdle in the research and development of antibody-drug conjugates. From an antibody engineering perspective, various strategies were summarized/proposed to tackle the notorious on target off tumor toxicity issues, including passive strategy (XTENylation of immunotoxins) and active strategies (modulating the affinity and valency of the targeting moiety of immunotoxins, conditionally activating immunotoxins in the tumor microenvironments and reconstituting split toxin to reduce systemic toxicity etc.). By modulating the functional characteristics of the targeting moiety and the toxic moiety of immunotoxins, selective tumor targeting can be augmented while sparing the healthy cells in normal tissues expressing the same target of interest. If successful, the improved therapeutic index will likely help to address the dose-limiting toxicities commonly observed in the clinical trials of various immunotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Li
- Department of Postgraduate , Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Sen Mei
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Jiangsu Co. Ltd, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuelei Shen
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Nantong, P.R. China
- Joint Graduate School , Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, P.R. China
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Jiangsu Co. Ltd, Nantong, P.R. China
- Biotherapeutics , Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co, Ltd, Beijing, P.R. China
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16
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Liu X, Onda M, Watson N, Hassan R, Ho M, Bera TK, Wei J, Chakraborty A, Beers R, Zhou Q, Shajahan A, Azadi P, Zhan J, Xia D, Pastan I. Highly active CAR T cells that bind to a juxtamembrane region of mesothelin and are not blocked by shed mesothelin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202439119. [PMID: 35512094 PMCID: PMC9171807 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202439119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceMesothelin (MSLN) is a cell-surface protein that is a popular target for antibody-based therapies. We have identified shed MSLN as a major obstacle to successful antibody therapies and prepared a monoclonal antibody that inhibits shedding and makes very active CAR T cells whose activity is not blocked by shed MSLN and merits further preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufen Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Masanori Onda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Nathan Watson
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Tapan K. Bera
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Junxia Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Anirban Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Richard Beers
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Qi Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
| | - Asif Shajahan
- Analytical Services and Training, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-4712
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Analytical Services and Training, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-4712
| | - Jingyu Zhan
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255
| | - Di Xia
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD 20892-4264
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17
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Hassan R, Tomar S, Zhang J, Khanal M, Hong J, Venugopalan A, Jiang Q, Sengupta M, Miettinen M, Li N, Pastan I, Ho M. Development of highly effective anti-mesothelin hYP218 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells with increased tumor infiltration and persistence for treating solid tumors. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1195-1206. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Mesothelin targeting CAR T cells have limited activity in patients. In this study, we sought to determine if efficacy of anti-mesothelin CAR T cells is dependent on the mesothelin epitopes that are recognized by them. To do so, we developed hYP218 (against membrane-proximal epitope) and SS1 (against membrane-distal epitope) CAR T cells. Their efficacy was assessed in vitro using mesothelin positive tumor cell lines and in vivo in NSG mice with mesothelin expressing ovarian cancer (OVCAR-8), pancreatic cancer (KLM-1) and mesothelioma patient-derived (NCI-Meso63) tumor xenografts. Persistence and tumor infiltration of CAR T cells was determined using flow cytometry. hYP218 CAR T cells killed cancer cells more efficiently than SS1 CAR T cells, with 2-4-fold lower ET50 value (Effector to Target ratio for 50% killing of tumor cells). In mice with established tumors, single intravenous administration of hYP218 CAR T cells lead to improved tumor response and survival compared to SS1 CAR T cells, with complete regression of OVCAR-8 and NCI-Meso63 tumors. Compared to SS1 CAR T cells, there was increased peripheral blood expansion, persistence, and tumor infiltration of hYP218 CAR T cells in the KLM-1 tumor model. Persistence of hYP218 CAR T cells in treated mice led to anti-tumor immunity when rechallenged with KLM-1 tumor cells. Our results demonstrate that hYP218 CAR T cells, targeting mesothelin epitope close to cell membrane, are very effective against mesothelin positive tumors and are associated with increased persistence and tumor infiltration. These results support its clinical development to treat patients with mesothelin expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffit Hassan
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Sakshi Tomar
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Jingli Zhang
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | | | - Jessica Hong
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | | | - Qun Jiang
- NCI-NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Nan Li
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Ira Pastan
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mitchell Ho
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
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18
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Li D, Lin S, Hong J, Ho M. Immunotherapy for hepatobiliary cancers: Emerging targets and translational advances. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:415-449. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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19
