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Oroujeni M, Carlqvist M, Ryer E, Orlova A, Tolmachev V, Frejd FY. Comparison of approaches for increasing affinity of affibody molecules for imaging of B7-H3: dimerization and affinity maturation. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2024; 9:30. [PMID: 38625607 PMCID: PMC11021382 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-024-00261-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radionuclide molecular imaging can be used to visualize the expression levels of molecular targets. Affibody molecules, small and high affinity non-immunoglobulin scaffold-based proteins, have demonstrated promising properties as targeting vectors for radionuclide tumour imaging of different molecular targets. B7-H3 (CD276), an immune checkpoint protein belonging to the B7 family, is overexpressed in different types of human malignancies. Visualization of overexpression of B7-H3 in malignancies enables stratification of patients for personalized therapies. Affinity maturation of anti-B7-H3 Affibody molecules as an approach to improve the binding affinity and targeting properties was recently investigated. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a dimeric format may be an alternative option to increase the apparent affinity of Affibody molecules to B7-H3 and accordingly improve imaging contrast. RESULTS Two dimeric variants of anti-B7-H3 Affibody molecules were produced (designated ZAC12*-ZAC12*-GGGC and ZAC12*-ZTaq_3-GGGC). Both variants were labelled with Tc-99m (99mTc) and demonstrated specific binding to B7-H3-expressing cells in vitro. [99mTc]Tc-ZAC12*-ZAC12*-GGGC showed subnanomolar affinity (KD1=0.28 ± 0.10 nM, weight = 68%), which was 7.6-fold higher than for [99mTc]Tc-ZAC12*-ZTaq_3-GGGC (KD=2.1 ± 0.9 nM). Head-to-head biodistribution of both dimeric variants of Affibody molecules compared with monomeric affinity matured SYNT-179 (all labelled with 99mTc) in mice bearing B7-H3-expressing SKOV-3 xenografts demonstrates that both dimers have lower tumour uptake and lower tumour-to-organ ratios compared to the SYNT-179 Affibody molecule. CONCLUSION The improved functional affinity by dimerization does not compensate the disadvantage of increased molecular size for imaging purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Oroujeni
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden.
- Affibody AB, Solna, 171 65, Sweden.
| | | | - Eva Ryer
- Affibody AB, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 751 83, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden
- Affibody AB, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
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2
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Sakata J, Tatsumi T, Sugiyama A, Shimizu A, Inagaki Y, Katoh H, Yamashita T, Takahashi K, Aki S, Kaneko Y, Kawamura T, Miura M, Ishii M, Osawa T, Tanaka T, Ishikawa S, Tsukagoshi M, Chansler M, Kodama T, Kanai M, Tokuyama H, Yamatsugu K. Antibody-mimetic drug conjugate with efficient internalization activity using anti-HER2 VHH and duocarmycin. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 214:106375. [PMID: 37797818 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mimetic drug conjugate (AMDC) is a cancer cell-targeted drug delivery system based on the non-covalent binding of mutated streptavidin and modified biotin, namely Cupid and Psyche. However, the development of AMDCs is hampered by difficulties in post-translational modification or poor internalization activity. Here, we report an expression, refolding, and purification method for AMDC using a variable heavy chain of heavy chain-only antibodies (VHHs). Monomeric anti-HER2 VHH fused to Cupid was expressed in Escherichia coli inclusion bodies. Solubilization and refolding at optimized reducing conditions and pH levels were selected to form a functional, tetrameric protein (anti-HER2 VHH-Cupid) that can be easily purified based on molecular weight. Anti-HER2 VHH-Cupid non-covalently creates a tight complex with Psyche linked to a potent DNA-alkylating agent, duocarmycin. This complex can be absorbed by the HER2-expressing human breast cancer cell line, KPL-4, and kills KPL-4 cells in vitro and in vivo. The production of a targeting protein with internalizing activity, combined with the non-covalent conjugation of a highly potent payload, renders AMDC a promising platform for developing cancer-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juri Sakata
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tatsumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Akira Sugiyama
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan; Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan.
| | - Akihiro Shimizu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yuya Inagaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hiroto Katoh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takefumi Yamashita
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan; Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sho Aki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Yudai Kaneko
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan; Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd, 2-11-8 Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0012, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kawamura
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan; Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Mai Miura
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Masazumi Ishii
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Osawa
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Toshiya Tanaka
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Shumpei Ishikawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | | | - Michael Chansler
- Savid Therapeutics Inc., Eifuku 3-9-10, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 168-0064, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Kodama
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Motomu Kanai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Tokuyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.
| | - Kenzo Yamatsugu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan.
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3
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Oroujeni M, Bezverkhniaia EA, Xu T, Liu Y, Plotnikov EV, Klint S, Ryer E, Karlberg I, Orlova A, Frejd FY, Tolmachev V. Evaluation of affinity matured Affibody molecules for imaging of the immune checkpoint protein B7-H3. Nucl Med Biol 2023; 124-125:108384. [PMID: 37699299 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2023.108384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
B7-H3 (CD276), an immune checkpoint protein, is a promising molecular target for immune therapy of malignant tumours. Sufficient B7-H3 expression level is a precondition for successful therapy. Radionuclide molecular imaging is a powerful technique for visualization of expression levels of molecular targets in vivo. Use of small radiolabelled targeting proteins would enable high-contrast radionuclide imaging of molecular targets if adequate binding affinity and specificity of an imaging probe could be provided. Affibody molecules, small engineered affinity proteins based on a non-immunoglobulin scaffold, have demonstrated an appreciable potential in radionuclide imaging. Proof-of principle of radionuclide visualization of expression levels of B7-H3 in vivo was demonstrated using the [99mTc]Tc-AC12-GGGC Affibody molecule. We performed an affinity maturation of AC12, enabling selection of clones with higher affinity. Three most promising clones were expressed with a -GGGC (triglycine-cysteine) chelating sequence at the C-terminus and labelled with technetium-99m (99mTc). 99mTc-labelled conjugates bound to B7-H3-expressing cells specifically in vitro and in vivo. Biodistribution in mice bearing B7-H3-expressing SKOV-3 xenografts demonstrated improved imaging properties of the new conjugates compared with the parental variant [99mTc]Tc-AC12-GGGC. [99mTc]Tc-SYNT-179 provided the strongest improvement of tumour-to-organ ratios. Thus, affinity maturation of B7-H3 Affibody molecules could improve biodistribution and targeting properties for imaging of B7-H3-expressing tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Oroujeni
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Affibody AB, 171 65 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Ekaterina A Bezverkhniaia
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; Scientific and Research Laboratory of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk 634050, Russia; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Tianqi Xu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Yongsheng Liu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Evgenii V Plotnikov
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | | | - Eva Ryer
- Affibody AB, 171 65 Solna, Sweden.
| | | | - Anna Orlova
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Affibody AB, 171 65 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia.
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4
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Kamara S, Guo Y, Wen H, Liu Y, Liu L, Zheng M, Zhang J, Zhou L, Chen J, Zhu S, Zhang L. Novel Bifunctional Affibody Molecules with Specific Binding to Both EBV LMP1 and LMP2 for Targeted Therapy of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10126. [PMID: 37373272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are considered highly specific therapeutic agents in cancer medicines, and numerous formats have been developed. Among them, bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have gained a lot of attention as a next-generation strategy for cancer therapy. However, poor tumor penetration is a major challenge because of their large size and thus contributes to suboptimal responses within cancer cells. On the other hand, affibody molecules are a new class of engineered affinity proteins and have achieved several promising results with their applications in molecular imaging diagnostics and targeted tumor therapy. In this study, an alternative format for bispecific molecules was constructed and investigated, named ZLMP110-277 and ZLMP277-110, that targets Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) and latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), indirect immunofluorescence assay, co-immunoprecipitation, and near-infrared (NIR) imaging clearly demonstrated that ZLMP110-277 and ZLMP277-110 have good binding affinity and specificity for both LMP1 and LMP2 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ZLMP110-277 and ZLMP277-110, especially ZLMP277-110, significantly reduced the cell viability of C666-1 and CNE-2Z as compared to their monospecific counterparts. ZLMP110-277 and ZLMP277-110 could inhibit phosphorylation of proteins modulated by the MEK/ERK/p90RSK signaling pathway, ultimately leading to suppression of oncogene nuclear translocations. Furthermore, ZLMP110-277 and ZLMP277-110 showed significant antitumor efficacy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma-bearing nude mice. Overall, our results demonstrated that ZLMP110-277 and ZLMP277-110, especially ZLMP277-110, are promising novel prognostic indicators for molecular imaging and targeted tumor therapy of EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saidu Kamara
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yanru Guo
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - He Wen
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Maolin Zheng
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Luqi Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Shanli Zhu
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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5