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Kim S, Yee E, Miller EA, Hao Y, Tay DMY, Sung KJ, Jia H, Johnson JM, Saeed M, Mace CR, Yüksel Yurt D, Sikes HD. Developing a SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Using Engineered Affinity Proteins. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:38990-39002. [PMID: 34379400 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c08174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has clearly established how vital rapid, widely accessible diagnostic tests are in controlling infectious diseases and how difficult and slow it is to scale existing technologies. Here, we demonstrate the use of the rapid affinity pair identification via directed selection (RAPIDS) method to discover multiple affinity pairs for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N-protein), a biomarker of COVID-19, from in vitro libraries in 10 weeks. The pair with the highest biomarker sensitivity was then integrated into a 10 min, vertical-flow cellulose paper test. Notably, the as-identified affinity proteins were compatible with a roll-to-roll printing process for large-scale manufacturing of tests. The test achieved 40 and 80 pM limits of detection in 1× phosphate-buffered saline (mock swab) and saliva matrices spiked with cell-culture-generated SARS-CoV-2 viruses and is also capable of detection of N-protein from characterized clinical swab samples. Hence, this work paves the way toward the mass production of cellulose paper-based assays which can address the shortages faced due to dependence on nitrocellulose and current manufacturing techniques. Further, the results reported herein indicate the promise of RAPIDS and engineered binder proteins for the timely and flexible development of clinically relevant diagnostic tests in response to emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghyeon Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Emma Yee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Eric A Miller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yining Hao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Dousabel M Y Tay
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ki-Joo Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Huan Jia
- Antimicrobial Resistance Integrated Research Group, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Joseph M Johnson
- Quanterix Corporation, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821, United States
| | - Mohsan Saeed
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston, Massachusetts 02188, United States
| | - Charles R Mace
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | | | - Hadley D Sikes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Antimicrobial Resistance Integrated Research Group, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
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20
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Yeo D, Castelletti L, van Zandwijk N, Rasko JEJ. Hitting the Bull's-Eye: Mesothelin's Role as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3932. [PMID: 34439085 PMCID: PMC8391149 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. MPM originates from the mesothelial lining of the pleura. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a glycoprotein expressed at low levels in normal tissues and at high levels in MPM. Many other solid cancers overexpress MSLN, and this is associated with worse survival rates. However, this association has not been found in MPM, and the exact biological role of MSLN in MPM requires further exploration. Here, we discuss the current research on the diagnostic and prognostic value of MSLN in MPM patients. Furthermore, MSLN has become an attractive immunotherapy target in MPM, where better treatment strategies are urgently needed. Several MSLN-targeted monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, immunotoxins, cancer vaccines, and cellular therapies have been tested in the clinical setting. The biological rationale underpinning MSLN-targeted immunotherapies and their potential to improve MPM patient outcomes are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dannel Yeo
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (D.Y.); (L.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Laura Castelletti
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (D.Y.); (L.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Nico van Zandwijk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - John E. J. Rasko
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (D.Y.); (L.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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21
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Castelletti L, Yeo D, van Zandwijk N, Rasko JEJ. Anti-Mesothelin CAR T cell therapy for malignant mesothelioma. Biomark Res 2021; 9:11. [PMID: 33588928 PMCID: PMC7885509 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00264-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a treatment-resistant tumor originating in the mesothelial lining of the pleura or the abdominal cavity with very limited treatment options. More effective therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to improve the poor prognosis of MM patients. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a novel potential treatment for this incurable solid tumor. The tumor-associated antigen mesothelin (MSLN) is an attractive target for cell therapy in MM, as this antigen is expressed at high levels in the diseased pleura or peritoneum in the majority of MM patients and not (or very modestly) present in healthy tissues. Clinical trials using anti-MSLN CAR T cells in MM have shown that this potential therapeutic is relatively safe. However, efficacy remains modest, likely due to the MM tumor microenvironment (TME), which creates strong immunosuppressive conditions and thus reduces anti-MSLN CAR T cell tumor infiltration, efficacy and persistence. Various approaches to overcome these challenges are reviewed here. They include local (intratumoral) delivery of anti-MSLN CAR T cells, improved CAR design and co-stimulation, and measures to avoid T cell exhaustion. Combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors as well as oncolytic viruses are also discussed. Preclinical studies have confirmed that increased efficacy of anti-MSLN CAR T cells is within reach and offer hope that this form of cellular immunotherapy may soon improve the prognosis of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Castelletti
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, Australia
| | - Dannel Yeo
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, Australia
| | - Nico van Zandwijk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, Australia.,Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Concord, Australia
| | - John E J Rasko
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia. .,Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, Australia. .,Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
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22
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Hatterer E, Chauchet X, Richard F, Barba L, Moine V, Chatel L, Broyer L, Pontini G, Bautzova T, Juan F, Calloud S, Bosson N, Charreton M, Masternak K, Buatois V, Shang L. Targeting a membrane-proximal epitope on mesothelin increases the tumoricidal activity of a bispecific antibody blocking CD47 on mesothelin-positive tumors. MAbs 2021; 12:1739408. [PMID: 32191151 PMCID: PMC7153835 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1739408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cell surface glycoprotein overexpressed in several solid malignancies, including gastric, lung, mesothelioma, pancreatic and ovarian cancers. While several MSLN-targeting therapeutic approaches are in development, only limited efficacy has been achieved in patients. A potential shortcoming of several described antibody-based approaches is that they target the membrane distal region of MSLN and, additionally, are known to be handicapped by the high levels of circulating soluble MSLN in patients. We show here, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting different MSLN-spanning epitopes, that the membrane-proximal region resulted in more efficient killing of MSLN-positive tumor cells in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. Surprisingly, no augmented killing was observed in antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) by mAbs targeting this membrane-proximal region. To further increase the ADCP potential, we, therefore, generated bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) coupling a high-affinity MSLN binding arm to a blocking CD47 arm. Here, targeting the membrane-proximal domain of MSLN demonstrated enhanced ADCP activity compared to membrane-distal domains when the bsAbs were used in in vitro phagocytosis killing assays. Importantly, the superior anti-tumor activity was also translated in xenograft tumor models. Furthermore, we show that the bsAb approach targeting the membrane-proximal epitope of MSLN optimized ADCC activity by augmenting FcγR-IIIA activation and enhanced ADCP via a more efficient blockade of the CD47/SIRPα axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hatterer
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Chauchet
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Françoise Richard
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Leticia Barba
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Valéry Moine
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Chatel
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Lucile Broyer
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | | | - Tereza Bautzova
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Flora Juan
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Calloud
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Bosson
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Maud Charreton
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | | | - Vanessa Buatois
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Limin Shang
- Light Chain Bioscience, Novimmune S.A., Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
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23
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Generation of a Novel Mesothelin-Targeted Oncolytic Herpes Virus and Implemented Strategies for Manufacturing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020477. [PMID: 33418877 PMCID: PMC7825047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: HER2-based retargeted viruses are in advanced phases of preclinical development of breast cancer models. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a cell-surface tumor antigen expressed in different subtypes of breast and non-breast cancer. Its recent identification as a marker of some triple-negative breast tumors renders it an attractive target, presently investigated in clinical trials employing antibody drug conjugates and CAR-T cells. The availability of MSLN-retargeted oncolytic viruses may complement the current immunotherapeutic panel of biological drugs against HER2-negative breast and non-breast tumors. Methods: A fully virulent, tumor-targeted oncolytic Herpes simplex virus-1 (MSLN-THV) with a selectivity for mesothelin-expressing cancer cells was generated. Recombineering technology was used to replace an essential moiety of the viral glycoprotein D with antibody fragments derived from clinically validated MSLN monoclonal antibodies, and to allow IL12 cargo expression in infected cells. Panels of breast and female reproductive system cell lines were used to verify the oncolytic potential of the viral constructs. A platform for production of the retargeted viruses was developed in HEK 293 cells, providing stable expression of a suitable chimeric receptor. Results: We demonstrated the selectivity of viral infection and cytotoxicity by MSLN-retargeted viruses in a panel of mesothelin-positive cancer cells, originating from breast and female reproductive system tumors. We also developed a second-generation oncolytic MSLN-THV, encoding IL12, to enhance the immunotherapeutic potential of the viral backbone. A non-tumor cell line expressing a chimeric MSLN/Nectin-1 receptor, de-sensitized from antiviral responses by genetic inactivation of the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING)-dependent pathway was engineered, to optimize viral yields. Conclusions: Our proof-of-concept study proposes MSLN-retargeted herpesviruses as potential cancer immunotherapeutics for assessments in preclinical models of MSLN-positive tumors, complementing the available panel of oncolytic viruses to HER2-negative breast tumors.