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Xu T, Schulga A, Konovalova E, Rinne SS, Zhang H, Vorontsova O, Orlova A, Deyev SM, Tolmachev V, Vorobyeva A. Feasibility of Co-Targeting HER3 and EpCAM Using Seribantumab and DARPin-Toxin Fusion in a Pancreatic Cancer Xenograft Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032838. [PMID: 36769161 PMCID: PMC9917732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies. A combination of targeted therapies could increase the therapeutic efficacy in tumors with heterogeneous target expression. Overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3 (HER3) and the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in up to 40% and 30% of PCs, respectively, is associated with poor prognosis and highlights the relevance of these targets. Designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) Ec1 fused with the low immunogenic bacterial toxin LoPE provides specific and potent cytotoxicity against EpCAM-expressing cancer cells. Here, we investigated whether the co-targeting of HER3 using the monoclonal antibody seribantumab (MM-121) and of EpCAM using Ec1-LoPE would improve the therapeutic efficacy in comparison to the individual agents. Radiolabeled 99mTc(CO)3-Ec1-LoPE showed specific binding with rapid internalization in EpCAM-expressing PC cells. MM-121 did not interfere with the binding of Ec1-LoPE to EpCAM. Evaluation of cytotoxicity indicated synergism between Ec1-LoPE and MM-121 in vitro. An experimental therapy study using Ec1-LoPE and MM-121 in mice bearing EpCAM- and HER3-expressing BxPC3 xenografts demonstrated the feasibility of the therapy. Further development of the co-targeting approach using HER3 and EpCAM could therefore be justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Xu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexey Schulga
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Elena Konovalova
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Sara S. Rinne
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hongchao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Vorontsova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergey M. Deyev
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Bio-Nanophotonic Laboratory, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University ‘MEPhI’, Moscow 115409, Russia
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Anzhelika Vorobyeva
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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6
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Baart VM, van Manen L, Bhairosingh SS, Vuijk FA, Iamele L, de Jonge H, Scotti C, Resnati M, Cordfunke RA, Kuppen PJK, Mazar AP, Burggraaf J, Vahrmeijer AL, Sier CFM. Side-by-Side Comparison of uPAR-Targeting Optical Imaging Antibodies and Antibody Fragments for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery of Solid Tumors. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:122-132. [PMID: 34642899 PMCID: PMC9970952 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radical resection is paramount for curative oncological surgery. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) aids in intraoperative identification of tumor-positive resection margins. This study aims to assess the feasibility of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) targeting antibody fragments for FGS in a direct comparison with their parent IgG in various relevant in vivo models. PROCEDURES Humanized anti-uPAR monoclonal antibody MNPR-101 (uIgG) was proteolytically digested into F(ab')2 and Fab fragments named uFab2 and uFab. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and cell assays were used to determine in vitro binding before and after fluorescent labeling with IRDye800CW. Mice bearing subcutaneous HT-29 human colonic cancer cells were imaged serially for up to 120 h after fluorescent tracer administration. Imaging characteristics and ex vivo organ biodistribution were further compared in orthotopic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BxPc-3-luc2), head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (OSC-19-luc2-GFP), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (HT29-luc2) models using the clinical Artemis fluorescence imaging system. RESULTS Unconjugated and conjugated uIgG, uFab2, and uFab specifically recognized uPAR in the nanomolar range as determined by SPR and cell assays. Subcutaneous tumors were clearly identifiable with tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) > 2 after 72 h for uIgG-800F and 24 h for uFab2-800F and uFab-800F. For the latter two, mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) dipped below predetermined threshold after 72 h and 36 h, respectively. Tumors were easily identified in the orthotopic models with uIgG-800F consistently having the highest MFIs and uFab2-800F and uFab-800F having similar values. In biodistribution studies, kidney and liver fluorescence approached tumor fluorescence after uIgG-800F administration and surpassed tumor fluorescence after uFab2-800F or uFab-800F administration, resulting in interference in the abdominal orthotopic mouse models. CONCLUSIONS In a side-by-side comparison, FGS with uPAR-targeting antibody fragments compared with the parent IgG resulted in earlier tumor visualization at the expense of peak fluorescence intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Baart
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Labrinus van Manen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Floris A Vuijk
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luisa Iamele
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Ardis Srl, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hugo de Jonge
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Ardis Srl, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Ardis Srl, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Resnati
- Age Related Diseases Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Robert A Cordfunke
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jacobus Burggraaf
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelis F M Sier
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Percuros BV, Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Manafi-Farid R, Ataeinia B, Ranjbar S, Jamshidi Araghi Z, Moradi MM, Pirich C, Beheshti M. ImmunoPET: Antibody-Based PET Imaging in Solid Tumors. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:916693. [PMID: 35836956 PMCID: PMC9273828 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.916693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) is a molecular imaging modality combining the high sensitivity of PET with the specific targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies. Various radioimmunotracers have been successfully developed to target a broad spectrum of molecules expressed by malignant cells or tumor microenvironments. Only a few are translated into clinical studies and barely into clinical practices. Some drawbacks include slow radioimmunotracer kinetics, high physiologic uptake in lymphoid organs, and heterogeneous activity in tumoral lesions. Measures are taken to overcome the disadvantages, and new tracers are being developed. In this review, we aim to mention the fundamental components of immunoPET imaging, explore the groundbreaking success achieved using this new technique, and review different radioimmunotracers employed in various solid tumors to elaborate on this relatively new imaging modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Manafi-Farid
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahar Ataeinia
- Department of Radiology, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaghayegh Ranjbar
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Zahra Jamshidi Araghi
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mobin Moradi
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Christian Pirich
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mohsen Beheshti
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- *Correspondence: Mohsen Beheshti ; orcid.org/0000-0003-3918-3812
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8
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Targeting Tumor Cells Overexpressing the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 with Potent Drug Conjugates Based on Affibody Molecules. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061293. [PMID: 35740315 PMCID: PMC9219639 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that therapy targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) could be a viable route for targeted cancer therapy. Here, we studied a novel drug conjugate, ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1, consisting of a HER3-targeting affibody molecule, coupled to the cytotoxic tubulin polymerization inhibitor DM1, and an albumin-binding domain for in vivo half-life extension. ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1 showed a strong affinity to the extracellular domain of HER3 (KD 6 nM), and an even stronger affinity (KD 0.2 nM) to the HER3-overexpressing pancreatic carcinoma cell line, BxPC-3. The drug conjugate showed a potent cytotoxic effect on BxPC-3 cells with an IC50 value of 7 nM. Evaluation of a radiolabeled version, [99mTc]Tc-ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1, showed a relatively high rate of internalization, with a 27% internalized fraction after 8 h. Further in vivo evaluation showed that it could target BxPC-3 (pancreatic carcinoma) and DU145 (prostate carcinoma) xenografts in mice, with an uptake peaking at 6.3 ± 0.4% IA/g at 6 h post-injection for the BxPC-3 xenografts. The general biodistribution showed uptake in the liver, lung, salivary gland, stomach, and small intestine, organs known to express murine ErbB3 naturally. The results from the study show that ZHER3-ABD-mcDM1 is a highly potent and selective drug conjugate with the ability to specifically target HER3 overexpressing cells. Further pre-clinical and clinical development is discussed.
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Liu H, Jia D, Yuan F, Wang F, Wei D, Tang X, Tian B, Zheng S, Sun R, Shi J, Fan Q. Her3-specific affibody mediated tumor targeting delivery of ICG enhanced the photothermal therapy against Her3-positive tumors. Int J Pharm 2022; 617:121609. [PMID: 35217073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Photothermal therapy (PTT), mediated by tumor-targeted drug delivery of indocyanine green (ICG), is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (Her3) is highly expressed in several solid tumors and is an ideal target for tumor diagnosis and therapy. This study prepared a Her3-specific dimeric affibody (ZHer3) using an Escherichia coli expression system. The affibody could bind explicitly to Her3-positive MCF7 and LS174T cells, rather than to Her3-negative SKOV-3 cells in vitro. ICG was coupled with the ZHer3 affibody (ICG-ZHer3) through an N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester reactive group for tumor-targeted delivery. As expected, Her3-positive cells were selectively and efficiently killed by ICG-ZHer3-mediated PTT in vitro. In vivo, ICG-ZHer3 preferentially accumulated in Her3-positive LS174T tumor grafts because of the tumor-targeting ability of the ZHer3 affibody. As a result of the local generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and hyperthermia, the growth rates of LS174T tumor grafts were significantly inhibited by ICG-ZHer3-mediated PTT, and ICG-ZHer3 showed good safety performance during short-term treatment. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that ICG-ZHer3 is a promising photosensitizer for PTT against Her3-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Dianlong Jia
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Design, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, PR China
| | - Fengjiao Yuan
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Medicine Research, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, PR China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Design, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, PR China
| | - Danfeng Wei
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Baoqing Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Shuhui Zheng
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Design, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, PR China
| | - Ruohan Sun
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Design, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, PR China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, PR China.
| | - Qing Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, PR China.