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24
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Blanquart C, Jaurand MC, Jean D. The Biology of Malignant Mesothelioma and the Relevance of Preclinical Models. Front Oncol 2020; 10:388. [PMID: 32269966 PMCID: PMC7109283 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM), especially its more frequent form, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), is a devastating thoracic cancer with limited therapeutic options. Recently, clinical trials that used immunotherapy strategies have yielded promising results, but the benefits are restricted to a limited number of patients. To develop new therapeutic strategies and define predictors of treatment response to existing therapy, better knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of MM tumors and sound preclinical models are needed. This review aims to provide an overview of our present knowledge and issues on both subjects. MM shows a complex pattern of molecular changes, including genetic, chromosomic, and epigenetic alterations. MM is also a heterogeneous cancer. The recently described molecular classifications for MPM could better consider inter-tumor heterogeneity, while histo-molecular gradients are an interesting way to consider both intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneities. Classical preclinical models are based on use of MM cell lines in culture or implanted in rodents, i.e., xenografts in immunosuppressed mice or isografts in syngeneic rodents to assess the anti-tumor immune response. Recent developments are tumoroids, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), xenografts in humanized mice, and genetically modified mice (GEM) that carry mutations identified in human MM tumor cells. Multicellular tumor spheroids are an interesting in vitro model to reduce animal experimentation; they are more accessible than tumoroids. They could be relevant, especially if they are co-cultured with stromal and immune cells to partially reproduce the human microenvironment. Even if preclinical models have allowed for major advances, they show several limitations: (i) the anatomical and biological tumor microenvironments are incompletely reproduced; (ii) the intra-tumor heterogeneity and immunological contexts are not fully reconstructed; and (iii) the inter-tumor heterogeneity is insufficiently considered. Given that these limitations vary according to the models, preclinical models must be carefully selected depending on the objectives of the experiments. New approaches, such as organ-on-a-chip technologies or in silico biological systems, should be explored in MM research. More pertinent cell models, based on our knowledge on mesothelial carcinogenesis and considering MM heterogeneity, need to be developed. These endeavors are mandatory to implement efficient precision medicine for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Blanquart
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,Labex IGO, Immunology Graft Oncology, Nantes, France
| | - Marie-Claude Jaurand
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Didier Jean
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors Laboratory, Paris, France
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25
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Feng R, Wang R, Hong J, Dower CM, Croix BS, Ho M. Isolation of rabbit single domain antibodies to B7-H3 via protein immunization and phage display. Antib Ther 2020; 3:10-17. [PMID: 32166218 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbaa002] [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] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Single domain antibodies have certain advantages including their small size, high stability and excellent tissue penetration, making them attractive drug candidates. Rabbit antibodies can recognize diverse epitopes, including those that are poorly immunogenic in mice and humans. In the present study, we established a method to isolate rabbit VH single domain antibodies for potential cancer therapy. We immunized rabbits with recombinant human B7-H3 (CD276) protein, made a phage-displayed rabbit VH single domain library with a diversity of 7 × 109, and isolated two binders (A1 and B1; also called RFA1 and RFB1) from phage panning. Both rabbit VH single domains exhibited antigen-dependent binding to B7-H3-positive tumor cell lines but not B7-H3 knockout tumor cell lines. Our study shows that protein immunization followed by phage display screening can be used to isolate rabbit single domain antibodies. The two single domain antibodies reported here may have potential applications in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Feng
- NCI Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruixue Wang
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jessica Hong
- NCI Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christopher M Dower
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Brad St Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- NCI Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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26
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Miller EA, Sung KJ, Kongsuphol P, Baniya S, Aw-Yong HQ, Tay V, Tan Y, Kabir FM, Pang-Yeo K, Kaspriskie IG, Sikes HD. Beyond Epitope Binning: Directed in Vitro Selection of Complementary Pairs of Binding Proteins. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:49-60. [PMID: 31769955 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.9b00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many biotechnological applications require the simultaneous binding of affinity reagents to nonoverlapping target epitopes, the most prominent example being sandwich immunoassays. Typically, affinity pairs are identified via post facto functional analysis of clones that were not selected for complementarity. Here, we developed the Rapid Affinity Pair Identification via Directed Selection (RAPIDS) process, which enables the efficient identification of affinity reagents that function together as complementary pairs, from in vitro libraries of ∼109 variants. We used RAPIDS to develop highly specific affinity pairs against biomarkers of tuberculosis, Zika virus, and sepsis. Without additional trial-and-error screening, these affinity pairs exhibited utility in multiple assay formats. The RAPIDS process applies selective pressure to hundreds of thousands of potential affinity pairs to efficiently identify complementary pairs that bind to separate epitopes without binding to one another or nontargets, yielding diagnostic assays that are sensitive and specific by design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Miller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ki-Joo Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Patthara Kongsuphol
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Subha Baniya
- Department of Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Hui Qi Aw-Yong
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Vivian Tay
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Yuxuan Tan
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Farah M. Kabir
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Karl Pang-Yeo
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Isabel G. Kaspriskie
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hadley D. Sikes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
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27
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Modified CAR T cells targeting membrane-proximal epitope of mesothelin enhances the antitumor function against large solid tumor. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:476. [PMID: 31209210 PMCID: PMC6572851 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is an attractive antigen for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy and the epitope selection within MSLN is essential. In this study, we constructed two types of CARs targeting either region I of MSLN (meso1 CAR, also known as a membrane-distal region) or region III of MSLN (meso3 CAR, also known as a membrane-proximal region) using a modified piggyBac transposon system. We reported that, compared with meso1 CAR T cells, meso3 CAR T cells express higher levels of CD107α upon activation and produce increased levels of interleukin-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ against multiple MSLN-expressing cancer cells in vitro. In a real-time cell analyzer system and a three-dimensional spheroid cancer cell model, we also demonstrated that meso3 CAR T cells display an enhanced killing effect compared with that of meso1 CAR T cells. More importantly, in a gastric cancer NSG mice model, meso3 CAR T cells mediated stronger antitumor responses than meso1 CAR T cells did. We further identified that meso3 CAR T cells can effectively inhibit the growth of large ovarian tumors in vivo. Collectively, our study provides evidences that meso3 CAR T-cell therapy performs as a better immunotherapy than meso1 CAR T-cell therapy in treating MSLN-positive solid tumors.
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28
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Hino O, Abe M, Han B, Yan Y. In commemoration of the 2018 Mataro Nagayo Prize: A road to early diagnosis and monitoring of asbestos-related mesothelioma. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:1518-1524. [PMID: 30888083 PMCID: PMC6500980 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is a typical occupational disease. The latency of mesothelioma is as long as 20-40 years, and the cancer initially progresses mainly along the surfaces of pleura or peritoneum without forming masses. As symptoms do not develop until late stages, it has been challenging to diagnose this disease in its early stages and to carry out complete surgical removal. In responding to Japan's asbestos crisis in the mid-2000s, we have developed and improved ERC/MSLN-based serum and radiological markers and pioneered the use of an N-ERC ELISA kit for screening populations at risk for asbestos exposure. In the present article, we review our research toward early diagnosis of asbestos-related mesothelioma before symptoms develop and share our clinical experience of screening, diagnosing and monitoring of this disease. This paper is dedicated to the author (Dr Okio Hino) to commemorate the honor bestowed upon him as the recipient of the Mataro Nagayo Prize in 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okio Hino
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Abe
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Nuclear grading, BAP1, mesothelin and PD-L1 expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma: prognostic implications. Pathology 2018; 50:635-641. [PMID: 30145072 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
For malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), histopathological subtype is one of the most important prognostic factors. Several immunohistochemical stains whose expressions have possible therapeutic implications have been identified in MPM such as BAP1, mesothelin and PD-L1. The aim of our work was to evaluate the clinical significance and prognostic implications of BAP1, mesothelin and PD-L1 expression in 117 patients with a diagnosis of MPM who were diagnosed in our institution between 2002 and 2017. We also correlated this immunohistochemical profile to a recently described nuclear grading and to histopathological subtype. Mesothelin expression, BAP1 loss and PD-L1 expression were associated with histopathological subtype (p < 0.0001), BAP1 loss was more frequent in epithelioid subtype whereas PD-L1 expression was more frequent in non-epithelioid subtype. For epithelioid MPM, BAP1 expression was associated with overall survival (p = 0.034), with a longer survival when BAP1 expression is lost. Necrosis and nuclear grading are associated with overall survival (p = 0.0048 and <0.0001, respectively), with longer survival when necrosis was absent and for grade I. For non-epithelioid MPM, overall survival was not related to clinical, histopathological or immunohistochemical expression of BAP1, mesothelin or PD-L1. In multivariate analysis, grade I for nuclear grading was an independent prognostic factor associated with overall survival (p < 0.0001). In epithelioid and non-epithelioid MPM, we analysed overall survival in subgroups with combined mesothelin, BAP1 and PD-L1 expression. In epithelioid MPM, BAP1 retained/mesothelin negativity/PD-L1 > 1%, and BAP1 retained/mesothelin positivity/PD-L1 > 1% profiles, are associated with shorter overall survival. In non-epithelioid MPM, BAP1 loss/mesothelin negativity/PD-L1 > 1% is associated with shorter overall survival. Our work confirms that nuclear grading in epithelioid MPM is a strong and independent prognosis factor. Moreover, this study on several promising immunohistochemical stains whose expressions have possible therapeutic implications identifies subgroups with a poor prognosis.
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He J, Zhang Z, Lv S, Liu X, Cui L, Jiang D, Zhang Q, Li L, Qin W, Jin H, Qian Q. Engineered CAR T cells targeting mesothelin by piggyBac transposon system for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Cell Immunol 2018; 329:31-40. [PMID: 29859625 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients with pancreatic cancer have a poor prognosis largely due to the poor efficacy of the available treatment modalities. In this study, we engineered mesothelin-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells (mesoCAR T) using the piggyBac transposon based plasmid electroporation technique for specific targeting of pancreatic cancer cells expressing mesothelin. In vitro, mesoCAR T cells exhibited rapid and robust killing effect against ASPC1 cells with high expression levels of mesothelin with high production of IFN-γ; the cytotoxic effect on PANC1 cells with low expressions of mesothelin was relatively attenuated. In the ASPC1 xenograft mice model, mesoCAR T cells significantly suppressed the tumor growth accompanied with higher-level IFN-γ secretion as compared to control T cells. Besides, more mesoCAR T cells differentiated into memory T cells after tumor remission, whilst causing minimal lesions in major organs. Our study suggests promising efficacy of piggyBac transposon-based mesoCAR T cell therapy for pancreatic cancer, which is a potential candidate for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangchuan He
- Xinyuan Institute of Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China; Department of Biotherapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Saiqun Lv
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Xiangzhen Liu
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Lianzhen Cui
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Duqing Jiang
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Linfang Li
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Wenxia Qin
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Huajun Jin
- Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China; Department of Biotherapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Shanghai 201805, China.