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Xia X, Yang X, Huang W, Xia X, Yan D. Self-Assembled Nanomicelles of Affibody-Drug Conjugate with Excellent Therapeutic Property to Cure Ovary and Breast Cancers. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2021; 14:33. [PMID: 34902075 PMCID: PMC8669081 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Affibody molecules are small non-immunoglobulin affinity proteins, which can precisely target to some cancer cells with specific overexpressed molecular signatures. However, the relatively short in vivo half-life of them seriously limited their application in drug targeted delivery for cancer therapy. Here an amphiphilic affibody-drug conjugate is self-assembled into nanomicelles to prolong circulation time for targeted cancer therapy. As an example of the concept, the nanoagent was prepared through molecular self-assembly of the amphiphilic conjugate of ZHER2:342-Cys with auristatin E derivate, where the affibody used is capable of binding to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Such a nanodrug not only increased the blood circulation time, but also enhanced the tumor targeting capacity (abundant affibody arms on the nanoagent surface) and the drug accumulation in tumor. As a result, this affibody-based nanoagent showed excellent antitumor activity in vivo to HER2-positive ovary and breast tumor models, which nearly eradicated both small solid tumors (about 100 mm3) and large established tumors (exceed 500 mm3). The relative tumor proliferation inhibition ratio reaches 99.8% for both models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Xia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyuan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Deyue Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
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Veal M, Dias G, Kersemans V, Sneddon D, Faulkner S, Cornelissen B. A Model System to Explore the Detection Limits of Antibody-Based Immuno-SPECT Imaging of Exclusively Intranuclear Epitopes. J Nucl Med 2021; 62:1537-1544. [PMID: 33789931 PMCID: PMC8612322 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.251173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging of intranuclear epitopes using antibodies tagged to cell-penetrating peptides has great potential given its versatility, specificity, and sensitivity. However, this process is technically challenging because of the location of the target. Previous research has demonstrated a variety of intranuclear epitopes that can be targeted with antibody-based radioimmunoconjugates. Here, we developed a controlled-expression model of nucleus-localized green fluorescent protein (GFP) to interrogate the technical limitations of intranuclear SPECT using radioimmunoconjugates, notably the lower target-abundance detection threshold. Methods: We stably transfected the lung adenocarcinoma cell line H1299 with an enhanced GFP (EGFP)-tagged histone 2B (H2B) and generated 4 cell lines expressing increasing levels of GFP. EGFP levels were quantified using Western blot, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An anti-GFP antibody (GFP-G1) was modified using dibenzocyclooctyne-N3-based strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition with the cell-penetrating peptide TAT (GRKKRRQRRRPPQGYG), which also includes a nuclear localization sequence, and the metal ion chelator N3-Bn-diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) to allow radiolabeling with 111In. Cell uptake of 111In-GFP-G1-TAT was evaluated across 5 cell clones expressing different levels of H2B-EGFP in vitro. Tumor uptake in xenograft-bearing mice was quantified to determine the smallest amount of target epitope that could be detected using 111In-GFP-G1-TAT. Results: We generated 4 H1299 cell clones expressing different levels of H2B-EGFP (0-1 million copies per cell, including wild-type H1299 cells). GFP-G1 monoclonal antibody was produced and purified in house, and selective binding to H2B-EGFP was confirmed. The affinity (dissociation constant) of GFP-G1 was determined as 9.1 ± 3.0 nM. GFP-G1 was conjugated to TAT and DTPA. 111In-GFP-G1-TAT uptake in H2B-EGFP-expressing cell clones correlated linearly with H2B-EGFP expression (P < 0.001). In vivo xenograft studies demonstrated that 111In-GFP-G1-TAT uptake in tumor tissue correlated linearly with expression of H2B-EGFP (P = 0.004) and suggested a lower target-abundance detection threshold of approximately 240,000 copies per cell. Conclusion: Here, we present a proof-of-concept demonstration that antibody-based imaging of intranuclear targets is capable both of detecting the presence of an epitope of interest with a copy number above 240,000 copies per cell and of determining differences in expression level above this threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Veal
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| | - Gemma Dias
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| | - Veerle Kersemans
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| | - Deborah Sneddon
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Faulkner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Bart Cornelissen
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
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HER3 PET Imaging: 68Ga-Labeled Affibody Molecules Provide Superior HER3 Contrast to 89Zr-Labeled Antibody and Antibody-Fragment-Based Tracers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194791. [PMID: 34638277 PMCID: PMC8508546 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary HER3 is a known driver for oncogenesis and therapy resistance in solid cancers. PET imaging could be a useful tool to non-invasively detect and monitor HER3 expression and aid in the selection of patients for HER3-targeted therapy. PET tracers based on therapeutic antibodies have thus far shown limited success in reliably imaging HER3-expressing tumors in clinical trials. Smaller-sized tracers specifically designed for imaging might be needed for higher contrast imaging and sufficient sensitivity. Our group has previously studied the use of radiolabeled affibody molecules for imaging of HER3 expression. In the present study, we compared four different types of potential PET tracers for imaging of HER3 expression in a preclinical model. We demonstrated that the affibody-based tracer, [68Ga]Ga-ZHER3, could provide overall superior imaging contrast to antibody- and antibody-fragment-based tracers shortly after injection. Our results indicate that HER3-targeting affibody molecules are promising agents for PET imaging of HER3 expression. Abstract HER3 (human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3) is a challenging target for diagnostic radionuclide molecular imaging due to the relatively modest overexpression in tumors and substantial expression in healthy organs. In this study, we compared four HER3-targeting PET tracers based on different types of targeting molecules in a preclinical model: the 89Zr-labeled therapeutic antibody seribantumab, a seribantumab-derived F(ab)2-fragment labeled with 89Zr and 68Ga, and the 68Ga-labeled affibody molecule [68Ga]Ga-ZHER3. The novel conjugates were radiolabeled and characterized in vitro using HER3-expressing BxPC-3 and DU145 human cancer cells. Biodistribution was studied using Balb/c nu/nu mice bearing BxPC-3 xenografts. HER3-negative RAMOS xenografts were used to demonstrate binding specificity in vivo. Autoradiography was conducted on the excised tumors. nanoPET/CT imaging was performed. New conjugates specifically bound to HER3 in vitro and in vivo. [68Ga]Ga-DFO-seribantumab-F(ab’)2 was considered unsuitable for imaging due to the low stability and high uptake in normal organs. The highest tumor-to-non-tumor contrast with [89Zr]Zr-DFO-seribantumab and [89Zr]Zr-DFO-seribantumab-F(ab’)2 was achieved at 96 h and 48 h pi, respectively. Despite lower tumor uptake, [68Ga]Ga-ZHER3 provided the best imaging contrast due to the fastest clearance from blood and normal organs. The results of our study suggest that affibody-based tracers are more suitable for PET imaging of HER3 expression than antibody- and antibody-fragment-based tracers.
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Molavipordanjani S, Hosseinimehr SJ. The Radiolabeled HER3 Targeting Molecules for Tumor Imaging. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:141-152. [PMID: 34400948 PMCID: PMC8170765 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2021.114677.14991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family plays pivotal roles in physiologic and pathologic conditions (such as tumor growth, proliferation, and progression in multiple epithelial malignancies). All the family members are considered tyrosine kinase, while HER3 as a member of this family shows no intrinsic tyrosine kinase. HER3 is called ‘pseudokinase’ because it undergoes heterodimerization and forms dimers such as HER2-HER3 and HER1 (EGFR)-HER3. The exact role of HER3 in cancer is still unclear; however, the overexpression of this receptor is involved in the poor prognosis of malignancies. To that end, different studies investigated the development of radiotracers for imaging of HER3. The main focus of this review is to gather all the studies on developing new radiotracers for imaging of HER3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Molavipordanjani
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalal Hosseinimehr
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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A scDb-based trivalent bispecific antibody for T-cell-mediated killing of HER3-expressing cancer cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13880. [PMID: 34230555 PMCID: PMC8260734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93351-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HER3 is a member of the EGF receptor family and elevated expression is associated with cancer progression and therapy resistance. HER3-specific T-cell engagers might be a suitable treatment option to circumvent the limited efficacy observed for HER3-blocking antibodies in clinical trials. In this study, we developed bispecific antibodies for T-cell retargeting to HER3-expressing tumor cells, utilizing either a single-chain diabody format (scDb) with one binding site for HER3 and one for CD3 on T-cells or a trivalent bispecific scDb-scFv fusion protein exhibiting an additional binding site for HER3. The scDb-scFv showed increased binding to HER3-expressing cancer cell lines compared to the scDb and consequently more effective T-cell activation and T-cell proliferation. Furthermore, the bivalent binding mode of the scDb-scFv for HER3 translated into more potent T-cell mediated cancer cell killing, and allowed to discriminate between moderate and low HER3-expressing target cells. Thus, our study demonstrated the applicability of HER3 for T-cell retargeting with bispecific antibodies, even at moderate expression levels, and the increased potency of an avidity-mediated specificity gain, potentially resulting in a wider safety window of bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies targeting HER3.
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Rinne SS, Orlova A, Tolmachev V. PET and SPECT Imaging of the EGFR Family (RTK Class I) in Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073663. [PMID: 33915894 PMCID: PMC8036874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor family (EGFR-family, other designations: HER family, RTK Class I) is strongly linked to oncogenic transformation. Its members are frequently overexpressed in cancer and have become attractive targets for cancer therapy. To ensure effective patient care, potential responders to HER-targeted therapy need to be identified. Radionuclide molecular imaging can be a key asset for the detection of overexpression of EGFR-family members. It meets the need for repeatable whole-body assessment of the molecular disease profile, solving problems of heterogeneity and expression alterations over time. Tracer development is a multifactorial process. The optimal tracer design depends on the application and the particular challenges of the molecular target (target expression in tumors, endogenous expression in healthy tissue, accessibility). We have herein summarized the recent preclinical and clinical data on agents for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) imaging of EGFR-family receptors in oncology. Antibody-based tracers are still extensively investigated. However, their dominance starts to be challenged by a number of tracers based on different classes of targeting proteins. Among these, engineered scaffold proteins (ESP) and single domain antibodies (sdAb) show highly encouraging results in clinical studies marking a noticeable trend towards the use of smaller sized agents for HER imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S. Rinne
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.S.R.); (A.O.)
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.S.R.); (A.O.)
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-704-250-782
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Abstract
The concept of engineering robust protein scaffolds for novel binding functions emerged 20 years ago, one decade after the advent of recombinant antibody technology. Early examples were the Affibody, Monobody (Adnectin), and Anticalin proteins, which were derived from fragments of streptococcal protein A, from the tenth type III domain of human fibronectin, and from natural lipocalin proteins, respectively. Since then, this concept has expanded considerably, including many other protein templates. In fact, engineered protein scaffolds with useful binding specificities, mostly directed against targets of biomedical relevance, constitute an area of active research today, which has yielded versatile reagents as laboratory tools. However, despite strong interest from basic science, only a handful of those protein scaffolds have undergone biopharmaceutical development up to the clinical stage. This includes the abovementioned pioneering examples as well as designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins). Here we review the current state and clinical validation of these next-generation therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany;
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Wei W, Rosenkrans ZT, Liu J, Huang G, Luo QY, Cai W. ImmunoPET: Concept, Design, and Applications. Chem Rev 2020; 120:3787-3851. [PMID: 32202104 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) is a paradigm-shifting molecular imaging modality combining the superior targeting specificity of monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the inherent sensitivity of PET technique. A variety of radionuclides and mAbs have been exploited to develop immunoPET probes, which has been driven by the development and optimization of radiochemistry and conjugation strategies. In addition, tumor-targeting vectors with a short circulation time (e.g., Nanobody) or with an enhanced binding affinity (e.g., bispecific antibody) are being used to design novel immunoPET probes. Accordingly, several immunoPET probes, such as 89Zr-Df-pertuzumab and 89Zr-atezolizumab, have been successfully translated for clinical use. By noninvasively and dynamically revealing the expression of heterogeneous tumor antigens, immunoPET imaging is gradually changing the theranostic landscape of several types of malignancies. ImmunoPET is the method of choice for imaging specific tumor markers, immune cells, immune checkpoints, and inflammatory processes. Furthermore, the integration of immunoPET imaging in antibody drug development is of substantial significance because it provides pivotal information regarding antibody targeting abilities and distribution profiles. Herein, we present the latest immunoPET imaging strategies and their preclinical and clinical applications. We also emphasize current conjugation strategies that can be leveraged to develop next-generation immunoPET probes. Lastly, we discuss practical considerations to tune the development and translation of immunoPET imaging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7137, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Zachary T Rosenkrans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Quan-Yong Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7137, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States.,University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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Rinne SS, Dahlsson Leitao C, Saleh-Nihad Z, Mitran B, Tolmachev V, Ståhl S, Löfblom J, Orlova A. Benefit of Later-Time-Point PET Imaging of HER3 Expression Using Optimized Radiocobalt-Labeled Affibody Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061972. [PMID: 32183096 PMCID: PMC7139902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HER3-binding affibody molecules are a promising format for visualization of HER3 expression. Cobalt-55, a positron-emitting isotope, with a half-life of 17.5 h, allows for next-day imaging. We investigated the influence of the charge of the radiocobalt–chelator complex on the biodistribution of anti-HER3 affibody molecule (HE)3-ZHER3 and compared the best radiocobalt-labeled variant with a recently optimized gallium-labeled variant. Affibody conjugates (HE)3-ZHER3-X (X = NOTA, NODAGA, DOTA, DOTAGA) were labeled with [57Co]Co (surrogate for 55Co). Affinity measurements, binding specificity and cellular processing were studied in two HER3-expressing cancer cell lines. Biodistribution was studied 3 and 24 h post-injection (pi) in mice with HER3-expressing BxPC-3 xenografts and compared to [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-NODAGA. Micro-single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (microSPECT/CT) and micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (microPET/CT) imaging was performed 3 and 24 h pi. Stably labeled conjugates bound to HER3 with subnanomolar affinity. [57Co]Co-(HE)3-ZHER3-DOTA had the best tumor retention and a significantly lower concentration in blood than other conjugates, leading to superior tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-liver ratios 24 h pi. Compared to [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-NODAGA 3 h pi, [57Co]Co-(HE)3-ZHER3-DOTA provided superior imaging contrast in liver 24 h pi. Concluding, the composition and charge of the [57Co]Co–chelator complex influenced the uptake in tumors and normal tissue. [57Co]Co-(HE)3-ZHER3-DOTA provided the best imaging properties among the cobalt-labeled conjugates. Delayed imaging of HER3 expression with [57Co]Co-(HE)3-ZHER3-DOTA improved imaging contrast compared to early-time-point imaging with [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-NODAGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Rinne
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Charles Dahlsson Leitao
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zahra Saleh-Nihad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bogdan Mitran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
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Affibody Molecules as Targeting Vectors for PET Imaging. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030651. [PMID: 32168760 PMCID: PMC7139392 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Affibody molecules are small (58 amino acids) engineered scaffold proteins that can be selected to bind to a large variety of proteins with a high affinity. Their small size and high affinity make them attractive as targeting vectors for molecular imaging. High-affinity affibody binders have been selected for several cancer-associated molecular targets. Preclinical studies have shown that radiolabeled affibody molecules can provide highly specific and sensitive imaging on the day of injection; however, for a few targets, imaging on the next day further increased the imaging sensitivity. A phase I/II clinical trial showed that 68Ga-labeled affibody molecules permit an accurate and specific measurement of HER2 expression in breast cancer metastases. This paper provides an overview of the factors influencing the biodistribution and targeting properties of affibody molecules and the chemistry of their labeling using positron emitters.
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Rinne SS, Xu T, Dahlsson Leitao C, Ståhl S, Löfblom J, Orlova A, Tolmachev V, Vorobyeva A. Influence of Residualizing Properties of the Radiolabel on Radionuclide Molecular Imaging of HER3 Using Affibody Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041312. [PMID: 32075258 PMCID: PMC7072899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3 (HER3) is an emerging therapeutic target in several malignancies. To select potential responders to HER3-targeted therapy, radionuclide molecular imaging of HER3 expression using affibody molecules could be performed. Due to physiological expression of HER3 in normal organs, high imaging contrast remains challenging. Due to slow internalization of affibody molecules by cancer cells, we hypothesized that labeling (HE)3-ZHER3:08698-DOTAGA affibody molecule with non-residualizing [125I]-N-succinimidyl-4-iodobenzoate (PIB) label would improve the tumor-to-normal organs ratios compared to previously reported residualizing radiometal labels. The [125I]I-PIB-(HE)3-ZHER3:08698-DOTAGA was compared side-by-side with [111In]In-(HE)3-ZHER3:08698-DOTAGA. Both conjugates demonstrated specific high-affinity binding to HER3-expressing BxPC-3 and DU145 cancer cells. Biodistribution in mice bearing BxPC-3 xenografts at 4 and 24 h pi showed faster clearance of the [125I]I-PIB label compared to the indium-111 label from most tissues, except blood. This resulted in higher tumor-to-organ ratios in HER3-expressing organs for [125I]I-PIB-(HE)3-ZHER3:08698-DOTAGA at 4 h, providing the tumor-to-liver ratio of 2.4 ± 0.3. The tumor uptake of both conjugates was specific, however, it was lower for the [125I]I-PIB label. In conclusion, the use of non-residualizing [125I]I-PIB label for HER3-targeting affibody molecule provided higher tumor-to-liver ratio than the indium-111 label, however, further improvement in tumor uptake and retention is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S. Rinne
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.S.R.); (A.O.)
| | - Tianqi Xu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.X.); (V.T.)
| | - Charles Dahlsson Leitao
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; (C.D.L.); (S.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; (C.D.L.); (S.S.); (J.L.)
| | - John Löfblom
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; (C.D.L.); (S.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.S.R.); (A.O.)
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Centrum for Oncotheranostics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.X.); (V.T.)
- Centrum for Oncotheranostics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Anzhelika Vorobyeva
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.X.); (V.T.)
- Centrum for Oncotheranostics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-18-471-3868
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21
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Application of molecular imaging technology in tumor immunotherapy. Cell Immunol 2020; 348:104039. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Zhu S, Chen J, Xiong Y, Kamara S, Gu M, Tang W, Chen S, Dong H, Xue X, Zheng ZM, Zhang L. Novel EBV LMP-2-affibody and affitoxin in molecular imaging and targeted therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008223. [PMID: 31905218 PMCID: PMC6964910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is closely linked to several human malignancies including endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). Latent membrane protein 2 (LMP-2) of EBV plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis of EBV-related tumors and thus, is a potential target for diagnosis and targeted therapy of EBV LMP-2+ malignant cancers. Affibody molecules are developing as imaging probes and tumor-targeted delivery of small molecules. In this study, four EBV LMP-2-binding affibodies (ZEBV LMP-212, ZEBV LMP-2132, ZEBV LMP-2137, and ZEBV LMP-2142) were identified by screening a phage-displayed LMP-2 peptide library for molecular imaging and targeted therapy in EBV xenograft mice model. ZEBV LMP-2 affibody has high binding affinity for EBV LMP-2 and accumulates in mouse tumor derived from EBV LMP-2+ xenografts for 24 h after intravenous (IV) injection. Subsequent fusion of Pseudomonas exotoxin PE38KDEL to the ZEBV LMP-2 142 affibody led to production of Z142X affitoxin. This fused Z142X affitoxin exhibits high cytotoxicity specific for EBV+ cells in vitro and significant antitumor effect in mice bearing EBV+ tumor xenografts by IV injection. The data provide the proof of principle that EBV LMP-2-speicifc affibody molecules are useful for molecular imaging diagnosis and have potentials for targeted therapy of LMP-2-expressing EBV malignancies. Molecular imaging diagnosis and targeted therapy have been successfully used for several types of tumors, but not yet applied to diagnose or treat EBV-associated NPC. Affibody molecules are small proteins engineered to bind to a large number of target proteins with high affinity, and therefore, can be developed as potential biopharmaceutical drugs for molecular diagnosis and therapeutic applications. In the present study, we screened and characterized EBV LMP-2-specific affibodies and evaluated their usage in molecular imaging of LMP-2 expressing cells and EBV LMP-2 tumor-bearing mice. Subsequently, we engineered and obtained an EBV LMP-2 affitoxin based on EBV LMP-2-binding affibodies and demonstrated its targeted cytotoxicity for EBV+ cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Our data indicate that the EBV LMP-2-specific affibody and its derived affitoxin are useful for diagnosis of LMP-2 expressing cells and targeted therapy of EBV-derived, LMP-2+ malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanli Zhu
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yirong Xiong
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Saidu Kamara
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Meiping Gu
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Wanlin Tang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Shao Chen
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Haiyan Dong
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Zhi-Ming Zheng
- Tumor Virus RNA Biology Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ZMZ); (LZ)
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- * E-mail: (ZMZ); (LZ)
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Increase in negative charge of 68Ga/chelator complex reduces unspecific hepatic uptake but does not improve imaging properties of HER3-targeting affibody molecules. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17710. [PMID: 31776413 PMCID: PMC6881397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54149-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3 (HER3) is a common mechanism to bypass HER-targeted cancer therapy. Affibody-based molecular imaging has the potential for detecting and monitoring HER3 expression during treatment. In this study, we compared the imaging properties of newly generated 68Ga-labeled anti-HER3 affibody molecules (HE)3-ZHER3-DOTA and (HE)3-ZHER3-DOTAGA with previously reported [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-NODAGA. We hypothesized that increasing the negative charge of the gallium-68/chelator complex would reduce hepatic uptake, which could lead to improved contrast of anti-HER3 affibody-based PET-imaging of HER3 expression. (HE)3-ZHER3-X (X = DOTA, DOTAGA) were produced and labeled with gallium-68. Binding of the new conjugates was specific in HER3 expressing BxPC-3 and DU145 human cancer cells. Biodistribution and in vivo specificity was studied in BxPC-3 xenograft bearing Balb/c nu/nu mice 3 h pi. DOTA- and DOTAGA-containing conjugates had significantly higher concentration in blood than [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-NODAGA. Presence of the negatively charged 68Ga-DOTAGA complex reduced the unspecific hepatic uptake, but did not improve overall biodistribution of the conjugate. [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-DOTAGA and [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-NODAGA had similar tumor-to-liver ratios, but [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-NODAGA had the highest tumor uptake and tumor-to-blood ratio among the tested conjugates. In conclusion, [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-ZHER3-NODAGA remains the favorable variant for PET imaging of HER3 expression.