| | - Qijun Qian
- Xinyuan Institute of Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; Shanghai Cell Therapy Research Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Cell Therapy, Shanghai 201805, China; Department of Biotherapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Shanghai 201805, China.
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31
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White M, Freistaedter A, Jones GJB, Zervos E, Roper RL. Development of improved therapeutic mesothelin-based vaccines for pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193131. [PMID: 29474384 PMCID: PMC5825036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths, and there are no effective treatments. We developed a poxvirus platform vaccine with improved immunogenicity and inserted the mesothelin gene to create an anti-mesothelin cancer vaccine. Mesothelin expression is mostly restricted to tumors in adult mammals and thus may be a good target for cancer treatment. We show here that the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) virus expressing mesothelin and the enhanced MVA virus missing the immunosuppressive A35 gene and expressing mesothelin were both safe in mice and were able to induce IFN-gamma secreting T cells in response to mesothelin expressing tumor cells. In addition, the MVA virus has oncolytic properties in vitro as it can replicate in and kill Panc02 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line tumor cells, even though it is unable to replicate in most mammalian cells. Deletion of the A35 gene in MVA improved T cell responses as expected. However, we were unable to demonstrate inhibition of Panc02 tumor growth in immunocompetent mice with pre-vaccination of mice, boosts, or even intratumoral injections of the recombinant viruses. Vaccine efficacy may be limited by shedding of mesothelin from tumor cells thus creating a protective screen from the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael White
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Andrew Freistaedter
- Department of Microbiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Gwendolyn J B Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Emmanuel Zervos
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Rachel L Roper
- Department of Microbiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
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Nagaya T, Nakamura Y, Sato K, Zhang YF, Ni M, Choyke PL, Ho M, Kobayashi H. Near infrared photoimmunotherapy with an anti-mesothelin antibody. Oncotarget 2018; 7:23361-9. [PMID: 26981775 PMCID: PMC5029632 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Near Infrared-Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a new, highly selective tumor treatment that employs an antibody-photon absorber conjugate (APC). When the APC attaches to its target cell and is exposed to NIR light, highly selective cell killing is observed. NIR-PIT has been demonstrated with a limited number of antibodies. Mesothelin is overexpressed in several malignancies and is emerging as a therapeutic target. A recently humanized antibody (hYP218) has been generated against mesothelin that demonstrates high affinity binding. Here, we describe the efficacy of NIR-PIT, using hYP218 as the antibody within the APC to target a mesothelin expressing A431/H9 cell. The hYP218 antibody was conjugated to a photo-absorber, IR700 and incubated with the cells. The hYP218-IR700 showed specific binding to cells and cell-specific killing was observed in vitro. After implanting A431/H9 cells in an athymic nude mouse, tumor-bearing mice were treated with the following regimen of NIR-PIT; 100 μg of hYP218-IR700 i.v., NIR light was administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 after injection and 100 J/cm2 of light on day 2 after injection. The hYP218-IR700 showed high tumor accumulation and a high tumor-background ratio (TBR). Tumor growth was significantly inhibited by NIR-PIT treatment compared with the other control groups (p < 0.001), and significantly prolonged survival (p < 0.0001 vs other groups). Thus, the new anti-mesothelin antibody, hYP218, is suitable as an antibody-drug conjugate for NIR-PIT. Furthermore, NIR-PIT with hYP218-IR700 is a promising candidate for the treatment of mesothelin-expressing tumors that could be readily translated to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadanobu Nagaya
- Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Yuko Nakamura
- Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Kazuhide Sato
- Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Yi-Fan Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Min Ni
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Peter L Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Hisataka Kobayashi
- Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
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O’Hara MH, Stashwick C, Plesa G, Tanyi JL. Overcoming barriers of car T-cell therapy in patients with mesothelin-expressing cancers. Immunotherapy 2017; 9:767-780. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
One obstacle to the application of immunotherapy to solid malignancies is to overcome the existing tolerance to self-antigens. Vaccine strategies aimed at harnessing endogenous antitumor T cells are limited by the T-cell receptor repertoire, which can be detected within the thymus as central tolerance or rendered nonfunctional by post-thymic mechanisms of peripheral tolerance. Adoptive immunotherapy can overcome these obstacles, since therapeutically effective T cells can be engineered to recognize tumors. Continued advancements in novel treatments, including immunotherapy, in solid malignancies are imperative. While mesothelin is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy given its normal expression is limited to mesothelial cells, the breakthrough for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell treatment against this antigen is still forthcoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark H O’Hara
- Department of Hematologic Oncology of the University of Pennsylvania, The University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3400 Spruce street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Caitlin Stashwick