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Nazari M, Zamani Koukhaloo S, Mousavi S, Minai‐Tehrani A, Emamzadeh R, Cheraghi R. Development of a ZHER3‐Affibody‐Targeted Nano‐Vector for Gene Delivery to HER3‐Overexpressed Breast Cancer Cells. Macromol Biosci 2019; 19:e1900159. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobeh Nazari
- Monoclonal Antibody Research CenterAvicenna Research InstituteACECR Tehran 1936773493 Iran
| | | | - Samira Mousavi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research CenterAvicenna Research InstituteACECR Tehran 1936773493 Iran
| | - Arash Minai‐Tehrani
- Nanobiotechnology Research CenterAvicenna Research InstituteACECR Tehran 1936773493 Iran
| | - Rahman Emamzadeh
- Department of BiologyFaculty of SciencesUniversity of Isfahan Isfahan 8174673441 Iran
| | - Roya Cheraghi
- Department of NanobiotechnologyFaculty of Biological SciencesTarbiat Modares University Tehran 111‐14115 Iran
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Wei W, Ni D, Ehlerding EB, Luo QY, Cai W. PET Imaging of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 17:1625-1636. [PMID: 30068751 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression and/or mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) subfamilies, such as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), are closely associated with tumor cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and cellular invasiveness. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) specifically inhibiting these RTKs have shown remarkable success in improving patient survival in many cancer types. However, poor response and even drug resistance inevitably occur. In this setting, the ability to detect and visualize RTKs with noninvasive diagnostic tools will greatly refine clinical treatment strategies for cancer patients, facilitate precise response prediction, and improve drug development. Positron emission tomography (PET) agents using targeted radioactively labeled antibodies have been developed to visualize tumor RTKs and are changing clinical decisions for certain cancer types. In the present review, we primarily focus on PET imaging of RTKs using radiolabeled antibodies with an emphasis on the clinical applications of these immunoPET probes. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(8); 1625-36. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Dalong Ni
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Emily B Ehlerding
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Quan-Yong Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weibo Cai
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin. .,Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin.,University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin
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Improved contrast of affibody-mediated imaging of HER3 expression in mouse xenograft model through co-injection of a trivalent affibody for in vivo blocking of hepatic uptake. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6779. [PMID: 31043683 PMCID: PMC6494909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43145-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3 (HER3) plays a crucial role in the progression of many cancer types. In vivo radionuclide imaging could be a reliable method for repetitive detection of HER3-expression in tumors. The main challenge of HER3-imaging is the low expression in tumors together with endogenous receptor expression in normal tissues, particularly the liver. A HER3-targeting affibody molecule labeled with radiocobalt via a NOTA chelator [57Co]Co-NOTA-Z08699 has demonstrated the most favorable biodistribution profile with the lowest unspecific hepatic uptake and high activity uptake in tumors. We hypothesized that specific uptake of labeled affibody monomer might be selectively blocked in the liver but not in tumors by a co-injection of non-labeled corresponding trivalent affibody (Z08699)3. Biodistribution of [57Co]Co-NOTA-Z08699 and [111In]In-DOTA-(Z08699)3 was studied in BxPC-3 xenografted mice. [57Co]Co-NOTA-Z08699 was co-injected with unlabeled trivalent affibody DOTA-(Z08699)3 at different monomer:trimer molar ratios. HER3-expression in xenografts was imaged using [57Co]Co-NOTA-Z08699 and [57Co]Co-NOTA-Z08699: DOTA-(Z08699)3. Hepatic activity uptake of [57Co]Co-NOTA-Z08699: DOTA-(Z08699)3 decreased with increasing monomer:trimer molar ratio. The tumor activity uptake and tumor-to-liver ratios were the highest for the 1:3 ratio. SPECT/CT images confirmed the biodistribution data. Imaging of HER3 expression can be improved by co-injection of a radiolabeled monomeric affibody-based imaging probe together with a trivalent affibody.
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Molecular Design of HER3-Targeting Affibody Molecules: Influence of Chelator and Presence of HEHEHE-Tag on Biodistribution of 68Ga-Labeled Tracers. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051080. [PMID: 30832342 PMCID: PMC6429182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Affibody-based imaging of HER3 is a promising approach for patient stratification. We investigated the influence of a hydrophilic HEHEHE-tag ((HE)3-tag) and two different gallium-68/chelator-complexes on the biodistribution of Z08698 with the aim to improve the tracer for PET imaging. Affibody molecules (HE)3-Z08698-X and Z08698-X (X = NOTA, NODAGA) were produced and labeled with gallium-68. Binding specificity and cellular processing were studied in HER3-expressing human cancer cell lines BxPC-3 and DU145. Biodistribution was studied 3 h p.i. in Balb/c nu/nu mice bearing BxPC-3 xenografts. Mice were imaged 3 h p.i. using microPET/CT. Conjugates were stably labeled with gallium-68 and bound specifically to HER3 in vitro and in vivo. Association to cells was rapid but internalization was slow. Uptake in tissues, including tumors, was lower for (HE)3-Z08698-X than for non-tagged variants. The neutral [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA complex reduced the hepatic uptake of Z08698 compared to positively charged [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-conjugated variants. The influence of the chelator was more pronounced in variants without (HE)3-tag. In conclusion, hydrophilic (HE)3-tag and neutral charge of the [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA complex promoted blood clearance and lowered hepatic uptake of Z08698. [68Ga]Ga-(HE)3-Z08698-NODAGA was considered most promising, providing the lowest blood and hepatic uptake and the best imaging contrast among the tested variants.
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Nabil G, Bhise K, Sau S, Atef M, El-Banna HA, Iyer AK. Nano-engineered delivery systems for cancer imaging and therapy: Recent advances, future direction and patent evaluation. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:462-491. [PMID: 30121330 PMCID: PMC6839688 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second highest cause of death worldwide. Several therapeutic approaches, such as conventional chemotherapy, antibodies and small molecule inhibitors and nanotherapeutics have been employed in battling cancer. Amongst them, nanotheranostics is an example of successful personalized medicine bearing dual role of early diagnosis and therapy to cancer patients. In this review, we have focused on various types of theranostic polymer and metal nanoparticles for their role in cancer therapy and imaging concerning their limitation, future application such as dendritic cell cancer vaccination, gene delivery, T-cell activation and immune modulation. Also, some of the recorded patent applications and clinical trials have been illustrated. The impact of the biological microenvironment on the biodistribution and accumulation of nanoparticles have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Nabil
- Use-inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ketki Bhise
- Use-inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Samaresh Sau
- Use-inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mohamed Atef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hossny A El-Banna
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Arun K Iyer
- Use-inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Imaging Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Rinne SS, Leitao CD, Mitran B, Bass TZ, Andersson KG, Tolmachev V, Ståhl S, Löfblom J, Orlova A. Optimization of HER3 expression imaging using affibody molecules: Influence of chelator for labeling with indium-111. Sci Rep 2019; 9:655. [PMID: 30679757 PMCID: PMC6345776 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36827-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Radionuclide molecular imaging of human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) expression using affibody molecules could be used for patient stratification for HER3-targeted cancer therapeutics. We hypothesized that the properties of HER3-targeting affibody molecules might be improved through modification of the radiometal-chelator complex. Macrocyclic chelators NOTA (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N',N''-triacetic acid), NODAGA (1-(1,3-carboxypropyl)-4,7-carboxymethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane), DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid), and DOTAGA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododececane,1-(glutaric acid)-4,7,10-triacetic acid) were conjugated to the C-terminus of anti-HER3 affibody molecule Z08698 and conjugates were labeled with indium-111. All conjugates bound specifically and with picomolar affinity to HER3 in vitro. In mice bearing HER3-expressing xenografts, no significant difference in tumor uptake between the conjugates was observed. Presence of the negatively charged 111In-DOTAGA-complex resulted in the lowest hepatic uptake and the highest tumor-to-liver ratio. In conclusion, the choice of chelator influences the biodistribution of indium-111 labeled anti-HER3 affibody molecules. Hepatic uptake of anti-HER3 affibody molecules could be reduced by the increase of negative charge of the radiometal-chelator complex on the C-terminus without significantly influencing the tumor uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Rinne
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Charles Dahlsson Leitao
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bogdan Mitran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tarek Z Bass
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ken G Andersson
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kutova OM, Guryev EL, Sokolova EA, Alzeibak R, Balalaeva IV. Targeted Delivery to Tumors: Multidirectional Strategies to Improve Treatment Efficiency. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010068. [PMID: 30634580 PMCID: PMC6356537 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors are characterized by structural and molecular peculiarities providing a possibility to directionally deliver antitumor drugs with minimal impact on healthy tissues and reduced side effects. Newly formed blood vessels in malignant lesions exhibit chaotic growth, disordered structure, irregular shape and diameter, protrusions, and blind ends, resulting in immature vasculature; the newly formed lymphatic vessels also have aberrant structure. Structural features of the tumor vasculature determine relatively easy penetration of large molecules as well as nanometer-sized particles through a blood⁻tissue barrier and their accumulation in a tumor tissue. Also, malignant cells have altered molecular profile due to significant changes in tumor cell metabolism at every level from the genome to metabolome. Recently, the tumor interaction with cells of immune system becomes the focus of particular attention, that among others findings resulted in extensive study of cells with preferential tropism to tumor. In this review we summarize the information on the diversity of currently existing approaches to targeted drug delivery to tumor, including (i) passive targeting based on the specific features of tumor vasculature, (ii) active targeting which implies a specific binding of the antitumor agent with its molecular target, and (iii) cell-mediated tumor targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M Kutova
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
| | - Evgenii L Guryev
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
| | - Evgeniya A Sokolova
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
| | - Razan Alzeibak
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
| | - Irina V Balalaeva
- The Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia.
- The Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya str., Moscow 119991, Russia.