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Lancaster General Hospital, 555 N Duke street, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA
| | - Gabriela Plesa
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, The University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3400 Spruce street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Janos L Tanyi
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology of the University of Pennsylvania, The University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3400 Spruce street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Spidel JL, Albone EF, Cheng X, Vaessen B, Jacob S, Milinichik AZ, Verdi A, Kline JB, Grasso L. Engineering humanized antibody framework sequences for optimal site-specific conjugation of cytotoxins. MAbs 2017; 9:907-915. [PMID: 28541812 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1330734] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevailing techniques used to generate antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) involve random conjugation of the linker-drug to multiple lysines or cysteines in the antibody. Engineering natural and non-natural amino acids into an antibody has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to produce homogeneous ADC products with defined drug-to-antibody ratios. We recently reported an efficient residue-specific conjugation technology (RESPECT) where thiol-reactive payloads can be efficiently conjugated to a native unpaired cysteine in position 80 (C80) of rabbit light chains. Deimmunizing the rabbit variable domains through humanization is necessary to reduce the risk of anti-drug antibody responses in patients. However, we found that first-generation humanized RESPECT ADCs showed high levels of aggregation and low conjugation efficiency. We correlated these negative properties to the phenylalanine at position 83 present in most human variable kappa frameworks. When position 83 was substituted with selected amino acids, conjugation was restored and aggregation was reduced to levels similar to the chimeric ADC. This engineering strategy allows for development of second-generation humanized RESPECT ADCs with desirable biopharmaceutical properties.
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King J, Bouvet M, Singh G, Williams J. Improving theranostics in pancreatic cancer. J Surg Oncol 2017; 116:104-113. [PMID: 28513912 DOI: 10.1002/jso.24625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most deadly cancer in the United States, and is expected to be the second most deadly by 2030. The major difficulty in treating pancreatic cancer is the late onset of symptoms. Generally, patients show metastatic disease by the time of diagnosis, with a survival rate of 5% beyond 5 years. In patients without metastatic disease, surgical resection increases 5 year survival rate to 25%. The remaining 75% succumb to undetected metastases. Clearly, improvements to both detection, surgical intervention, and therapeutic strategies will be needed to improve patient outcome in pancreatic cancer. METHODS Recent literature has been surveyed and atomic models of new therapeutic approaches were generated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Here, we focus on the recent progress employing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to target pancreatic cancer associated markers, and more specifically on recent chemical and protein engineering efforts to improve the homogeneity, stability, and administration of mAbs to precisely deliver imaging agents and cytotoxins to sites of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy King
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Michael Bouvet
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | - John Williams
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, California
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Weber J, Peng H, Rader C. From rabbit antibody repertoires to rabbit monoclonal antibodies. Exp Mol Med 2017; 49:e305. [PMID: 28336958 PMCID: PMC5382564 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we explain why and how rabbit monoclonal antibodies have become outstanding reagents for laboratory research and increasingly for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Starting with the unique ontogeny of rabbit B cells that affords highly distinctive antibody repertoires rich in in vivo pruned binders of high diversity, affinity and specificity, we describe the generation of rabbit monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma technology, phage display and alternative methods, along with an account of successful humanization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Weber
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Haiyong Peng
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Christoph Rader
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
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37
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Zhang YF, Ho M. Humanization of rabbit monoclonal antibodies via grafting combined Kabat/IMGT/Paratome complementarity-determining regions: Rationale and examples. MAbs 2017; 9:419-429. [PMID: 28165915 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1289302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit monoclonal antibodies (RabMAbs) can recognize diverse epitopes, including those poorly immunogenic in mice and humans. However, there have been only a few reports on RabMAb humanization, an important antibody engineering step usually done before clinical applications are investigated. To pursue a general method for humanization of RabMAbs, we analyzed the complex structures of 5 RabMAbs with their antigens currently available in the Protein Data Bank, and identified antigen-contacting residues on the rabbit Fv within the 6 Angstrom distance to its antigen. We also analyzed the supporting residues for antigen-contacting residues on the same heavy or light chain. We identified "HV4" and "LV4" in rabbit Fvs, non-complementarity-determining region (CDR) loops that are structurally close to the antigen and located in framework 3 of the heavy chain and light chain, respectively. Based on our structural and sequence analysis, we designed a humanization strategy by grafting the combined Kabat/IMGT/Paratome CDRs, which cover most antigen-contacting residues, into a human germline framework sequence. Using this strategy, we humanized 4 RabMAbs that recognize poorly immunogenic epitopes in the cancer target mesothelin. Three of the 4 humanized rabbit Fvs have similar or improved functional binding affinity for mesothelin-expressing cells. Interestingly, 4 immunotoxins composed of the humanized scFvs fused to a clinically used fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38) showed stronger cytotoxicity against tumor cells than the immunotoxins derived from their original rabbit scFvs. Our data suggest that grafting the combined Kabat/IMGT/Paratome CDRs to a stable human germline framework can be a general approach to humanize RabMAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Zhang