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Garousi J, Lindbo S, Borin J, von Witting E, Vorobyeva A, Oroujeni M, Mitran B, Orlova A, Buijs J, Tolmachev V, Hober S. Comparative evaluation of dimeric and monomeric forms of ADAPT scaffold protein for targeting of HER2-expressing tumours. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2018; 134:37-48. [PMID: 30408518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
ADAPTs are small engineered non-immunoglobulin scaffold proteins, which have demonstrated very promising features as vectors for radionuclide tumour targeting. Radionuclide imaging of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) expression in vivo might be used for stratification of patients for HER2-targeting therapies. ADAPT6, which specifically binds to HER2, has earlier been shown to have very promising features for in vivo targeting of HER2 expressing tumours. In this study we tested the hypothesis that dimerization of ADAPT6 would increase the apparent affinity to HER2 and accordingly improve tumour targeting. To find an optimal molecular design of dimers, a series of ADAPT dimers with different linkers, -SSSG- (DiADAPT6L1), -(SSSG)2- (DiADAPT6L2), and -(SSSG)3- (DiADAPT6L3) was evaluated. Dimers in combination with optimal linker lengths demonstrated increased apparent affinity to HER2. The best variants, DiADAPT6L2 and DiADAPT6L3 were site-specifically labelled with 111In and 125I, and compared with a monomeric ADAPT6 in mice bearing HER2-expressing tumours. Despite higher affinity, both dimers had lower tumour uptake and lower tumour-to-organ ratios compared to the monomer. We conclude that improved affinity of a dimeric form of ADAPT does not compensate the disadvantage of increased size. Therefore, increase of affinity should be obtained by affinity maturation and not by dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Garousi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sarah Lindbo
- Department of Protein Technology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesper Borin
- Department of Protein Technology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma von Witting
- Department of Protein Technology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anzhelika Vorobyeva
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maryam Oroujeni
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bogdan Mitran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jos Buijs
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Sophia Hober
- Department of Protein Technology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
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Influence of Molecular Design on the Targeting Properties of ABD-Fused Mono- and Bi-Valent Anti-HER3 Affibody Therapeutic Constructs. Cells 2018; 7:cells7100164. [PMID: 30314301 PMCID: PMC6210767 DOI: 10.3390/cells7100164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3 (HER3) is associated with tumour cell resistance to HER-targeted therapies. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting HER3 are currently being investigated for treatment of various types of cancers. Cumulative evidence suggests that affibody molecules may be appropriate alternatives to mAbs. We previously reported a fusion construct (3A3) containing two HER3-targeting affibody molecules flanking an engineered albumin-binding domain (ABD035) included for the extension of half-life in circulation. The 3A3 fusion protein (19.7 kDa) was shown to delay tumour growth in mice bearing HER3-expressing xenografts and was equipotent to the mAb seribantumab. Here, we have designed and explored a series of novel formats of anti-HER3 affibody molecules fused to the ABD in different orientations. All constructs inhibited heregulin-induced phosphorylation in HER3-expressing BxPC-3 and DU-145 cell lines. Biodistribution studies demonstrated extended the half-life of all ABD-fused constructs, although at different levels. The capacity of our ABD-fused proteins to accumulate in HER3-expressing tumours was demonstrated in nude mice bearing BxPC-3 xenografts. Formats where the ABD was located on the C-terminus of affibody binding domains (3A, 33A, and 3A3) provided the best tumour targeting properties in vivo. Further development of these promising candidates for treatment of HER3-overexpressing tumours is therefore justified.
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El-Sayed A, Bernhard W, Barreto K, Gonzalez C, Hill W, Pastushok L, Fonge H, Geyer CR. Evaluation of antibody fragment properties for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of HER3-positive cancer xenografts. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:4856-4869. [PMID: 30279742 PMCID: PMC6160764 DOI: 10.7150/thno.24252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo imaging is influenced by the half-life, tissue penetration, biodistribution, and affinity of the imaging probe. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is composed of discrete domains with known functions, providing a template for engineering antibody fragments with desired imaging properties. Here, we engineered antibody-based imaging probes, consisting of different combinations of antibody domains, labeled them with the near-infrared fluorescent dye IRDye800CW, and evaluated their in vivo imaging properties. Antibody-based imaging probes were based on an anti-HER3 antigen binding fragment (Fab) isolated using phage display. Methods: We constructed six anti-HER3 antibody-based imaging probes: a single chain variable fragment (scFv), Fab, diabody, scFv-CH3, scFv-Fc, and IgG. IRDye800CW-labeled, antibody-based probes were injected into nude mice bearing FaDu xenografts and their distribution to the xenograft, liver, and kidneys was evaluated. Results: These imaging probes bound to recombinant HER3 and to the HER3-positive cell line, FaDu. Small antibody fragments with molecular weight <60 kDa (scFv, diabody, and Fab) accumulated rapidly in the xenograft (maximum accumulation between 2-4 h post injection (hpi)) and cleared primarily through the kidneys. scFv-CH3 (80 kDa) had fast clearance and peaked in the xenograft between 2-3 hpi and cleared from xenograft in a rate comparable to Fab and diabody. IgG and scFv-Fc persisted in the xenografts for up to 72 hpi and distributed mainly to the xenograft and liver. The highest xenograft fluorescence signals were observed with IgG and scFv-Fc imaging probes and persisted for 2-3 days. Conclusion: These results highlight the utility of using antibody fragments to optimize clearance, tumor labeling, and biodistribution properties for developing anti-HER3 probes for image-guided surgery or PET imaging.
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Mitran B, Güler R, Roche FP, Lindström E, Selvaraju RK, Fleetwood F, Rinne SS, Claesson-Welsh L, Tolmachev V, Ståhl S, Orlova A, Löfblom J. Radionuclide imaging of VEGFR2 in glioma vasculature using biparatopic affibody conjugate: proof-of-principle in a murine model. Theranostics 2018; 8:4462-4476. [PMID: 30214632 PMCID: PMC6134937 DOI: 10.7150/thno.24395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is a key mediator of angiogenesis and therefore a promising therapeutic target in malignancies including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Molecular imaging of VEGFR2 expression may enable patient stratification for antiangiogenic therapy. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the capacity of the novel anti-VEGFR2 biparatopic affibody conjugate (ZVEGFR2-Bp2) for in vivo visualization of VEGFR2 expression in GBM. Methods: ZVEGFR2-Bp2 coupled to a NODAGA chelator was generated and radiolabeled with indium-111. The VEGFR2-expressing murine endothelial cell line MS1 was used to evaluate in vitro binding specificity and affinity, cellular processing and targeting specificity in mice. Further tumor targeting was studied in vivo in GL261 glioblastoma orthotopic tumors. Experimental imaging was performed. Results: [111In]In-NODAGA-ZVEGFR2-Bp2 bound specifically to VEGFR2 (KD=33±18 pM). VEGFR2-mediated accumulation was observed in liver, spleen and lungs. The tumor-to-organ ratios 2 h post injection for mice bearing MS1 tumors were approximately 11 for blood, 15 for muscles and 78 for brain. Intracranial GL261 glioblastoma was visualized using SPECT/CT. The activity uptake in tumors was significantly higher than in normal brain tissue. The tumor-to-cerebellum ratios after injection of 4 µg [111In]In-NODAGA-ZVEGFR2-Bp2 were significantly higher than the ratios observed for the 40 µg injected dose and for the non-VEGFR2 binding size-matched conjugate, demonstrating target specificity. Microautoradiography of cryosectioned CNS tissue was in good agreement with the SPECT/CT images. Conclusion: The anti-VEGFR2 affibody conjugate [111In]In-NODAGA-ZVEGFR2-Bp2 specifically targeted VEGFR2 in vivo and visualized its expression in a murine GBM orthotopic model. Tumor-to-blood ratios for [111In]In-NODAGA-ZVEGFR2-Bp2 were higher compared to other VEGFR2 imaging probes. [111In]In-NODAGA-ZVEGFR2-Bp2 appears to be a promising probe for in vivo noninvasive visualization of tumor angiogenesis in glioblastoma.