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology , National Cancer Institute , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology , National Cancer Institute , Bethesda , MD , USA
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38
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Zhang YF, Ho M. Humanization of high-affinity antibodies targeting glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33878. [PMID: 27667400 PMCID: PMC5036187 DOI: 10.1038/srep33878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have generated a group of high-affinity mouse monoclonal antibodies targeting GPC3. Here, we report the humanization and testing of these antibodies for clinical development. We compared the affinity and cytotoxicity of recombinant immunotoxins containing mouse single-chain variable regions fused with a Pseudomonas toxin. To humanize the mouse Fvs, we grafted the combined KABAT/IMGT complementarity determining regions (CDR) into a human IgG germline framework. Interestingly, we found that the proline at position 41, a non-CDR residue in heavy chain variable regions (VH), is important for humanization of mouse antibodies. We also showed that two humanized anti-GPC3 antibodies (hYP7 and hYP9.1b) in the IgG format induced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent-cytotoxicity in GPC3-positive cancer cells. The hYP7 antibody was tested and showed inhibition of HCC xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. This study successfully humanizes and validates high affinity anti-GPC3 antibodies and sets a foundation for future development of these antibodies in various clinical formats in the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Zhang
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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Monoclonal antibodies: Principles and applications of immmunodiagnosis and immunotherapy for hepatitis C virus. World J Hepatol 2015. [PMID: 26464752 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i22.2369.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide. Early detection of the infection will help better management of the infected cases. The monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of mice are predominantly used for the immunodiagnosis of several viral, bacterial, and parasitic antigens. Serological detection of HCV antigens and antibodies provide simple and rapid methods of detection but lack sensitivity specially in the window phase between the infection and antibody development. Human mAb are used in the immunotherapy of several blood malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukemia, as well as for autoimmune diseases. In this review article, we will discuss methods of mouse and human monoclonal antibody production. We will demonstrate the role of mouse mAb in the detection of HCV antigens as rapid and sensitive immunodiagnostic assays for the detection of HCV, which is a major health problem throughout the world, particularly in Egypt. We will discuss the value of HCV-neutralizing antibodies and their roles in the immunotherapy of HCV infections and in HCV vaccine development. We will also discuss the different mechanisms by which the virus escape the effect of neutralizing mAb. Finally, we will discuss available and new trends to produce antibodies, such as egg yolk-based antibodies (IgY), production in transgenic plants, and the synthetic antibody mimics approach.
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40
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Tabll A, Abbas AT, El-Kafrawy S, Wahid A. Monoclonal antibodies: Principles and applications of immmunodiagnosis and immunotherapy for hepatitis C virus. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2369-2383. [PMID: 26464752 PMCID: PMC4598607 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i22.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide. Early detection of the infection will help better management of the infected cases. The monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of mice are predominantly used for the immunodiagnosis of several viral, bacterial, and parasitic antigens. Serological detection of HCV antigens and antibodies provide simple and rapid methods of detection but lack sensitivity specially in the window phase between the infection and antibody development. Human mAb are used in the immunotherapy of several blood malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukemia, as well as for autoimmune diseases. In this review article, we will discuss methods of mouse and human monoclonal antibody production. We will demonstrate the role of mouse mAb in the detection of HCV antigens as rapid and sensitive immunodiagnostic assays for the detection of HCV, which is a major health problem throughout the world, particularly in Egypt. We will discuss the value of HCV-neutralizing antibodies and their roles in the immunotherapy of HCV infections and in HCV vaccine development. We will also discuss the different mechanisms by which the virus escape the effect of neutralizing mAb. Finally, we will discuss available and new trends to produce antibodies, such as egg yolk-based antibodies (IgY), production in transgenic plants, and the synthetic antibody mimics approach.
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