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Tsai WTK, Wu AM. Aligning physics and physiology: Engineering antibodies for radionuclide delivery. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2018; 61:693-714. [PMID: 29537104 PMCID: PMC6105424 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The exquisite specificity of antibodies and antibody fragments renders them excellent agents for targeted delivery of radionuclides. Radiolabeled antibodies and fragments have been successfully used for molecular imaging and radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of cell surface targets in oncology and immunology. Protein engineering has been used for antibody humanization essential for clinical applications, as well as optimization of important characteristics including pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and clearance. Although intact antibodies have high potential as imaging and therapeutic agents, challenges include long circulation time in blood, which leads to later imaging time points post-injection and higher blood absorbed dose that may be disadvantageous for RIT. Using engineered fragments may address these challenges, as size reduction and removal of Fc function decreases serum half-life. Radiolabeled fragments and pretargeting strategies can result in high contrast images within hours to days, and a reduction of RIT toxicity in normal tissues. Additionally, fragments can be engineered to direct hepatic or renal clearance, which may be chosen based on the application and disease setting. This review discusses aligning the physical properties of radionuclides (positron, gamma, beta, alpha, and Auger emitters) with antibodies and fragments and highlights recent advances of engineered antibodies and fragments in preclinical and clinical development for imaging and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ting K Tsai
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anna M Wu
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Henry KE, Ulaner GA, Lewis JS. Clinical Potential of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 Imaging in Breast Cancer. PET Clin 2018; 13:423-435. [PMID: 30100080 PMCID: PMC6092024 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Increased expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) protein family are targets in breast cancer for imaging and therapy. Imaging modalities targeting HER2 and HER3 can diagnose breast cancer with a specific, biologically relevant target. Repeat biopsies do not address heterogeneity intratumorally or between primary disease and metastasis. HER2- and HER3-targeted PET is an important tool to diagnose disease in breast cancer and evaluate response to targeted therapies. PET and single photon emission computed tomography with radiolabeled biomolecules can be used to detect and quantify specific targets, conferring a better understanding of the behavior and effectiveness of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Henry
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Gary A Ulaner
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Radiochemistry and Molecular Imaging Probes Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Zhu S, Zhu J, Song Y, Chen J, Wang L, Zhou M, Jiang P, Li W, Xue X, Zhao KN, Zhang L. Bispecific affibody molecule targeting HPV16 and HPV18E7 oncoproteins for enhanced molecular imaging of cervical cancer. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:7429-7439. [PMID: 29938318 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV16 and HPV18) are now widely recognized as responsible for cervical cancer, which remains to be the most common gynecologic malignancy in women worldwide. It is well known that viral oncoproteins E6/E7 play key roles in HPV-associated cervical carcinogenesis. Thus, in vivo detection of the two oncoproteins may provide important diagnostic information influencing patient management. More recently, affibody molecules have been demonstrated to be a promising candidate for development as molecular imaging probes. Based on the two monomeric affibody molecules (ZHPV16E7 and ZHPV18E7) generated in our laboratory, here, we used a peptide linker (Gly4Ser)3 to link ZHPV16E7 and ZHPV18E7 to develop a novel heterodimeric affibody ZHPV16E7-(Gly4Ser)3-ZHPV18E7. Both biosensor and immunofluorescence assays have proved that the heterodimeric affibody molecule targeted simultaneously HPV16 and HPV18E7 proteins by binding to the viral oncoproteins. In vivo tumor-imaging experiments using the Dylight755-labeled heterodimeric affibody revealed that strongly high-contrast tumor retention of the heterodimers occurred in both HPV16- and HPV18-derived tumors of nude mice 0.5 h post-injection. The accumulation of Dylight755-labeled heterodimers in tumors was achieved over 48 h. Therefore, we believe that this novel heterodimeric affibody molecule has great potential utility in molecular imaging in vivo and diagnosis of HPV-associated cervical cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanli Zhu
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinshun Zhu
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiling Song
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lude Wang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Jiang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenshu Li
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kong-Nan Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Lindbo S, Garousi J, Mitran B, Vorobyeva A, Oroujeni M, Orlova A, Hober S, Tolmachev V. Optimized Molecular Design of ADAPT-Based HER2-Imaging Probes Labeled with 111In and 68Ga. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:2674-2683. [PMID: 29865791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Radionuclide molecular imaging is a promising tool for visualization of cancer associated molecular abnormalities in vivo and stratification of patients for specific therapies. ADAPT is a new type of small engineered proteins based on the scaffold of an albumin binding domain of protein G. ADAPTs have been utilized to select and develop high affinity binders to different proteinaceous targets. ADAPT6 binds to human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) with low nanomolar affinity and can be used for its in vivo visualization. Molecular design of 111In-labeled anti-HER2 ADAPT has been optimized in several earlier studies. In this study, we made a direct comparison of two of the most promising variants, having either a DEAVDANS or a (HE)3DANS sequence at the N-terminus, conjugated with a maleimido derivative of DOTA to a GSSC amino acids sequence at the C-terminus. The variants (designated DOTA-C59-DEAVDANS-ADAPT6-GSSC and DOTA-C61-(HE)3DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC) were stably labeled with 111In for SPECT and 68Ga for PET. Biodistribution of labeled ADAPT variants was evaluated in nude mice bearing human tumor xenografts with different levels of HER2 expression. Both variants enabled clear discrimination between tumors with high and low levels of HER2 expression. 111In-labeled ADAPT6 derivatives provided higher tumor-to-organ ratios compared to 68Ga-labeled counterparts. The best performing variant was DOTA-C61-(HE)3DANS-ADAPT6-GSSC, which provided tumor-to-blood ratios of 208 ± 36 and 109 ± 17 at 3 h for 111In and 68Ga labels, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lindbo
- School of Engineering in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH) , Division of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology , SE-10691 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Javad Garousi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology , Uppsala University , 751 85 Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Bogdan Mitran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Uppsala University , 751 23 Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Anzhelika Vorobyeva
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology , Uppsala University , 751 85 Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Maryam Oroujeni
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology , Uppsala University , 751 85 Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Uppsala University , 751 23 Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Sophia Hober
- School of Engineering in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH) , Division of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology , SE-10691 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology , Uppsala University , 751 85 Uppsala , Sweden
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McKnight BN, Kuda-Wedagedara ANW, Sevak KK, Abdel-Atti D, Wiesend WN, Ku A, Selvakumar D, Carlin SD, Lewis JS, Viola-Villegas NT. Imaging EGFR and HER3 through 89Zr-labeled MEHD7945A (Duligotuzumab). Sci Rep 2018; 8:9043. [PMID: 29899472 PMCID: PMC5998059 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor resistance to treatment paved the way toward the development of single agent drugs that target multiple molecular signatures amplified within the malignancy. The discovered crosstalk between EGFR and HER3 as well as the role of HER3 in mediating EGFR resistance made these two receptor tyrosine kinases attractive targets. MEHD7945A or duligotuzumab is a single immunotherapy agent that dually targets both molecular signatures. In this study, a positron emission tomography (PET) companion diagnostic to MEHD7945A is reported and evaluated in pancreatic cancer. Tumor accretion and whole body pharmacokinetics of 89Zr-MEHD7945A were established. Specificity of the probe for EGFR and/or HER3 was further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke N McKnight
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R. Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | | | - Kuntal K Sevak
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Dalya Abdel-Atti
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Wendy N Wiesend
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Beaumont Hospital, 3601 West 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI, 48073, USA
| | - Anson Ku
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | | | - Sean D Carlin
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nerissa T Viola-Villegas
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R. Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Martins CD, Da Pieve C, Burley TA, Smith R, Ciobota DM, Allott L, Harrington KJ, Oyen WJG, Smith G, Kramer-Marek G. HER3-Mediated Resistance to Hsp90 Inhibition Detected in Breast Cancer Xenografts by Affibody-Based PET Imaging. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:1853-1865. [PMID: 29437790 PMCID: PMC6296444 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Recent studies have highlighted a role of HER3 in HER2-driven cancers (e.g., breast cancer), implicating the upregulation of the receptor in resistance to HER-targeted therapies and Hsp90 inhibitors (e.g., AUY922). Therefore, we have developed an affibody-based PET radioconjugate that quantitatively assesses HER3 changes induced by Hsp90 inhibition in vivoExperimental Design: ZHER3:8698 affibody molecules were conjugated via the C-terminus cysteine to DFO-maleimide for 89Zr radiolabeling. The probe was characterized in vitro and in vivo in a panel of human breast cell lines and xenograft models with varying HER3 receptor levels. In addition, the radioconjugate was investigated as a tool to monitor the outcome of AUY922, an Hsp90 inhibitor, in an MCF-7 xenograft model.Results: We demonstrated that 89Zr-DFO-ZHER3:8698 can track changes in receptor expression in HER3-positive xenograft models and monitor the outcome of AUY922 treatment. Our in vitro findings showed that MCF-7 cells, which are phenotypically different from BT474, develop resistance to treatment with AUY922 through HER3/IGF-1Rβ-mediated signaling. Of note, the lack of response in vitro due to HER3 recovery was confirmed in vivo using 89Zr-DFO-ZHER3:8698-based imaging. Upon AUY922 treatment, higher radioconjugate uptake was detected in treated MCF-7 xenografts, correlating with an AUY922-induced HER3 upregulation concomitant with an increase in IGF-1Rβ expression.Conclusions: These data underline the potential of HER3-based PET imaging to noninvasively provide information about HER3 expression and to identify patients not responding to targeted therapies due to HER3 recovery. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1853-65. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos D Martins
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Da Pieve
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas A Burley
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rhodri Smith
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela M Ciobota
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Allott
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Harrington
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wim J G Oyen
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Smith
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela Kramer-Marek
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
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Imaging of human epidermal growth factor receptors for patient selection and response monitoring – From PET imaging and beyond. Cancer Lett 2018; 419:139-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Krasniqi A, D'Huyvetter M, Devoogdt N, Frejd FY, Sörensen J, Orlova A, Keyaerts M, Tolmachev V. Same-Day Imaging Using Small Proteins: Clinical Experience and Translational Prospects in Oncology. J Nucl Med 2018; 59:885-891. [PMID: 29545374 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.117.199901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging of expression of therapeutic targets may enable stratification of patients for targeted treatments. The use of small radiolabeled probes based on the heavy-chain variable region of heavy-chain-only immunoglobulins or nonimmunoglobulin scaffolds permits rapid localization of radiotracers in tumors and rapid clearance from normal tissues. This makes high-contrast imaging possible on the day of injection. This mini review focuses on small proteins for radionuclide-based imaging that would allow same-day imaging, with the emphasis on clinical applications and promising preclinical developments within the field of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Krasniqi
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- Affibody AB, Solna, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jens Sörensen
- Nuclear Medicine and PET, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Medical Imaging Centre, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), VUB, Brussels, Belgium .,Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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43
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Reyners AKL, Broekman KE, Glaudemans AWJM, Brouwers AH, Arts HJG, van der Zee AGJ, de Vries EGE, Jalving M. Molecular imaging in ovarian cancer. Ann Oncol 2017; 27 Suppl 1:i23-i29. [PMID: 27141066 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has a high mortality and novel-targeted treatment strategies have not resulted in breakthroughs for this disease. Insight into the molecular characteristics of ovarian tumors may improve diagnosis and selection of patients for treatment with targeted therapies. A potential way to achieve this is by means of molecular imaging. Generic tumor processes, such as glucose metabolism ((18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose) and DNA synthesis ((18)F-fluorodeoxythymidine), can be visualized non-invasively. More specific targets, such as hormone receptors, growth factor receptors, growth factors and targets of immunotherapy, can also be visualized. Molecular imaging can capture data on intra-patient tumor heterogeneity and is of potential value for individualized, target-guided treatment selection. Early changes in molecular characteristics during therapy may serve as early predictors of response. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on molecular imaging in the diagnosis and as an upfront or early predictive biomarker in patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - A H Brouwers
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
| | - H J G Arts
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A G J van der Zee
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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44
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Tsionou MI, Knapp CE, Foley CA, Munteanu CR, Cakebread A, Imberti C, Eykyn TR, Young JD, Paterson BM, Blower PJ, Ma MT. Comparison of macrocyclic and acyclic chelators for gallium-68 radiolabelling. RSC Adv 2017; 7:49586-49599. [PMID: 29308192 PMCID: PMC5708347 DOI: 10.1039/c7ra09076e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallium-68 (68Ga) is a positron-emitting isotope used for clinical PET imaging of peptide receptor expression. 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals used in molecular PET imaging consist of disease-targeting biomolecules tethered to chelators that complex 68Ga3+. Ideally, the chelator will rapidly, quantitatively and stably coordinate 68Ga3+ at room temperature, near neutral pH and low chelator concentration, allowing for simple routine radiopharmaceutical formulation. Identification of chelators that fulfil these requirements will facilitate development of kit-based 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals. Herein the reaction of a range of widely used macrocyclic and acyclic chelators with 68Ga3+ is reported. Radiochemical yields have been measured under conditions of varying chelator concentrations, pH (3.5 and 6.5) and temperature (25 and 90 °C). These chelators are: 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA), 1,4,7-triazacyclononane macrocycles substituted with phosphonic (NOTP) and phosphinic (TRAP) groups at the amine, bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediaminediacetic acid (HBED), a tris(hydroxypyridinone) containing three 1,6-dimethyl-3-hydroxypyridin-4-one groups (THP) and the hexadentate tris(hydroxamate) siderophore desferrioxamine-B (DFO). Competition studies have also been undertaken to assess relative complexation efficiencies of each chelator for 68Ga3+ under different pH and temperature conditions. Performing radiolabelling reactions at pH 6.5, 25 °C and 5-50 μM chelator concentration resulted in near quantitative radiochemical yields for all chelators, except DOTA. Radiochemical yields either decreased or were not substantially improved when the reactions were undertaken at lower pH or at higher temperature, except in the case of DOTA. THP and DFO were the most effective 68Ga3+ chelators at near-neutral pH and 25 °C, rapidly providing near-quantitative radiochemical yields at very low chelator concentrations. NOTP and HBED were only slightly less effective under these conditions. In competition studies with all other chelators, THP demonstrated highest reactivity for 68Ga3+ complexation under all conditions. These data point to THP possessing ideal properties for rapid, one-step kit-based syntheses of 68Ga-biomolecules for molecular PET imaging. LC-MS and 1H, 13C{1H} and 71Ga NMR studies of HBED complexes of Ga3+ showed that under the analytical conditions employed in this study, multiple HBED-bound Ga complexes exist. X-ray diffraction data indicated that crystals isolated from these solutions contained octahedral [Ga(HBED)(H2O)], with HBED coordinated in a pentadentate N2O3 mode, with only one phenolic group coordinated to Ga3+, and the remaining coordination site occupied by a water molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Iris Tsionou
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Caroline E Knapp
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Calum A Foley
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Catherine R Munteanu
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Andrew Cakebread
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, Franklin Wilkin's Building, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Cinzia Imberti
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Thomas R Eykyn
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Jennifer D Young
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Brett M Paterson
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip J Blower
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Michelle T Ma
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
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45
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Rosestedt M, Andersson KG, Mitran B, Rinne SS, Tolmachev V, Löfblom J, Orlova A, Ståhl S. Evaluation of a radiocobalt-labelled affibody molecule for imaging of human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 expression. Int J Oncol 2017; 51:1765-1774. [PMID: 29039474 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) is involved in the development of cancer resistance towards tyrosine kinase-targeted therapies. Several HER3‑targeting therapeutics are currently under clinical evaluation. Non-invasive imaging of HER3 expression could improve patient management. Affibody molecules are small engineered scaffold proteins demonstrating superior properties as targeting probes for molecular imaging compared with monoclonal antibodies. Feasibility of in vivo HER3 imaging using affibody molecules has been previously demonstrated. Preclinical studies have shown that the contrast when imaging using anti-HER3 affibody molecules can be improved over time. We aim to develop an agent for PET imaging of HER3 expression using the long-lived positron-emitting radionuclide cobalt-55 (55Co) (T1/2=17.5 h). A long-lived cobalt isotope 57Co was used as a surrogate for 55Co in this study. The anti-HER3 affibody molecule HEHEHE-ZHER3-NOTA was labelled with radiocobalt with high yield, purity and stability. Biodistribution of 57Co-HEHEHE-ZHER3-NOTA was measured in mice bearing DU145 (prostate carcinoma) and LS174T (colorectal carcinoma) xenografts at 3 and 24 h post injection (p.i.). Tumour-to-blood ratios significantly increased between 3 and 24 h p.i. (p<0.05). At 24 h p.i., tumour-to-blood ratios were 6 for DU145 and 8 for LS174T xenografts, respectively. HER3‑expressing xenografts were clearly visualized in a preclinical imaging setting already 3 h p.i., and contrast further improved at 24 h p.i. In conclusion, the radiocobalt-labelled anti-HER3 affibody molecule, HEHEHE-ZHER3-NOTA, is a promising tracer for imaging of HER3 expression in tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosestedt
- Division of Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ken G Andersson
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bogdan Mitran
- Division of Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara S Rinne
- Division of Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Division of Molecular Imaging, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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46
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Pool M, Kol A, de Jong S, de Vries EGE, Lub-de Hooge MN, Terwisscha van Scheltinga AGT. 89Zr-mAb3481 PET for HER3 tumor status assessment during lapatinib treatment. MAbs 2017; 9:1370-1378. [PMID: 28873009 PMCID: PMC5680796 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1371382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-driven breast cancer with tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib can induce a compensatory HER3 increase, which may attenuate antitumor efficacy. Therefore, we explored in vivo HER3 tumor status assessment after lapatinib treatment with zirconium-89 (89Zr)-labeled anti-HER3 antibody mAb3481 positron emission tomography (PET). Lapatinib effects on HER3 cell surface expression and mAb3481 internalization were evaluated in human breast (BT474, SKBR3) and gastric (N87) cancer cell lines using flow cytometry. Next, in vivo effects of daily lapatinib treatment on89Zr-mAb3481 BT474 and N87 xenograft tumor uptake were studied. PET-scans (BT474 only) were made after daily lapatinib treatment for 9 days, starting 3 days prior to 89Zr-mAb3481 administration. Subsequently, ex vivo 89Zr-mAb3481 organ distribution analysis was performed and HER3 tumor levels were measured with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, lapatinib increased membranous HER3 in BT474, SKBR3 and N87 cells, and consequently mAb3481 internalization 1.7-fold (BT474), 1.4-fold (SKBR3) and 1.4-fold (N87). 89Zr-mAb3481 BT474 tumor uptake was remarkably high at SUVmean 5.6±0.6 (51.8±7.7%ID/g) using a 10 μg 89Zr-mAb3481 protein dose in vehicle-treated mice. However, compared to vehicle, lapatinib did not affect 89Zr-mAb3481 ex vivo uptake in BT474 and N87 tumors, while HER3 tumor expression remained unchanged. In conclusion, lapatinib increased in vitro HER3 tumor cell expression, but not when these cells were xenografted. 89Zr-mAb3481 PET accurately reflected HER3 tumor status. 89Zr-mAb3481 PET showed high, HER3-specific tumor uptake, and such an approach might sensitively assess HER3 tumor heterogeneity and treatment response in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pool
- a Departments of Medical Oncology , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Kol
- a Departments of Medical Oncology , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Steven de Jong
- a Departments of Medical Oncology , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth G E de Vries
- a Departments of Medical Oncology , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn N Lub-de Hooge
- b Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.,c Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Anton G T Terwisscha van Scheltinga
- b Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
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47
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Bedford R, Tiede C, Hughes R, Curd A, McPherson MJ, Peckham M, Tomlinson DC. Alternative reagents to antibodies in imaging applications. Biophys Rev 2017; 9:299-308. [PMID: 28752365 PMCID: PMC5578921 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-017-0278-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have been indispensable tools in molecular biology, biochemistry and medical research. However, a number of issues surrounding validation, specificity and batch variation of commercially available antibodies have prompted research groups to develop novel non-antibody binding reagents. The ability to select highly specific monoclonal non-antibody binding proteins without the need for animals, the ease of production and the ability to site-directly label has enabled a wide variety of applications to be tested, including imaging. In this review, we discuss the success of a number of non-antibody reagents in imaging applications, including the recently reported Affimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bedford
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - C Tiede
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - R Hughes
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - A Curd
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - M J McPherson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Michelle Peckham
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Darren C Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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48
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Pool M, de Boer HR, Hooge MNLD, van Vugt MA, de Vries EG. Harnessing Integrative Omics to Facilitate Molecular Imaging of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family for Precision Medicine. Theranostics 2017; 7:2111-2133. [PMID: 28638489 PMCID: PMC5479290 DOI: 10.7150/thno.17934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a growing problem worldwide. The cause of death in cancer patients is often due to treatment-resistant metastatic disease. Many molecularly targeted anticancer drugs have been developed against 'oncogenic driver' pathways. However, these treatments are usually only effective in properly selected patients. Resistance to molecularly targeted drugs through selective pressure on acquired mutations or molecular rewiring can hinder their effectiveness. This review summarizes how molecular imaging techniques can potentially facilitate the optimal implementation of targeted agents. Using the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family as a model in (pre)clinical studies, we illustrate how molecular imaging may be employed to characterize whole body target expression as well as monitor drug effectiveness and the emergence of tumor resistance. We further discuss how an integrative omics discovery platform could guide the selection of 'effect sensors' - new molecular imaging targets - which are dynamic markers that indicate treatment effectiveness or resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pool
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H. Rudolf de Boer
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn N. Lub-de Hooge
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel A.T.M. van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth G.E. de Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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49
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Ståhl S, Gräslund T, Eriksson Karlström A, Frejd FY, Nygren PÅ, Löfblom J. Affibody Molecules in Biotechnological and Medical Applications. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:691-712. [PMID: 28514998 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Affibody molecules are small (6.5-kDa) affinity proteins based on a three-helix bundle domain framework. Since their introduction 20 years ago as an alternative to antibodies for biotechnological applications, the first therapeutic affibody molecules have now entered clinical development and more than 400 studies have been published in which affibody molecules have been developed and used in a variety of contexts. In this review, we focus primarily on efforts over the past 5 years to explore the potential of affibody molecules for medical applications in oncology, neurodegenerative, and inflammation disorders, including molecular imaging, receptor signal blocking, and delivery of toxic payloads. In addition, we describe recent examples of biotechnological applications, in which affibody molecules have been exploited as modular affinity fusion partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Ståhl
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Torbjörn Gräslund
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- Unit of Biomedical Radiation Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Affibody AB, Gunnar Asplunds Allé 24, SE-171 69 Solna, Sweden
| | - Per-Åke Nygren
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
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50
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Abstract
Affibody molecules can be used as tools for molecular recognition in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. There are several preclinical studies reported on diagnostic and therapeutic use of this molecular class of alternative scaffolds, and early clinical evidence is now beginning to accumulate that suggests the Affibody molecules to be efficacious and safe in man. The small size and ease of engineering make Affibody molecules suitable for use in multispecific constructs where AffiMabs is one such that offers the option to potentiate antibodies for use in complex disease.
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